Chances are Good for Awards for "The United States of Tara"

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Chances are Good for Awards for "The United States of Tara"

"The United States of Tara" will air on Showtime starting Saturday, January 18, at 10 pm.

Gina Wilhelm Actress has noticed something of late on her Facebook account. There are ads for "The United States of Tara" everywhere.

Apparently, regardless of what comedy show I watch, it means I'll like "The United States of Tara."

"Scrubs?" Yup. "30 Rock?" Check. "The Simpsons?" You betcha. "The Daily Show?" Unbelievably, yes.

Now, it could just be that Gina Wilhelm Actress has astonishingly good taste in Funny, and the advertising is meant to imply that "The United States of Tara" is also Funny.

Otherwise, it's hard to say how a straight sit-com about a woman with multiple personality disorder is reminiscent of two workplace comedies, America's favorite animated dysfunctionals, and a comedy news parody.

"The United States of Tara" will air on Showtime starring actress Toni Collette as the aforementioned woman. In addition to her main personality, she's also a brooding teen, a '50s housewife, and a good ole boy.

Showtime has done well in terms of garnering awards lately. Last year David Duchovny won a Golden Globe for his work in "Californication," which was also nominated for best comedy series.

Duchovny and the show both received nominations this year. Mary-Louise Parker has been nominated the last two years in a row for her work on "Weeds." The program itself has also been nominated.

"Dexter" and its star, Michael C. Hall, have both been nominated for the last two years.

On top of that, cable shows not aired on HBO are getting more and more recognition at the Emmys.

Additionally, movies about people with multiple personalities are frequently well represented at award time. Joanne Woodward won an Oscar for her performance in "The Three Faces of Eve."

Sally Field won an Emmy for her turn in "Sybil," upsetting Jane Alexander, who was supposed to be a shoe-in.

Finally, Collette herself has won a number of critics' and other types of awards. She has also received numerous nominations for Emmys, Oscars, and Golden Globes.

Perhaps she and Showtime are hoping that this combination will get her the "major" awards that have just eluded her so far.

Gina Wilhelm Actress