Although popular television favorites tend to steal the spotlight when it comes to the Emmy Awards (we're looking at you, Game of Thrones), we'll be rooting for the sleeper hits this year. We're certainly not suggesting that anyone skip streaming Amazon's charmingly endearing The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Netflix's cinematically captivating The Crown, or Hulu's hauntingly poignant The Handmaid's Tale, but we're making the case for expanding your watchlist beyond the most buzzed-about shows on television.
To bring you a list of under-the-radar Emmy-nominated shows to binge-watch this weekend, we culled the nominees for hidden gems to cue up before Monday night. Spanning a woman-led Western thriller that's streaming on Netflix now to a hilarious comedy that offers a non-sugarcoated depiction of motherhood available for viewing on Hulu, these are the 10 best Emmy-nominated shows of 2018 that you probably haven't seen yet. Ready to pop some popcorn? Keep scrolling to find out which underrated Emmy-nominated shows are actually worth your time.
Godless
Brief synopsis: In this Netflix original series, the isolated, female-governed western settlement of La Belle is a virtual no man's land until a notorious gang of outlaws rides into town seeking revenge.
Notable nominations: Outstanding Limited Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Michelle Dockery), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Merritt Wever), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (Jeff Daniels), Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series or Movie (Scott Frank), and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series or Movie (Scott Frank)
Where to watch it now: Netflix
Killing Eve
Brief synopsis: Sandra Oh plays Eve, a low-level MI5 employee who enters into a potentially deadly game of cat and mouse with Villanelle, Jodie Comer, a dangerous assassin prone to unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, in this BBC America drama.
Notable nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Sandra Oh) and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Phoebe Waller-Bridge)
Where to watch it now: Season one is available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, and YouTube.
Better Things
Brief synopsis: Struggling actress Sam Fox (Pamela Adlon) balances her life as a single mother raising three kids with her burgeoning career in this hilarious, sincere show, which offers a non-sugarcoated depiction of motherhood.
Notable nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Pamela Adlon)
Where to watch it now: Seasons one and two are available for streaming on Hulu and are available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, and YouTube.
The Alienist
Brief synopsis: After the gruesome murder of several boy prostitutes in New York City, a criminal psychologist, a newspaper illustrator, and the police department's secretary team up to quietly investigate the case.
Notable nominations: Outstanding Miniseries, Outstanding Cinematography for a Miniseries or Movie (PJ Dillon), and Outstanding Costumes for a Period Fantasy Series, Limited Series, or Movie
Where to watch it now: Season one is available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, and YouTube.
Orphan Black
Brief synopsis: In this sci-fi thriller, an orphan shockingly discovers that she's a clone. Emmy award–winning actress Tatiana Maslany stars as the orphan, Sarah, and all her clones in an impressive performance over the show's five seasons.
Notable nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Tatiana Maslany)
Where to watch it now: Seasons one through five are available for streaming on Amazon with a Prime membership.
Insecure
Brief synopsis: Set in Los Angeles, the show follows the life of Issa Dee, played by Issa Rae, who navigates tricky romantic situations and career setbacks along with her best friend Molly, played by Yvonne Orji.
Notable nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Issa Rae)
Where to watch it now: Seasons one through three are available for streaming on HBO and Amazon with an HBO subscription.
Alias Grace
Brief synopsis: A young, destitute Irish immigrant and domestic servant is accused of killing her employer and his housekeeper in this hair-raising adaptation of Margaret Atwood's award-winning novel.
Notable nominations: Outstanding Music Composition for a Miniseries, Movie, or a Special Original Dramatic Score (Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna)
Where to watch it now: Netflix
The Americans
Brief synopsis: As Cold War tensions escalate, Elizabeth (Keri Russell) and Philip (Matthew Rhys), KGB spies in an arranged marriage posing as Americans, navigate life in suburban Washington, D.C., shortly after Ronald Reagan is elected president.
Notable nominations: Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Keri Russell), Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Matthew Rhys), and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg)
Where to watch it now: Seasons one through six are available for streaming on Amazon with a Prime membership.
The Sinner
Brief synopsis: A young mother (Jessica Biel) commits a startling act of violence in this gripping adaptation of acclaimed German crime author Petra Hammesfahr's best-selling novel.
Notable nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Jessica Biel)
Where to watch it now: Season one is available for streaming on Netflix and available for purchase on Amazon.
At Home With Amy Sedaris
Brief synopsis: Comedian Amy Sedaris opens up her "home" to show off her homemaking skills (or lack thereof, traditionally speaking) in this riotous variety sketch show rife with poignant social commentary.
Notable nominations: Outstanding variety sketch series
Where to watch it now: Season one is available to purchase on Amazon, iTunes, and YouTube.
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