Emmy picks: Lead Actor, comedy

clockwise (from top left): Baldwin, Sheen,
Parsons, Shalhoub.

We keep seeing the same men popping up at the Emmys in the best actor in a comedy category, but there's a reason for that. Tony Shalhoub has deserved every single one of his six consecutive nominations, Charlie Sheen has gone for three straight, and Alec Baldwin is looking like the favorite to win for a second year in a row.

While there is still some of the "same old, same old" in the mix this year, there is also some new blood that could crack the nominations. Let's take a look at our picks for this year's Emmys.

Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock

Role: Jack Donaghy
Alec Baldwin is sure to be a regular nominee as long as 30 Rock is on the air. When Baldwin puts on Jack's network executive suit, he doesn't just play Jack, he becomes Jack. And who can resist that cat-that-ate-the-canary grin of his?

Tony Shalhoub, Monk

Role: Adrian Monk
Sometimes a show's strength lands almost entirely on its lead actor--such is the case with the very awesome Monk. It's almost impossible to imagine anyone other than Shalhoub playing the OCD-afflicted detective--no one shies away from germs like Shalhoub.

Jim Parsons, Big Bang Theory

Role: Sheldon Cooper
The first new kid on the block is Parsons, who absolutely kills it as Sheldon--an Asberger's nerd with an Einstein mind. Parsons has created such a socially awkward character, that some journalists have wondered if Sheldon is autistic (producers have said he isn't, he's just weird). If anyone needs convincing that he belongs with the big boys, just have a listen to one of his technical mumbo-jumbo monologues.

An Emmy-worthy squint.

James Roday, Psych

Role: Shawn Spencer
The original Mentalist, Shawn uses keen observation and cunning to convince others he's psychic. And Roday does that with his secret weapon--his squint. Add to that great comedic timing and wonderful chemistry with his co-star Dulé Hill, and you've got yourself an Emmy nominee.

Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men

Role: Charlie Harper
CBS thinks Sheen is worth the biggest contract in a sitcom and we do too. It's more than just delivering the writers' jokes with Sheen--he has the ability to make us love to hate his character, all the while laughing at his womanizing antics.

Honorable Mention: Zach Levi, Chuck, Steve Carrell--The Office, Jason Lee--My Name is Earl, David Duchovny--Californication, Lee Pace--Pushing Daisies

And our winner is: Jim Parsons. The Big Bang Theory is coming back for at least two more years, and we expect Parson's name to be on this list for as long as he's Sheldon.

Our picks for Best Actress in a Comedy

Our picks for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Our picks for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy

  • Goldenbarba

    Jim Parsons, no doubt! But Zach Levi was amazing on Chuck too.

    Jun 24, 2009
  • Nipona

    Monk!! It'll be a great good-bye for him!

    Jun 20, 2009
  • Pippy15

    David Duchovny and Jim Parsons are the best of the lot.

    Jun 20, 2009
  • Kattnip

    Charlie Sheen - he has perfected the sacastic comeback delivery and plays perfectly off his "straightman"

    Jun 19, 2009
  • hot_babe101

    JAMES RODAY!!!!!!!!!!!! i love him he is one of the bvest actors EVERRRRRRRRR

    Jun 14, 2009
  • drwoowoocl

    If Parsons isnt at least nominated, then the Emmy awards are a joke. Then again, Charlie Sheen?

    Jun 13, 2009
  • xphilenz

    David Duchovny for me - the dry dry backhanded wit slides so subtly and completely past most viewers inside his character but actually IS so much of the character. You get it & you LOVE the show - if not you probably don't. It's also so upside down to Mulder it's always a brain f##$ for all those major X-Files fans like me :-)

    Jun 12, 2009
  • cavorka777

    Tha´s a tough choice:I think James Roday;but could be jim Parsons or Charlie Sheen.

    Jun 11, 2009
  • kopeckee

    Sheldon Cooper

    Jun 11, 2009
  • saraVaio

    Charlie , Tony and Alec are all great . but I think Alec will win the Emmy .

    Jun 11, 2009
  • dragon22a

    I would also go with James Roday. But I could also see David Duchovny and Lee Pace on the nominations but they are always over looked by Baldwin, Shalhoub and Sheen. It is time for some new blood.

    Jun 09, 2009
  • tvownsLEXIE

    JAMES RODAY! He is so talented, and so underappreciated!

    Jun 09, 2009
  • neomichel

    I would pick Charlie Sheen or Jim Parsons. They are my favorite.

    Jun 09, 2009
  • Loooooooooooost

    Oh man, how could I have forgotten! Danny McBride in Eastbound & Down. Seriously. Right after the first episode, I claimed that he is going to get a nomination. Watching again, I see he deserves it.

    Jun 08, 2009
  • parallax207

    Is sheldon really the lead actor in BBT? I would have thought it'd be Leonard and Sheldon would be the support. Or both?

    Jun 08, 2009
  • angeland8

    I'd choose Jim Parsons or Charlie Sheen.

    Jun 08, 2009
  • JavaJunkie4Life

    I honestly don't see anyone beating Alec, but if anyone on this list were to do it, it'd be Jim Parsons. Either way, I'm happy.

    Jun 08, 2009
  • hrgaffney

    I love the Big Bang Theory so Jim Parsons is a great choice.

    Jun 07, 2009
  • BarcelonaPEders

    Charlie harper ;) or Sheldon Cooper =)

    Jun 07, 2009
  • RTTV989

    That would be freaking awesome if James Roday won. Though very unlikely.

