Some people spent the pandemic learning a new language. Many took up a hobby they’ve always wanted to try. And others, like myself, spent a lot of time watching television. In fact, the American Time Use Survey, which used data gathered from May to December of 2020, found that after sleeping(!), Americans spent most of their time watching television, averaging about 3.1 hours per day.
With at-home entertainment rigorously being pursued by those safely bunkered-down in their homes comes a thirst for more information on watchers’ most-loved shows, actors, and more. That being said, it’s no surprise to see the popularity surrounding the 2021 Emmy Awards and high interest in learning more about this year’s nominees.
For this, we turn to the open web.
So, which nominees do we think will take home the coveted Emmy award? Of course, I have biases (which I will absolutely be sharing throughout this article), but our publisher network data does not lie.
We pulled the pageviews from our publisher network from June 1, 2020, until May 31, 2021 (the period in which a television series or season had to premiere in order to be nominated) to determine, based on interest, who we think will win in the top Emmy categories.
I would also like to add that I am not a professional critic, just someone that enjoys watching TV and examining data.
Here’s what we found:
Outstanding Comedy Series
Nominee | Pageviews |
Emily in Paris | 8,449,400 |
Ted Lasso | 8,234,200 |
Cobra Kai | 8,006,600 |
Pen15 | 5,852,800 |
Hacks | 5,852,800 |
The Flight Attendant | 2,545,400 |
The Kominsky Method | 95,800 |
Black-ish | 28,600 |
Taboola’s Prediction: Emily in Paris
Is Emily in Paris the most realistic show out of the group? Anyone who actually works in social media will tell you, absolutely not. (But if someone does find a way to gain that many followers in such a short time frame, give me a call. I have some questions.)
Though the controversy surrounding the storyline of the series is certainly reflected in the amount of search the show received on the open web.
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Nominee | Pageviews |
Michael Douglas | 33,032,800 |
William H. Macy | 26,078,400 |
Jason Sudeikis | 14,748,800 |
Kenan Thompson | 14,090,800 |
Anthony Anderson | 3,465,400 |
Taboola’s Prediction: Michael Douglas
Let’s be blunt, Michael Douglas has been around for a long time. While his leading role in The Kominsky Method brought both smiles and tears to watchers, I’m sure his name is pretty regularly searched. No hate, Mr. Douglas, but take this data point as you will!
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Nominee | Pageviews |
Kaley Cuoco | 38,481,000 |
Jean Smart | 16,328,000 |
Tracee Ellis Ross | 13,997,400 |
Allison Janney | 9,554,200 |
Aidy Bryant | 5,654,600 |
Taboola’s Prediction: Kaley Cuoco
As quoted by USA Today, “It is precisely Cuoco’s deft handle of dark comedy and drama that makes “Attendant” fly, “earning her our top spot for her category.
Outstanding Drama Series
Nominee | Pageviews |
The Crown | 38,481,000 |
Bridgerton | 18,746,000 |
The Handmaid’s Tale | 12,549,200 |
Pose | 11,382,200 |
The Boys | 3,943,800 |
The Mandalorian | 2,849,600 |
This Is Us | 676,400 |
Lovecraft Country | 601,600 |
Taboola’s Prediction: The Crown
Ah, the royals. With Meghan and Harry’s Oprah interview airing in early March 2021, it’s no wonder fans of the already Emmy award-winning series turned their attention to this season, which provides background on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, and introduces watchers to Diana Spencer, AKA Princess Diana, AKA Harry’s mom.
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Nominee | Pageviews |
Regé-Jean Page | 38,059,400 |
Billy Porter | 7,225,000 |
Josh O’Connor | 5,271,800 |
Sterling K. Brown | 2,318,200 |
Jonathan Majors | 1,800,400 |
Matthew Rhys | 866,200 |
Taboola’s Prediction: Regé-Jean Page
I really have nothing to say here other than look up a picture of Regé-Jean Page, and you’ll understand why media mentions are so high. Also, look up the plot of Bridgerton. You’re welcome.
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Nominee | Pageviews |
Emma Corrin | 47,206,400 |
Olivia Colman | 24,342,000 |
Uzo Aduba | 23,757,400 |
Elisabeth Moss | 4,017,200 |
Jurnee Smollett | 2,335,200 |
Mj Rodriguez | 958,600 |
Taboola’s Prediction: Emma Corrin
What news stories grab readers’ attention best? Controversial ones. According to EOnline, reports that the royal family and members of the British Parliament are displeased with the series’ depiction of Diana’s (played by Corrin) marriage to Prince Charles.
However, I don’t think the creators of The Crown are too concerned, as the show has already taken home 10 Emmys over its air time.
Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series
Nominee | Pageviews |
The Underground Railroad | 6,3684,00 |
The Queen’s Gambit | 5,738,400 |
Mare of Easttown | 1,146,000 |
WandaVision | 1,008,200 |
I May Destroy You | 32,400 |
Taboola’s Prediction: The Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad Season 1 has received a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, so definitely add it to your “must-watch” list.
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Nominee | Pageviews |
Ewan McGregor | 14,132,000 |
Hugh Grant | 12,633,200 |
Leslie Odom Jr. | 8,763,200 |
Paul Bettany | 7,605,200 |
Lin-Manuel Miranda | 1,096,400 |
Taboola’s Prediction: Ewan McGregor
To quote Ewan McGregor in the Netflix series, “Nobody will remember a time there wasn’t Halston.” We’re sure the name Halson will go down in fashion and Emmy’s history!
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie
Nominee | Pageviews |
Kate Winslet | 78,411,000 |
Elizabeth Olsen | 14,933,200 |
Anya Taylor-Joy | 13,003,000 |
Cynthia Erivo | 8,644,200 |
Michaela Coel | 3,133,200 |
Taboola’s Prediction: Kate Winslet
USA Today’s review describes Mare of Easttown “far better than any detective show should be.” The article goes on to say, “Winslet’s utter dedication to the role, down to her near-perfect assimilation of the regional accent, enhances the already engrossing script.”
And let’s be honest, we’re still looking up if Leonardo DiCaprio could have fit on that floating door with Winslet in Titanic (the answer is yes.)
And there you have it, folks! Who do you think the winners of the 73rd Emmy Awards will be? Tweet us at @taboola and let us know your thoughts!