The Emmy nominations have just been revealed, giving you two months to catch up on some of the year’s most acclaimed shows. While some binges may take longer than others, the list below can help you decide what to watch and estimate how much time you’ll need to catch up. For those seeking a diverse selection, HBO Max leads with the most nominated shows this year. Comedian Nate Bargatze is set to host the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
“Severance” (27 Emmy nominations): Available on Apple TV+
In “Severance,” Adam Scott’s character Mark works for a corporation that inserts a chip in employees’ brains, erasing their outside lives during work hours. Mark’s perspective shifts when he encounters a colleague who remembers him outside of work. The show has captivated fans who dissect scenes and unravel its mysteries.
– Seasons: 2
– Total episodes: 19
– Season 2 episodes: 10
– Season 2 binge time: 8 hours, 29 minutes
– Total binge time: 15 hours, 29 minutes
“The Studio” (23 Emmy nominations): Available on Apple TV+
Cinephile Matt Remick (Seth Rogen) lands his dream role as head of a fictional Hollywood studio. Balancing artistry with market demands proves more challenging than expected. Reminiscent of shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Entourage,” “The Studio” features cameos from industry heavyweights.
– Episodes: 10
– Total binge time: 5 hours, 15 minutes
“The White Lotus” (23 Emmy nominations): Available on HBO Max
This dark comedy anthology explores the dynamics between affluent guests and staff at a luxurious resort, with the latest season set in Thailand. Themes of wealth, power, and morality pervade the series, accentuated by murder mystery elements across its seasons.
– Seasons: 3
– Total episodes: 21
– Season 3 episodes: 8
– Season 3 binge time: 8 hours, 36 minutes
– Total binge time: 21 hours, 55 minutes
“The Last of Us” (16 Emmy nominations): Available on HBO Max
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, “The Last of Us” follows Joel (Pedro Pascal) as he escorts Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across a pandemic-ravaged U.S. Ellie may hold the key to a crucial vaccine.
– Seasons: 2
– Total episodes: 16
– Season 2 episodes: 7
– Season 2 binge time: 6 hours, 21 minutes
– Total binge time: 15 hours, 7 minutes
“Andor” (14 Emmy nominations): Available on Disney+
Diego Luna portrays Rebel spy Cassian Andor’s struggle against the Galactic Empire, leading up to “Rogue One: A
In “Hacks,” Smart and Einbinder play rival comedians who also serve as inspiration for each other. Smart has won the lead actress Emmy for the first three seasons, while Einbinder has received supporting actress nominations. The fourth season premiered in April, with a total of 37 episodes across all seasons.
“Adolescence” follows the story of thirteen-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested for a schoolmate’s death. Each episode was shot in one continuous take, showcasing the family’s struggles and the investigation process. The series has received 13 Emmy nominations and is available on Netflix.
In “The Pitt,” Noah Wyle returns to the ER environment as Dr. Robby at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital. The show explores the challenges faced by an emergency room physician through 15 episodes, shedding light on issues within the American healthcare system. The series is available on HBO Max.
“The Bear” follows an acclaimed chef’s journey to transform his family’s sandwich shop into a fine-dining establishment in Chicago. The show has garnered critical acclaim and has been a platform for rising stars in the industry. Nominations have been received for its third season, available on Hulu.
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” is a true-crime series that delves into the infamous case of the Menendez brothers, who murdered their parents in 1989. The limited series presents multiple perspectives on the case and introduces new talents in the roles of Lyle and Erik. The show is streaming on Netflix.
“Dying for Sex” is a limited series on FX, adapted from a popular podcast, that follows Molly’s journey after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The show focuses on the love story between Molly and her best friend Nikki, who becomes her caregiver. The series is available on Hulu and features strong performances by Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate.
“Blding” (7 Emmy nominations): Available for streaming on Hulu, “Blding” stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as residents of a Manhattan apartment building who launch a true-crime podcast following a murder on the premises. The series spans 4 seasons with a total of 40 episodes, and Season 4 can be binged in 5 hours and 27 minutes, contributing to an overall binge time of 22 hours and 46 minutes.
“Shrinking” (7 Emmy nominations): Now streaming on Apple TV+, “Shrinking” follows a widowed therapist, played by Jason Segel, as he navigates single life and parenting a teenager with the help of friends, neighbors, and unconventional therapy methods. Featuring a stellar cast including Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, and more, the show was created by Segel, Bill Lawrence, and Brett Goldstein. The series has 2 seasons totaling 22 episodes, with Season 2 offering a binge time of 7 hours and 13 minutes, and a total binge time of 12 hours and 35 minutes.
“What We Do in the Shadows” (6 Emmy nominations): Available for streaming on Hulu, this mockumentary-style series follows four vampires cohabiting on Staten Island. The show, inspired by the film of the same name by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, introduces a new vampire housemate in Season 6. With 6 seasons and 61 episodes in total, Season 6 can be binged in 4 hours and 50 minutes, for a cumulative binge time of 24 hours and 42 minutes.
