The 76th annual Emmy Awards Ceremony is this September, and plenty of impressive and entertaining shows made the nominees list, including The Bear, Shōgun, Only Murders in the Building, and many more.
Below, we’ve listed ten of the nominated shows you should binge before the Emmys airs on ABC on September 15th from 5-8 pm PT/8-11 pm ET.
Shōgun is a captivating mini-series based on James Clavell’s novel. Set in the early 17th century, it chronicles the adventures of an English navigator, John Blackthorne, who washes ashore in Japan. Immersed in the exotic culture, Blackthorne navigates the complex political landscape, earning the respect and trust of powerful samurai, including Lord Toranaga. The series explores themes of cultural clash, honor, and survival, illuminating Japan’s feudal society through captivating storytelling and richly developed characters. Shōgun offers an intriguing blend of historical drama and adventure, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.
Watch now on FX and Hulu.
This Hulu masterpiece centers around Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, a young fine-dining chef who returns to Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop after a tragic loss. The show delves into Carmy’s struggle to balance his professional ambitions with the chaotic and dysfunctional environment of the shop. Alongside a diverse cast of kitchen staff, he strives to transform the struggling business while confronting personal challenges. The series offers a raw, heartfelt look into the pressures and camaraderie of the culinary industry.
Watch now on Hulu.
This limited season is the latest installment in the acclaimed anthology series, following detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro as they investigate the vanishing of six men from a remote Arctic research station. Set against Alaska’s stark, chilling landscape, the show delves into themes of suvival, isolation, and the psychological impact of darkness. As the detectives uncover hidden secrets and face personal demons, they navigate an intricate web of mystery and danger. Praised for its atmospheric storytelling and complex characters, Night Country continues the series’ tradition of dark, compelling crime drama.
Watch now on HBO and Max.
This Netflix series is a historical drama that narrates Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, starting from her early days as monarch following her marriage to Prince Philip. The show delves into significant political and personal challenges the Queen and her family faced, shedding light on relationships within the royal family and interactions with various Prime Ministers. It offers a dramatized portrayal of key events and figures that have shaped modern British history, providing viewers with a nuanced glimpse into the life and times of one of the world’s longest-serving monarchs.
Watch now on Netflix.
Only Murders in the Building is a comedic mystery series that follows three people—-Charles, Oliver, and Mabel—-who share an obsession with true crime. Living in the same upscale Manhattan apartment building, the trio finds themselves entwined in a murder mystery when a fellow resident is found dead. Believing it to be a homicide, they team up to uncover the truth while documenting their investigation in a true-crime podcast. With each episode, unexpected twists and dark secrets unfold, blending humor and suspense while exploring themes of friendship and trust.
Watch now on Hulu.
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary-style sitcom that follows the daily lives of teachers working in an underfunded public school in Philadelphia. Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, the show highlights the dedication and challenges faced by educators while incorporating humor and heartwarming moments. With a diverse and talented ensemble cast, including Tyler James Williams and Janelle James, Abbott Elementary emphasizes the importance of community and the impact committed teachers can have on their students’ lives. The series blends comedy with social commentary, providing a relatable and entertaining viewing experience.
Watch now on ABC Network.
The Morning Show is a gripping drama series that delves into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a popular morning news program. Following the sudden ousting of co-host Mitch Kessler amid a sexual misconduct scandal, veteran journalist Alex Levy must navigate the turbulent aftermath to maintain her position. Enter Bradley Jackson, a bold and unconventional reporter who is brought in as the new co-host. The show explores themes of power, ambition, and ethics in the cutthroat world of broadcast journalism, offering a compelling look at the personal and professional crises its characters face.
Watch now on Apple TV+.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith is a new TV show that reimagines the 2005 action-comedy film of the same name. The series follows the lives of a married couple who each discover that the other is a highly skilled secret agent working for rival organizations. As they navigate this explosive revelation, the couple’s relationship is tested by thrilling missions, unexpected alliances, and the constant danger of their double lives. Packed with action, intrigue, and dark humor, Mr. and Mrs. Smith delves into the complexities of marriage and espionage in a fresh and exciting way.
Watch now on Prime Video.
What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary-style series that follows the lives of four vampire roommates living in modern-day Staten Island. The series hilariously depicts their struggles to adapt to contemporary society while adhering to their ancient customs and traditions. The vampires and their loyal familiar Guillermo navigate mundane challenges such as paying rent and dealing with rival supernatural entities. The show’s witty humor and unique premise provide a fresh take on the vampire genre, combining supernatural elements with everyday situations to create consistently entertaining episodes.
Watch now on FX and Hulu.
3 Body Problem, a Netflix original, is a Chinese science fiction television show adapted from Liu Cixin’s renowned novel trilogy. The series follows the story of a secret military project that establishes first contact with an alien civilization facing extinction. As humanity grapples with this revelation, the narrative spans multiple timelines, uncovering the complex interactions between the human race and the extraterrestrial Trisolarans. Central themes include the impact of scientific discovery, ethical dilemmas, and the fragility of human civilization. The show intricately weaves together elements of suspense, philosophical pondering, and cosmic wonder.
Watch now on Netflix.
We can’t wait to see which of our favorite shows win an Emmy! Be sure to check out The Take’s article on the many other terrific shows nominated for an Emmy.