The Emmys are often slower to pick up to new shows than other awards, however this year there are a few that may make it into the race. Here are five new shows that could break into the Emmy race this year.
Also, check out our early Emmy predictions for Outstanding Comedy and Drama Series!
Mozart In the Jungle
Mozart in the Jungle pulled off two wins at the Golden Globes earlier this year, which proves that Amazon’s other comedy “Transparent” wasn’t just a one off. The online streaming service is making a strong play for the awards races and “Mozart in the Jungle” seems to be their next big contender. The Golden Globes have been pretty consistent in predicting a nomination for a show on the comedy side. Winners of Best TV Series, Musical or Comedy tend to go on to receive at least a nomination. Still, they might have a hard time in the series race because of the strength of the comedy field this year. However, they could possibly pull off a nomination for Lead Actor for Globe winner Gael García Bernal if perennial nominee Don Cheadle drops off like Jim Parsons did last year.
Master of None
Aziz Ansari’s Netflix comedy “Master of None” made a huge splash with audiences and critics to become one of the best new series of the year. It won the award for Best Comedy Series at the Critics’ Choice Awards, which is not a prerequisite, but it certainly helps. However, the biggest plus for it is the fact that Netflix will be pushing the show extremely hard. Plus, its popularity has been slow, but building.
Aziz Ansari has a great chance of reaping both writing and Lead Actor nominations. The show itself is a strong contender for Best Comedy Series despite the crowded Comedy field this year. It’s going to surprisingly be one of the less divisive new shows that are in contention this year. As for other categories, I could see a directing nomination if the show really catches on with voters as well as a well-deserved Nöel Wells.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Another network that has been having some surprising recent success is the CW, mostly because they’ve become extremely brave in their programming. Last year, Gina Rodriguez (“Jane the Virgin”) pulled off a win at the Globes, but failed to repeat her success at the Emmys. This year, Rachel Bloom won Best Actress at the Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards. While that doesn’t guarentee her a nomination (see: Gina Rodriguez), “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” is a far more accessible show that Jane the Virgin and has similar acclaim.
Rachel Bloom has a great chance of showing up in Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and the show is definitely in the running for a writing or directing nom. However, an Outstanding Comedy Series nomination is going to be more difficult to come by with the crowded field. The show should also do well in the below the line categories like Outstanding Music and Lyrics, Choreography, and Sound Mixing.
Narcos
Since “House of Cards,” Netflix hasn’t been able to get another one of its drama series into the race. While “Bloodline” received two acting nominations, that’s really been the extent of their Emmy success. “Narcos” has similar reviews to the first season of “House of Cards” and has also had a slow and steady building of buzz. While it doesn’t have the strong names behind it like “House of Cards,” it’s a sweeping series that comes at a time where the cartel has become a common interest in books and movies.
It’s going to have a tougher time than “Mr. Robot” to break into the Drama Series race, but Wagner Moura, who plays Pablo Escobar, could make it into the weaker Lead Actor race.
Mr. Robot
The most likely show to break into the drama categories is USA’s “Mr. Robot.” The show has garnered huge acclaim and has already won at the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice, and reaped a SAG nomination for Rami Malek. While USA has yet to really break into the Emmy race, “Mr. Robot” feels like the kind of drama that the Emmys can actually latch onto.
The series is an extremely strong contender for Drama Series, Writing, Directing, Lead Actor for Rami Malek, and Supporting Actor for Christian Slater. It can even make a strong showing in the Creative awards, particularly Cinematography and Editing. It could be among the nomination leaders for a new show similarly to the way “Transparent” was last year.
Hey, I'm Karl, founder and film critic at Smash Cut. I started Smash Cut in 2014 to share my love of movies and give a perspective I haven't yet seen represented. I'm also an editor at The New York Times, a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, and a member of the Online Film Critics Society.