The 2021 Emmy nominations came out on Tuesday and it’s a lot! The golden age of television means that there are not that many water-cooler shows left, but there are a lot of good shows with somewhat niche viewership. This year, two shows tied with the most nominations: The Crown and The Mandalorian. Following close behind were Ted Lasso, WandaVision, The Handmaid’s Tale and Saturday Night Live for some reason. The Crown hits the sweet spot for Emmy voters: posh people, British actors, great costumes, great set design and a storyline like a fancy soap opera. Downton Abbey walked so The Crown could run. You can see the full list of Emmy nominees here. Here are the big categories:
Outstanding Drama Series
The Boys
Bridgerton
The Crown
The Handmaid’s Tale
Lovecraft Country
The Mandalorian
Pose
This Is UsOutstanding Comedy Series
black-ish
Cobra Kai
Emily in Paris
Hacks
The Flight Attendant
The Kominsky Method
Pen15
Ted LassoOutstanding Limited or Anthology Series
I May Destroy You
Mare of Easttown
The Queen’s Gambit
The Underground Railroad
WandaVisionOutstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Uzo Aduba, In Treatment
Olivia Colman, The Crown
Emma Corrin, The Crown
Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid’s Tale
Mj Rodriguez, Pose
Jurnee Smollett, Lovecraft CountryOutstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us
Jonathan Majors, Lovecraft Country
Josh O’Connor, The Crown
Regé-Jean Page, Bridgerton
Billy Porter, Pose
Matthew Rhys, Perry MasonOutstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Giancarlo Esposito, The Mandalorian
O-T Fagbenle, The Handmaid’s Tale
John Lithgow, Perry Mason
Tobias Menzies, The Crown
Max Minghella, The Handmaid’s Tale
Chris Sullivan, This Is Us
Bradley Whitford, The Handmaid’s Tale
Michael K. Williams, Lovecraft CountryOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Gillian Anderson, The Crown
Helena Bonham Carter, The Crown
Madeline Brewer, The Handmaid’s Tale
Ann Dowd, The Handmaid’s Tale
Aunjanue Ellis, Lovecraft Country
Emerald Fennell, The Crown
Yvonne Strahovski, The Handmaid’s Tale
Samira Wiley, The Handmaid’s TaleOutstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Aidy Bryant, Shrill
Kaley Cuoco, The Flight Attendant
Allison Janney, Mom
Tracey Ellis Ross, black-ish
Jean Smart, HacksOutstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson, black-ish
Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method
William H. Macy, Shameless
Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso
Kenan Thompson, KenanOutstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Hacks
Brett Goldstein, Ted Lasso
Brendan Hunt, Ted Lasso
Nick Mohammed, Ted Lasso
Paul Reiser, The Kominsky Method
Jeremy Swift, Ted Lasso
Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live
Bowen Yang, Saturday Night LiveOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Aidy Bryant, Saturday Night Live
Hannah Einbinder, Hacks
Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live
Rosie Perez, The Flight Attendant
Cecily Strong, Saturday Night Live
Juno Temple, Ted Lasso
Hannah Waddingham, Ted LassoOutstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Paul Bettany, WandaVision
Hugh Grant, The Undoing
Ewan McGregor, Halston
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton
Leslie Odom, Jr., HamiltonOutstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Michaela Coel, I May Destroy You
Cynthia Erivo, Genius: Aretha
Elizabeth Olsen, WandaVision
Anya Taylor-Joy, The Queen’s Gambit
Kate Winslet, Mare of Easttown
Do you think Kate Winslet and Mare of Easttown will sweep? I kind of think they might sweep, although I bet WandaVision and The Queen’s Gambit puts up a big fight in all of those categories. What else… love that Bowen Yang was nominated for SNL, he’s one of the best parts of that chaotic show. Nicole Kidman was apparently “snubbed” for a nom for The Undoing but I’m not mad about it – it really wasn’t her best work, although Hugh Grant definitely earned his nomination. I kind of think Ted Lasso will sweep through the comedy categories, and I love that basically every supporting Lasso cast member got a supporting nom. That show is so good!
Also snubbed: Mindy Kaling’s show Never Have I Ever, which is an excellent show and hella diverse and all of that. Another snub: no Ethan Hawke for The Good Lord Bird (he played John Brown).
Photos courtesy of IMDB, HBO, Disney+, Netflix.
So happy with WandaVision getting so many nominations.
Yes, me too. The series was like unwrapping nested gift boxes.
