Emmys Firsts and Lasts: Which New Shows Are Serious Contenders — and Can They Beat Those Vying for One Last Trophy?

 There’s something about new and shiny that attracts the eye of a TV Academy member. And this year, there are many new shows across the genres to choose from. That said, there’s also quite a few massive hits hoping for one last chance at the Emmy. 

Over the years, there have been series that have picked up momentum down the line. “Schitt’s Creek” premiered in 2015 but didn’t land its first Emmy nod until 2019. Eventually, it earned 19 nominations — 15 of which came for the final season.  

The opposite can also be true. “The Crown” was nominated across the drama category every year throughout its run; it even became the first show to fully sweep the major drama categories in 2021. While the final season did still receive seven nominations, only Elizabeth Debicki took home the trophy for her portrayal of Princess Diana.

For this cycle, beginning with drama, many new shows could be serious contenders. Max’s “The Pitt,” the high-stress Noah Wyle-led medical drama set over the course of one day, became a must-watch, with the 15 episodes each averaging 10 million viewers. Wyle, best known for his role in “ER” and also an executive producer on this project, has never taken home the Emmy — and it’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t get the chance this year. Plus, the supporting cast are impossible to ignore. 

Hulu also has a large presence in the race with “Paradise.” Dan Fogelman’s follow-up to “This Is Us,” starring and executive produced by Sterling K. Brown, crafted a twist the audience never saw coming. Voters have adored Brown since his breathtaking role in “The People v. O. J. Simpson,” and this only reinforces that sentiment. James Marsden and Julianne Nicholson are unmatched supporting characters, as is newcomer Nicole Brydon Bloom; the always great Gerald McRaney also holds his own as a guest star. 

Apple TV+ has numerous new shows in the race, including “Your Friends & Neighbors,” which is giving Jon Hamm the spotlight he’s earned, and “Presumed Innocent.” While the latter streamed earlier in the Emmy window, Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Negga’s performances were memorable enough that breaking in isn’t impossible. Also airing earlier in the window was Peacock’s “The Day of the Jackal,” with a prosthetic-wearing Eddie Redmayne. 

One of the darkest horses, currently favored in at least the lead actress category, is CBS’ “Matlock.” Part of the return of broadcast movement, Kathy Bates’ witty and quirky performance is award-deserving.  

Over in the comedy category, where it’s been all things “Hacks” vs. “The Bear” vs. “Abbott Elementary,” Netflix is rolling in with two heavy hitters: “Nobody Wants This” and “The Four Seasons.” While the former became a smash hit for the streamer, the latter just debuted — at the perfect time. It’s also completely stacked with talent, including Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Will Forte and Colman Domingo. Apple TV+ also has skin in the game with a strong (and star-studded) first season of “The Studio.”

On the other hand, some are hoping that their last chance will finally get them a win. 

Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” won eight of its 13 nominations for Season 1, becoming the first streaming show to win the best drama trophy. But it’s been a roller-coaster; for Season 4, in 2021, the show earned 21 nominations but set a record for Emmy losses when it didn’t take home any. For Season 5, only Elisabeth Moss was nominated. So, with the sixth and final season streaming now, the late window could be a huge help. 

Other shows hoping for their last chance at an Emmy include FX’s “What We Do in the Shadows,” HBO’s “Somebody, Somewhere,” Disney+’s “Andor,” Netflix’s “Cobra Kai” and HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones,” to name a few.