4. Sherlock: The Abominable Bride (PBS)

This modern take on Sherlock has developed a cult following so strong, it can wait years for a three-episode installment. So, to the fans waiting for the next season since February 2014, the TV special episode The Abominable Bride is a treat. Though a stand-alone episode, it still has all what the Sherlock fans love about the series: the mind-boggling mysteries, the unconventional cinematography and the dynamic chemistry of the lead duo Sherlock Holmes and James Watson, played by Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, respectively.

The special episode balances the continuity of the series and its capacity to be an independent chapter. It presents the characters in an alternative reality—in the 1890s Victorian London setting of the original Sherlock literature. Touching on the timely issue of feminism, the show was able to showcase its capacity to execute a period drama, the versatility of its actors and the timelessness of its stories.

In the last Emmys, Sherlock: The Abominable Bride won the award for Outstanding Television Movie.

3. Game of Thrones

If you haven’t been watching this fantasy drama like the rest of the world, its recent Emmy domination in the drama category might convince you. In addition to being the most nominated and awarded show in the technical category (Creative Arts Emmys), Game of Thrones wins its 2^nd consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. Its most popular episode, “Battle of the Bastards”, also won both Outstanding Directing and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series. In addition to that, its stellar cast of Kit Harrington, Peter Dinklage, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey and Maisie Williams each got a nomination for their respective acting categories.

Investing heavily on costumes and animation, this epic proves that the small screen is no excuse for small productions, and quality does not mean sacrificing commercial viability. Taking home 12 total Emmys this year, Game of Thrones broke the record for receiving the most Emmy awards for a drama series in a single year.

2. Veep (HBO)

Where better to get your comedy fix than the back-to-back Emmy winner for Outstanding Comedy Series Veep?Among all politics-based shows today, only Veep unapologetically shows the gritty environment of Washington, D.C. and makes a high comedy form of satire out of it. Leading its excellent cast, Julia Louis-Dreyfus also wins her fifth consecutive Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series within the show’s five-year run.

Louis-Dreyfus plays Vice President Selina Meyer who, after an unsuccessful bid for the presidency, settled to be her party’s VP candidate. Along with her staff, she learns and navigates the incredible maze of politics and the confusing road to the presidency. It’s her on-spot comedic timing and the genius material that takes the absurd with humorous angle shot in mockumentary style that makes the show a favorite among the Academy.

Proof of Louis-Dreyfus’ comic prowess is her acceptance speech: “I’d also like to take this opportunity to personally apologize for the current political climate,” she said. “I think that Veep has torn down the wall between comedy and politics. Our show started out as a political satire but it feels now like sobering documentary. So I certainly do promise to rebuild that wall and make Mexico pay for it.”

1. The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (FX)

American Horror Story co-creator Ryan Murphy took the show’s signature mystery-thriller experience and used it to tell the story of one of the most infamous crimes in America. The People v. O.J. Simpson, the first offering of the limited series format of FX’s American Crime Story, was the runaway winner last Emmys. Based on the real-life murder trial of NFL star and actor O.J. Simpson, the show won an Emmy for Outstanding Limited Series.

There was not a second that is boring unlike other legal thrillers, thanks to its all-star cast led by Cuba Gooding, Jr. as Simpson, Courtney B. Vance (who won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie award), Sarah Paulson (who won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie award), Sterling K. Brown (who won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie award), Nathan Lane, David Schwimmer and John Travolta. Episode writer D. V. DeVincentis also won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special.

You would thought that you have seen and heard it all about this trial but this seven-episode limited series would surprise you, keeping you on the edge of your seats at every turn of the events.

Have you been watching any of these shows? Share with us your thoughts on them!

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