This TV Season has been full of captivating shows with complex, character-driven stories. Some tackle contemporary issues (“Reservation Dogs,” “The Morning Show”), while others explore history (“Shōgun,” “The Gilded Age”) or revel in escapist sci-fi (“Fallout,” “3 Body Problem”). And though a few beloved stalwarts are ending their runs, plenty of refreshing new projects have hit the small screen. Here’s our rundown of the shows that are nominated for outstanding drama, comedy, and limited or anthology series at the 2024 Emmy Awards.
Drama
“The Crown” (Netflix)
Over the course of six seasons, Peter Morgan’s sweeping depiction of the British monarchy covered six decades of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign. The show caught up with recent history on its final installment, which covered the late ’90s and early aughts. Supporting actress nominee Elizabeth Debicki has garnered attention for her sensitive, haunting portrayal
of Princess Diana in her last days. “The Crown” ended its run on a wistful note, bringing back past actors who have played the queen (Claire Foy, Olivia Colman) to offer wisdom to their older self, portrayed beautifully by lead actress nominee Imelda Staunton.
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“Fallout” (Prime Video)
The age of the prestige video game adaptation is officially underway thanks to HBO’s critically acclaimed “The Last of Us.” And now, Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner’s post-apocalyptic epic “Fallout,” which balances dark comedy, adventure, horror, and drama, has taken its place among the elite. Lead actor nominee Walton Goggins gives a standout performance as the gunslinging Ghoul, showcasing the actor’s charm and his ability to make even the most morally dubious characters likable. “Yellowjackets” alum Ella Purnell brings poignancy to the wide-eyed, well-meaning Lucy MacLean, who emerges from an insular underground community only to witness the toll nuclear war has taken on the world above.
“The Gilded Age” (HBO)
Old and new money continue to battle for supremacy on the second season of Julian Fellowes’ historical drama. Carrie Coon has earned a lead actress nomination for her turn as Bertha Russell, a nouveau riche doyenne fighting to make a name for herself among the upper classes. Christine Baranski landed a supporting actress nod for her performance as Agnes Van Rhijn, a staunch defender of the old-money set. The Emmys have also recognized the series’ costume and production design teams for their lavish recreations of 1880s New York.
Credit: Barbara Nitke/HBO
“The Morning Show” (Apple TV+)
Jay Carson and Kerry Ehrin’s newsroom drama has proven prescient in its depictions of workplace misconduct, accountability, and the lingering impact of COVID-19. Set at the fictional UBA network, “The Morning Show” stars Jennifer Aniston as news host Alex Levy and Reese Witherspoon as her former co-anchor Bradley Jackson. Jon Hamm brings his commanding presence to tech giant Paul Marks, who takes control of the flailing network. This year, the series earned a whopping 10 acting nods, including Aniston and Witherspoon for lead actress, plus Nicole Beharie, Greta Lee, Karen Pittman, and Holland Taylor for their supporting turns.
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (Prime Video)
Two-time Emmy winner Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane’s reimagining of Doug Liman’s 2005 film follows a pair of spies (Glover and Maya Erskine) posing as a married couple. The series’ story-of-the-week structure is a throwback to classic TV spy dramas, and the pair’s relationship deepens with each deadly mission. The show’s balance of smart writing and believable chemistry has earned nominations for its two leads; guest actors including John Turturro and Michaela Coel; and its writing and directing teams.
A Hiro’s Journey “Shōgun” (FX)
Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks’ fresh update of James Clavell’s 1975 novel brings historical accuracy to its depiction of 17th century Japan. The series chronicles the meeting of the powerful Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) and resourceful English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), and the subsequent power struggle that engulfs the region. The series earned 25 Emmy nominations—the most of any show this year—including a lead actress nod for Anna Sawai, whose intelligent portrayal of Lady Mariko adds a human touch to the grandiose story.
“Slow Horses” (Apple TV+)
This unique spy thriller follows a group of bottom-of-the-barrel MI5 operatives whose careers have stalled. Gary Oldman leads the complex ensemble as the arrogant, crude Jackson Lamb, a character who’s the very antithesis of the Oscar winner’s previous roles in the genre. The screen veteran earned a lead actor nod, while Jack Lowden picked up a supporting nomination for his portrayal of the ambitious River Cartwright. Season 3 marks the first time “Slow Horses” has been recognized by the Emmys; its heady blend of intellectual suspense and gripping action makes it a worthy addition.
“3 Body Problem” (Netflix)
Created by “Game of Thrones” scribes David Benioff and D.B. Weiss alongside Alexander Woo, this sci-fi odyssey blends history, hard science, fantasy, and philosophical themes to tell a gripping story about extraterrestrial contact. The series’ visual spectacle supports three-dimensional performances from Jovan Adepo, Jess Hong, and Eiza González as scientists tracking a disturbing trend. In addition to a best drama nod, “3 Body Problem” has earned nominations for cinematography and sound design.
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“Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
In the tradition of “The Office,” ABC’s mockumentary about an underfunded public school and its underappreciated teachers returns as strong as ever on Season 3. The long-percolating romantic tension between Janine Teagues (creator-star Quinta Brunson) and Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams) finally comes to a head, and insightful storylines comment on the state of the modern education system. This year, the show netted Emmy nominations in three acting categories, plus for its directing and writing.
Credit: Disney/Gilles Mingasson
“The Bear” (FX on Hulu)
Jeremy Allen White heads up this bittersweet dramedy as Carmy Berzatto, a chef trying to balance his professional and personal life as he and his business partner, Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri), race to open a new high-end restaurant. Both have earned nods in the leading category for their emotionally vulnerable turns. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Lionel Boyce, and Liza Cólon-Zayas are in the running in the supporting categories. Christopher Storer’s series is also being recognized for directing and writing.
