2024 Emmy nominations ballot: See the 79 Best Pre-Recorded Variety Special hopefuls from ‘AFI Life Achievement Award: 50th Anniversary’ to ‘Zainab Johnson: Hijabs Off’
The Best Pre-Recorded Variety Special Emmy category has existed in its current form since 2018, although programs of that type have consistently earned TV academy recognition since the 1950s. This year, there are 79 such options for TV academy members to choose from on their first-round ballots, which means five nominees will be announced on July 17. This is down from 91 entrants in 2023 but up from 75 in 2022.
All 20,000 plus voting members of the TV academy have until June 24 to cast their Emmy nominations ballots for their favorite live variety specials. They each must limit their choices to five, reflecting the number of eventual nominees.
Unlike comedy and drama series, which simply appear on the ballot by name, these submissions include plot descriptions. Which of the specials listed below do you think will make the final cut?
AFI Life Achievement Award: 50th Anniversary Special
Celebrates a half century of the highest honor for a career in film—a retrospective that marches from the golden age of Hollywood to the present, featuring music, laughter and movie memories.
Alex Edelman: Just For Us
In the wake of anti-Semitic threats pointed his way online, comedian Alex Edelman covertly attends a meeting of White Nationalists, coming face-to-face with the people behind the keyboards.
Amy Schumer: Emergency Contact
Amy Schumer gets real about lasering her face, postpartum sex, her baby-naming disaster and chewable Viagra in this stand-up special.
Apple Music Live: Jennifer Lopez
Pop superstar Jennifer Lopez performs songs from her new album and some of her all-time biggest hits in Los Angeles.
Audra McDonald at the London Palladium (Great Performances)
Audra McDonald performs some of Broadway’s greatest hits at the London Palladium, including “I Am What I Am,” “Summertime,” “I Could Have Danced All Night” and many more. Joining McDonald is musical director Andy Einhorn leading the 40-piece London Musical Theatre Orchestra.
Barry Manilow’s A Very Barry Christmas
Barry Manilow and his band celebrate the holidays at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino with performances of Manilow’s greatest hits along with several holiday favorites.
Billy Joel: The 100th – Live At Madison Square Garden
Shot live at Joel’s record-breaking 100th consecutive MSG performance. The 100th performance of Billy Joel’s Madison Square Garden Residency, dubbed the “greatest arena run of all time.”
Byron Allen Presents The Grio Awards
This primetime special celebrates icons and their contributions to America in film, music, television, sports, philanthropy, and social/environmental justice. Honorees include Mariah Carey, Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey, Dwayne Johnson, Misty Copeland, Eddie Murphy and Denzel Washington, with performances including Boyz II Men, Jennifer Hudson, Patti LaBelle and Smokey Robinson.
CBS Presents The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Anniversary Special
Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold host the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration. Blending music and football, performers include Earth, Wind & Fire and T-Pain, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Robin Thicke, Mickey Guyton, Rachel Platten and Players Choir.
Chappelle’s Home Team – Donnell Rawlings: A New Day
Donnell Rawlings riffs on toxic relationships, getting older, visiting New Zealand and his secret to coparenting a young son in this stand up special.
Chappelle’s Home Team – Luenell: Town Business
Luenell sounds off on bad seatmates, first-class feuds, sockless babies and more travel mishaps in this stand-up special.
Chris Fleming: Hell
Chris Fleming explores performance anxiety through musical comedy, Phil Collins anecdotes and absurdist sketches.
CMT Crossroads: Hozier & Maren Morris
Maren Morris and Irish singer-songwriter Hozier swap stories, reflect on their 2019 collab and perform each other’s most celebrated hits including “The Bones,” “Take Me To Church” and world premiere performance of Morris’ “The Tree.”
CMT Smashing Glass
CMT Smashing Glass: A Celebration of the Groundbreaking Women of Music, the inaugural musical salute honoring icons Patti LaBelle and Tanya Tucker with tributes to Aretha Franklin, Sinead O’Connor and Tina Turner, featuring Amber Riley, Billie Jean King, Clint Black, Ledisi, Mickey Guyton, Sheryl Crow, The War And Treaty.
The Daily Show Presents: Jordan Klepper Fingers The Pulse – Moscow Tools
As Putin continues his gritty reboot of the Soviet Union, he’s getting a surprising amount of help from the party once led by Reagan. Jordan Klepper speaks to foreign affairs experts, possible Russian assets, and probably Russian recording devices to find out whether Republicans have become the Kremlin’s useful idiots.
Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer
From his onstage tackle to the slap heard around the world, Dave Chappelle lets loose in this stand-up comedy special.
Dick Van Dyke 98 Years Of Magic
Commemorates the actor’s career on his birthday. The star-studded special honors him with musical performances from his movies, speeches, and video messages, taking place on an exact replica set of Mary Poppins and The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Dina Hashem: Dark Little Whispers
Discusses everything from death threats and existential dilemmas, to relationship problems, quiet people, and her upbringing as a first generation Arab-American.
DIVAS Simply Singing! Raising Health Awareness
An annual benefit concert hosted by Sheryl Lee Ralph raises awareness and funds for programs that promote the prevention of HIV and other life-threatening health conditions.
Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala
Dolly Parton and Jane Lynch co-host this special featuring performances by music’s biggest stars, and a one-of-a-kind runway revealing the best in doggy fashion.
The Domino Effect Part 3: First Day Of School
In the next chapter in his comedy special series, The Domino Effect Part 3, Ali Siddiq tells the true stories of his first few years of incarceration for drug trafficking.
The Domino Effect Part 4: Pins & Needles
Ali Siddiq delivers the final chapter in his comedy special series, The Domino Effect, with Part 4. This 2 hour special tells the true stories of Ali’s last few years of incarceration for drug trafficking, how he started doing comedy and his eventual release from prison.
Eric André Live Near Broadway
Eric André drags his anarchic comedy show across the globe with a star studded cast. Live in New York City and extremely close to Broadway.
Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Opening Ceremony
The inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Opening Ceremony featured 10 headline music performances, 7 mobile stages, 1000+ drones, fireworks, and the introduction of the LVGP Formula 1 drivers.
Gaga Chromatica Ball
Lady Gaga delivers a sold-out show at Dodger Stadium as part of her Chromatica Ball Stadium Tour. Featuring fresh performances, complete with Gaga’s dancing and choreography, set design, and costumes.
Gary Gulman: Born On 3rd Base
Gary Gulman offers up his insights on a range of topics—from growing up poor to pretentious suffixes—all with a helping of his humor and absurdism. He sheds light on both lighthearted and serious subjects.
Gospel Live! Presented By Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
A musical celebration that honors the legacy and influence of gospel music in America. The event, co-hosted by Gates and Erica Campbell, and featuring John Legend, showcases contemporary secular artists and renowned gospel singers performing their favorite gospel classics.
A Grammy Salute To 50 Years Of Hip Hop
A live concert special celebrating the 50th anniversary of hiphop. The tribute features performances from hip-hop legends and artists to celebrate the history and cultural impact that hip-hop has made around the world.
Hamlet (Great Performances)
The Shakespeare in the Park production presents Hamlet, featuring Ato Blankson-Wood in the title role. Also starring are John Douglas Thompson as Claudius, Lorraine Toussaint as Gertrude and Solea Pfeiffer as Ophelia.
Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda
Genderqueer comics from around the world take the stage at London’s Alexandra Palace in this comedy showcase hosted by Hannah Gadsby.
Hannah Waddingham: Home For Christmas
Ring in the holidays with Hannah Waddingham as she welcomes special guests for a musical extravaganza at the London Coliseum.
Heather McMahan: Son I Never Had
Heather McMahan tackles body image, drugs, sex, fertility, grief, and so much more in her debut special. iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2023
Celebrates the season with performances by the year’s best recording artists, many of today’s hottest musical stars.
Jacqueline Novak: Get On Your Knees
Comedian Jacqueline Novak delivers a meditation on sex, coming-of-age and a certain body part in this stand-up special.
Jenny Slate: Seasoned Professional
Proves that being brave for love is worth it—even when it comes to pushing out a baby, stalking your therapist, or trusting your partner to not destroy you.
Jim Gaffigan: Dark Pale
Jim Gaffigan continues to deliver fresh-yet-edgy material, ranging from funerals and family to balloon rides.
Joe Pera: Slow & Steady
Pera returns to his standup roots, bringing his slow and gentle brand of comedy to the Opera House of Williamsburg.
John Early: Now More Than Ever
In the style of a gritty 1970s rockumentary, Early performs stand-up and song covers from Britney Spears to Neil Young, intercut with Spinal Tap-esque backstage sketches.
