As the Emmy nominations draw closer, anticipation is mounting in the world of television. On the 12th of July, the prestigious Academy of Television Arts and Sciences will announce their annual selection of the most exceptional performances and productions gracing the small screen in the 2022-23 season.
History suggests that Emmy awards have a penchant for familiar faces. We can confidently predict that last season’s Drama and Comedy Series champions, “Succession” and “Ted Lasso,” will claim the spotlight once again. The nomination list will also likely include returning favorites such as “Abbott Elementary,” “Better Call Saul,” and “The White Lotus.”
However, the Emmy’s fondness for established shows often overshadows new and innovative content. To that end, here are four fresh and returning television series that merit Emmy recognition this year.
Andor – Categories: Drama Series, Lead Actor, Supporting Actor, Guest Actor
Despite the strong chances of “House of the Dragon” nabbing the coveted “blockbuster prestige TV” spot, “Andor” presents a far more compelling case. “Andor” is unquestionably one of the most distinct and inventive series to emerge from the Star Wars universe in recent memory. Its captivating pacing ensures a “twelve-hour movie” season that never loses momentum.
By delving into the grittier, morally complex aspects of the Star Wars universe, showrunner Tony Gilroy and his team cleverly dissect the political machinations fuelling the rise of the Rebel Alliance. This narrative framework propels the eponymous Andor from a self-centered smuggler to a hero championing a cause.
In an ideal world, “Andor” would effortlessly earn a nomination for Drama Series. Diego Luna’s masterful portrayal of his character’s journey from survivalist to hero deserves recognition. Stellan Skarsgard humanizes the Rebel Alliance as leader Luthen Rael, effectively capturing Rael’s readiness to make tough decisions to secure victory. A nomination list for the Guest Actor category would be incomplete without mentioning Andy Serkis, who left a lasting impression with his role in a crucial late-season storyline.
Reservation Dogs – Categories: Comedy Series, All Acting Categories
“Reservation Dogs,” an insightful and hilariously heartwarming slice-of-life series, was notably snubbed at last year’s Emmys. Its debut season garnered no nominations, despite stellar writing, directing, and a flawless ensemble cast. The series’ sophomore season, which surpassed its debut, is eligible this year. Emmy has the opportunity to rectify last year’s oversight.
The show’s young actors, Devery Jacobs, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Lane Factor, and Paulina Alexis, deserve nominations for their sterling performances. The “Rez Dogs” confront fresh challenges to their friendship, the burdens of looming adulthood, and the enduring sorrow over their friend Daniel’s suicide. These narratives were navigated with skillful subtlety by the ensemble cast.
Lane Factor’s heartbreaking performance, when his laid-back character Cheese is mistakenly sent to a group home, deserves particular acclaim. Equally notable is Paulina Alexis’s portrayal of tomboy Willie Jack, who continues to grapple with her cousin Daniel’s death. The Emmy’s should acknowledge the remarkable growth and talent displayed by all four actors this season.
Mrs. Davis – Categories: Limited Series, Lead Actress
In 2023, “Mrs. Davis,” a unique, thought-provoking, and captivating series, sadly flew under the radar. The innovative brains behind “The Big Bang Theory” and “Lost,” Tara Hernandez and Damon Lindelof, created the show. It centers around a nun trapped in the midst of a conflict between artificial intelligence and the rebels opposing it – a premise as enthralling as it sounds.
Throughout its eight-episode run, the series flirts with the edge of self-parody, as it blends comical slapstick with deep existential musings about humanity. Despite its seemingly precarious balance, it remains engaging, funny, and intriguing, concluding with unexpected profundity.
“Mrs. Davis” deserves recognition in the Limited Series category for its sheer ambition. Leading actress Betty Gilpin is critical to its success, playing out the series’ absurdities with a straight face and providing the emotional anchor the series needs. She is also deserving of a nomination.
Shrinking – Categories: Comedy Series, Lead Actor, Supporting Actor
With the critical and audience adulation “Ted Lasso” has garnered over its last two seasons, it is likely to be a strong contender again, despite a somewhat mixed reception for its third and possibly final season. However, the new dramedy “Shrinking,” crafted by Ted Lasso creators Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein, arguably deserves more attention.
“Shrinking” centers around Jimmy (Jason Segel), a therapist spiraling downwards following his wife’s death, who decides to adopt the role of a “psychological vigilante.” Like “Ted Lasso,” it effectively blends pathos with mild humor, and it earns kudos for pulling it off against a far darker emotional backdrop.
While “Shrinking” deserves to be recognized in the Comedy Series category, its strength lies in its performances. Jason Segel is the perfect fit for the role of Jimmy, skillfully balancing the series’ mix of sadness and humor. However, the real standout is Harrison Ford, who plays Jimmy’s mentor therapist suffering from Parkinson’s. His hilarious performance, a surprising but welcome return to stretching his acting chops in his twilight years, is Emmy-worthy.
As the world of television eagerly anticipates the forthcoming Emmy nominations, we can only hope that these deserving productions receive the recognition they merit.
