Emmys 2019: EW picks the dark-horse contenders who deserve nominations

In the era of peak TV, there are so many series and performers worthy of awards attention that it can get a bit… overwhelming.

And for all the probable Emmys frontrunners — looking at you, Game of Thrones, This Is Us, Veep, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel — there are just as many, if not more, shows and performances that just don’t get the attention they deserve.

Here, EW has compiled a wish list of the dark-horse contenders we’d like to see recognized when Emmy nominations are announced July 16.


Best Drama

YOU
Based on Caroline Kepnes’ novel of the same name, YOU presented a different look at a serial killer, one that took viewers inside the mind of Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), thereby presenting them with the reasoning for his actions. By never shying away from Joe’s dark side, the show’s freshman season unraveled a beautifully paced modern-day thriller about what people do for love… and what is acceptable to do for love. —Samantha Highfill

Best Actor — Drama

Penn Badgley, YOU
As Joe Goldberg, the book enthusiast with a dark side, Badgley was at once YOU’s protagonist and antagonist. With every episode, he delicately balanced Joe’s charm with his violent tendencies, somehow creating a character who was both heartbreaking and terrifying. —S.H.