Emmy awards 2021 best drama series: which shows are nominated?

The 73rd edition of the Emmy Awards which are held annually is scheduled for Sunday, Sept.19 at 8 p.m. ET. This year's event will be aired live by CBS and, hosted by comedian Cedric the Entertainer, who is known for their work on the channel's comedy program “The Neighborhood.”

This year's favorites to walk away with the night's biggest prize in the Drama category, Outstanding Drama Series, are Netflix’s show “The Crown” and Disney+ “The Mandalorian." Both shows lead nomination count with 24 each. However, of all streaming services, HBO leads the pack with 130 nominations across all programs. 

Sunday's historic ceremony will be one to remember as Mj Rodriguez, most-known as Blanca in FX's Pose, is nominated for Best Drama Actress, becoming the first transgender actor to be nominated in a major acting award.

Check the full list of 2021 Emmy drama series nominees below.

2021 Emmys drama series nominees

“The Boys'”

This nomination is a great example of what can be accomplished with a good campaign strategy. After gaining a single nomination with its first season in 2020, The Boys' managed to come back much stronger this season, with five nominations at this year's Emmy's. The pandemic has helped increase the viewership of the show, which has helped their chances at securing nominations.

“The Handmaid’s Tale,”

Coming up as the only previous winner in the race, "The Handmaid's Tale" has been able to keep up with their fans' expectations. The program's success is reflected in the 21 nominations the show has managed to pull out this year. The show's fourth season received positive feedback from the critics and fans who carry on stuck to the screen every week, awaiting for more episodes to be released. Whether that momentum can be kept up in the future is yet to see...

“Bridgerton”

Bridgerton is the unquestionable audiovisual creation of the pandemic. Having been awarded 12 nominations, the show gained a vast amount of votes from the TV spectator critics. However, we all know that when it comes to the Academy voters, surprises can always be expected.

 “This Is Us”

The NBC show has managed to increase its number of nominations from 2020 by one, for a total of six. Next year's season will reportedly be it's last, so many expect that those involved in the show's production will fight with tooth and nail to make the most of it.

“Pose”

Pose, with nine nominations for its final season could make history at this year's award ceremony. A major contender in the drama category, this show's main character, Blanca played by Mj Rodriguez has the chance to be the first transgender woman to win an acting prize of this magnitude. Show fans have already congratulated Rodriguez as they are the first transgender woman to be nominated in Emmy history, a historic milestone for the Emmys.

“Lovecraft Country”

In light of being canceled by HBO, Misha Green’s genre-blending adaptation “Lovecraft Country” received 18 nominations.  That unfortunate news kept the show top of mind, as did the fact that it is the first drama (along with “Pose”) to have two Black leads nominated at the same time. The show has consistently made headlines during campaign season, but that may not be enough.

“The Mandalorian”

After winning seven Emmys last year (all in Creative Arts categories), “The Mandalorian” stands to increase its number this year, though taking this trophy is still a long shot based on the completion.

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"The Crown"

Tied with "The Mandalorian" in the lead of the 2021 Emmys, the global phenomenon, The Crown is predicted to come out triumphant in this years' award.