Could viewers be shocked when they see who walks home with Emmys this year? Or will they be pleasantly surprised with the choices?

Since many of last year’s big winners aren’t in the mix (“Shogun” hasn’t shot its second season), new faces could ascend the podium. But do they deserve it?

“Severance” and “The Studio” are big contenders this year, even though “The White Lotus” and “Hacks” continued to make impressive episodes. “The Bear” seemed unassailable last year. Now, it’s in that “is it a comedy?” trap that competitors have set.

While trade papers are filled with ads that make you believe “The Studio” will take everything, that’s Hollywood hype. And when the trophies are handed out, there will be repeat winners. “The Studio,” Best Comedy? Maybe among insiders, but it doesn’t have the same viewer excitement as “Abbott Elementary” or “Hacks.”

The only real prediction? Networks will barely dent the totals of streaming services and cable channels. Otherwise, everything’s in play.

Here’s how the competition shakes down:

BEST LIMITED SERIES

This is the easiest category, largely because “Adolescence” made such an impact on Netflix. It’s this year’s “Baby Reindeer” and it should win several awards.

Colin Farrell plays Oz Cobb in "The Penguin." 

BEST ACTOR

Colin Farrell, “The Penguin,” did plenty of press about the work he put in trying to make the Batman character different. He’s deserving but Stephen Graham (the father in “Adolescence”) could be a spoiler.

BEST ACTRESS

Cristin Milioti (who’s also in another top series, “Black Mirror”) gave a performance in “The Penguin” that was every bit as memorable as Farrell’s. If she has a challenger, it’s Michelle Williams in “Dying for Sex.”

The first scene Owen Cooper shot for "Adolescence" was opposite Erin Doherty as a therapist trying to understand why he did what he did.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

This is hands-down a lock. “Adolescence’s” Owen Cooper as the young boy arrested for killing a friend was so chillingly good you don’t even care who’s up against him. Javier Bardem (“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”) has a chance but that’s pushing it.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Erin Doherty, “Adolescence.” She was just as strong as Cooper in the compelling third episode. Her competition: Jenny Slate as Williams’ friend in “Dying for Sex.”

BEST DRAMA

“Severance” has a wave of support for a very good season. Only “The Pitt,” a newcomer to this contest, seems able to upset.

Noah Wyle plays a veteran emergency room physician in "The Pitt." 

BEST ACTOR/DRAMA

Noah Wyle, Noah Wyle, Noah Wyle, “The Pitt.” He never won for “E.R.” and now he’s ready to collect. His rival: “Severance’s” Adam Scott.

BEST ACTRESS/DRAMA

Kathy Bates, “Matlock,” has been on a victory lap since her series premiered last fall. She has been bested before but the way the cards play out, only Britt Lower (“Severance”) has a shot.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR/DRAMA

Walton Goggins could finally win an Emmy. The vehicle?  His wild performance in “The White Lotus.” He has competition (particularly from co-star Sam Rockwell) but should be looking to see how close Tramell Tillman (“Severance”) is getting.

"The Pitt"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS/DRAMA

Parker Posey should win thanks to her accent choices. But “The White Lotus” has three other entries in this category, including Carrie Coon, who is expected to win. If that’s too much “Lotus,” look to Katherine LaNasa as the tough-talking nurse in “The Pitt.”

Jean Smart, left, and Hannah Einbinder star in "Hacks," the Emmy Award-winning comedy. 

BEST COMEDY

This is where the hairs are split. Three of the eight nominees have won this before, one series is on the way out and two are in their freshman year. Hollywood says it’s “The Studio’s” to lose; we still think there’s life in “Hacks.”

BEST ACTOR, COMEDY

Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building” is due, but this is where that “Studio” bloc enters in. Seth Rogen could win for that show, even though it’s wrong to dismiss Jeremy Allen White, who won twice for “The Bear.”

BEST ACTRESS, COMEDY

Jean Smart continues her run for “Hacks.” She’s unbelievably good and doesn’t have strong competition.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY

Ike Barinholtz is the one from “The Studio” who should win. Unfortunately, he’s up against a legend (Harrison Ford, “Shrinking”), a two-time winner (Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear”), and an actor who never thought he had a chance to be in a series, much less win an Emmy (Jeff Hiller, “Somebody, Somewhere.”) Ford or Barinholtz. You decide.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY

Liza Colon-Zayas had her best episode this season, yet won last year probably because voters weren’t sure which season of “The Bear” they were considering. She could double up, but Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”) is due. Outside shot: Catherine O’Hara for “The Studio.”

The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards air Sept. 14 on CBS.

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