Hey guys! Let's dive into the Emmys 2017, a year that celebrated some truly outstanding television. From nail-biting dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, the nominees and winners list is a who's who of top-tier talent. We're going to break down the key categories, highlight the surprises, and reflect on why these shows and performances resonated so deeply with audiences. Get ready to reminisce about some iconic TV moments!

Outstanding Drama Series

The Outstanding Drama Series category at the 2017 Emmys was a battle of the titans. Shows like Better Call Saul, The Crown, The Handmaid's Tale, House of Cards, Stranger Things, This Is Us, and Westworld all vied for the top spot. Each of these series brought something unique to the table, from the intricate character development in Better Call Saul to the stunning visuals and gripping narrative of The Crown. House of Cards continued to deliver its signature political intrigue, while Stranger Things captured the hearts of viewers with its nostalgic charm and supernatural thrills. This Is Us tugged at our heartstrings with its emotional storytelling, and Westworld blew our minds with its complex plot and philosophical themes. However, it was The Handmaid's Tale that ultimately took home the award, and deservingly so.

The Handmaid's Tale, based on Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel, captivated audiences with its chilling portrayal of a totalitarian society where women are stripped of their rights and forced into sexual servitude. The show's powerful performances, haunting visuals, and timely themes resonated deeply in a world grappling with issues of gender equality and political oppression. Elisabeth Moss's portrayal of Offred was particularly lauded, as she perfectly captured the character's resilience and determination in the face of unimaginable horror. The show's win was not only a recognition of its artistic merit but also a statement about the importance of telling stories that challenge and provoke us. The narrative was very intense and the cast had to work hard to give life to the vision of the writer, which was reflected by the audience.

The win for The Handmaid's Tale marked a significant moment in television history, as it was the first streaming series to win the Outstanding Drama Series award. This victory signaled a shift in the television landscape, as streaming platforms like Hulu began to rival traditional networks in terms of quality and prestige. The show's success paved the way for other streaming series to gain recognition and critical acclaim, further blurring the lines between traditional and digital media. The Handmaid's Tale's triumph was a testament to the power of streaming platforms to deliver compelling and thought-provoking content that could compete with the best that television had to offer.

Outstanding Comedy Series

The Outstanding Comedy Series category at the 2017 Emmys was equally competitive, with a diverse range of shows vying for the coveted award. Atlanta, Black-ish, Master of None, Modern Family, Silicon Valley, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Veep all brought their unique brands of humor to the table. Atlanta offered a fresh and innovative take on the comedy genre, blending humor with social commentary and surreal storytelling. Black-ish continued to tackle important issues with wit and heart, while Master of None explored the complexities of modern life with its signature blend of humor and introspection. Modern Family, a long-time favorite, continued to deliver its heartwarming and hilarious portrayal of family life. Silicon Valley satirized the tech industry with its sharp wit and absurd situations, while Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt brought its quirky and optimistic spirit to the comedy landscape. However, it was Veep that ultimately emerged victorious, taking home the award for the third consecutive year.

Veep, HBO's critically acclaimed political satire, continued to deliver its razor-sharp wit and biting commentary on the world of Washington politics. Julia Louis-Dreyfus's portrayal of Selina Meyer remained a comedic tour de force, as she perfectly captured the character's ambition, incompetence, and utter lack of self-awareness. The show's ensemble cast was equally brilliant, delivering hilarious performances that perfectly complemented Louis-Dreyfus's comedic genius. Veep's win was a testament to its consistent quality and its ability to stay relevant and funny in an ever-changing political landscape. The show's writers and producers deserve immense credit for their ability to craft such sharp and incisive comedy that resonated with audiences of all political persuasions. The show had many great moments that will live long on in peoples memories.

Veep's victory in the Outstanding Comedy Series category solidified its status as one of the greatest comedies of all time. The show's consistent quality, sharp writing, and brilliant performances have earned it a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Veep's success is a testament to the power of political satire to entertain and provoke thought, and its legacy will continue to inspire future generations of comedians and writers. The show's impact on the comedy landscape is undeniable, and its influence can be seen in many of the comedies that have followed in its wake. Veep is a true comedic masterpiece that will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

Lead Actors and Actresses

The Lead Actors and Actresses categories at the 2017 Emmys were filled with incredible talent, with actors and actresses delivering unforgettable performances in their respective roles. In the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category, Sterling K. Brown took home the award for his powerful and emotional portrayal of Randall Pearson in This Is Us. Brown's performance was lauded for its authenticity and vulnerability, as he perfectly captured the character's struggles with identity, family, and mental health. In the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category, Elisabeth Moss won for her captivating performance as Offred in The Handmaid's Tale. Moss's portrayal of Offred was a masterclass in acting, as she perfectly conveyed the character's resilience, determination, and inner strength in the face of unimaginable oppression.

