The Primetime Emmy Awards are one of the biggest nights in television. It’s a time to celebrate the best TV shows, actors, writers, directors, and all those who work behind the scenes. The 2022 Emmy Awards were no exception, bringing together the brightest stars and the most popular shows from the world of television. With so many great programs and performances, the nominations were hotly anticipated by fans and industry professionals alike.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the nominees for the 2022 Emmys, breaking down the categories and highlighting the standout shows and talent that earned recognition. From drama to comedy, from limited series to variety shows, the Emmy nominations covered a wide range of genres and showcased the diversity and creativity of modern television.
Drama Series
The Drama Series category is often one of the most competitive at the Emmys. Several iconic shows were nominated, each with its own unique approach to storytelling. The nominees for Outstanding Drama Series in 2022 were:
1. Better Call Saul:
The final season of Better Call Saul continued to captivate audiences with its intense storytelling and complex characters. As a prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill into the morally questionable lawyer, Saul Goodman. The show has been praised for its nuanced performances, especially by Bob Odenkirk, and its intricate plots.
2. Euphoria:
Euphoria, a drama series about the lives of high school students dealing with love, identity, and addiction, captured both controversy and praise. Zendaya, who plays the lead role of Rue Bennett, earned widespread recognition for her performance, and the show’s bold approach to storytelling pushed boundaries in terms of both visuals and themes.
3. Squid Game:
This South Korean phenomenon took the world by storm in 2021 and continued its success into 2022. Squid Game centers on a group of financially struggling individuals who are invited to play deadly children’s games for a chance to win a large sum of money. The show was praised for its social commentary and engaging plot twists, making it a global sensation.
4. Stranger Things:
The fourth season of Stranger Things delivered more suspense, nostalgia, and horror. The show, which follows a group of kids navigating supernatural events in their small town, has remained a fan favorite. With its mix of 80s pop culture references and thrilling storylines, Stranger Things continues to be a powerhouse in the drama genre.
5. Succession:
Succession continued its critical success in 2022, with its sharp dialogue and portrayal of a wealthy family vying for control of a media empire. The series is known for its dark humor, complex characters, and tense power struggles. Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, and Sarah Snook received nominations for their outstanding performances.
6. Yellowjackets:
This psychological thriller about a high school girls’ soccer team stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash blends survival drama with supernatural elements. Yellowjackets was lauded for its strong ensemble cast, suspenseful narrative, and its ability to explore themes of trauma, survival, and human nature.
7. And Just Like That…:
This continuation of Sex and the City follows the lives of Carrie Bradshaw, Charlotte York, and Miranda Hobbes as they navigate life, love, and friendship in their 50s. While the show received mixed reviews, it was still one of the most talked-about nominees of the year.
8. Ozark:
The final season of Ozark saw Jason Bateman’s character, Marty Byrde, struggle to protect his family and survive in the dangerous world of money laundering. The show’s dark, thrilling tone and the gripping performances of the cast made it one of the standout drama series of the year.
Comedy Series
Comedy has always been a crucial part of the television landscape, and in 2022, there were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as well as poignant, emotional stories. The nominees for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2022 were:
1. Ted Lasso:
Ted Lasso, the feel-good comedy about an American football coach who takes charge of a British soccer team, has become a cultural phenomenon. With its heartwarming messages, memorable characters, and impeccable performances—especially by Jason Sudeikis in the title role—Ted Lasso continued its Emmy streak, earning several nominations.
2. Hacks:
Hacks is a dark comedy series about an aging Las Vegas comedian, Deborah Vance, who teams up with a young writer, Ava Daniels. The show explores the clash of generations and the challenges of staying relevant in the entertainment industry. Jean Smart, who plays Deborah, received widespread praise for her role.
3. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel:
Set in the late 1950s, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel follows Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a housewife who pursues a career in stand-up comedy after her husband leaves her. The show’s vibrant sets, fast-paced dialogue, and Rachel Brosnahan’s performance earned it another round of Emmy nominations in 2022.
4. Abbott Elementary:
Abbott Elementary became one of the surprise hits of 2022. This mockumentary-style comedy follows a group of teachers at a public elementary school in Philadelphia. Its charming cast, led by Quinta Brunson, and its portrayal of the challenges and rewards of teaching made it a standout show.
5. Only Murders in the Building:
Starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building is a mystery-comedy series about three strangers who bond over their shared love of true crime. The trio becomes embroiled in an actual murder mystery in their apartment building. The show blends comedy and suspense with great chemistry between its stars.
6. What We Do in the Shadows:
This mockumentary-style comedy follows a group of vampire roommates living in Staten Island. Based on the 2014 film by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, What We Do in the Shadows combines supernatural humor with everyday struggles. The show has gained a cult following thanks to its quirky characters and hilarious premise.
7. Barry:
Barry is a dark comedy about a hitman, played by Bill Hader, who tries to leave his violent past behind to pursue an acting career. The show mixes dark humor with tense moments, and Hader’s dual performance as both a killer and a would-be actor has been widely praised.
8. Pachinko:
This adaptation of the best-selling novel Pachinko tells the story of a Korean family over several generations, spanning multiple countries and decades. While it has dramatic elements, its emotional depth and moments of lightness earned it a place in the comedy nominations.
Limited Series
Limited series have gained more prominence in recent years, as they offer the opportunity to tell a complete story in a short amount of time. The nominees for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series in 2022 were:
1. The White Lotus:
The White Lotus’ second season continued the anthology format, this time set in a luxurious resort in Sicily. The series, created by Mike White, explores class, privilege, and the dark side of vacationing in paradise. Jennifer Coolidge’s performance was particularly lauded, earning her an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress.
2. Dopesick:
This drama about the opioid crisis, based on the non-fiction book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America, chronicles the rise of Purdue Pharma and its role in the epidemic. With a star-studded cast, including Michael Keaton, the show was praised for its unflinching look at the crisis.
3. The Dropout:
The Dropout tells the story of Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of the failed tech company Theranos. Amanda Seyfried’s portrayal of Holmes earned her widespread acclaim, and the show’s examination of ambition, deception, and corporate greed was a major talking point.
4. Inventing Anna:
This series, based on the true story of Anna Sorokin, follows the rise and fall of the fake heiress who scammed New York’s elite. Julia Garner’s portrayal of Anna earned her recognition, and the show was praised for its gripping, satirical take on the world of high society.
5. Pam & Tommy:
This limited series dives into the tumultuous relationship between Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, focusing on their infamous sex tape scandal. The performances of Lily James and Sebastian Stan were widely praised, especially their ability to transform into their real-life counterparts.
6. We Own This City:
Created by David Simon, the same mind behind The Wire, We Own This City tells the story of corruption in the Baltimore Police Department. The show was critically acclaimed for its exploration of systemic issues in law enforcement and its gritty, realistic portrayal of urban life.
7. Station Eleven:
Based on the post-apocalyptic novel by Emily St. John Mandel, Station Eleven follows a group of survivors in the wake of a global pandemic. The show mixes elements of science fiction, drama, and survival, and was praised for its beautiful cinematography and emotional depth.
8. True Story:
Kevin Hart and Wesley Snipes star in this drama about a world-famous comedian who finds himself caught up in a dangerous situation while on a tour. The show explores themes of trust, family, and fame, with Hart stepping outside his usual comedic roles to take on a more dramatic one.
Conclusion
The nominees for the 2022 Emmy Awards showcased the diverse and exciting landscape of modern television. From gripping dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies and emotional limited series, 2022 had something for everyone. Whether it was the complexity of Succession, the heart of Ted Lasso, or the global impact of Squid Game, the Emmys continued to celebrate the incredible talent and creativity that television offers. The nominees of 2022 reflected the ongoing evolution of TV, where boundaries are pushed, new stories are told, and audiences are given more choices than ever before.
