Who Needs Dragons? How HBO Can Still Dominate Emmys Without ‘Game of Thrones’

[...] HBO’s biggest Emmy heavyweight, “Game of Thrones,” isn’t in the running in 2017; despite back-to-back wins at the last two Emmys, the show delayed its seventh season until July, pushing it into next year’s eligibility period.

The HBO newcomers that weren’t around last year and have a chance to land a program nomination to replace the one that “Game of Thrones” would have gotten are “Westworld” in drama and “Divorce,” “Vice Principals,” “High Maintenance” and “Insecure” in comedy.

The comedy series “Girls” and the drama series “The Leftovers” might get a boost from the fact that their final seasons will be eligible.

Below the line categories: “Game of Thrones” was nominated for cinematography, picture editing, sound editing, sound mixing, visual effects and stunt coordination.

“Game of Thrones” also killed in the design, costumes, hairstyling and makeup categories, where HBO’s current slate will have a tough time making up the slack.

Last year, the HBO movie “All the Way” landed eight nominations, while “Confirmation” got two and “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” and limited series “True Detective” got one each.