2014 Emmys: ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine,’ ‘Enlisted,’ ‘Silicon Valley’ top CarterMatt’s best comedies

After spending the past week channeling our energy into all of the Drama Series that could be in contention for an Emmy nomination, we now turn to a genre that came out far stronger this year than we really expected going in: Comedy.

You ultimately know that you have had a good year when there are a number of familiar faces that have been left off of the list, whether you are talking about “Modern Family,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Girls,” or “Parks and Recreation.” We could see them on other ballots, and we would really not object too much.

But, this is the list voted on by the CarterMatt team, and you will have a chance to have your voice heard at the very end.

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (Fox) – “Parks and Recreation” came close to being on this list, and the two series have quite a bit in common. Both are fast-paced workplace comedies with “Saturday Night Live” alum in the lead role. They also have excellent supporting casts. What makes “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” stand out right now is the care that was taken to establish the show’s pace in the early going, and also Andre Braugher killing it as Ray Holt in almost every episode.

“Community” (NBC) – The odds of “Community” being on the list this year are astronomically low, given that most critics forgot about it the moment Donald Glover left. While we would say that some of the best episodes of season 5 (presumably the final season) were the ones with Troy in them, overall we still had another excellent year of laughs and we cannot be more grateful to Dan Harmon and Chris McKenna for coming back.

“Enlisted” (Fox) – Another show that was canceled long before we wanted it to go, and the worst thing here is that it was never given a proper chance thanks to bad scheduling. Every episode has been funny, and some (“Prank War”) had us rolling; but what makes this show stand out is the way that it respects and honors is subject matter with heart, and with relatable experiences. It never comes across as cheesy or tries too hard to play up its themes, and that is why it appeals to both those associated with the military, and also those who are not.

“Louie” (FX) – “Louie” is the case for giving great people creative control, and let them come and make new episodes when they feel they have the material necessary. This is the new “Curb Your Enthusiasm” in that way, and while we do not feel every episode is a home room, the best ones here are deeper and more poignant than almost any other comedy you’ll find. Plus, Louis CK. Does anything more need to be said?

“Silicon Valley” (HBO) – While the ratings for most comedies may not show that this has been a successful past year for a genre, there were quite a few diamonds in the rough. “Silicon Valley” was one. Led by a great cast and Mike Judge’s vision, this geek-themed show got progressively funnier as time went on, even though it was simultaneously having to juggle the tragic death of cast member Christopher Evan Welch during production. This show was a case of good people coming together during a hard time, and then using that energy to make something great.

“Veep” (HBO) – While “Modern Family” remains on the hearts and minds of Emmy voters (especially those who don’t bother to watch many new shows), we would almost contend that “Veep” is now the favorite. It’s been so good for long enough now that there is momentum, and the presence of Julia Louis-Dreyfus as your lead adds that much more to your resume to wave in the face of voters.

What show is currently your favorite? Now is the time for you to vote! Also, click here to read the rest of our Emmy series, or here to get further good stuff now courtesy of our CarterMatt Newsletter.

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