Yep
Yes, Elizabeth Olsen was fantastic
Yes, it is great. Normally science fiction/super hero type shows get shut out. Wandavision was stellar. One of the best television series ever. So creative in how they referenced sitcoms.
I am so happy that Ted Lasso got recognized, its so wonderful.
I am surprised that For All Mankind (also on Apple Plus) did not get a single nomination. The season 2 finale alone was one of the best pieces of television I’ve seen. And throughout the season the acting was really incredible. We were surprised at how fast we got sucked into that show.
Something that stood out to me reading these nominees is how diverse the Emmys are compared to the Oscars (I feel like the Oscars were a little better this year, but they still have a long way to go), especially in the acting categories.
I don’t think Bridgerton will take home any of the big awards, although it could for things like costumes and music. I just think its up against some heavyweights. I do think the women from Bridgerton got snubbed – not Phoebe, although I liked her – but I think Adjoa Andoh should have absolutely been nominated.
The limited series looks like a tough category, tougher than I feel like it has been in recent years – those are some of the most talked about series of the past year.
Yes, I was just thinking there is no way I could choose from those nominees in limited series. Just amazing stuff there.
Ted Lasso is perfection. Every nomination was well deserved.
Yeah @becks1 would like to see for all mankind get a nomination. It’s unique and really well done. Watched it w my dad and he loves it so it kinda feels like a dad show lol. Also love Ted Lasso and all the actors on it. Did not know I’d be so attracted to him but that show did it lol.
There must be a different The Flight Attendant than the one I watched on HBO because the one I watched was not a comedy.
Perhaps I don’t understand what the categories are 🤷
I’m happy to see Matthew Rhys get nominated because he was amazing in Perry Mason (and in everything actually).
I think Wunmi Mosaku should have been nominated for Lovecraft Country. She did a better performance than Jurnee Smollett imo and she’s wonderful in Loki as well.
Yes, I think it’s a drama. They say it has some elements of a black comedy, but for me, it was drama. I thought the acting noms should be in the drama categories as well. But…
It’s a fun show, but definitely not a comedy. It’s a proof of Cuoco’s acting capabilities, the way she keeps it light and relatable even when the topics get super dark, so people still perceive it as entertainment. It’s what sets the show apart, I think, but it’s solidly in the thriller with a hint of dramedy territory.
Yes, well said Sally, I agree.
I couldn’t get into Flight Attendant. Watched a few episodes and tuned out. Is it worth watching?
The Flight Attendent was fantastic. Definitely worth watching. I would call it a comedy. A black comedy murder mystery.
I love Matthew Rhys, and I wish he would win, but I don’t think he will.
Love that he got recognized for Perry Mason(and John Lithgow). The setting of LA in the 30’s just holds so much promise. I watched Perry Mason when I was a little kid (I’m old) and I think it’s a genius idea to do a prequel. Also love that very quirky very funny PEN15 got a nod.
The Flight Attendant was definitely NOT a comedy.
Right?! I would have swapped Bridgerton with Flight Attendant. Both seem misplaced in the categories!
Yes – those 2 should be swapped. I liked the Flight Attendant, but wouldn’t consider it a comedy.
Bridgerton took itself far too seriously to be considered a comedy.
Yeah I feel the same way about Flight Attendant. Maybe the intention was comedy? But alcoholism simply doesn’t tickle funny bones as maybe it did years ago. And coming to terms with it regardless of murder mysteries or nightly party animal fiascos just isn’t fun. It’s harsh. It’s real. But it’s not amusing at all.
I would describe it as a black comedy / dramedy / thriller. It’s not a straight drama. There are definitely comedic and farcical elements in it, and very intentionally so. It’s just a different kind of comedy.
I love Bowen Yang! He’s so funny. I loved the segment he did in which he played the iceberg that sunk the Titanic – so so good.
“First of all, you came to where I live and you hit ME!” I died.
I am so excited for him. It was brilliant. The iceberg was simply Hilarious.
I rewatch his Iceberg skit about once a week, when I need a laugh!
OMG!! Me Too!! It’s so funny & he was adorable
They cancel Lovecraft then it gets nominated in every category except comedy? Someone screwed up at HBO.
Ok, just had to watch the iceberg sketch. Loved it!
I have a dumb snub that no one will agree with: I Think You Should Leave should have been nominated for best Variety Sketch Show along with SNL and A Black Lady Sketch Show (which is the obvious winner). Ok thank you for your time.
MJ Rodriguez for Pose. Loving it.
And Jean Smart was so brilliant in Hacks.
Although I enjoyed Mare, I have totally forgotten about it. It didn’t stay with me in any way.
