Emmys 2016: The Americans, Keri Russell, Thomas Middleditch, Laurie Metcalf among happy surprises

We’re going to probably spend a lot of time when it comes to the Emmys this year talking about snubs, but in the process of that, we also do want to talk about some surprises. While it may surprise some angry fans, there are occasionally some things the show gets right! It doesn’t mean that some of these bold-but-welcome nominations will turn into wins, but we take them as a step in the right direction for an awards show that at times has dealt with a lot of sameness. Just look at the run of “Modern Family,” a show arguably great for only one or two seasons, as a prime example of that.

Note that this list is just our quick-take based on the nominations this morning. We’re sure there will be time for further analysis down the road.

The Americans – Really, think in terms of ALL THINGS. The long-snubbed show finally got some love this year thanks to Matthew Rhys, Keri Russell, and the show itself getting some love.

Thomas Middleditch – How about the star of “Silicon Valley” getting some much-deserved but unexpected love?

Laurie Metcalf – It’s nice to know that the Emmys do recognize a small show like “Getting On.” You can go ahead and add Niecy Nash in here as well.

Game of Thrones everywhere – Five nominations for the cast, including Kit Harington and Maisie Williams, is not something we expected.

Olivia Colman – The super-underrated performer got some love for her work on “The Night Manager.”

Judith Light – We thought it was either/or for her and Gaby Hoffmann in “Transparent.”

Constance Zimmer – Hey, officially someone from a show skewering “The Bachelor” got nominated before “The Bachelor.”

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