In the latest episode of “Awards Circuit,” presented by Showtime, Variety TV editors Michael Schneider and Emily Longeretta weed through the hottest contenders for best drama series this Emmys season, from the ever-captivating “White Lotus” to the beloved “Succession.”
Schneider and Longeretta discuss the dramas they estimate will earn nominations in the category, including series like HBO’s “House of the Dragon,” Showtime’s “Yellowjackets” and Netflix’s “The Crown.” Notably, the jump of HBO’s “The White Lotus” from the limited to the drama series category this season is at the top of their minds.
“What’s interesting with ‘White Lotus’ is that it is moving to the drama category because you had some of those stars like Jennifer Coolidge sticking around for Season 2,” says Schneider. “Jennifer Coolidge is the person that has been the face of this show, and once again will probably be nominated,” Longeretta points out.
However, there were two series in particular that both Schneider and Longeretta believe will dominate Emmy nominations: HBO’s “The Last of Us” and “Succession.”
“Up until now, there really hasn’t been a breakout, hit television show based on a video game,” says Schneider of the post-apocalyptic drama starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. “The cast completely blew everyone away,” Longeretta says.
While the concept of a zombie video game may be overworked, Schneider commends creator Craig Mazin for “coming up with something that was really special and felt original.”
Schneider, too, predicts that “Succession” will “steamroll the Emmy race, in many categories.” With 48 nominations and 13 wins under the show’s belt, Longeretta believes that this number will only grow due to its ability to create buzz following “every episode.”
“I think it’s only going to get even bigger this year because it’s what everyone is talking about,” said Schneider.
Check out the full conversation above. Variety’s Awards Circuit is presented by Showtime.
