The 2022 Emmy Awards’ top nominees (and where you can watch them right now) – صحيفة الصوت

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American television’s biggest awards show finally announced its nominations for 2022 last week.

While they will always be a cause for plenty of debate and dissent (How on earth was Selena Gomez not nominated for her performance in Only Murder in the Building?), we think The Emmys have rewarded a plethora of deserving programmes.

If you haven’t already caught them, here’s our guide to 10 of the top-nominated series (and where you can watch them in New Zealand), so you’ll be completely up-to-speed when the gongs are handed out on September 13 (New Zealand time).

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Barry (Neon)

What’s it about: Back after a three-year break, this critically-acclaimed dark comedy crime drama focuses on Barry Berkman (Bill Hader), a hitman who reassess his life after attending an acting class taught by Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler). As the third season opens, Barry has returned to contract killing, taking jobs on the dark web, while still auditioning for acting work.

What it has been nominated for: 14 in total – including Outstanding Comedy Series, Lead Actor (Hader).

What others thought of it: “This season is something close to a masterpiece in its meticulous set pieces and sun-washed cinematography, in its stunts and action sequences, and in deepening emotional stakes,” wrote Vogue’s Taylor Antrim.

Dopesick (Disney+)

What’s it about: Michael Keaton, Rosario Dawson, Peter Sarsgaard, Kaitlyn Dever and Will Poulter team up for this eight-part drama based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Beth Macy. It details how one company triggered one of the worst drug epidemics in American history.

What it has been nominated for: 14 in total – including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Lead Actor (Keaton).

What we thought of it: While its multi-timeline and narrative approach to storytelling is initially more than a little challenging and confusing, it won’t take long for you to get hooked, thanks to Strong’s smart mix of compelling characters and scenarios, the deft direction of veteran Barry Levinson (Rain Man, Wag the Dog) and a powerhouse acting ensemble.

Euphoria (Neon)

What it’s about: The much-loved teen drama about a group of high school students navigating love and friendships in a world of drugs, sex, trauma and social media returned with eight new episodes exploring the fallout after Rue (Zendaya) and Jules (Hunter Schafer) broke up and the former spirals into a drug relapse.

What it has been nominated for: 16 in total – including Outstanding Drama, Lead Actress (Zendaya)

What others thought of it: “Zendaya, who won an Emmy for her portrayal of Rue in the show’s first season, continues to excel, finding new ways to embody her character’s erratic shifts from elation to cruelty, insouciance to anger,” wrote Hollywood Reporter’s Lovia Gyarkye.

Hacks (TVNZ+)

What’s it about: Jean Smart headlines this acerbic 10-part tale about an established Las Vegas comedian who is advised to modernise her act in order to save her career. However, she immediately clashes with the much younger writer (Hannah Einbinder) she hires.

What it has been nominated for: 17 in total – including Outstanding Comedy, Lead Actress (Smart)

What others thought of it: “There are plenty of laughs along the way, but it’s the unforced emotional truths that make Hacks a right and proper vehicle for Smart,” wrote The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan.

Only Murders in the Building (Disney+)

What’s it about: Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez team up for this 10-episode comedy about three strangers who share an obsession with true crime. They are amazed to find themselves wrapped up in a mystery of their own when one of their New York apartment building neighbours dies.

What it has been nominated for: 17 in total, including Outstanding Comedy, Lead Actor (Martin and Short).

What we thought of it: Martin’s first foray into series television is a witty, engrossing and thoroughly entertaining triumph. Teaming up with his old pal Short and a seriously impressive Gomez, the triumvirate spark, spar and attempt to solve the mystery – with hilarious results.

Severance (Apple TV+)

What’s it about: Lumon Industries employee Mark (Adam Scott) agrees to a “severance” programme in which his non-work memories are separated from his work memories. However, he gradually uncovers a web of conspiracy from both sides of the division.

What it has been nominated for: 14 in total – including Outstanding Drama, Lead Actor (Scott).

What we thought of it: Director Ben Stiller does a terrific job of bringing to life the futuristic, yet retro atmosphere of Lumon Industries and drawing the viewer into the mystery of what they actually do, in this evocative, intriguing nine-part sci-fi drama.

Squid Game (Netflix)

What’s it about: The South Korean survival drama that became a global phenomenon. The nine-part series revolves around a contest where hundreds of financially strapped citizens compete in a series of deadly children’s games for the chance to win a fortune.

What it has been nominated for: 14 in total – including Outstanding Drama, Lead Actor (Scott).

What others thought of It: “Its messages hit like a sledgehammer to the head, yet this vibrant, vicious series holds a surprisingly big heart at its core. A winning blend of spectacle and sentiment,” wrote Empire magazine’s Beth Webb.

Succession (Neon)

What’s it about: The dysfunctional Roy family returned for the third season of this crowd pleasing satirical drama. Having been ambushed by his rebellious son Kendall (Jeremy Strong) at the end of last season, patriarch Logan (Brian Cox) seemingly decides the best way to get himself out of a perilous position is to turn a bitter corporate battle into a familial civil war.

What it has been nominated for: 25 in total – including Outstanding Drama, Lead Actor (Cox).

What we thought of it: “If you are new to the back-stabbing and brutal behaviour of the family who run the world’s fifth-largest global media and entertainment conglomerate, then come for the witty one-liners and acerbic put-downs and stay for the narrative twists and turns, as each member of this excellent ensemble tries to grab their slice of the action.”

Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

What’s it about:. Jason Sudeikis returned to his eponymous, award-winning role. Expanded to 12-episodes for this second season, it focused on the American coach’s attempts to get Richmond AFC back into the Premier League after their relegation to the Championship.

What it has been nominated for: 20 in total – including Outstanding Comedy, Lead Actor (Sudeikis).

What we thought of it: With characters and tone now fully established, Ted Lasso runs like a well-oiled machine. The memorable one-liners, witty bon mots and Lasso-isms come thick and fast, while the footballing scenarios and office politics are as inventive and, sometimes, unfortunately recognisable, as they are nutty.

The White Lotus (Neon)

What’s it about: The creation of School of Rock and Nacho Libre scribe Mike White, this six-part satire focuses on the lives of “the staff and guests at a tropical resort over the course of a week”. The visitors include a newlywed couple whose honeymoon is crashed by the groom’s mother, a man who fears he may have cancer, and a lonely woman who enjoys her professional massage so much she asks the masseuse out for dinner.

What it has been nominated for: 20 in total, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series

What we thought of It: Lotus works best as a social satire and workplace comedy. Australian actor Murray Bartlett is the standout amongst an impressive ensemble. Unfortunately, some of the edgier and darker moments are less successful, meaning this offers fitfully funny and diverting, rather than compelling viewing.

This year’s Emmy Awards will be handed out on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 13 (New Zealand time). Sky TV’s Vibe Channel will have live coverage.