The Emmy Awards are the most prestigious honor in the world of television. They are to TV what the Oscars are to film, the highest bar every actor, writer, and director dreams of reaching. Yet even a nomination alone is a mark of exceptional quality, and for viewers it serves as a reliable sign that a show is well worth watching.
If you are looking for inspiration for your next binge, here is a selection of five Emmy-nominated shows that earned the Academy’s recognition and continue to resonate with audiences and critics alike. Among them you will find sweeping period dramas, razor-sharp comedies, and gripping thrillers that will keep you glued to the screen.
Why Emmy-Nominated Shows Are Worth Your Time
An Emmy nomination is more than just prestige for the people who make the show. For the viewer, it is above all a guarantee of smart writing, outstanding performances, and top-tier craftsmanship. The following five titles prove that great television can entertain, move, and surprise you, no matter when you decide to sit down and press play.
The Gilded Age
From the pen of Julian Fellowes, the creator of the beloved Downton Abbey, comes a lavish period drama set in 1880s New York City. It follows the ruthless clash between the old-money aristocracy and the new-money magnates whose fortunes upend the established order of high society. The cast shines with Carrie Coon as the ambitious Bertha Russell, alongside Morgan Spector, Christine Baranski, and Cynthia Nixon. The series has repeatedly earned Emmy nominations, including for Outstanding Drama Series, and consistently scores in craft categories such as costumes and production design.
You can watch The Gilded Age on HBO Max.
Hacks
Sharp and surprisingly tender, this comedy about the bond between two women from very different generations is some of the best television around. Jean Smart plays Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian who joins forces with Ava, a young and unfiltered writer played by Hannah Einbinder. Hacks won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series, and Jean Smart has already collected four trophies for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series as Deborah Vance. In one record-breaking year, the show also racked up a historic 24 nominations, the most ever in the comedy category.
You can watch Hacks on HBO Max.
Abbott Elementary
If you love smart humor with a lot of heart, this mockumentary sitcom will win you over. Creator and star Quinta Brunson plays the endlessly optimistic teacher Janine, who fights alongside her colleagues for a better future at an underfunded public school in Philadelphia. The ensemble also features Tyler James Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James, and Lisa Ann Walter. For her performance, Quinta Brunson became the first Black actress in more than 40 years to win the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, while Sheryl Lee Ralph took home the award for her supporting role.
You can watch Abbott Elementary on Hulu or Disney+.
Shrinking
This comedy-drama from Bill Lawrence (Ted Lasso) offers an unconventional take on therapy and coming to terms with loss. Jason Segel plays Jimmy, a therapist who, after the death of his wife, decides to throw professional distance out the window and tell his clients the brutal truth to their faces. The biggest draw, however, is Harrison Ford in one of his rare television roles, playing Jimmy’s mentor living with Parkinson’s disease. The show has earned multiple Emmy nominations, with Harrison Ford’s remarkable performance singled out for particular praise.
You can watch Shrinking on Apple TV.
All Her Fault
Based on the novel of the same name by Andrea Mara, this tense thriller plays out every parent’s worst nightmare. Marissa, played by Emmy winner Sarah Snook (best known from Succession), arrives to pick up her young son from his first playdate. But the woman who opens the door has never heard of the boy. The supporting cast includes Jake Lacy, Dakota Fanning, and Michael Peña. The limited series became the most-watched original series launch in Peacock’s history and went on to earn Emmy recognition in the Outstanding Limited Series category.
You can watch All Her Fault on Peacock.
Quality That Never Gets Old
What all five of these titles have in common is their timelessness. Great writing, convincing performances, and careful craftsmanship make them shows worth returning to at any time. Whether you are in the mood for grand drama, honest laughter, or a hearty dose of suspense, with Emmy-nominated shows you can rarely go wrong.