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO)
After 12 seasons, lead actor nominee Larry David’s beloved, consistently hilarious sitcom ended on a satisfyingly inevitable note. In keeping with its patented mix of fact and fiction, the last episode of “Curb” plays like an extended meta reference to the controversial “Seinfeld” finale. Impressive cameos, sly commentary on contemporary events, sharp writing, and inspired improvisational performances will cement this misanthropic comedy as one of the all-time greats. That it stuck the landing is icing on the cake.
“Hacks” (Max)
The third season of Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky’s dry comedy continues to explore the complex dynamic between veteran standup Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and acerbic comedy writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder). This season, the pair work to secure Deborah a late-night hosting spot as the show further mines the complexities of their relationship. Smart and Einbinder both earned nods, as did Christopher Lloyd and Kaitlin Olson for guest roles; recognition is also going to the show’s directing and writing teams.
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John Hoffman and Steve Martin’s surprise hit continues to expand and evolve, carried by the nuanced chemistry of its central trio (Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez). Season 3 centers on a production of Oliver Putnam’s (Short) latest play and features Paul Rudd and Meryl Streep slyly playing against type as a pair of meddling, egotistical stage actors. The great Martin brings his signature physical comedy to the mix—a compelling contrast to Gomez’s droll, witty turn as Mabel Mora. All three earned leading noms, with Streep and Rudd netting nods in the supporting categories.
“Palm Royale” (Apple TV+)
Kristen Wiig tackles a meaty starring role on Abe Sylvia’s period comedy set in 1960s Palm Beach. She plays Maxine Simmons, a social climber trying to worm her way into the realm of the ultra-wealthy by any means necessary. The Emmys are honoring Wiig; comedy legend Carol Burnett for her supporting turn as queen bee Norma Dellacorte; and the production design, costuming, and hairstyling teams.
“Reservation Dogs” (FX)
Going out on a high note is the greatest challenge of telling a serialized story, and this chronicle of Indigenous teenagers’ lives on an Oklahoma reservation ranks among the best. The central question of the series has always been which of the titular teens would remain on the rez and which would break away. Besides introducing audiences to an ensemble of unforgettable characters, creators Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi explore the complexity of relationships within a larger community. D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai has made Emmys history this year as the first Indigenous person to be nominated for a leading role.
“What We Do in the Shadows” (FX)
This tale of Staten Island vampire roommates continues to be the Emmys’ most out-there fave. Creator Jemaine Clement expands the story’s lore on Season 5 and brings a long-running plot thread centered on the hapless, faithful Guillermo de la Cruz (Harvey Guillén) to a head. We also see guest appearances from comedy greats like Hannibal Buress and Patton Oswalt. Matt Berry has netted his first lead actor nod for his turn as lascivious bloodsucker Laszlo Cravensworth.
Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
“Baby Reindeer” (Netflix)
Creator-star Richard Gadd blends fact and fiction on this disturbing, semi-autobiographical drama. The story follows Donny Dunn, a comedian who’s stalked by Martha Scott (Jessica Gunning), a regular at the bar where he works. Along the way, Donny must confront his own trauma in order to advance his burgeoning comedy career. With raw honesty and grim humor, the story mines pathos from its complex characters—particularly the obsessive Martha, who swings wildly between chipper and threatening. The show has earned four acting nods, plus nominations for writing and directing.
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The latest season of Noah Hawley’s eclectic anthology series reworks elements of the Coen brothers’ Oscar-winning 1996 film, reimagining the housewife in peril as a force to be reckoned with. Juno Temple’s gritty but warm Dorothy Lyon is the perfect foil to Jon Hamm’s despicable Sheriff Roy Tillman. Both have received acting nominations, as well as Lamorne Morris for his supporting role and Hawley for writing and directing.
“Lessons in Chemistry” (Apple TV+)
Adapted from Bonnie Garmus’ bestselling 2022 novel, this 1960s-set drama follows Elizabeth Zott, a scientist who, sidelined in her field by institutionalized sexism and coping with personal tragedy, launches her own chemistry-focused cooking show. Oscar winner Brie Larson’s infectious charm, bolstered by a no-nonsense determination, carries the socially progressive story. Lee Eisenberg’s series has netted a lead actress nod for Larson, and Lewis Pullman and Aja Naomi King are nominated in the supporting categories.
Credit: Michael Becker
“Ripley” (Netflix)
This moody, atmospheric adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 psychological thriller “The Talented Mr. Ripley” leans heavily on its lush black-and-white visual style. Created and directed by Steven Zaillian, the series follows the sociopathic Tom Ripley as he indulges his dangerous obsession with building a better life. Lead actor nominee Andrew Scott plays the titular antihero with nuanced, coiled menace that masks his deep insecurity, while Robert Elswit’s gorgeous cinematography evokes classic Hollywood films. “Ripley” also netted a supporting actress nod for Dakota Fanning and writing and directing honors for Zaillian.
“True Detective: Night Country” (HBO)
Issa López takes the reins from original creator Nic Pizzolatto for the latest installment of this critically acclaimed anthology crime series. Each season has maintained the show’s eerie blend of horror and drama while tonally shifting based on the settings and characters. The fourth takes things in a refreshing direction by featuring female leads and leaning into supernatural undertones, as a pair of cops investigate a macabre crime at a remote Alaskan research station. Academy Award winner Jodie Foster got a lead actress nomination, alongside supporting nods for John Hawkes and Kali Reis. López is also being recognized for writing and directing.
This story originally appeared in the Aug. 15 issue of Backstage Magazine.