“Abbott Elementary” (6 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Hulu, “Abbott Elementary” offers a glimpse into the lives of the staff at a Philadelphia elementary school through a documentary lens. Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, the series delves into the challenges and joys of working in education. The show has 4 seasons with a total of 71 episodes, and Season 4 provides a binge time of 7 hours and 42 minutes, leading to a total binge time of 24 hours and 51 minutes.
“Slow Horses” (5 Emmy nominations): Available on Apple TV+, this British spy series stars Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb, an unconventional MI5 agent overseeing a group of spies known as “slow horses.” Based on Mick Herron’s “Slough House” novels, the show garnered Emmy attention in its third season and boasts a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With 4 seasons and 24 episodes in total, Season 4 can be binged in 4 hours and 34 minutes, resulting in a total binge time of 18 hours and 25 minutes.
“Paradise” (4 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Hulu, “Paradise” features Sterling K. Brown as a Secret Service agent protecting the president, played by James Marsden, in a
In this TV adaptation of the Scott Turow novel, Gyllenhaal portrays Chicago prosecutor Rusty Sabich, who is accused of murdering his colleague, leading to a fracture in the district attorney’s office. Sarsgaard stars as attorney Tommy Molto, another coworker determined to prove Sabich’s guilt. As Sabich’s marriage to Barbara (Ruth Negga) crumbles under the weight of the accusation, tensions rise over the possibility of his guilt.
“The Residence” (4 Emmy nominations): Available on Netflix, features Uzo Aduba as a quirky detective investigating a murder at the White House. The series includes familiar faces like Ken Marino, Randall Park, Susan Kelechi Watson, and others. Notable recurring appearances by Jane Curtin, Kylie Minogue, and Al Franken.
“Nobody Wants This” (3 Emmy nominations): Stream on Netflix, starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell as a young rabbi and a podcaster with contrasting beliefs who navigate a blossoming relationship. As they confront personal baggage and societal expectations, smooth sailing seems unlikely.
“Disclaimer” (2 Emmy nominations): Available on Apple TV+, follows a documentary filmmaker (Cate Blanchett) presented with a novel mirroring a long-hidden secret. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, the series features a star-studded cast including Kevin Kline, Sacha Baron Cohen, and more.
“The Diplomat” (2 Emmy nominations): Streaming on Netflix, stars Keri Russell as Kate, a diplomat balancing international relations and personal struggles. Her rocky marriage to Hal (Rufus Sewell) adds to the challenges of her role as the U.S. ambassador to England.
“Poker Face” (2 Emmy nominations): Available on Peacock, Natasha Lyonne leads as a woman with a unique ability to uncover lies entangled in murder mysteries. Guest appearances by Adrien Brody, Cynthia Erivo, and others bring intrigue to the show’s format crafted by Rian Johnson.
“Somebody Somewhere” (2 Emmy nominations): Stream on Max, featuring Bridget Everett as Sam, a middle-aged woman navigating grief and isolation in Manhattan, Kansas. Her world brightens as she forms a bond with Joel (Jeff Hiller).
A kind-hearted, religious man who is openly gay enjoys sharing laughter with Sam and embraces her for who she truly is. Joel extends an invitation for Sam to join his gay choir, where she finally discovers the acceptance and community she had been seeking.
Show: “Matlock” (1 Emmy nomination)
Available on: Paramount+
Synopsis: Kathy Bates takes on the role of Madeline Kingston, a wealthy attorney who re-enters the legal world disguised as Mattie Matlock. Claiming financial need as her motive, Mattie’s real agenda is seeking revenge against her former law firm.
Episodes: 19
Total binge time: 13 hours, 9 minutes
Show: “Dope Thief” (1 Emmy nomination)
Available on: Apple TV+
Synopsis: Longtime buddies, played by Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura, pretend to be DEA agents, staging fake drug busts and committing theft. However, their scheme takes a dangerous turn when they target the wrong individuals.
Episodes: 8
Total binge time: 6 hours, 26 minutes
Show: “The Four Seasons” (1 Emmy nomination)
Available on: Netflix
Synopsis: Three close-knit middle-aged couples, who have been lifelong friends, gather four times a year for vacations. The group dynamics are tested when one couple goes through a divorce. Co-created by Tina Fey, the series features a star-studded cast including Fey, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, and Will Forte.
Episodes: 8
Total binge time: 4 hours, 13 minutes
Show: “The Handmaid’s Tale” (1 Emmy nomination)
Available on: Hulu
Synopsis: Adapted from Margaret Atwood’s novel, the series portrays a dystopian world where a patriarchal dictatorship named The Republic of Gilead has seized power in the U.S. In this society plagued by infertility, fertile women are reduced to handmaids, serving as surrogate mothers for the elite. Elisabeth Moss stars as June, a brave handmaid who defies the regime to reunite with her loved ones. A sequel based on Atwood’s “The Testaments” is currently in development.
Seasons: 6
Total episodes: 66
Season 6 episodes: 10
Season 6 binge time: 7 hours, 49 minutes
Total binge time: 56 hours, 21 minutes