Emily in Paris?
Same reaction! People were already taken aback by the Golden Globes nomination but it was the Golden Globes… Now the Emmy ? I can’t believe that they weren’t any other show more deserving of a nomination.
guuuys … i actually like emily in paris.
i’ll take your attacks now … lol
No attacks Taris…we like what we like 😄
Haa! It’s your fault then!!
Joking aside, do you think it’s actually good? There are some shows and movies that I enjoy that I don’t think are worthy of critical accolades and vice versa.
😂😂😂
yeah, and then gems like Trying are not getting any recognition or hype, and I can’t praise it enough! funny with loads and loads of heart. Ted Lasso is getting all the accolades, while it’s not the only show on Apple + that is a delight
I think every nomination Mare received will win. I’ve watched that twice. I watched it with my wife and then my mom wanted to watch it so I watched it with her when she stayed with me for a few days. Holy crap that show just hit every note.
I hate to root against Jean Smart but I really want Julianne Nicholson to win that best supporting actress. My goodness that finale.
Same! I think Jean could win for Hacks though so not all is lost for her. Julianne broke my heart in that finale.
I’m really happy for the nominations for I May Destroy You and will be rooting for that, but Mare was excellent and exactly the type of show that wins awards.
Is Lily Collins blackmailing people for these nominations for Emily in Paris? The show was crap.
Literally said the same thing to one of my friends. I do NOT understand the love for this show.
It’s like they studied the SATC “Carrie in Paris” episodes, and said now let’s make something like that, but worse.
Yikes.
Lol. “…but EVEN worse.” That’s what I’d add.
I liked Emily in Paris. 😳
Good for you!
I haven’t watched Emily in Paris but a lot of people seem to like, so it prob is good. Just wonder if it was good enough to be nominated over some others out there.
Omar Sy was brilliant in Lupin! I’m disappointed that he got snubbed.
agree!
This.
But he’s black and foreign, so – unfortunately – I’m less than surprised.
Queens Gambit! I wouldnt want to be a show or actor going up against that!
Same. I will root for that over Mare, which I also loved, but I didn’t believe the whodunit in the end —too many red herrings and loose ends. Queen’s Gambit was so original and unexpected, plus the costumes. A++
Rooting for so many: Michaela Coel, Jean Smart, Anya Taylor-Joy, Josh O’Connor, Juno Temple.
I watch a lot of television.
Yes!
The Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category is going to be agony for me. I want Michaela, Anya and Kate all to win! I love Jean Smart so much, I hope she gets it in the comedy category.
I agree about the Flight Attendant NOT a drama like at all, so that nomination in that category is a little weird to me.
McKenna Grace was also nominated for her guest stint on the Handmaids Take and she was EXCELLENT and I think the youngest nominated actor ever in that category. I hope she wins.
Never Have I Ever is such a fantastic show, I watched it like 5 times. Shame it wasn’t recognized
I thought it was eligible (and snubbed) in 2020???
Thrilled about the Wandavision nominations (esp Olsen) and of course The Queen’s Gambit. I hate that Elizabeth Olsen and Anya Taylor Joy are up against each other because I thought they were both outstanding.
Nicole Kidman was absolutely not snubbed; she couldn’t even decide what her accent was throughout The Undoing. Hugh Grant was awesome, though.
I’m thrilled for WandaVision. I honestly didn’t think Lizzie Olsen was a great actress until the show but she’s definitely shown she’s got acting chops. I hope Marvel uses her a lot more
I haven’t watched a lot of these shows, but I guess I’ve watched enough to have opinions. I loved The Queens Gambit but I have to give Mare Of Easttown the edge over it? TQG is a great production all-around with great acting, but the costumes and effects were part of its success, whereas I feel like with Mare it was just pure, raw, great human drama.
Love Ted Lasso, happy for all of those nominations and for the ones for The Crown.
I could not even get through one episode of Emily In Paris. The lead character is so annoying and it is all just so….embarrassing, idk.
What the hell is Ted lasso?
It’s an Apple Plus series – Jason Sudeikis is a US football coach who takes a job coaching a pro soccer team in the UK and the owner of the team is trying to get back at her ex-husband by sabotaging the team (hence why she hired him.)
But it evolves from that and it really is just a story about being NICE. Like the lead character, Ted Lasso, is just the nicest damn guy and instead of being cheesy and over the top, its refreshing and delightful and you end up rooting for all of them. It’s so good.
