What our critics thought of this year’s Emmy nominees
From hotly anticipated seasons to surprise hits, the shows competing for the title of best drama at this year’s Emmy Awards have excited our own critics as much as anyone. We take a look back at the eight most outstanding dramas in the past year.
★★★★½
The White Lotus is back - and it’s more delicious than ever
The second season of the hit HBO series heads to Sicily for a triumphant takedown of the darkest indulgences of humanity.
- by Michael Idato
Andor is a revelation and easily one of the best shows of the year
House of the Dragon and The Rings of Power can step aside. There’s a clear winner in the battle of the blockbuster prequels.
- by Craig Mathieson
★★★★★
‘A masterclass’: The best show on TV is headed for a buzzsaw finale
The fourth and final season of Succession is must-see TV: the mood grows more tense, the stakes are higher, and the possible outcomes plainly definitive.
- by Craig Mathieson
★★★★
House of the Dragon proves a worthy heir to the Throne
The Game of Thrones prequel takes us back 200 years and dials up the power plays and political tension.
- by Michael Idato
‘Never close the door’: Better Call Saul’s creator on life after the show’s finale
One of TV’s most acclaimed series ends on Tuesday. Is it really the last we’ll see of the cast of characters it and its predecessor Breaking Bad introduced?
- by Karl Quinn
★★★★
Chernobyl creator’s end-of-the-world series is bold and biting TV
HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us is the best video game adaptation yet made for the screen.
- by Craig Mathieson
★★★★
This out-of-nowhere hit is one of the most delicious shows on TV
An expertly crafted series that dines out on cannibalism, the horror-charged thriller Yellowjackets is an enthralling, emotionally knotty watch.
- by Craig Mathieson
★★★½
The Crown is still great TV, despite moments of borderline parody
The fifth season works, but only just. Is it because we’re creeping towards the present day, where contemporary images of the Royal Family are too familiar?
- by Michael Idato