USA Today Says Zac Is Emmy-worthy

In the today’s edition of USA Today, TV critic Robert Bianco reveals his ideal Emmy ballot, including Zac on the list:

Lead actor, comedy

Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock, NBC
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory, CBS
Lee Pace, Pushing Daisies, ABC
Zachary Levi, Chuck, NBC
David Duchovny, Californication, Showtime

You need proof that comedy is on an upswing? Consider how much more competitive these acting categories have become.

Start with Baldwin, who earned his spot on the list early on with his “role-playing” stint — perhaps the single funniest scene of the season. Then move on to two sterling newcomers: Parsons, whose socially challenged Sheldon is the season’s breakout comedy character, and Pace, whose sweet, low-key appeal keeps you invested in the show’s outlandish situations.

Levi showed he could do comedy in Less Than Perfect; with Chuck, he shows he has enough goofy good-guy charm to carry a show. And while we knew Duchovny could do both comedy and drama, the rumpled charisma he brings to Californication is something of a revelation.

Unfortunately, that does mean skipping over Big Bang‘s Johnny Galecki along with the two men of CBS’ Two and a Half Men — Jon Cryer and Charlie Sheen. And voters will have to figure out what to do with Ricky Gervais, who was back in HBO’s Extras this season, but only for one episode. He was brilliant, but one episode does not a season make.