Oh, good to know! I just got a free 1-year Apple+ subscription with my new (refurbished) iPad. Will put Lasso on the list. (First I had to catch up with Morning Show –surprisingly great– and am now onto See, which also is much better than I expected.)
It’s a wonderful series. I have zero interest in soccer, and I absolutely loved Ted Lasso. I’m excited to watch season 2.
Everyone in it is great–seriously, there’s not a weak link to be found.
Imagine Ned Flanders from the Simpsons. Then remove the religious stuff and make him a super-nice super-wholesome American football coach. Now transplant him to the UK to coach professional soccer. Add an amazing cast of British actors. Wacky hijinks ensue. It’s a warm fuzzy blanket of a show.
I think The Flight Attendant folks did some creative categorization (it’s up to the show to nominate itself and the actors in whatever category) because drama is usually stacked more than comedy, at least this year. The Queens Gambit or Mare Of Easttown? Anya Taylor-Joy or Kate Winslet? I heard WandaVision snd Elizabeth Olsen was good although I couldn’t get into it. I think the Emmy ratings will be good because it’s a real race.
I am absolutely THRILLED to see Michael K Williams get some love. Omar on The Wire will forever be one of my favorite characters, and he was never nominated for that. Such a talented man!
And Matthew Rhys! What an actor!
Michael K Williams is a tremendous actor.
Isn’t he? Someone who can make you fall in love with a guy who “rips and runs” for a living? I can’t look at a box of Honey Nut Cheerios without thinking of Omar.
He’s INCREDIBLE!
I’m so glad he was nominated. The Tulsa episode was wrenching. I just wish Wunmi Mosaku was nominated. She killed every episode.
Michael k Williams deserves nominations & wins for everything he does. He’s a brilliant actor! And it’s a travesty he, and the entire show, received nothing for The Wire!!!!
OMAR! One of the greatest tv characters of all time, played with brilliance by MKW.
I’m happy American Utopia got nominated. Spike Lee did an amazing job adapting it to the screen.
Good luck to Aidy, Kate and Cecily of SNL. I’ve been watching old-ish clips on YouTube and they are so funny. Wish I could see more of what they did this year though
I really enjoy the 3 of them, and hope they all have a lot of good stuff lined up. Shrill on Hulu was good, I’m bummed that’s ended, and I’m looking forward to Cecily’s musical show.
Some major snubs here to me!!
Small Axe was just stunningly beautiful.
The Good Lord Bird was also great.
And frankly, P Valley is one of the best shows I’ve seen and barely anyone talks about it.
I haven’t seen all the shows listed but just feels like a lot of great shows go unrecognized. I feel like there are a good amount of mediocre shows on that list but oh well.
No Small Axe and no Colman Domingo for Euphoria was a disappointment too.
If Kenan Thompson or Jason Sudeikis wins they have to reenact “What Up With That?” It was my favorite skit on SNL, with Kenan gleefully breaking out into song and Jason power dancing in a short curly wig and gold chains.
Jean Smart MUST win an Emmy for either Hacks or Mare – or both!! Has that ever happened? That a nominee wins in two categories? Kaley Cuoco was great in the Flight Attendant – but Jean’s performance as a comic is just next level. Anyway, Kate Winslet wins lead actress in a drama series hands down, IMO.
Jean Smart should be nominated for everything. What an actress😍
I have to say though that this post is very focused on white actors with no mention of the brilliant black actors and show runners that got nominated.
One of the big take aways has been that lovecraft country got 18 Emmy noms.
Written by a black woman and the first time in history both the leading man and the leading woman of a show, who both happen to be black, was nominated.
Interestingly HBO just cancelled the shows that is giving them the most noms this season 🙄
Also the fact that small axe and Steve McQueen wasn’t nominated is insane. Lovers rock ( ep 2 I think) was one of the best things on tv this year!
I gave Michael K Williams some love! He is amazing!!!
Agreed, Steve McQueen doesn’t get half the credit he deserves. Widows was brilliant. So many times watching Small Axe either my partner or I paused just to relish in the beauty or power of a scene.
Also, of all the lovecraft country acting noms, I’m so shocked Wunmi Mosaki didn’t. (Am I really shocked or is this colorism and sizeism?) I have enjoyed Jurnee’s work since Eve’s Bayou but Wunmi is a stunningly phenomenal actress, she blew everyone else in that show out of the water without even having as much screen time or depth devoted to her.
