These days, there’s an unlimited amount of TV to binge-watch on countless streaming services. But at the 2021 Emmys, only 12 programs were awarded during the Primetime Awards. The Crown dominated the drama categories, walking away with seven statuettes for its Princess Diana–centered fourth season. Ted Lasso and Hacks split up comedy honors, while limited series trophies were devised between Mare of Easttown and The Queen’s Gambit. As such, it’s never been easier to see all of the year’s most-awarded TV.
If you’re keen to catch-up with I May Destroy You—or found yourself puzzled by Ewan McGregor’s Halston win—here is where to stream 2021’s Emmy-winning shows.
The Crown
As expected, Netflix’s latest season of The Crown swept the drama field, securing honors in drama series, directing for Jessica Hobbs, and writing for Peter Morgan. All four acting categories were also bestowed upon the show, including lead actress Olivia Colman, lead actor Josh O’Connor, supporting actress Gillian Anderson, and supporting actor Tobias Menzies. In total, The Crown won 11 of its 24 nominations—giving the creative team plenty of motivation for season five.
Ted Lasso
It’s no surprise that much of the evening belonged to Ted Lasso. The AppleTV+ series won best comedy series, as well as awards for lead actor Jason Sudeikis, supporting actress Hannah Waddingham, and non-CGI supporting actor Brett Goldstein. The series also picked up three technical category wins at the recent Creative Arts Emmys.
The Queen’s Gambit
Despite winning best limited series and directing honors for Scott Frank, The Queen’s Gambit had a more muted night at the Emmys. The show’s real haul happened at the Creative Arts ceremony, where it won nine below-the-line categories such as outstanding period makeup, period costumes, and casting for a limited series.
Mare of Easttown
After captivating audiences with its central murder mystery in April, this HBO series won three key categories at the 2021 Emmys. Julianne Nicholson pulled off a surprise win in the supporting-actress category over WandaVision’s Kathryn Hahn. Moments later, Evan Peters won the supporting-actor race. And Kate Winslet came out on top in the night’s most competitive category—lead actress in a limited series. Season two, anyone?
Hacks
Speaking of over-performing, HBO Max’s Hacks snatched both comedy writing and directing honors from the widely predicted Ted Lasso. In addition to the recognition for show creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, series star Jean Smart took home her fourth career Emmy in the lead-actress category. In her moving speech, Smart thanked her late husband, actor Richard Gilliland: “I would not be here without him.”
I May Destroy You
After being egregiously snubbed by the awards circuit for one of the most critically adored shows in recent years, Michaela Coel picked up her first Emmy for limited series writing. She dedicated the honor to “to every single survivor of sexual assault” and encouraged creatives to “write the tale that scares you, that makes you feel uncertain, that is uncomfortable. I dare you.” In the (censored) words of Olivia Colman: “Michaela Coel, fuck yeah.”
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Despite Conan O’Brien’s headline-making appearance at the Emmys, his final season of Conan didn’t win for outstanding variety talk show. Instead, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver won its sixth consecutive late-night trophy, also picking up honors for variety series writing. That didn’t stop John Oliver from giving O’Brien a shout-out: “I think, like many of us in the room, I was rooting for Conan, so this is bittersweet. Thank you, Conan, for 30 years of inspiring comedy writers.” Later in the evening, the departing late-night host appeared onstage when Stephen Colbert accepted the award for outstanding variety special for his 2020 election-night special, Stephen Colbert’s Election Night 2020: Democracy’s Last Stand Building Back America Great Again Better 2020.
Halston
The TV Academy loves itself a Ryan Murphy project. After awarding seasons of American Crime Story, Glee, and Pose in years’ past, Halston became the first Netflix title of Murphy’s to win a major Emmy. McGregor bested fellow nominees Paul Bettany (WandaVision), Hugh Grant (The Undoing), and a pair of Hamilton stars for his lead-actor-in-a-limited-series victory as the titular fashion designer.
Hamilton
It’s been six years since Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Alexander Hamilton musical hit Broadway. Since then, the show has won Tonys, a Grammy, and a Pulitzer. But it was the Disney+ prerecorded variety special that earned Hamilton its Emmy (along with below-the-line honor for technical direction and camerawork).
RuPaul’s Drag Race
This uplifting reality series has proven unstoppable in the competition-program category, winning four years in a row. Host RuPaul Charles has enjoyed a similar streak, securing six consecutive wins in the host category. This makes him the most celebrated Black artist in Emmys history. Shantay, you stay, indeed.
Saturday Night Live
Entering into its 47th season, the fates of many veteran cast members are TBD. That made nomination recognition for Kenan Thompson, Cecily Strong, Aidy Bryant, Kate McKinnon and first-time nominee Bowen Yang that much sweeter. The long-running series won outstanding variety sketch series after picking up seven awards at the Creative Arts Emmys, including guest actor and actress honors for Dave Chappelle and Maya Rudolph, respectively.
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