We live in an era that could be defined as “Golden Age of TV.” On any given day (or night or weekend), there are more interesting shows to choose from on the small screen than interesting movies to see in your local plexes–particularly in the summer.
Drama Series
This is an extremely competitive category, with several excellent shows, some running for many seasons.
Of the 8 nominated series, only one or two are created/produced/written by the main networks (I don’t count HBO as mainstream), and NBC’s This Is Us doesn’t strike me as a particularly strong contender.
The two frontrunners in this category are Game of Thrones (HBO) and
Killing Eve (BBC America), though high quality aside, these series are based on different histories and resonate with viewers in various ways.
Game of Thrones (HBO)
Killing Eve (BBC America)
Succession (HBO)
Pose (FX)
Ozark (Netflix)
This Is Us (NBC)
Better Call Saul (AMC)
Bodyguard (Netflix)
Of all the nominated drama shows, I am less familiar with Succession, the series which is up for five Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series.
The acclaimed executive producers include Will Ferrell, Adam McKay
Ilene S. Landress, Kevin Messick, and Frank Rich
Created by Jesse Armstrong, the satirical comedy-drama premiered on June 3, 2018, on HBO. The series centers on a fictional dysfunctional (what else?) family–the Roys–owners of global media empire who are fighting for control of the company, when the health of the family’s patriarch, Logan Roy, seems uncertain.
The show boast a large ensemble, headed by Hiam Abbass, Nicholas Braun, Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin, Peter Friedman, Natalie Gold, Matthew Macfadyen, Alan Ruck, Parker Sawyers, Sarah Snook, Jeremy Strong.
The series had been renewed for a second season, which premiered on August 11, 2019, and for a third season.
Succession has already won the British Academy Television Award for Best International Program and Culkin received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.