2013 Emmy preview: Could Jim Parsons be defeated by Louis C.K., Jason Bateman?

The Actor in a Comedy Series category this year for the Primetime Emmy Awards is a pretty easy one to call, and mostly for one simple reason: As of late, there are not too many top-lining leading men out there to challenge Jim Parsons. We are looking potentially here at a two-person race, but at the same time, the strong favoritism handed to Jim at this point right now could lead the door open for an upset.

6. Don Cheadle, “House of Lies” – The biggest issue with Cheadle’s nomination here is simply that his show is not exactly phenomenal by any means, and that cannot make up for how fantastic and funny a guy that he is. We just can’t see him winning for an unpopular show.

5. Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock” – There’s no doubt that Alec played an iconic TV character in Jack Donaghy, but let’s put it this way when it comes to this past year: Was it the best season Baldwin has ever had? No, and if the Emmys were not going to recognize Steve Carell for his final year, they are not going to recognize Alec, who has already received plenty of love from awards shows.

4. Matt LeBlanc, “Episodes” – The biggest problem with LeBlanc here is mostly that “Episodes” aired on Showtime over a year ago, and it may or may not be remembered much by the voters. What it does have going for him is that Matt has a Golden Globe win to his name already and this could be next.

3. Jason Bateman, “Arrested Development” – Bateman has a great show, and probably the one that is consistently funnier than any other on the list. But the problem with this show may simple be that it really is such an ensemble, and Bateman is not even the lead of every episode that aired on Netflix.

2. Louis CK, “Louie” – Really, Louis is the only major contender here to take down Jim and claim his spot at the top of the throne. He not only gives a fantastic performance in the title role of the show, but there is a certain something extra that comes from this in everything else that he does with the show.

1. Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory” – It may be a boring choice, but let’s be honest: He is the undisputed favorite, and the show was more successful than ever in the past year. Jim’s performance as Sheldon Cooper may not be something that everyone loves, but there is little question that most in the TV world consider it to be iconic.

Of course, we want to hear some of your thoughts and favorites below for this category! Meanwhile, click here if you want to read some of our other predictions for this year’s big ceremony, which is only a week away!

Photo: Emmys