Emmys 2024: 5 shows that deserved to be nominated, and 5 shows that didn't
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The announcement of the Emmy 2024 nominations on Wednesday morning, July 17, has left us with mixed emotions.
While this year's remarkable releases such as 'Shogun', 'Baby Reindeer', and 'Ripley' have rightfully earned their spots on the list, many other noteworthy shows deserving of recognition were left out.
This year's nominations are somewhat disappointing, including several titles that failed to impress both critics and genre fans while overshadowing more deserving shows that were unjustly sidelined.
Disappointing nominations at Emmy 2024
1. 'Mr and Mrs Smith'- in Best drama series
Donald Glover and Maya Erskine's 'Mr and Mrs Smith' was one of the most popular releases of Prime Video of 2023-2024.
The spy TV series was inspired by the 2005 film of the same name, which starred Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.
The 2024 series fell flat, with a lackluster chemistry between the protagonists. Skipping a few episodes from the middle would hardly impact the overall experience.
Even though some may like the drama between the couple, it still doesn't feel Emmy-nomination-worthy.
2. 'The Bear' - in Best comedy series
'The Bear' Season 1, which premiered in 2022 and won ten Emmy Awards, has now set a new record for the most nominations for a comedy series in a single year, with 23 nominations.
'The Bear' might excel in many areas, but a comedy series is not one of them. Nominating the FX series in the 'Comedy' category feels like a disservice and injustice to several deserving comedy shows that should have made the list.
Nothing against the series, but the Emmys seriously need to consider reclassifying it from comedy to drama.
3. 'True Detective: Night Country' - in Best limited series
True Detective has been a compelling crime drama, but Season 4 fell short of expectations. It started strong but gradually lost momentum as it progressed.
The mystery often felt unnecessarily dragged out, but Jodie Foster and Kali Reis were the key reasons to stay invested until the finale.
Kali Reis, in particular, certainly deserves Emmy recognition, but the show as a whole was average at best.
4. 'The Morning Show' - in Best drama series
'The Morning Show' has received an Emmy nomination for Best Drama, but there’s no easy way to put it: Season 3, featuring Jennifer Aniston, was simply disappointing.
The writers have thrown Reese Witherspoon's character into various random subplots without a clear direction or purpose.
In an attempt to address another social issue, they divert significantly from the main plot, leaving viewers frustrated.
If The Morning Show is considered for 'Best Drama' at the Emmys, it raises serious questions about the current standards of drama in today’s entertainment.
5. 'Palm Royale' - in Best comedy series
'Palm Royale' takes audiences to the era of late 1960s making use of gorgeous outfits and hairstyles. Kristen Wiig shines as Maxine Simmons, an outsider striving to fit into Palm Beach high society.
The series' strength lies in its stellar ensemble cast, which includes Ricky Martin, Laura Dern, Carol Burnett, and Allison Janney, among others.
But was it honestly a good enough show? It’s okayish, perhaps, but not the kind that stands out as an 'outstanding comedy series'.
The biggest snubs of the 2024 Emmy nominations
1. 'The Curse'
Showtime's The Curse, a satirical dark comedy series starring Emma Stone, has been completely shut out of the Emmy nominations this year despite its critical acclaim and warm reception from fans.
Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder also missed out on nominations in the major categories. Could there be a bigger disappointment that this?
2. 'The Sympathizer'
The fact that Park Chan-wook didn't receive a nomination for his book-to-television adaptation 'The Sympathizer' is a disappointment of a whole new level.
How often do we see shows such as these, created with intricate details, balancing several sensitive themes all at once? And not to mention, 'The Sympathizer' had better comic moments than 'Palm Royale'.
The show, however, doesn't get snubbed completely as Robert Downey Jr earns a nomination for playing four different characters and wooing the audience, thanks to prosthetics.
3. 'Griselda'
Sofia Vergara makes history at Emmy 2024 by earning a nomination for the Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category for her role in 'Griselda'.
We're happy for her long-overdue recognition, but the show also deserved a spot on the nomination list for 'Best Limited or Anthology Series'.
While 'Baby Reindeer', and 'Ripley' are strong contenders, 'True Detective: Night Country' faltered on several fronts.
4. 'Tokyo Vice'
Emmy voters likely saw Shōgun as their big Japan show this year, which is why Tokyo Vice got a bit sidelined.
The series revolves around an American journalist investigating the yakuza in Tokyo and offers a deeper look at systematic corruption. The show is exceptional and praised for its setting, aesthetic, and characters.
While Shōgun deserves every bit of the limelight at the Emmys, we can't help but feel a bit disappointed for Tokyo Vice, especially for Ken Watanabe, who delivered one of the best performances of his career over the two seasons.
5. 'Fellow Travelers'
If 'Lessons in Chemistry' can make it to the Best Series nominations, why can’t 'Fellow Travelers'?
Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer take up the lead roles in gay historical drama on Showtime. The miniseries stands out not only in the political thriller genre but also as a significant entry in LGBTQ+ storytelling.
With its strong performances, rich storytelling, and cultural relevance, 'Fellow Travelers' undoubtedly deserved recognition and a spot among the best series nominees.