Emmy predix: Can 'Saturday Night Live' really beat 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart'?

"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" has won the Emmy for best variety series five years in a row, but our awards guru Robert "Rob L" Licuria (AwardsHeaven.net) believes that it'll soon be usurped by "Saturday Night Live," which last won the category in 1993. Acting much more prudent, Chris "Boomer" Beachum is sticking with "The Daily Show." But, hey: no guts, no glory! Go for it, I say, Rob! You do build a persuasive argument below.

BEST VARIETY SERIES: ROB'S RANKING
1. "Saturday Night Live"
2. "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"
3. "Late Night with Letterman"
4. "The Colbert Report"
5. "Real Time with Bill Maher"

ROB'S COMMENTARY: I have a sneaking feeling that "SNL" is going to continue its resurgence this year by taking this award, for the first time in years and breaking the perennial Daily Show stranglehold on this category. It includes Emmy's most-feted performer this year (Tina Fey) front and center, and has also managed an Amy Poehler nod in the supporting-actress race. This is an early call, mind you, but I'm looking for an upset here. All I do know is that Bill Maher will sit this one out. Again.

VARIETY SERIES: BOOMER'S RANKING
1.  "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"
2.  "The Colbert Report"
3. "Saturday Night Live"
4.  "Late Show with David Letterman"
5.  "Real Time with Bill Maher"

BOOMER'S COMMENTARY: Until it loses, I must continue to predict "The Daily Show." There has been no indication from Emmy voters they are ready to annoint something else yet.  My personal preference would be for "Colbert" to finally prevail.  "SNL" has submitted one of its very best episodes in years ("Tina Fey/Carrie Underwood") but probably can't overtake these other two shows right now.  I don't think Letterman or Maher have a prayer.

(NBC, Comedy Central)