The Golden Globes TV nominations are always good for a few surprises, but the Hollywood Foreign Press threw more curveballs than usual at us this morning. (Are they watching the same TV we are?) Network executives must be fuming, since cable dominated the major categories, with a number of lightly regarded cable series shoving network favorites out of the nominee pool. Read on to find out who's in and who's out on the TV side of this year's Globes.
In: "Boss"
Kelsey Grammer has won raves for his dark portrayal of Chicago mayor Tom Kane on Starz's "Boss," and the Golden Globes love big names, so his nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series isn't a shocker. But the series itself landed a nod for best drama despite so-so reviews, knocking out critical favorites like "The Good Wife" and "Friday Night Lights." Are we sure Kane and his cronies didn't tamper with the ballots?
Out: "Breaking Bad"
Of course Bryan Cranston got a Best Actor in a Drama Series; if he didn't, we'd be storming the Hollywood Foreign Press offices right now. But no Best Drama Series nomination for the better-than-ever Season 4? Nothing for the fine supporting work done by Aaron Paul and Giancarlo Esposito? Better watch your backs, voters: Heisenberg is coming for you.
[ Related: Golden Globes snubs and surprises ]
In: "Enlightened" and "Episodes"
Two new pay-cable series with minimal buzz swooped in to grab major nominations. HBO's midlife-crisis dramedy "Enlightened" stunned us by grabbing a nomination for Best Comedy SEries, along with one for lead actress Laura Dern. And Matt LeBlanc's showbiz satire "Episodes" landed a pair of nods for series and lead actor (LeBlanc) as well. Both have earned some nice reviews, but nothing to justify their leapfrogging established comedies like "Parks and Recreation" and "Louie."
Out: Steve Carell
Poor Steve: After losing out on an Emmy for his final season as bumbling boss Michael Scott on NBC's "The Office," he didn't even get a nomination today, even though his farewell episodes this spring showed off some of his finest work. At least he still has all those Dundies to fill out his mantle.
[ Photos: The nominees for Best Actor in a TV Series - Comedy ]
In: Callie Thorne
Receiving this year's annual Piper Perabo Head-Scratcher Award: Thorne somehow found a spot alongside Julianna Margulies and Claire Danes in the Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role as sports psychologist Dr. Dani Santino on USA's "Necessary Roughness." And this surprise comes right after "Suits" star Patrick J. Adams landed a shocking SAG Award nod. What is USA putting in those press screeners of theirs, anyway?
Out: Melissa McCarthy
The darling of this year's Emmys ceremony got hit with a double whammy this morning: Not only was she not nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for CBS's "Mike & Molly," she didn't get recognized for her breakout role in this summer's "Bridesmaids," either. Oh well, the Oscars are only two months away, Melissa.
I hope he speaks to me for the next couple of years. He’s known to get mad at me. He's brilliant and I adore him. He’ll win another award, so I don’t feel bad."
What you don't know about him is he's very racist. I mean, really nasty stuff. I've also seen him punch a little blind kitten. Please welcome the evil Colin Firth.”