Emmys 2020: Singular Performances Dominate Guest Comedy Noms, While Drama Honors Repeats

variety.com:

Elaine Low Senior TV WriterIt’s not hard to spot familiar names on the drama side of this year’s guest actor and actress Emmy ballot, whether that’s Ron Cephas Jones in NBC’s “This Is Us” or Cicely Tyson in ABC’s “How to Get Away With Murder,” who have each recurred heavily over the course of several seasons.

But on the comedy end, it’s a different story, with five of this year’s 12 guest actor and actress comedy nominations going to “Saturday Night Live” hosts or visiting stars alone — essentially, players who mostly pop in for one-off roles.What’s with the disconnect?

Blame the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, says one awards expert.“For the [shelter-at-home] TV audience, comedy became medicine for the heart and soul that you could [use to].