Breaking down the drama race.

Emmy Predictions 2018: Drama Series

The Americans FX

The spy drama has been recognized before but never won. Given its swan-song season and stellar showing from a rich ensemble cast, it may prove hard to resist praising it in a big way as a final goodbye.

The Crown NETFLIX

The sophomore season is the last chance to celebrate the current cast ensemble, as season 3 will jump forward in time and introduce new actors as more mature versions of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

The Handmaid’s Tale HULU

Last year’s winner would still be fresh in minds even if the second season wasn’t delivering episodes up to the end of the eligibility window. It’s topical; it’s full of powerhouse performances; it’s the one to beat.

Orange Is the New Black NETFLIX

The long-running favorite for performances may just see a return to the drama series category this year after a fifth season that delivered its highest stakes yet for the women of Litchfield prison.

This Is Us NBC

Last year’s lone broadcast nominee will surely be back on the ballot for its sophomore season that delivered even more emotion — and, yes, answers about Jack Pearson’s (Milo Ventimiglia) cause of death.

The Chi SHOWTIME

Lena Waithe was certainly an “it” woman this television season, and the debut of her South Side gang violence drama captured hearts and minds of critics. That may make it enough to a rare freshman nom this year.

Game of Thrones HBO

An Emmy winner the last two years it was eligible (2015 and 2016), this epic had to sit out last year’s race. But now that it’s back, not even a dragon could stop this genre series from making it back on the ballot.

Homeland SHOWTIME

After scoring three previous noms and one win, the rejuvenated seventh season could find its way back in the drama race. After all, the penultimate season of the perennial favorite is one of two chances to honor it.

Stranger Things NETFLIX

The first season captured the national zeitgeist, culminating in a nom in this category. The second season was even buzzier, scarier and longer, which means it’s sure to snag the Academy’s continued attention.

Westworld HBO

Last year the sci-fi western epic scored the most nominations of all series (22, tied with “SNL”), one of which was here. It promises another strong showing for its even more expansive world-building in season 2.

ON THE BUBBLE: “Billions” (Showtime), “Counterpart” (Starz),

“The Good Doctor” (ABC), “Killing Eve” (BBC America), “Mindhunter” (Netflix), “Orphan Black” (BBC America), “Ozark” (Netflix),

“Ray Donovan” (Showtime), “Trust” (FX)

DARK HORSES: “Altered Carbon,” (Netflix), “Claws” (TNT),

“The Deuce” (HBO), “The Good Fight” (CBS All Access), “Halt and Catch Fire” (AMC), “Hard Sun” (Hulu), “Mr. Robot” (USA), “Outlander” (Starz), “Scandal” (ABC), “Star Trek: Discovery” (CBS All Access)