In the comedy categories, Donald Glover won the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series award for his groundbreaking work on Atlanta. Glover's performance as Earn Marks was both hilarious and poignant, as he perfectly captured the character's struggles to make a living and find his place in the world. Julia Louis-Dreyfus continued her reign as the queen of comedy, winning the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series award for her iconic portrayal of Selina Meyer in Veep. Louis-Dreyfus's performance was once again a comedic tour de force, as she delivered her signature blend of physical comedy, sharp wit, and biting sarcasm.

The wins for Brown, Moss, Glover, and Louis-Dreyfus were well-deserved, as they all delivered exceptional performances that resonated with audiences and critics alike. These actors and actresses represent the best of the best in the television industry, and their talent and dedication have helped to elevate the medium to new heights. Their performances will be remembered for years to come, and they have set a new standard for excellence in acting.

Supporting Actors and Actresses

The Supporting Actors and Actresses categories at the 2017 Emmys were equally impressive, with a wealth of talent on display. In the drama categories, John Lithgow won the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series award for his chilling portrayal of Winston Churchill in The Crown. Lithgow's performance was a masterclass in acting, as he perfectly captured the character's gravitas, intelligence, and inner turmoil. Ann Dowd won the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series award for her terrifying portrayal of Aunt Lydia in The Handmaid's Tale. Dowd's performance was both haunting and compelling, as she perfectly captured the character's fanaticism and cruelty.

In the comedy categories, Alec Baldwin won the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series award for his hilarious portrayal of Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live. Baldwin's impersonation of Trump was a comedic sensation, as he perfectly captured the former president's mannerisms, voice, and personality. Kate McKinnon won the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series award for her versatile and hilarious performances on Saturday Night Live. McKinnon's ability to transform herself into a wide range of characters is truly remarkable, and she has become one of the most beloved comedians of our time.

The wins for Lithgow, Dowd, Baldwin, and McKinnon were all well-deserved, as they all delivered exceptional performances that enhanced their respective shows. These actors and actresses are essential components of their ensembles, and their talent and dedication have helped to make their shows some of the best on television. Their performances will be remembered for years to come, and they have set a new standard for excellence in supporting roles.

Directing and Writing

The Directing and Writing categories at the 2017 Emmys recognized the creative visionaries behind some of the year's best television. In the drama categories, Reed Morano won the Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series award for her stunning work on The Handmaid's Tale. Morano's direction was visually arresting and emotionally powerful, and it helped to create the show's haunting and unsettling atmosphere. Bruce Miller won the Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series award for his masterful adaptation of Margaret Atwood's novel. Miller's writing was both faithful to the source material and creatively innovative, and it helped to make The Handmaid's Tale one of the most compelling and thought-provoking shows on television.

In the comedy categories, Donald Glover won the Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series award for his innovative and stylish direction of Atlanta. Glover's direction was both visually striking and thematically resonant, and it helped to create the show's unique and distinctive voice. Aziz Ansari and Lena Waithe won the Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series award for their poignant and insightful episode of Master of None. Ansari and Waithe's writing was both funny and moving, and it helped to shed light on the experiences of marginalized communities.

The wins for Morano, Miller, Glover, Ansari, and Waithe were all well-deserved, as they all demonstrated exceptional talent and creativity in their respective fields. These directors and writers are essential components of the television industry, and their vision and artistry have helped to shape the landscape of modern television. Their work will be remembered for years to come, and they have set a new standard for excellence in directing and writing.

Conclusion

The 2017 Emmys were a celebration of the best and brightest in television, with a diverse range of shows and performances being recognized for their excellence. The Handmaid's Tale and Veep were the big winners of the night, taking home the awards for Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Comedy Series, respectively. Actors and actresses like Sterling K. Brown, Elisabeth Moss, Donald Glover, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus were also recognized for their exceptional performances, while directors and writers like Reed Morano, Bruce Miller, Aziz Ansari, and Lena Waithe were honored for their creative vision. The 2017 Emmys were a testament to the power of television to entertain, provoke thought, and inspire us all. The ceremony was well made and the winners were a true reflection of the quality of that television year.