5 Emmy-nominated shows you probably haven’t seen but should — VIDEO

By Kristen DeSilva reviewjournal.com

9 years ago

Actor Jeffrey Tambor poses backstage with the award for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series for Amazon Studios "Transparent" at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California September 20, 2015. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Actor Jeffrey Tambor poses backstage with his award for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series for Amazon Studios‘ "Transparent" at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California September 20, 2015. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Every award season, viewers take to social media to complain about nominees they’ve never heard of — especially in the case of the Academy Awards. But for the Emmys, this happens early in the show, when smaller productions and lesser-known actors are being recognized for their efforts.

Now, with the Emmys recognizing television shows and programs from online platforms and specialty networks, even more qualify for awards — but it’s impossible to see them all.

Here are five of Sunday night’s nominees you should watch if you haven’t already:

SILICON VALLEY

The HBO Entertainment series was nominated this year for outstanding comedy series, along with a directing and writing nod. The show follows six friends in Silicon Valley in Northern California after they create Internet startup Pied Piper. The show, in its second season starring Thomas Middleditch, T.J. Miller and Josh Brenner, has been lauded as a hilarious satire of the tech industry.

Warning: Graphic language.

TRANSPARENT

“Transparent,” which landed star Jeffrey Tambor (“Arrested Development”) the award for best actor in a comedy and the best directing award, is produced through Amazon with a second season on the way. The show follows Mort and his family after they discover he’s transgender.

AMERICAN CRIME

The ABC series was tapped for best limited series (losing to HBO’s “Olive Kitteridge”), as well as best actor in a miniseries, best actress in a miniseries, supporting actor and writing. Actress Regina King took home the award for best supporting actress in a miniseries for her role, and the series soon will be into its second season. The anthology follows different people, later revealed to be connected, as it follows the trial of a racially charged murder.

RAY DONOVAN

The Liev Schreiber-led Showtime series had the biggest premiere in Showtime’s history, and was recently renewed for its fourth season. The show follows Donovan in Los Angeles at the lawfirm Goldman & Drexler, where he works as a middleman arranging bribes, “fixing” messes for high-profile clients. Schrieber was nominated for lead actor in a drama.

OLIVE KITTERIDGE

This four-hour miniseries, based on the novel of the same name, debuted on HBO last year, starring Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins and Bill Murray. The series swept Sunday’s Emmys, taking home eight of its 13 nominations with awards going to all three lead actors.

Contact Kristen DeSilva at kdesilva@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @kristendesilva