The Emmys were crushingly predictable, as usual – but even in a year of unparalleled horror, surely shows other than The Crown and Ted Lasso deserved a look-in

• Ted Lasso and The Crown triumph

• Emmys 2021: the full list of winners

If anyone knew anything about the Emmys this year, they knew with absolute certainty that The Crown would win every award going. Because, although The Crown has always been well made, it has also always been fusty and inconsequential. But last year’s series had everything: sex, fights, betrayal, Gillian Anderson going full Spitting Image. The Crown was the solid gold favourite in every category going into the awards last night, so much so that any loss would have been considered seismic.

And guess what? It didn’t lose anything. In every category in which The Crown was nominated, it won. Best drama. Best drama actor. Best drama actress. Best supporting actor, best supporting actress, best writing, best directing. It was exactly as you would expect – and therefore quite boring.