Awards Contenders
The 2021 Emmy Awards are upon us! Check out the Watercooler’s catch-up guide to see which nominees to watch and what to look out for before the Sunday, September 19th ceremony. Tune in to CBS or Paramount+ at 8pm ET / 5pm PT too see which Emmy contenders take home the prize. Prefer to watch films? See our recommendations for this year’s Oscar and Golden Globe candidates.
Watercooler Picks: Series
Hacks
“When you share a sense of humor with someone, you make each other better.” This fascinating comedy spans the generational divide to tell the story of an unlikely partnership between two very funny women.
In Treatment (2021)
A timely reboot that depicts the vital relationship between a therapist and patient, and the meaningful role it plays in fostering growth and change.
Girls5eva
Emmy-nominated in the writing category, this throwback musical comedy is wacky fun with a satirical edge. It’s also loaded with talent in front of and behind the cameras.
Watercooler Picks: Film
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
As silly as Tammy Faye Bakker seemed on the surface, behind the layers of make-up and over-the-top TV persona was a strong, resilient woman, someone whose story sheds light on the growing power and greed of mass-marketed evangelicals.
Uncle Frank
At a time when families have been divided by political disagreements, Uncle Frank explores the enduring, loving bonds of family and the ways they link us together – whether we live close or worlds apart.
Small Axe
The history and stories from this part of the world really have not been told before. It’s a revelation, and in many ways, heartbreaking. The title comes from an African proverb, “If you are the big tree, we are the small axe.”
Deeper Dives
Who’s Likely to Win – and Who Could Upset – This Year’s Emmy Awards?
Who’s likely to win — and who could upset — this year’s Emmy Awards.
How SNL’s Bowen Yang Earned His Historic Emmy Nomination and Why He Should Win
Bowen Yang has proven his chops on Saturday Night Live, so his Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor came as no surprise. What should be equally obvious to viewers and members of the Television Academy alike is that he deserves to win.
Emmy Watch: PEN15 Elevates the Awkward Teen Comedy
In all its embarrassing glory and inadvertent hilarity, PEN15 shows us what it is to be a teenager—specifically a teenage girl–and reminds us that those days are not so far behind us.
Why This Is Us Could Nab a Emmy
This Is Us faces some stiff competition at the Emmys this year, but the show’s fifth season may be its most deserving yet.
Where to Watch the 2021 Emmy-Nominated Shows
The 2021 Emmy nominations are out! We’ll tell you where you can watch the major contenders by streaming service. What’s on your watch list?
Why Nomadland Would be a Worthy, Definitive Best Picture Winner for 2021
Chloe Zhao’s lyrical, masterful film about those forgotten on the fringes of American society has ratcheted up the momentum to be the favorite going into “Hollywood’s biggest night.” And it should be.
