30 Rock

Although the NBC hitcom's three-year winning streak ended last year (done in by ABC's freshman breakout, Modern Family), it remains an industry darling — with good reason. While not as consistent as its earlier seasons, its comedy quality never seems to wane. So, without ever actually going away, it could be primed for a comeback.

Which SIX (6) SHOWS are most deserving of an Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy nod this year?
(polls)

The Big Bang Theory

As popular as this CBS smash is, it has yet to be Emmy nominated despite originality in its scripts and ensemble. Kudos to the producers for broadening the cast this season and stepping up the romance for Mayim Bialik's and Melissa Rauch's characters, especially after Jim Parsons was acknowledged as last year's Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series winner for nerd-chic hilarity.

The Big C

With lead Laura Linney considered a shoo-in for an Emmy nod, a side effect is that her show's chances of breaking into the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy race likely increases as well. Question is, did they increase enough?

Chuck

Forever floating on the renewal bubble (it will live on for a fifth and final short season of 13 episodes next season), the NBC action-comedy has a well-earned reputation as The Little Show that Could. But, plucky as it is, the unlikely spy yarn remains a significant Emmy longshot.

Community

What is arguably NBC's most innovative comedy shoots high creatively but has yet to land commensurate ratings. Critics, however, have been quick to sing the show's praises, perhaps loudly enough to help get it noticed by Emmy voters.

Cougar Town

In its second season, the wine-soaked "Friends for grown- ups" really came into its own as an ensemble comedy rather than just a Courteney Cox vehicle. And it's even poking fun at the icky title that long ago ceased to have anything to do with the series premise.

Eastbound & Down

This back-to-first-base comedy about a washed-up baseball player enjoys the prestige of HBO and the marquee value of Will Ferrell as a producer. But it's perhaps too raunchy for older TV Academy voters. Given that producer-star Danny McBride says this forthcoming third season will be its last, Eastbound & Down likely will strike out Emmy-wise. And it's a damn shame.

Entourage

After landing nominations in the top comedy category for three years running, HBO's Hollywood insider send-up didn't make the cut the last go-round. If shut out again, it's because Academy voters have moved on from an aging series that will return for its shortened eighth and final season on July 24.

Episodes

If the television industry's insiders love anything more than laughing, it's laughing at itself (see 30 Rock, Curb Your Enthusiasm). And there's been buzz about how this Showtime Brits-out-of-water comedy reinvented Matt LeBlanc. But, even if he might, the series probably doesn't have a high enough profile yet to garner an Emmy nod.

Its anarchic, kitchen-sink sense of humor might not be your cup of tea. But you can't argue with results: After Seth MacFarlane's animated comedy was axed in 2002, massive fan demand led to the show being revived, and it's now enjoying its fifteenth season. (The Fox executive who cancelled it definitely got fired, right?) Maybe it's never approached Simpsons levels of genius, but it's provided enough inspired cutaway gags to keep fans giggling for decades.

Glee

Although Season 2 has lost some momentum, there's virtually no way this innovative Fox musical comedy won't be nominated this year, especially after conventional wisdom declared a toss-up whether it or Modern Family would claim the prize in 2010. Voters very well may decide that, this time around, they'll recognize their other favorite.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

This FX comedy over six seasons has developed an enviable hipster rep, but hasn't managed to score a nomination — worthy and outrageous as the show is. Barring some extremely effective campaigning, that seems unlikely to change this year.

Hot In Cleveland

TV Land's women-of-a-certain-age comedy is riding high after its SAG Awards nomination and a surprise win for the ubiquitous Betty White. But in the Emmys arena, it's still an uphill climb against shows from bigger networks. Aside from a possible nomination or win for White as Supporting Actress, this traditional three-camera sitcom remains unapologetic about the show's old-school approach.

How I Met Your Mother

Nominated only once for Outstanding Comedy Series (in 2009), this low-profile CBS series seems destined to have to pin its Emmy hopes on Neil Patrick Harris, again. (No other cast member has ever been recognized.)

The Middle

Constantly eclipsed by ABC's other, more buzzy Wednesday night family satires Modern Family and Cougar Town, this Midwestern family satire remains the network's best kept comedy secret.

Modern Family

This ABC hit hasn't lost a bit of its luster since its victory last year. So, barring an upset, it remains not just a surefire nominee, but the show to beat

Nurse Jackie

Coming off of last year's nominations and win for star Edie Falco, the dark Showtime comedy ought to be a lock to repeat for a nod. That is, unless it's knocked out of the running by the cable network's newer dramedy, The Big C.

The Office

NBC's workplace comedy has been recognized every year since its debut (at which time it took home the prize). Factor in Steve Carell's swan song, and it's a real contender for a comeback win, and not just a surefire nod.

Parks and Recreation

Last year Amy Poehler snuck into the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy race. Continuing that slow-but-steady build this season, the show itself could get in the game for the first time. The prevailing industry wisdom is this is the sleeper to watch out for. It certainly has our vote.

Raising Hope

Although most of the Fox hit's raves have focused on Martha Plimpton, the scene-stealer actually anchors a rock-solid family comedy. Voters who check it out ostensibly just for her ought to be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the series as a whole.

United States of Tara

Emmy voters love Toni Collette, who won for Lead Actress in a Comedy in 2009 and was nominated again the following year. But the series itself vies against fellow Showtime titles like The Big C and Nurse Jackie, and its recent cancellation frankly won't help.

Weeds

Though this arch Showtime series is as well-respected as its acting ensemble, Emmy has only nominated it once for Outstanding Comedy Series (in 2009), and no cast member has ever grabbed gold. This late in its run, that lack of "buzz" is going to be difficult to overcome.