"Is it possible for HBO not to have a show nominated for best drama and comedy series?" asks our secret Emmy judge No. 1 after attending one of Sunday's panels that screens sample episodes submitted by the Top 10 semifinalists for best comedy series. "It almost seems likely. To the people that will argue that HBO has to pick up at least one nomination in the series categories, I say to them: Know that voters are most likely not making sure that they have one HBO show in their top five." Since 1992 HBO has had at least one show in either category. "The Larry Sanders Show" launched its lucky streak in 1993, remaining in the comedy lineup till 1998. The next year "The Sopranos" dawned on the drama side, then many other HBO programs followed in both genres: "Sex and the City," "Deadwood," "Six Feet Under," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Entourage." "Curb" and "Entourage" are eligible to be back this year, but judge No. 1 says that's not a gimme. "OK, to narrow the top 10 into 5 is tricky, not as clear cut as the dramas," he says. (See his analysis of the drama-series contest HERE.) Compare this report to two others by our secret judges: click HERE and HERE. "We can start by eliminating 3 shows: 'Weeds,' 'Ugly Betty' and 'Flight of the Conchords.' "Right now I feel like the comedy series nominees will be 'Family Guy,' 'The Office,' 'Pushing Daisies,' '30 Rock' and 'Two and a Half Men.' 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' is on the bubble if 'Family Guy' ...
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