Emmy Voters, It’s Not Too Late to Watch These Outstanding Series

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Is it apparent to you that there’s a shift in the wind? That suggests we’ve arrived at the conclusion of the 2024-25 television season, as the qualification period for the Primetime Emmys comes to an end on May 31st. The members of the Academy won’t commence voting for nominations until June 12th, leaving approximately two weeks for voters to catch up on shows they might have missed but that are equally worthy of recognition alongside established winners such as Hacks and The White Lotus.

What’s the significance here? Let me clarify for a moment: For awards shows to become better, it would be beneficial if the award voters broadened their viewing experiences by watching more content.

Despite all the criticisms about awards ceremonies – they’re too lengthy, self-absorbed, and sometimes hosted by less favorite personalities – it mainly comes down to frustration that one’s preferred shows aren’t winning or even being recognized. From “The Wire” to “Buffy” to “Industry,” I wish the Emmys had as refined a palate for television as mine! The most grating aspect of the Emmys, though, is their tendency to stick to old patterns. The same shows keep getting nominated year after year, creating a sort of self-perpetuating system that leaves little room for newcomers. This isn’t due to any conspiracy, but rather because TV watching is about loyalty and scheduling – you watch what you’re used to, and new seasons are released around the same time each year. Unlike the Oscars where fresh movies are presented every year, encouraging Emmy voters to explore lesser-known or newer shows seems like a potential solution to the repetitive problem. It seems plausible that this could be achieved if only voters would broaden their viewing horizons!

I’m committed to contributing to the change I aspire for in the world, and here are some TV series that could be appealing to Emmy voters, catering to their current preferences. Give them a try!

If you’ve spent the last month obsessed with the comedy of Hacks and the drama of Andor …

Discussing programs that explore how mentorship in a professional setting can sometimes be harmful, or series that exceed the boundaries of intellectual property they’ve been given.

We’re discussing shows that examine when mentorship can do more harm than good at work, and also shows that go beyond what they’re allowed to use under copyright laws.

Is it unusual to combine seemingly unrelated concepts such as “explores toxic mentorship” and “is derived from existing intellectual property” in order to suggest a title? Absolutely! However, that’s exactly the approach taken with both AMC’s Interview with the Vampire and Disney+’s less remembered series, The Acolyte.

In the first season, Louis de Pointe du Lac grappled intensely (and often metaphorically) with his creator Lestat. However, the second season expands this theme by exploring various aspects: Is Louis a nurturing figure for Claudia? What power dynamics exist between Louis and Armand? To fully appreciate this, you’ll need to catch up on the first season by June 12th. But in return, you’ll be rewarded with the dark and passionate romance set in Paris during season two, as well as its vivid violence. As Roxana Hadadi from Vulture puts it, if Emmy voters recognized excellence in horror or fantasy not airing on HBO, AMC’s adaptation of Anne Rice’s novels about Louis and Lestat would undoubtedly excel across the board: acting, writing, direction – you name it. Until then, it remains a cherished secret among its devoted fans who truly value and appreciate it.

In simpler terms, “The Acolyte” series challenges the traditional Jedi teaching methods, much like we question the education versus indoctrination in our own organized religions. While it may not reach the heights of the transcendent “Andor”, if you enjoyed the independent and non-fan service elements of “Andor”, then “The Acolyte” could be for you. It’s set a century before “The Phantom Menace”, portraying the Jedi as a fallible order. Additionally, Manny Jacinto plays an extremely intriguing villain in this series. Despite Disney seemingly abandoning the show, it’s worth giving a try.

Discussing series that ranked high on Vulture’s top TV shows of 2024, it’s worth noting that the third season of Industry serves as an excellent continuation following the season of Hacks. Both series share a theme where mentorship, which often has a transactional aspect, can result in betrayal and emotional turmoil. Interestingly, both shows also feature characters who use their individual identity, including queerness, as a strategic tool to undermine their competitors.

If you’ve spent three years voting for Abbott Elementary and/or are planning to cast votes this year for The Pitt …

It seems you’re drawn to series that are reminiscent of network programs, which pack a powerful punch despite their status, providing a platform for actors previously known from extended TV series to shine, and stories based in the state of Pennsylvania. Here’s a suggestion:

Perhaps I can suggest shows that have a network-like quality, where they deliver beyond expectations by featuring supporting actors from long-running television programs who finally get their moment to shine, and narratives set within the borders of Pennsylvania.