The 46th Kennedy Center Honors
Celebrates honorees Billy Crystal, Renée Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah and Dionne Warwick. With the President and First Lady in attendance, the cast pays tribute to honorees through stories, performances, and testimonies.
Kevin Hart: Reality Check
Kevin Hart performs from Resort World in Las Vegas while cracking up a live crowd through conversations on his fame, Black Twitter and more.
Kevin Hart: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize For American Humor
Comedy’s biggest stars gather to honor—and roast—Kevin Hart as he accepts the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Guests include: Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon, Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, Chelsea Handler, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, J.B. Smoove, Jimmy Fallon and more.
Kevin James: Irregardless
Delivers a take on parenting, marriage, and getting older. James covers a range of topics, from motivating children to put down their video games, to why he doesn’t trust technology, and how many tater tots he can fit in his mouth.
Kountry Wayne: A Woman’s Prayer
Comedian Kountry Wayne delivers a stand-up set about life as a dad of 10, how to know if a woman likes you and why he keeps it real with Jesus.
Laugh Proud
A concert feature film spotlighting nine diverse LGBTQ+ comics each performing a short set hosted by Jazzmun, a drag queen hostess with the mostest.
Leo Reich: Literally Who Cares?!
Blends songs, anecdotes, and anxious non-sequiturs in an attempt to raise awareness about important social and political causes… or something.
Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song: Elton John & Bernie Taupin
Two-hour tribute to Elton and Bernie featuring 12 performances from Metallica, Garth Brooks, Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Billy Porter. Joni sings “I’m Still Standing”, Metallica covers “Love Lies Bleeding” and more.
Liz Miele: Murder Sheets
Comedian Liz Miele performs her newest one hour special about online dating, alive cats and dead cats and traffic.
Matt Rife: Natural Selection
From his problem with protection crystals to his beef with social media trolls, comedian Matt Rife holds nothing back in this stand-up special.
Michelle Wolf: It’s Great To Be Here
Michelle tackles the clothing optional beaches of Barcelona, why she’s jealous of lesbian relationships and the lesson she learned from fabric softener.
Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man And The Pool
Comedian Mike Birbiglia dives headlong into mortality, medical tests, nature’s pillows and an overchlorinated YMCA pool in this one-man show.
Mike Epps: Ready To Sell Out
Mike Epps keeps it real as he riffs on poor personal hygiene, failing at infidelity and waging war on work husbands in this stand-up comedy special.
National Christmas Tree Lighting
President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden join thousands in President’s Park to light the National Christmas Tree November 30, 2023. Hosted by Mickey Guyton, the show features festive performances by Dionne Warwick, Joe Walsh, Darren Criss, Samara Joy, Ledisi, St. Vincent, and the U.S. Coast Guard Band.
Neal Brennan: Crazy Good
Comedian Neal Brennan riffs in this stand-up special on crypto, social media flexes, sex compliments and the link between greatness and mental health.
The New Divas: Live in Vienna
Five young singers from around the world come together at the Vienna Konzerthaus for a gala concert performance featuring a variety of musical genres including opera, musical theatre, jazz and rhythm and blues.
Nikki Glaser: Someday You’ll Die
Nikki Glaser dives into a wide range of topics including why she doesn’t want kids, the harsh realities of aging, her sexual fantasies, and plans for her own death.
Pete Davidson: Turbo Fonzarelli
From his childhood crush on Leonardo DiCaprio to the disturbing gift he got from a stalker, comedian Pete Davidson cuts loose in this stand-up special.
The Price is Right: A Tribute to Bob Barker
A celebration of a television legend and his 50 years on the air, The Price is Right: A Tribute to Bob Barker honors his legacy not only on the screen, but also his contributions to the welfare of all animals, big and small.
Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through The Cotton Patch (Great Performances)
Leslie Odom, Jr., returns to Broadway in a satirical story of the segregated South. The play also stars Kara Young, Heather Alicia Simms, Billy Eugene Jones, Noah Robbins, Vanessa Bell Calloway and Jay O. Sanders.
Rachel Feinstein: Big Guy
Comedian Rachel Feinstein talks about marrying a firefighter and the impact it’s had on her life and family.
Ralph Barbosa: Cowabunga
Comedian Ralph Barbosa riffs on everything from his street-racing dream woman to his mom’s lies about moon rocks in this stand-up special.
