THE SHOWS YOU NEED TO WATCH BEFORE THE AWARDS

NOW'S THE TIME TO BINGE THESE UNDER-THE-RADAR SERIES, WHICH ARE ALL EMMY-NOMINATED THIS YEAR

There’s nothing worse than watching a big TV awards show and not knowing any of the series nominated. But there is still time to familiarise yourself with some of the shows vying for major awards at the Emmys on Sep. 17. Besides highprofile dramas The Handmaid’s Tale and Game of Thrones (up for eight and seven awards respectively), there are quite a few nominated series that don’t get as much attention and may not have made it onto your viewing schedule. So cancel all plans and get binge-watching!

ATLANTA

Defying categorisation, the brainchild of Donald Glover was one of TV’S most inventive shows in its second season, experimenting with genre unlike anything else. At its core, it follows the rise of hip-hop artist Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry) and his manager, Earn (Glover) – both nominated – but it has transcended its premise to become much more. Seasons 1 and 2 on SBS On Demand.

THE MARVELOUS MRS MAISEL

Up for six awards, this comedy from Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-palladino stars Rachel Brosnahan as a 1950s housewife who discovers she has a flair for stand-up comedy. One of the first series produced by Amazon’s in-house studios, it has been garnering critical acclaim since it premiered last year. Season 1 on Amazon Prime.

GODLESS

This Western drama set in a town run by women has been a critical darling since its 2017 debut. It’s in the Limited Series category, but thanks to the performances by Michelle Dockery (nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress), Jeff Daniels (Supporting Actor) and Merritt Wever (Supporting Actress), it might sweep the field. Series on Netflix.

THE AMERICANS

Winning any of the four Emmys for which it is nominated would cap off an outstanding run for this tense thriller about a pair of KGB agents posing as an American couple. In its final season, Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys ( both nominated) put in complex performances as their deception falls apart. Seasons 1-6 on Foxtel on Demand.

BLACK-ISH

Strangely, this comedy following an uppermiddle class African-american family has not found a berth on any networks here, but has received plenty of critical attention over the past two years in the US. It stars Tracee Ellis Ross and Anthony Anderson, both up for Outstanding Leads in a Comedy. Seasons 1 and 2 on itunes.

THE GOOD PLACE

To reveal too much about this comedy would spoil the fun – it’s better to go in blind. Set in an afterlife known as the Good Place, it introduces us to Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell), who may not belong. Ted Danson is in contention for Best Actor in a Comedy

for his portrayal of Michael, the being who runs the Good Place. Seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix.

PATRICK MELROSE

Based on the novels by upper-crust author Edward St Aubyn, this is really a vehicle for Benedict Cumberbatch (up for Outstanding Actor in a Limited Series). His performance as a man struggling to overcome addiction is brilliant, while Hugo Weaving and Jennifer Jason Leigh as his parents are exceptional. Series on Foxtel on Demand.

KILLING EVE

You don’t often think of spy dramas as funny, but that’s exactly what this series is. It’s about a mid-level MI6 employee suddenly in the thick of the hunt for an assassin. Its sharp script has seen creator Phoebe Waller-bridge nominated for a writing award, while lead Sandra Oh has received an acting nod as well. Season 1 on ABC iview.

BARRY

This dark comedy stars Bill Hader as a disillusioned hit man who travels to LA to kill someone – and accidentally enrols in an acting class. Barry is about how he juggles his day job with his new-found passion for the stage, and is nominated for six awards, including Outstanding Comedy, and acting nods for Hader and co-star Henry Winkler. Season 1 on Foxtel on Demand.

OZARK

It’s Jason Bateman but not as you know him in this crime series about a financial planner who launders money for a drug cartel and uproots his family after he promises to “wash” $8 million in three months to save his skin. Bateman, nominated for both his acting and directing, is a revelation in a role that shows his versatility. Seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix.

INSECURE

Fans of this excellent comedy written and created by the show’s star, Issa Rae, have been perplexed as to why it’s taken so long for any kind of Emmys love. Now, Rae is nominated for Lead Actress in a Comedy for her excellent portrayal of Issa, a young black woman navigating work, relationships and life in LA. Seasons 1-3 on Foxtel on Demand.

GLOW

Break out the ’80s spandex, this quirky television series about the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling ( GLOW, get it?) was a breakout hit last year when it debuted, and has shown whole new sides to its two leads, Alison Brie ( Mad Men) and Betty Gilpin ( Nurse

Jackie), who’s been nominated for Best Supporting Actress. The show is also up for Outstanding Comedy. Seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix.