This year shows like Glee, Modern Family, Breaking Bad and Dexter are sure to get a boatload of nominations, but what surprises are in store? I’m going out on a very far limb with some of my bolder predictions this year, hoping that the Golden Globes will truly recognize some of the less obvious choices.

Here are my top five wild card predictions for the Golden Globes.

The Walking Dead

The Golden Globes love the new “It” show, and with stellar ratings, The Walking Dead is definitely IT. Before any other awards show can steal their thunder, I predict the Golden Globes will recognize the success of the zombie drama by nominating it for Best Drama Series.

Ian Somerhalder for The Vampire Diaries

Unlike the Emmys, the Golden Globes aren’t totally afraid of the CW or the WB. Past nominees include Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls) and Christine Lahti (Jack and Bobby). They’ve also nominated younger stars like Jason Priestley for Beverly Hills, 90210. The Vampire Diaries might be a stretch, but it capitalizes on the vampire trend and Somerhalder is so good that I can see the Golden Globes showing how cool they are by nominating him.

A New Glee Actor Will Be Nominated

Last year on its way to winning Best Comedy, Glee had three acting nominations (Matthew Morrison, Lea Michele and Jane Lynch). Given Glee‘s international success I think that group will grow larger, and not with the obvious choice of Chris Colfer. I think the Golden Globes will spread the love and nominate one of the smaller parts of the show’s success, either Heather Morris for her scene-stealing role as Brittany or Mike O’Malley as Kurt’s sensitive father.

Julia Stiles for Dexter

Last year Dexter ruled the acting categories as Michael C. Hall and John Lithgow both earned awards. Given Stiles’ movie star pedigree, I think the voters won’t be able to resist recognizing her as an addition to the Dexter family.

Danny McBride for Eastbound and Down

McBride is a force of nature on this raucous HBO comedy and he dominates every minute. The Golden Globes like cable shows, so this could be the perfect time to honor one of the funniest men on TV.

Check back tomorrow for complete coverage on the Golden Globe award nominations.

(Image courtesy of AMC)

John Kubicek

Senior Writer, BuddyTV

John watches nearly every show on TV, but he specializes in sci-fi/fantasy like The Vampire DiariesSupernatural and True Blood. However, he can also be found writing about everything from Survivor and Glee to One Tree Hill and Smallville.