Ramy Youssef: More Feelings
Egyptian American actor, writer and comedian Ramy Youssef offers reflections of the unexpected perils of charitable giving, the 2024 presidential election, the importance of prayer, and other issues big and small.
Ricky Gervais: Armageddon
Ricky Gervais dishes out takes on political correctness and oversensitivity in a comedy special about the end of humanity.
Rory Scovel: Religion, Sex And A Few Things In Between
Rory Scovel offers his observations on subjects from religion and sex to vaccines and parenting. Scovel interweaves improvised moments with meta-commentary on the subtle art of stand-up as he riffs on the awkward aspects of seemingly taboo yet universal topics.
Sam Jay: Salute Me Or Shoot Me
Newly engaged comedian Sam Jay gets candid about life with her future wife and the unknown stresses of being “the man.”
Shane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs
Shane Gillis riffs on his girlfriend’s Navy SEAL ex, touring George Washington’s house and being bullied by an Australian goth.
Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History Of Popular Music
Taylor Mac performs a 24-hour concert that offers an alternative take on U.S. history, narrated through music that was popular from the nation’s founding to the present with Mac transforming hourly through decade-specific costumes.
Taylor Tomlinson: Have It All
Taylor Tomlinson talks about having your dream job, finding your perfect partner, dealing with anxiety and insomnia all while asking the age-old question… can you really have it all?
This Is Me… Now: A Love Story
A narrative-driven, cinematic original which showcases Jennifer Lopez’s journey to love through her own eyes.
Tig Notaro: Hello Again
A stand-up special packed with awkward misunderstandings, health scares made hilarious, and family moments with her wife and children.
Tom Segura: Sledgehammer
From his dad’s unusual deathbed confession to watching his mom get high, Tom Segura tells candid stories about marriage, mortality and more.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: 10th Anniversary Special
A primetime special to celebrate 10 years of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon including interviews, games, performances and sketches featuring some of the biggest names in music, comedy and pop culture.
Tracy Morgan: Takin’ It Too Far
Comedian Tracy Morgan tackles topics such as dating in his 50s, his dysfunctional family, attempting to reverse gentrification in Brooklyn, and the very public 2014 car accident that left him with multiple broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, and a substantial settlement.
Trevor Noah: Where Was I
Trevor Noah riffs on national anthems, derailing a German sightseeing tour and getting roasted in Paris in this comedy special about his world travels.
Trevor Wallace: Pterodactyl
In his first stand-up special, Trevor introduces you to the real-life characters he’s come face-to-face with, as he navigates male birth control, smoking oregano, his unique birds-and-the-bees talk, experiencing his first Buc-ee’s, the red flags of dating, and the worst thing you could ever order on a date.
2023: Back That Year Up With Kevin Hart & Kenan Thompson
Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson deliver unfiltered takes and a tsunami of jokes about everything that happened in 2023, featuring sketches and a big musical number.
A Very Demi Holiday Special
Join us for a holiday celebration as Demi Lovato hosts a holiday special. This musical variety show features performances, skits, and special surprises.
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration
Disney Parks brings holiday magic to life in this special led by hosts Derek and Julianne Hough, featuring DJ Khaled, and performances by Mariah Carey, Michael Bolton, Mickey Guyton, Ariana DeBose, Adam Blackstone, Andra Day, Chris Janson, Tori Kelly, Chrissy Metz, The Smashing Pumpkins, Robin Thicke, and Iam Tongi.
Worst Daddy in the World
Watch David’s new stand-up special shot at his recent Worst Daddy in the World tour stop in Chicago, IL at The Metro.
Zainab Johnson: Hijabs Off
Zainab Johnson blends relatable stories, sharp wit, and social commentary into her unique style of standup comedy. Her debut special Hijabs Off explores her identity as a Black female Muslim, having 12 siblings, and growing up in Harlem.
PREDICT the 2024 Emmy nominations through July 17
Make your predictions at Gold Derby now. Download our free and easy app for Apple/iPhone devices or Android (Google Play) to compete against legions of other fans plus our experts and editors for best prediction accuracy scores. See our latest prediction champs. Can you top our esteemed leaderboards next? Always remember to keep your predictions updated because they impact our latest racetrack odds, which terrify Hollywood chiefs and stars. Don’t miss the fun. Speak up and share your huffy opinions in our famous forums where 5,000 showbiz leaders lurk every day to track latest awards buzz. Everybody wants to know: What do you think? Who do you predict and why?