Emmy predictions 2023: Sizing up the contenders for Outstanding Drama Series

Mike White’s moves from Limited Series to Outstanding Drama at this year’s Emmys. That won’t hamper its chances, though, and the Italy-set second season will probably carve out its spot among this year’s top eight nominations. (It’s already won at the SAG Awards and the Golden Globes.) While the spotlight is constantly on the who made her (presumably) last appearance as Tanya McQuoid in season two, The White Lotus remains the consummate ensemble show. And fans responded again this season, dissecting each episode and character online each week. .

might not have as much name recognition among fans as some other shows on this list, but it’s a sleeper hit that’s garnered plenty of acclaim in the industry since its June 2022 premiere. Based on Thomas Perry’s novel, the absorbing drama is led by the . The Old Man could score a nod mainly due to his performance. Bridges landed SAG, Critics Choice, and Golden Globes nominations for this role, and the Television Academy might want to honor him and his show as well.

There was a mixed response to ’ second season, which featured great performances but The series is in the same boat as The Mandalorian in that sense, where an Emmy nom or snub wouldn’t be a surprise. It helps that season two just finished and is still fresh in the minds of Emmy voters. While season two didn’t hit as hard as its debut run, Yellowjackets is admired enough for another potential shot.

has gone through its ups and downs in the past few months: It aired the first half of its fifth season, then series star Kevin Costner’s announced his departure, and then the show confirmed it would conclude its run later this year. While the Emmys have mostly disregarded the series, —far more than any of the other top contenders. Maybe this year, with the conclusion looming, the Academy will decide to pay attention. Hey, the Golden Globes already awarded the show in January, with Costner winning Best Actor, so you never know. Conversely, the TV Academy could pivot and honor because of Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, but the chances aren’t as strong for that new spin-off.

was a singular surprise. ’s Apple TV+ series is a potent mix of drama, comedy, and suspense, and it has a strong following thanks to word of mouth and critical acclaim. So it could slowly be picking up momentum among voters. After Catastrophe and Pulling, Horgan has a well-established track record, and a Bad Sisters nomination might be all it takes to catapult her career. While the show is no , don’t dismiss it, especially considering its BAFTA Best Drama win earlier this year.

If can do it once, it can do it again. Prime Video’s drama managed a nomination in 2021, and absolutely deserves recognition again for its third (and best) season so far. The tide is gradually shifting for superhero genre shows, which are getting mainstream Emmy consideration, thanks to WandaVision and Disney+’s Marvel fare changing the playbook. The Boys is better than all of those shows combined. Keep an eye out for it in this race and in other categories.

And now we’ve reached the shows the Academy will surely and sadly ignore. Let’s start with AMC’s . There’s zero chance this sultry, sublime vampire drama will sneak in with everything else going on. It should, though. This Anne Rice adaptation presented a fresh, sexy take on the subject matter, with two excellent lead performances to boot. If there were any genre justice, Interview With The Vampire would make the Emmys cut.

, a Damson Idris-led crime drama on FX, remained consistently great during its recently concluded six-year run, but The Academy has yet to bestow the show with any nominations, despite praise from critics and strong viewership. That extended snub by the Academy also raises questions about why stellar shows like Interview With The Vampire and , both led by a diverse queer cast, don’t resonate with more voters.