Guide to streaming Emmy‑winning series after the awards

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Have you heard of a little show called Widow’s Bay? This kooky horror-comedy (that I’ve personally been raving about for months) has just set a record for comedy wins at the Emmys.

The new series won 14 awards across the Primetime and Creative Arts Emmys, breaking the previous record set last year by The Studio.

If you still haven’t watched this word-of-mouth hit, consider this your final push to do so. But there might be a few other shows to add to your list too.

Personally, I’m inspired to finish off the gritty HBO Max thriller Task after Tom Pelphrey’s win for outstanding supporting actor. And I really should give The Diplomat a go, too. That Netflix series saw Allison Janney triumph over many supporting actors from The Pitt.

But, after Tuesday’s award show, it’s clear these six shows are the most deserving of your attention. Here’s where you can find them and what our critics thought about each series.

What it won: Everything it was nominated for. Kate O’Flynn and Stephen Root won in the supporting actor categories. Matthew Rhys took home his first Emmy for lead actor in a comedy. Series creator Katie Dippold won outstanding writing, Hiro Murai was recognised for his directing and the show, of course, won outstanding comedy. A clean sweep!

What we said about it: “Against all odds, Widow’s Bay is one of the most innovative and thoroughly entertaining shows I’ve watched this year. Scary enough for actual horror fans and consistently layered with clever comedy throughout, this 10-part series transcends its influences to create something delightful and ambitious that will have you laughing and screaming in equal measure.” Read Meg Watson’s full review or go behind the scenes with the show’s star Matthew Rhys and creator Katie Dippold.

What it won: The show won outstanding drama, and Noah Wyle was recognised as lead actor, but the show did lose other major awards – including stacked supporting categories – after dominating last year.

What we said about it: ”This much celebrated medical drama is even better in its second season, delivering the required doses of raw emotion and unflinching gore … and now operating from a more stable base of characters we already know and are ready to root for. Believe the hype. This show resonates for a reason.” Read Meg Watson’s full review or go behind the scenes with Noah Wyle on the filming of this season.

What it won: Outstanding limited or anthology series. The show also dominated in the Creative Arts Emmys earlier this month with supporting actors David Harbour and Linda Cardellini both taking home trophies for their complex roles.

What we said about it: “A quietly thoughtful and bittersweet viewing experience. Galvanised by a suspicious death, this story of male best friends – where one of the men is secretly having an affair with the other’s wife – can play as a drily black comedy or a suburban noir. But even as it moves to these genre contours, the central performances and the writing keep unearthing new strands of humanity, whether flawed or bewildering.” Read Craig Mathieson’s full review.

What it won: After previously missing out for Better Call Saul, Rhea Seehorn won her first Emmy: outstanding lead actress in a drama. Writer and creator Vince Gilligan was also recognised for outstanding writing for a drama series.

What we said about it: “Set in a radically altered world of today, the show is so awash with possibilities that the boundaries are never clear. That this puzzle box is nonetheless compelling is testament to the masterful control exerted by creator Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad) and star Rhea Seehorn ... She’s in virtually every scene, often by herself, and her reactions guide the narrative through a raft of genres. The narrative folds in otherworldly horror, the blackest of humour, and wrenching loss, but the transitions never jar, even if you’re sometimes left with your own nagging what-if scenarios.” Read Craig Mathieson’s full review or his interview with Rhea Seehorn.

What it won: The final season of this critical darling was steamrolled in most categories by the unstoppable Widow’s Bay, but Jean Smart made history by becoming the first person to win an acting Emmy for every season of a show. Five in a row ain’t too shabby.

What we said about it:“Hacks has always been a joyous mixture of silly physical comedy and farce with cultural satire, and this blend is stepped up a little for the final season. But the moments of poignancy are still there, especially towards the final, dramatic plot line, which the show’s creators have, reportedly, always had in mind ... The best pairing since The Odd Couple will be seriously missed.” Read Kylie Northover’s full review or go behind the scenes with the show’s co-creator Paul W. Downs.

What it won: The show lost to DTF St Louis in the category for limited or anthology series, and Claire Danes couldn’t top Sally Field in lead actress, but Matthew Rhys triumphed. His win for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series, coupled with his widely tipped win for lead actor in a comedy for Widow’s Bay made Emmys history. It’s the first time an actor has won two leading categories on one night.

What we said about it: “For many decades, scientists have tried and failed to generate cold fusion, the hypothetical process of achieving nuclear fusion at or near room temperature. For those seeking assistance, I would suggest watching this gripping limited-series, a psychological thriller about culpability and anger because the scenes shared by the two leads, Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, deliver an almighty charge. At every level, from emotional to atomic, the pair forge a phenomenal connection.” Read Craig Mathieson’s full review.

What did you think of the winning shows? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.