St. Denis Medical: Justin Spitzer, creator of NBC’s popular shows like Superstore and American Auto, brings us a new sitcom with a mockumentary style, albeit a bit dated. The show humorously portrays the struggles of a dedicated team navigating a challenging work environment filled with financial difficulties, inept management, and an occasionally cantankerous public. In essence, it’s a great pairing with Abbott. It could also be seen as a distorted reflection of The Pitt. Here, you’ll find a dedicated head nurse keeping everything afloat, a surgeon with an inflated ego, and a young intern fresh from rural life. However, it’s all presented in a humorous light. David Alan Grier, who has won awards at the Tonys and Venice International Film Festival, is yet to receive an Emmy nomination. It’s high time that changed!

Deli Boys: Contrary to its title, the comedy series created by Abdullah Saeed, set in Philadelphia, is heavier on plot development rather than the typical office sitcom structure you might expect. It’s safe to say there’s a lot more cocaine smuggling going on here compared to what happens at Abbott, undoubtedly.

Kaitlin Olson recently appeared on the show “Abbott” alongside her fellow cast members from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”. This year, Olson has also been nominated for an Emmy twice in the Guest Actress category for her role as DJ Vance on “Hacks”. If you enjoyed her performances in either of these roles, I highly recommend checking out her new ABC crime dramedy, titled “High Potential”. This series boasts one of TV’s best loglines: Olson portrays a high-IQ single mother and cleaner who assists the LAPD in solving crimes.

If you’re voting for Only Murders in the Building or The Bear for how they successfully blend comedy with other genres like murder-mystery or … you know, drama:

Over the past two decades, various award-winning shows such as single-camera mockumentaries, tragicomedies, wry confessional British indies, queer Canadian comfort series, and Ted Lasso have demonstrated that a comedy series can encompass a wide range of themes! Shows like Only Murders in the Building and The Bear appear to embrace the concept that humor can be layered, whether through a long-running mystery or an exploration of a character’s journey following a family tragedy and the restaurant industry.

In an interesting blend, shows like “Only Murders in the Building” and “Poker Face” demonstrate that combining comedy with crime can be effectively done. This is why you might want to explore Netflix’s “The Residence”, a series that unraveled a murder mystery within the White House over eight episodes, featuring three-time Emmy winner Uzo Aduba as the bird-watching detective. I found that “Only Murders” seemed somewhat slow during its bicoastal fourth season, whereas “The Residence” moved at a faster pace (and let’s be honest, was funnier) as it swiftly narrowed down its list of suspects.

Peacock’s canceled series “Laid” follows a mystery surrounding a string of deaths involving the exes of Stephanie Hsu’s character. Unlike shows like “Only Murders,” it bears more resemblance to productions such as “The Flight Attendant” or “Search Party.” It has a darker comedic tone and complex characters, but at eight half-hour episodes, it moves quickly.

You wonder about shows that spark heated debates over their genre, especially those with a zoo-themed title. Look no further than Apple TV+’s “Bad Monkey,” inspired by Carl Hiaasen’s 2013 crime novel and crafted by Bill Lawrence, the genius behind “Shrinking” and “Ted Lasso.” This series perfectly bridges the gap between the quirky charm of a “Palm Royale” and the raw intensity of a “Claws.” If you’re intrigued by a romantic storyline involving Vince Vaughn and Michelle Monaghan that seamlessly blends elements from the first two seasons of “True Detective,” then this show is worth your attention.

If you find humor in The Bear’s tense atmosphere, then you should also appreciate the tender, bittersweet, and hopeful final season of Somebody Somewhere. Bridget Everett’s character, Sam, may not fully learn how to reconcile happiness with avoiding future heartbreak, but the show creates a charming network of understanding companions around her. A series that provides such soul-soothing comfort should be considered for every Emmy nomination.

If Adolescence is running away with your votes in the Limited Series category …

I’d like to emphasize a bit more on FX’s series “Say Nothing”, which should be equally recognized on this year’s Emmy ballot. This show, set amidst the turmoil of occupied territory, offers a captivating coming-of-age story about two Northern Irish girls navigating their lives within the militant activities of the IRA during The Troubles. It’s as enlightening as “Andor”, and manages to juggle complex themes like truth, violence, and solidarity all at once, making it a thought-provoking watch.

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2025-05-31 18:54