Snubbed Shows You Need to Watch Post-Emmys

Because not every winner can receive a trophy.

After a year of zoom acceptance speeches and empty red carpets, award shows are finally settling back into their usual awkward and lavish antics. If you thought the era of laughing uncomfortably in front of your television screen as celebrities fake-applauded one another was over, think again! The 73rd Emmy Awards offered all that audiences had half-heartedly missed this past Sunday when speeches ran too long, jokes didn’t land, and white actors monopolized all twelve major categories. In the spirit of appreciating the shows that carried us through hours of boredom this past year, I thought I would share a few of my favorites that were snubbed by the Academy:

The Boys

This series, produced by Seth Rogen and his company Point Grey Productions, is based on the comic book of the same name. It’s a black comedy (so warning, it’s violent) that delves into a world where superheroes are treated like celebrities and politicians, with the same kind of publicity contracts, profit incentives, and intimate private lives. So when Hughie Campbell experiences one of his favorite heroes abusing his powers, he joins The Boys in exposing the truth. Although nominated for five Emmys this year, it has yet to secure one of the coveted golden statues. I love this series because of its balance between harsh truths, classic superhero action, and dark humor. Although not recognized this year with an award, it’s worth a watch. 

Available on Prime Video

Photo Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video

Lovecraft Country

From powerhouse producers, Jordan Peele and J.J. Abrahams, comes Lovecraft Country, a fantasy-thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. Set in the racially-divided 1950s America, Atticus Freeman and company journey across the country in search of his missing father. The dangers that await include segregation laws, stubborn bigots, and the fantastical secrets of famous horror novelist H.P. Lovecraft. If you’re a fan of mystery and fantasy, Lovecraft Country is the flawless blend of everything you’re looking for. This show has beautifully mastered keeping its audience up at night--either because of the gore and dread of H.P. 's monsters or because of the thought-provoking commentary on how 1950 racial ideology is still present in America today. Although Courtney B. Vance took home the award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, Lovecraft still lost out on their other nominations this year and received notice that it would not be renewed for a second season. However, critical acclaim as well as the wide range of the show’s 18 nominations has it back on HBO’s radar, so audiences are hopeful that Atticus and the gang will be back on the road sometime soon. 

Available on HBO Max

A Black Lady Sketch Show

The groundbreaking sketch comedy series (led by the incomparable Lauren Ashley Smith) is the first of its kind, composed entirely of Black women in both the writers room and on camera. With about five or six sketches in each episode, A Black Lady Sketch Show is the ideal way to effortlessly enjoy television. There’s quick-witted banter, bold characters, iconic guest stars, and topics ranging from support groups, breakups, sitcom parodies, to Shakespeare. Despite being snubbed for all of their five Emmy nominations, ABLSS continues to be the most entertaining table at the awards ceremony (there is no better reaction to losing than Issa Rae having to restrain an angry Robin Thede). This show is loud, proud, and anything but lady-like.  

Available on HBO: just renewed for season 3

I May Destroy You

Content Warning - Topics of Sexual Violence

Michaela Coel’s mini-series masterpiece shines a light on the life of a young writer as she attempts to unravel the mystery of the night she was sexually assaulted. With such a delicate topic, I May Destroy You beautifully and bravely encapsulates the anxiety and trauma that comes in the aftermath of sexual violence and opens the door for conversations, healing, and redemption. Despite winning several BAFTA and Independent Spirit Awards and being nominated for five Emmys, Coel came out of Sunday’s awards with one (incredibly deserved) award for Outstanding Writing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie. In her acceptance speech, she invited writers to “write the tale that scares you, that make you feel uncertain, that isn’t comfortable”, and sealed her triumph by dedicating her “story to every single survivor of sexual assault”. So if Coel’s stunning aura doesn't encourage you to watch IMDY, then I hope her powerfully articulated writing will. 

Available on HBO Max

Photo Courtesy of HBOMax