(CNN) -- Call them the "Meh-mmys." Sure, when it comes to television's most prestigious award, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences tries. When the center of gravity moved to cable, the Emmys followed, giving "The Sopranos," "The Shield" and "Mad Men" the same kind of attention it once gave "Hill Street Blues" and "Picket Fences." When new genres and new technology arose, the Academy responded, creating categories for reality shows and "short-format live-action entertainment programs" (i.e., online video). And it's hard to argue with this year's nominees. Even the most questionable of the bunch -- "Mad Men," "The Big Bang Theory," Al Pacino's love it-or-hate it turn as Phil Spector -- represent a level of professionalism and quality that should be acknowledged.
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The Emmy Awards often fall short of capturing fan excitement for certain shows
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With more choices of what to watch -- and when -- many quality shows get overlooked
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Still, the Emmys appeal to many viewers
Nowadays, there's so much worthwhile programming out there that the @placeholder, even when nominating good shows, feel safe and conservative -- and, therefore, somewhat dull.