Between cable television and streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix and Hulu, it’s difficult to navigate the hundreds of comedy, crime drama, thriller and reality television series out for consumption. Many acclaimed series get overlooked by everyday viewers despite record-breaking accolades from the Emmys, which honors the best in television.

Here are three recent Emmy award-winning television shows that are instant classics and must-watches on any TV binging list.

 

“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”

Jewish housewife Miriam ‘Midge’ Maisel, played by Rachel Brosnahan, has the perfect life until her comedian husband Joel, played by Michael Zegen, has an affair with his secretary and leaves Midge and their two children. Midge attempts to reclaim her independence by pursuing a career in stand-up comedy, a career she’s always supported Joel through but never had the courage or support to try herself. Set in 1950s New York City, the series follows Midge and her sarcastic manager Susie Myerson, played by Alex Borstein, as Midge books gigs, writes carefully constructed jokes and navigates the uncharted waters of divorce.

The Amazon Prime series received eight 2018 Emmy wins and four nominations, including Brosnahan taking home the statue for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Amy Sherman-Palladino won Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for her direction of the “Pilot” episode and also scooped the Emmy for Outstanding Writing. Brosnahan won awards at both 2018 and 2019 Golden Globes for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy.

Sherman-Palladino, creator of the 2000 comedy series “Gilmore Girls,” incorporates her directing signatures of fast-talking characters, provocative dialogue and an ambitious female lead into “Mrs. Maisel.” She writes charming, understated characters who surprise the audience with their witty insights and hilarious personalities. With countless other accolades including impeccable historical accuracy, beautiful costume design and a strong supporting cast, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” is quick-paced, funny and delightful.

 

“GLOW”

Created by Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, the action-packed dramedy follows the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, or GLOW, in 1980s Los Angeles as they struggle to prove themselves in the professional arena. Despite GLOW being a real syndicated women’s professional wrestling circuit and having its own TV series from 1986 to 1989, the 2017 Netflix Original Series centers on a fictional cast who aim to become powerhouse wrestlers. Struggling actress and lead character Ruth Wilder, played by Alison Brie, pairs her massive comedic talent well with supporting characters Sebastian Howard, played by Chris Lowell, and Carmen Wade, played by Britney Young.

With two Emmy wins, five nominations and outstanding recognitions at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, “GLOW” proved itself a series worth binging. All lead and supporting actresses trained and performed their own stunts despite no prior wrestling or fight choreography experience. Stunt Coordinator Shauna Duggins’ training won her Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or a Variety Program. The 1980s provides a vibrant backdrop to the story, and the production design team brought new colors and style to the time period while sparing no expense on even the smallest of details. For the episode “The Dusty Spur,” the crew won Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half-Hour or Less).

With empowering female characters, a rock ballad-heavy soundtrack and emotional yet genuine writing, “GLOW” is a series about more than just women wrestlers. It’s a story that honestly reflects on gendered stereotypes and conventional roles while exploring the lives of women who decided enough was enough. The comedy and drama is as real as it gets, as the actresses of “GLOW” built their characters around the women of the original series.

 

“Barry”

The HBO crime comedy follows the life of hitman Barry Berkman, played by Bill Hader, who moves to Los Angeles to assassinate an actor but ends up falling in love with the profession. This is not the typical charming role Hader is known for with impressions and a lovable, unassuming smile, but quite the opposite. Barry is calculated, confrontational and completely depressed. The show’s dark and ominous presence coupled with decisive writing and an original premise make it a wonderful watch.

“Barry” won three Emmys and received 13 nominations, with Hader nabbing Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Henry Winkler taking home Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Gene Cousineau. The directing, writing, editing and cinematography of the series received the breadth of the recognition with 10 of the show’s nominations focused on production design.

Convincing characterization and thoroughly clever comedy make “Barry” a fun series to watch. The underlying theme of seeking happiness no matter the consequences can appeal to audience members from all walks of life. Barry’s murderous profession doesn’t bring him happiness but is the very thing contributing to his depression. As he struggles to find his passion, Barry exhibits control and reserve while allowing the audience to see fleeting moments of his internal struggle. Hader has crafted a character that many can identify with and even root for.