Periodically this summer I'll be sharing my picks for the primetime Emmy awards, which will take place this September. Up this week, Best Lead Actor in a comedy series. Click the links below each description for videos of the actors.
1. Keir Gilchrist (Atypical): As Sam, an autistic teen struggling with entering the dating world, Gilchrist is a revelation. Gilchrist is funny and endearing, but he never generates laughs at the expense of his character. Viewers feel Sam's struggles to fit in with his peers, but they also go on a journey with him as he learns to lighten up and live his life to its fullest. Some have criticized the show's portrayal of autism, calling it inaccurate. I'm no expert, but all I can say is that this young man is a great actor.
Sam and Paige igloo scene
2. Jimmy Tatro (American Vandal): This series is not very well-known, but it's definitely worth discovering. Set up as a crime "mockumentary", which imitates popular crime docs like Making a Murderer, the show follows the investigation into the vandalism of teachers' cars in a high school parking lot. The show works mainly because of Tatro's performance as Dylan, the high school jock who is the prime suspect in the crime. The character is dumb and pretty oblivious to the world around him, but the performance is deceptively complex. Tatro takes viewers on a ride and holds the screen alone for the majority of each episode, in mock interviews with the fake documentary filmmaker, making fun of himself and mining endless laughs along the way.
Dylan has an extra pencil
3. Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory): The quality of this hit sitcom has predictably begun to waver a bit after 11 seasons, but Parsons still brings it every week. The romance between his character Sheldon and new wife Amy has become the heart of the show over the past several seasons, and Parsons still manages to make Sheldon both infuriating and lovable at the same time with his skillful portrayal of the character. This season explored the engagement and wedding of "Shamy", which led to typical but fun sitcom plots like the bachelor party and wedding day surprises.
Sheldon and his brother
4. Paul Rust (Love): On the final season of this Netflix comedy, Rust continued to deliver an underappreciated performance as Gus, the neurotic but sincere half of the show's main couple. Rust plays Gus as a "regular guy" that viewers can relate to. He gets himself into awkward situations, struggles with not being a masculine "guy's guy", and does his best to hold together his relationship the wild and unpredictable Mickey. Here's hoping he finds another leading role in the near future.
Gus on Love
5. Zach Galifianakis (Baskets): While Christine Baskets (Louie Anderson) for me has turned into the heart of this show, Galifianakis is still the lead, and he delivers masterful comedic performances as twins Chip and Dale every week. His line delivery, mannerisms, and general presence onscreen make me laugh out loud every week. The show and the performance are both weird and wonderful.
Dog Days are Over
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