Anyways I haven’t seen most of the white shows on the nominated list (don’t @ me for calling shows like Queen’s Gambit or Mare of Easttown or Ted Lasso white shows because people are fast to ghettoize Black shows and frankly that’s what they are) but I’m gonna root for I May Destroy You because it was some of the best television I’ve ever seen. (Along with P VALLEY!! SOMEBODY ELSE WATCH THIS SHOW, IT’S SO GOOD! I CANNOT OVERSELL THIS SHOW!)
Jurnee was very good but Wunmi Mosaku was AMAZING. I’m glad to see she’s on Loki. It’s not as big a role but that show is really high visibility.
OK once again I question how many voters actually watch the shows. No major horrors…but: Don Cheadle over Carl Lumley?!?!?
I take no issue with Falcon and Winter Solider not getting much in the way of nominations. It was a mediocre show (yes, it was), but good lord if you are going to give it one major nomination you give it to Carl Lumley’s beautiful guest star work. Not Don Cheadle’s one minute of screen time and three lines!
I love that even Don Cheadle knows it’s BS (his Twitter reaction was amazing). He’s fabulous and deserves the world…but this was bad!!
Cheadle’s reaction was great. I think Sebastian Stan was really good but that category is tough. But, yes, NO CARL LUMLEY? What the hell? He and Daniel Bruhl really stole the show in two very different ways. There’s been all kinds of snark about the emmys mixing up black men.
The Queen’s Gambit and Mare of Eastown were my favorite shows this year, so I’ll be happy with either. I just don’t like the Crown as much since Claire Foy’s been gone.
Pose is my favourite show these days, sad it’s wrapped up now and so happy to see it nominated. Billy Porter is amazing and the nomination for MJ Rodriguez is so deserving. She is the first trans woman to be nominated for an Emmy and I’m ecstatic for her!
Unpopular Opinion: Mare of Easttown was boring. Kate Winslet is great but the show just put me to sleep. I also thought Brigerton sucked.
Lupin was robbed, pun intended! Much love for Queen’s Gambit and the Crown.
HACKS!! What a freaking great show, laugh out loud funny.
I just finished it and I miss it! I loved Hacks (and Jean Smart) sooooooo much. I’m so glad it’s getting a second season.
I’m so sad that Trying is not getting any hype or recognition, it’s a true gem! sweet with loads of heart and funny!
I think it’s a super cute show!
Jean Smart o/
She’s a huge inspiration for me, as a fellow T1D. Our strugle isn’t always visible or understood, but we still keep going.
MICHAEL K. WILLIAMS YESSSSSSSSSS
Also when I saw Aidy Bryant got nominated I was so happy! Shrill was awesome and she was awesome in it (even if the ending made me mad)
I absolutely loved Shrill, too. The ending was fitting for that show but I agree, it made me sad as well. I wish they’d do another season!
I loved Shrill, every season. I also love Aidy Bryant and Lindy West.
I just want William h. Macy to win once too he was so good in shameless
I still have to watch some of the shows recognized (Hacks and I May Destroy You are on my list). I love Ted Lasso and am so happy it’s being recognized! I almost quite Handmaid’s Tale after season 2, but last season and then especially season 4 actually moved the story forward. I love that so many actors from that show are being recognized.
But Mare of Easttown – FANTASTIC. Best thing in a while IMO. Kate Winslet – my god she’s the best of the best. And Julianne Nicholson and Jean Smart. What a well-acted show. Even Evan Peters getting some love!
I’m so happy Evan Peters is getting recognized he’s been amazing in everything he’s done and he should of gotten recognized a long time ago. He’s a great actor
Kate Winslet is fantastic in everything she does. She always transcends her fame as a well-known actress and literally becomes that character . She’s one of the greats that makes you completely forget who she is while watching a movie or TV project or streaming project.
AND lastly I just watched the iceberg sketch Bowen yang did on snl and he deserves an Emmy for that alone. He was hilarious 😂
i found ted lasso formulaic and the acting kinda cringey. am i really the only person in the whole universe?
I mean, I thought it was fine and the praise for it is totally hyperbolic. It was…fine.
I asked my partner, who watched it, if it was worthy of the praise. He told me it was fine but I probably wouldn’t like it. He doesn’t get the praise either. Part of me is so tempted to watch because of what people say but when there are so many brilliant shows out there, should I..?
I am rooting for Lovecraft Country. Am I the only one that saw it? It was powerful. So many top drawer actors! Journey Smollett was amazing.
I really don’t understand why people want Marvel stuff to be more than what it is, get awards, be praised as art, etc.
They are the entertainment version of junk food. I love McDonald’s and Wendy’s once in a while, and I’m not ashamed to say it, but I don’t want them to get Michelin stars.