Surgeons vs. Spies: 'Grey's Anatomy' and '24' in Emmy Showdown

Aug. 25, 2006 — -- Will this year's Emmy race be just what the doctors ordered? Or will a super spy who's always short on time once again save the day?

Fox's "24" and ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" lead the pack of nominees as the red carpet rolls out Sunday for the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, with Conan O'Brian serving as host and a gaggle of stars preparing to make their big arrivals.

While many viewers simply fixate over what couture Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria and Jennifer Love Hewitt will be wearing, here's how the most closely watched Emmy races shape up, according to some of the top TV analysts.

The Nominees: "Grey's Anatomy," ABC; "House," Fox; "The Sopranos," HBO; "24," Fox; "The West Wing," NBC.

"24" edged out "Grey's Anatomy" in the race to earn the most nominations, competing in 12 categories, and the Kiefer Sutherland spy drama might take home the most trophies, but in this key category, ABC's spicy hospital drama might have the edge.

"'Grey's Anatomy' is a slap-dunk shoo-in to win," says Tom O'Neil, editor of the Los Angeles Times' award show Web site, TheEnvelop.com. "It's brilliantly written and acted. It's got everything going for it in the Emmy race.

Brian Lowry, the chief TV critic at Daily Variety and co-host of TV Guide Channel's "Square Off," is also picking "Grey's Anatomy," but his endorsement comes with a mention of "Lost" -- the show that won best drama last year -- which didn't earn a nomination, despite strong ratings.

"This is the one really glaring aspect of that category," Lowry says. "I thought 'Lost' had a terrific second season. It's a very strong show."

Marc Berman of Media Week believes "24" will pull out a victory, despite the apparent groundswell support for "Grey's Anatomy." "It's been a really strong season for that show, and it's been nominated in this category four times," he says. "It may be time."

There might also be a strong sentimental pull for "The West Wing" -- a show that's won best drama four times and aired its final episode earlier this year -- and "The Sopranos," which will be bowing out in 2007.