Yahoo News Emmys 2024: Outstanding Drama Series — Our Dream Nominees!
FX’s 11th hour decision to recategorize Shōgun as an ongoing series vs. a limited one has turned the Emmys’ somewhat sleepy Outstanding Drama Series race on its head.
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With perennial favorite Succession no longer in the running, the tepidly received final season of The Crown was poised to be the category’s quasi-frontrunner. But as evidenced by the latest kudos standings via TVLine’s sister site GoldDerby, the critically adored Shōgun is already gaining on Netflix’s royal juggernaut. And once balloting begins later this month, it will likely surpass it.
Neither series will be viewed as a Succession-type lock, however. And that’s good news for the dozens of dark horses gaining ground in the drama series conversation — several of which made TVLine’s coveted Dream Emmy cut.
Scroll down to check out all of our Dream Nominees (remember, these aren’t predictions; they’re wish lists) and then tell us if our picks warrant a “Hell, yes!,” “Um, no” or “How could you leave off such-and-such?!”
For the record, 2024 Emmy nominations will be voted on from June 13-24, and unveiled on July 17. The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony is scheduled to air on Sunday, Sept. 15, on ABC.
Dark Winds (AMC)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: AMC’s 1970s-set crime/mystery drama isn’t big, it isn’t splashy. It knows exactly what it is, yet exhibits an impressive efficiency in storytelling. Season 2 made the stakes for Joe Leaphorn painfully personal, as the Navajo lawman locked horns with two men who were directly involved in his son’s years-ago murder. Throw in compelling details about Navajo culture, a stunning Badlands backdrop, perfectly doled-out dashes of humor and a smidgen of romance, and you have one of TV’s most well-rounded dramas. — Matt Webb Mitovich
The Gilded Age (HBO)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: While remaining every bit the escapist treat fans had come to enjoy, HBO’s glitzy period drama also improved upon its first season by delving even deeper into the complexities of New York’s high society in the 1880s. Feuds, while still gloriously petty, were elevated; forbidden (often tragic) romances abounded; and well-crafted twists kept viewers on the edges of their seats. With stellar performances, gorgeous sets and stunning costumes — all from absolute masters of their craft — this was the opposite of a sophomore slump. — Andy Swift
The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: The drama, previously so dedicated to realistic portrayal that it wrapped Season 2 with an excruciating play-by-play of Jennifer Aniston’s Alex in the throes of COVID, shook off that mandate in Season 3 and was so much better because of it. It was as if the Powers That Be finally decided to bring the show in line with Cory Ellison’s monologues — a little goofy, kinda bombastic? — but kept its characters’ stakes high and extremely watchable. After Episode 1, we called the new season “big, bold and bats—t,” a summation we stood by right through to the finale. — Kimberly Roots
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: This cleverly conceived spy series starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine may have taken inspiration from the 2005 Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie movie, but it established a charming tone all its own, leaning heavily into the comedy side of the action-comedy genre. Glover and Erskine had impeccable comedic chemistry as two mismatched spies pretending to be in love before actually falling in love, and the briskly paced action scenes and an avalanche of fun guest stars added up to a mission we were happy to accept. — Dave Nemetz
Shōgun (FX)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: The epic scale of FX’s samurai saga was absolutely breathtaking, with exquisite period detail bringing feudal Japan to life. But even more impressive was the storytelling, with a fierce power struggle among Japanese lords that was packed with shocking twists and deeply felt humanity, backed by powerhouse performances from Anna Sawai, Hiroyuki Sanada and a majority Japanese cast. With complicated dynamics and lots of characters (and lots of subtitles), Shōgun asked for our patience — but it rewarded it, too. — D.N.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Paramount+)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: The sci-fi show’s sophomore run was an entertaining affair that elicited meaty performances from its charismatic ensemble. We’re still thinking about Rebecca Romijn’s powerful monologue during Una Chin-Riley’s thought-provoking ethics trial, as well as that charming musical episode which had us singing everyone’s praises. And let’s not forget the show’s bonkers crossover with the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks, which somehow did right by both series. Season 2 took huge creative swings that elevated the show to bold new heights and yet, still felt like the Star Trek we know and love. — Keisha Hatchett
The Way Home (Hallmark Channel)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: You might be wondering what the time-traveling Hallmark series is doing on this list, but we implore you to put aside your preconceived notions of the network’s programming. In its second season, The Way Home has quietly and confidently evolved into a gripping series that combines the kind of compelling, thoughtful family drama that is sorely missing from TV these days with thrilling, twisty storytelling. Anchored by strong performances from Andie MacDowell and Chyler Leigh, the series is equally adept at delivering emotional interpersonal moments as it is at leaving viewers’ jaws on the floor with time-travel mythology surprises. — Vlada Gelman
Will Trent (ABC)
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: The ABC hit didn’t just avoid the dreaded sophomore slump; it delivered one of the strongest second seasons of any broadcast network drama in recent memory. Buoyed by star Ramón Rodríguez, the procedural improved upon an already-stellar freshman run by spending more time with its supporting characters and letting its stacked ensemble shine. Special shoutouts go to Sonja Sohn (who stunned in a mid-season showcase that saw GBI Deputy Director Amanda Wagner reckon with her own attempted rape) and Erika Christensen (who was equally sublime as APD officer Angie Polaski faced the consequences of covering for troubled teen Crystal in the murder of Lenny Broussard). — Ryan Schwartz
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