Orange Is the New Black could lead to Emmy gold. The Netflix series is poised to become the first Outstanding Comedy nominee from a streaming service, just as House of Cards broke the drama barrier in 2013. (The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has allowed programs from digital services to compete against broadcast and cable series since 2008.)
Chances of earning some nods — nominations will be announced on July 10 — might increase, thanks to the buzz and marketing surrounding the launch of Orange's second season, which was released in its entirety on June 6. Netflix has focused much of its "For Your Consideration" Emmy campaign on the prison comedy, which didn't receive a series Golden Globe nomination for its first season but was nominated for Program of the Year and Outstanding New Program by the Television Critics Association as well as Best Comedy Series by the Critics' Choice Television Awards. House of Cards is expected to secure its second nod for Outstanding Drama Series.
read moreLess than a year ago, Bryan Donaldson was working in IT at an Illinois insurance company. But as newly-minted late night star Seth Meyers began scouting writers to join his Late Night with Seth Meyers staff, Donaldson's Twitter feed, @TheNardvark, caught the comic's eye.
read moreNBC has enlisted some of its biggest stars and showrunners to help the network find undiscovered comedy talent. The campaign, dubbed the "NBC Comedy Playground," will ultimately lead to two winners who will then develop original series with an eye towards airing in summer 2015.
The "NBC Comedy Playground" advisory board includes...read more