    Jun 07, 2009
  • happy46

    I hope Charlie Sheen wins. He is hilarious as Charlie Harper

    Jun 07, 2009
  • Goldenbarba

    Jim Parsons, although in this list is really hard to choose one, and if you put those names in the honorable mention list, the list becames more hard as Duchovny, Carrell and Zach Levi are wonderful in their roles.

    Jun 07, 2009
  • aldaros23

    Jim Parsons - his acting is well above par.

    Jun 06, 2009
  • OrSoIThought

    That would be a hard pick for me. I like most of these actors in these roles. They're all brilliant, though I would pull for Tony Shalhoub in the end most likely. He's one of my favorite actors.

    Jun 06, 2009
  • CaptainFreedom3

    Why isn't Jon Cryer ever in this category? Anyway, you nailed it with Jim Parsons. He is absolutely wonderful as Sheldon.

    Jun 06, 2009
  • Ralfberg

    Jim Parsons for sure, he has the best jokes in Big Bang Theory.

    Jun 06, 2009
  • acmb

    I like Tony Shalhoub but "MOnk" is not the same, it's quality has gone down in the last season and Monk is Monker than before. My favourite is Alec Baldwin, I had never imagined he could be funny.

    Jun 06, 2009
  • oceanic6

    This is going to be a close one. If Baldwin wins I'll strangle him until his voice is even huskier. Please Shalhoub.

    Jun 05, 2009
  • sequoa84

    omg!this is probably the best list that Tv.com has ever put//its hard to choose between charlie sheen, alec baldwin, jim parsons, and james roday..they are probably the guys who run the show..come to think of it...i suppose i would be the most happy if jim parsons wins it

    Jun 05, 2009
  • CrashMacKenzie

    Jim Parsons is the man to beat for sure

    Jun 05, 2009
  • Hasakinopahai

    I just can't take Charlie Sheen seriously enough to be considered for an Emmy nod, even if it is for a comedy.

    Jun 05, 2009
  • kravitzfan12

    I'm hoping that Tony Shalhoub wins - but I kinda hope that he doesn't so that he can win next year (for the final season)

    Jun 05, 2009
  • Oh_Liver

    No Zach Braff? Just wishfull thinking. :P

    Jun 05, 2009
  • saxyroro

    Spencer! I love it when Lassie screams it!

    Jun 05, 2009
  • MarWash

    Long time "Monk" and Tony fan but even im sick of him winning. Lets move on and Lee Pace is maybe the 3rd funniest person on "Pushing Daisies" after Chi and whoever the guess star is in a given week. :P.

    Jun 05, 2009
  • MarWash

    Love Charlie Sheen but that show simply isnt as funny without Alan and Jake. Angus T. Jones gets funnier the older he gets so i wouldnt mind a little more stories for his character. If that happens he'll probably get nominated for supporting actor.

    Jun 05, 2009
  • MarWash

    I like "Chuck" but (imo) the show is hilarious in spite of Zach Levi. Its the characters surrounding Chuck that make the show funny. If you take away Lester, Casey, Morgan or Jeff from the show, it wouldnt be nearly as entertaining. Sorry, i just find the buffoon act a bit stale and worn out. Reminds me of Jack Tripper from "Threes Company" or Mr.Magoo, just so very silly and Stooge-esque, without the benefit of being funny. I actually think the Chuck character is better when being dramatic. Also, Adam Baldwin is waaaaaaaay funnier than Zach on that show so just because yur the lead actor in a comedy, doesnt mean you should get the nod for "best" comedic actor. My opinion.

    Jun 05, 2009
  • MarWash

    James Roday... ftw! Shawn and Gus are easily the best on screen duo on television, no matter the genre. But for that reason i'd pick Jim Parsons. You could replace any other actor on "The Big Bang Theory" and Jim would still be great. I dont think James would be that great without Dule Hill's support on "Psych".

    Jun 05, 2009
  • dancecutiee55

    Monk and Shawn!! either won would be great!! (:

    Jun 05, 2009
  • pgsuperfan

    My 2nd choice would James Roday, Tony deserves it this time

    Jun 05, 2009
  • pgsuperfan

    Tony Shalhoub has to be the winner here, gotta love the MONK

    Jun 05, 2009
  • LadyInque

    MONK!!!!

    XO XO

    :):):):)

    Jun 05, 2009
  • wodonnell102992

    It's the last season of "Monk," so I'd say the right thing to do would be giving the award to Tony Shalhoub.

    Jun 05, 2009
  • scepo13

    MONK!!!

    Jun 05, 2009
  • SrRui

    Tony shalhoub deserves!

    Jun 05, 2009
  • peon4570

    Monk for sure!

    Jun 05, 2009
  • parmissm11

    zachary levi, neil patrick harris or Tony shalhoub

    Jun 05, 2009
  • NIGHTWIN6

    Parsons deserves it but I always considered him the supporting actor to Galecki on BBT. Steve Carrell's exclusion is unforgivable.

    Jun 04, 2009
  • IndianaMom

    I still love Monk, but it's time to give someone else Tony's spot on the list. Zach Levi should be nominated. I think Alec Baldwin will win agian, but I like Jim Parsons and James Roday, too.

    Jun 04, 2009
  • Load More Comments

Follow TV.com

Subscribe to Our Free Newsletter