This Sunday the best of the best in American television will gather for the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards. That means you have mere days to binge all of the shows you’ve been “meaning to watch.”
It’s crunch time and at this point, you’re going to have to really commit. So, this final What to Watch Wednesday ahead of this year’s honors, I thought I’d pull together the still attainable (some might require a few sick days) binge views of the 2017 Emmy Awards. You’re welcome and enjoy.
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
If you’re starting from the top (shame on you), this is going to take some time, but if you’re just tuning in for the latest season, this is an easy watch, and a hugely rewarding one. If Kimmy doesn’t put a smile on your face, I don’t know what to tell you.
Complete Series: 18 hours (and 12 minutes)
Latest: 6 hours 30 minutes
“The Crown”
Even if you don’t have time to view all ten hours ahead of Sunday’s ceremonies, I highly recommend you start and get this first season in before season 2 arrives in December. It’s a fascinating series from a historical perspective and from a feminist perspective. I think because the concept of a monarchy is so foreign to us, we sometimes forget that Queen Elizabeth II is, in fact, a female ruler, and you know there are certain current climates that make that experience particularly relevant.
Latest (and only) Season: 10 Hours
“Black·ish”
I kind of accidentally started watching this show because it’s after “Modern Family,” and sometimes getting up off the couch is hard. So, well-placed ABC. But I can’t imagine my comedy repertoire without it. Also, Rainbow Johnson (Tracee Ellis Ross) is one of the greatest characters on television. Ever. Period. End of sentence.
Latest Season: 12 hours
Complete Series: 36 hours
“Black Mirror”
Okay, I’m warning you, this one’s a little weird but in a very interesting way. The good news is if you just want to watch the nominated episode, “San Junipero,” you can, and it stands completely on its own. In fact, all of the episodes do. Which is good, because you’ll need to process most of these before moving onto the next. Think of it as a series of sci-fi episodes. There are themes, but the stories are contained in each episode.
Complete Series: 12 hours (and 21 minutes)
Nominated Episode: 1 hour (and 1 minute)
Latest Season: 6 hours (and 30 minutes)
“Billy on the Street”
The premise of this web series turned TruTV series — a man with a microphone screaming at people on the street — sounds like an awful idea, but it’s completely entertaining, well beyond the initial schadenfreude pay off. And because it’s a web series you can commit as much or as little time as you want to this fun, fun show.
“Big Little Lies”
If you want to see some powerhouse performances from some truly fierce women then “Big Little Lies” is a must-see. Be warned that it is not an easy watch, and covers some heavy, heavy topics, but it’s worth it for the incredible ensemble of Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, and Zoe Kravitz.
Complete Mini-Series: 7 hours
“The Handmaid’s Tale”
Definitely ditto on my comments from “Big Little Lies.” This is another incredible group of ladies (one of whom has already won an Emmy for her role) and an important watch as well as a compelling one.
Latest (and only) Season: 10 hours
“Sherlock”
For his performance in the final chapter of this beloved and critically acclaimed take on the famous detective (you never know), Benedict Cumberbatch is, of course, nominated once again, and deservedly so. Regardless of when you watch this, it’s a must watch. I insist.
Latest Season: 6 hours (this includes the Christmas special from 2016)
Complete Series: 19 hours (and 30 minutes)
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