12 Series That Could Shake Up the Emmys

Photo Source: Emily V. Aragones/Ed Miller/Netflix/JoJo Whilden/Prime Video

We no longer have the Roys of “Succession,” the titular trickster of “Better Call Saul,” or “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” holding court at the Primetime Emmy Awards; so it’s time for some new blood. Despite a delayed start to many productions due to the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes, there’s a surprisingly high quotient of fresh contenders. Here’s a deep dive into 12 shows looking to break into the Emmy party this season.

“3 Body Problem” (Netflix)

David Benioff and D.B. Weiss’ long-awaited follow-up to “Game of Thrones,” which they co-created with Alexander Woo, didn’t quite create a Westeros-level wow factor. But the fact that Netflix greenlit two more seasons is a good sign for the show and its awards hopes. The science fiction genre is sometimes a hurdle for Emmy voters—and this was a TV season full of it—but the show’s notable pedigree, high-level production values, and always-popular alien-invasion theme will help immensely.

“Baby Reindeer” (Netflix)

Creator and lead actor Richard Gadd’s harrowing, darkly funny, semi-autobiographical look at a budding standup and his stalker (Jessica Gunning) is definitely the most-discussed entry of the 2023–24 TV season. Based on his one-man play of the same name, “Baby Reindeer” is sure to make a respectable showing given the social-media-worthy, did-that-just-happen moments that have kept it a talking point leading up to nomination time.

“The Curse” (Showtime)

Magnificently unclassifiable (though the Emmy committee has deemed it a drama) and awfully hard to shake once you’ve absorbed its freaky-funny vibe, this oddity from Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie was certainly one of the most original new works of the season, riding the wave of star Emma Stone’s “Poor Things” Oscar win. She’s just as riveting here, working beautifully with Fielder and Safdie’s style and  helping to set the show’s uniquely unsettling timbre. Who knew that an HGTV parody could go hand-in-hand with such horror?

“Fallout” (Prime Video)

Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner’s post-apocalyptic video-game adaptation pressed all the right buttons with viewers; Amazon has already ordered a second season. Here’s hoping that ace veteran Walton Goggins scores a nomination for his turn as Cooper Howard, aka the Ghoul. If Prime Video’s similarly fantastical series “The Boys” found its way into the drama series category, there’s no reason “Fallout” can’t.

“The Gentlemen” (Netflix)

Guy Ritchie’s jaunty adaptation of his 2019 action flick seems like an unlikely frontrunner for award recognition, given that Ritchie has never broken into any Emmy or Oscar race. Though his macho style isn’t for everyone, audiences and critics alike responded favorably to “The Gentlemen.” And leading man Theo James is riding high these days thanks to his portrayal of the aristocratic Eddie Horniman—not to mention his recent role on the sophomore season of HBO’s “The White Lotus.” That “The Gentlemen” has been submitted as a comedy series could give it a nice boost.

“The Gilded Age” (HBO)

Perhaps the victim of too much Peak TV when its inaugural season debuted in 2022, Julian Fellowes’ high-society drama could be a contender this year now that “Better Call Saul” and “Succession” are no longer obstacles. Its impressive actors—including Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Cynthia Nixon, Nathan Lane, and Christine Baranski—could find themselves in fierce competition, much like their characters in this 1880s-set New York battle of the elites.

“Girls5eva” (Netflix)

OK, so Meredith Scardino’s quotable girl-group comedy is far from new (it premiered in 2021)—but a move from Peacock to Netflix might boost its visibility this season. And yes, though Season 1 was nominated for outstanding writing, “Girls5eva” hasn’t been recognized since—not even in the music or choreography categories. Come on, Emmys! It’s very possible that Season 3, with its genius “Spaghetti for Her” moment, could do the trick. Hopefully the show won’t get a—in the words of one famous Girls5eva song—“See You Never.”

“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (Prime Video)

Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane’s spy comedy experienced a major hiccup early on: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who was originally slated to play the female lead, left the project due to creative differences. Nonetheless, this adaptation of the 2005 Brad Pitt–Angelina Jolie blockbuster proved well worth the wait, possibly even improving upon its source material. Glover and Maya Erskine make a scorching duo, and it’s hard to imagine that Emmy nominators won’t want to honor this wild ride.

“Palm Royale” (Apple TV+)

The critical response to this Abe Sylvia show has been muted. But it’s awfully difficult to picture a universe in which a series starring the likes of Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, Josh Lucas, Laura Dern, Ricky Martin, and Carol Burnett wouldn’t find favor with the Academy. Even if voters aren’t fans of Lilly Pulitzer prints and country club ridiculousness, comedy series with considerably less-stellar lineages have gotten in with a lot less effort.

“Ripley” (Netflix)

Andrew Scott was sadly passed over for an Oscar nomination this year for his leading turn in Andrew Haigh’s “All of Us Strangers”; but signs point to a wrong being righted thanks to his tremendous take on Patricia Highsmith’s ever-resourceful conman. This Steven Zaillian project is a limited series in name, but it leaves room for more installments, much like the book series it’s based on. And considering it’s also one of the most rapturous-looking television shows of all time (that black and white cinematography…bellissimo!), “Ripley” should get a shot at
top honors. 

“Shōgun” (FX)

Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks’ Japanese historical drama is here to slay—especially after the supposedly limited series got an order for two more seasons in May. Now that it’s shifted to the drama series category, “Shōgun” has sprinted to the top of prognosticators’ lists. It could even be a spoiler to take the top prize—that is, unless the final go-round of Netflix’s “The Crown” proves to be the ultimate coronation for Queen Elizabeth II and her court. 

“Slow Horses” (Apple TV+)

Three seasons in, “Slow Horses” is one of Apple TV+’s most beloved shows; yet it’s never once earned an Emmy nomination. But the momentum of Morwenna Banks, Will Smith, Jonny Stockwood, and Mark Denton’s series has only built and built, and Oscar winner Gary Oldman’s disheveled spymaster has only become more beloved. The third time might be the charm for this smart espionage series.

This story originally appeared in the June 20 issue of Backstage Magazine.