Emmy Wish List: Outstanding Drama Series

The Emmy nominations are less than a month away! In preparation, I’ll be sharing my personal picks for what should be nominated in all the major categories over the following weeks. Let’s kick matters off with Outstanding Drama Series. Here are several shows that continue to push the limits of what television can be, often proving even more cinematic that most feature films.

The Affair: Distinguished by two captivating lead performances and an ambitious structure that never feels gimmicky, The Affair is an enticing mystery that keeps you guessing.

Arrow: While season two remains the show’s best, season three of Arrow hit its own personal bulls-eye with the entire cast firing on all cylinders and the action being consistently thrilling. Plus, Olicity FINALLY happened!

Daredevil: The year’s finest superhero show elevated by sophisticated writing, exceptional fight choreography, stylized cinematography, and one of the genre’s most fascinating rivalries.

Game of Thrones: So let me get this straight. Tyrion made it to Meereen, Arya joined up with the Faceless Men, Daenerys trained her dragon, winter officially came in television’s most epic battle ever, a fan favorite died (for now), and some people actually think season five of Game of Thrones was a step backwards? Are you kidding me?! This isn’t just arguably the show’s most progressive season, but this year’s single greatest drama series overall.

The Flash: Putting emphasis on fun over brooding, The Flash is another wonderful addition to the DC television universe with an endearing hero, an enigmatic villain, and a surprisingly powerful emotional resonance.

Homeland: After a disappointing third season, Homeland came back full force in season four with new locations, new characters, and a new structure while still retaining what made it such an exhilarating drama to start with.

Mad Men: After a gradual start, Mad Men ended on a fitting final note that’ll hopefully win Jon Hamm an overdue Emmy. Thank you, for the Coke, Don Draper.

Honorable Mentions:

The Americans: Elizabeth and Philip find themselves questioning their actions, ethics, and loyalty more than ever in yet another exceptional season that begins to shake up the statuesque.

Better Call Saul: Following his unbeatable magnum opus, Vince Gilligan delivers an absorbing prequel series that’s flawlessly tailored to the character of Jimmy McGill aka Saul Goodman.

Boardwalk Empire: Terence Winter brings everything full circle in the final season of Boardwalk Empire, delving into Nucky Thompson’s past, present, and ultimate fate.

Empire: Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson give career best performances in this juicy, soapy drama that’s deservedly become a runaway ratings success.

Masters of Sex: Another provocative, unsettling, and eye-opening season carried by brave performances from Michael Sheen and especially Lizzy Caplan.

Outlander: A sexy, empowering adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s novels with a star making central performance from Caitriona Balfe.