Top Emmy-Nominated Shows With Religious Themes
Rachel Brosnahan as Midge Maisel in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” The show received the second most Emmy nominations at a total of 20. Photo courtesy of Amazon.
Emmy nominations were announced on July 29. Shows with religious messages and characters were highly recognized by the Television Academy, and we’ve compiled the most popular here:
“Ramy”
Season 2 of Hulu Original “Ramy” continues following the spiritual journey of Ramy Hassan as he strives to be a pure Muslim. Season 2 finds him practicing under a new sheikh, befriending a homeless veteran and marrying a devoted Muslim girl. But will his good faith last?
Related: Impurity In 'Ramy' Season 2 Presents Consequences, Chance For Growth
“Ramy” was nominated for three awards: Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
Midge Maisel is a female comedian living in 1950s New York. As loud, brash and untraditional as she may be, Midge and her family are Jewish through and through. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” doesn’t shy away from depicting Jewish holidays and traditions in the midst of its comedic vigor.
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” was nominated for 20 Emmys: Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More), Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series, Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-camera Series (One Hour), Outstanding Period Costumes, Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series, Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series, Outstanding Single-camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series, Outstanding Period and/or Character Hairstyling, Outstanding Period and/or Character Makeup (Non-prosthetic), Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, Outstanding Music Supervision, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour).
“The Good Place”
How do you get to heaven? What makes a good person? “The Good Place” grapples with these questions and more. Though not tied to a specific religion—it focuses more on ethical philosophy of varying traditions—the show takes place almost entirely in heaven. (And sometimes hell.) In the show’s final season, characters grapple with how to handle infinity.
“The Good Place” was nominated for a total of six Emmys: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.
“The Handmaid’s Tale”
Hulu Original “The Handmaid’s Tale” is a dystopian drama set in a world based on the Old Testament of the Bible—in a twisted way. As part of a rigid, dark theocracy, Gilead requires its fertile women to bear children for esteemed couples (based on the story of Rachel and Leah).
“The Handmaid’s Tale” was nominated for 10 Emmys: Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (One Hour or More), Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series, Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-fi Costumes, Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling, Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-prosthetic), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role.
“Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath”
Leah Remini is an actress and former member of the Church of Scientology. After leaving the church, she created “Scientology and the Aftermath” to share her negative experiences. She has received an Emmy nomination for each of the three seasons of the show.
“Leah Remini: Scientology And The Aftermath” was nominated for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special.
“Mrs. America”
This nine-episode limited series set in the 1970’s follows Catholic political activist-lawyer, self-identified housewife and mother of six children, Phyllis Schlafly. Schlafly was one of the leading voices in the counterrevolution against the women’s movement.
Related: Phyllis Schlafly Cast As Feminism’s Anti-Hero In New Series ‘Mrs. America’
“Mrs. America” was nominated for 10 Emmys: Outstanding Casting for a Limited Series, Movie or Special, Outstanding Period Costumes, Outstanding Single-camera Picture Editing for a Limited Series or Movie, Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score), Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series Or Movie, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special.
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. The Reverend”
An interactive movie that adds on to the Netflix Original comedy, “Kimmy vs. the Reverend” gives the viewer a chance to choose between several options to create the perfect wedding. The Reverent, played by Jon Hamm, is her main rival—and many of the choices lead to his demise at the end. Don’t expect anything too deeply religious. But it is Jon Hamm.
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. The Reverend” was nominated for two Emmys: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie and Outstanding Television Movie.
“Unorthodox”
This Netflix Original miniseries documents the journey of 19-year-old Etsy, who feels trapped in an arranged, Orthodox marriage as a Hasidic Jew. “Unorthodox” follows her as she flees Brooklyn and tries to navigate a secular life.
“Unorthodox” was nominated for eight Emmys: Outstanding Casting for a Limited Series, Movie or Special, Outstanding Contemporary Costumes, Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special, Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score), Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special.
The Emmys will be held virtually and aired on Sept. 20, 2020.
Jillian Cheney is a Poynter-Koch fellow for Religion Unplugged who loves consuming good culture and writing about it. She also reports on American Protestantism and Evangelical Christianity. You can find her on Twitter @_jilliancheney.