AP Emmy pundits favor 'The Crown,' 'Ted Lasso' for honors

Feeling lucky, Mr. Mandalorian

Feeling lucky, Mr. Mandalorian? How about you, Duke of Hastings? The Emmys tend to field an eclectic group of contenders, and increasingly so as new platforms have expanded television's scope and sophistication. Versions of sci-fi and comic book epics have jumped from the big screen to the small, resulting in matchups such as space adventure “The Mandalorian” and period British romp “Bridgerton.” Marvel's “WandaVision” is competing with the sexual assault drama “I Will Destroy You.” Sophomore “The Mandalorian” tied “The Crown” for most nominations, 24 each, and there’s growing TV academy respect for genre fare. But “Game of Thrones” record may be predictive: It didn’t slay its best-drama rivals until season five.