29 Emmy-Nominated TV Episodes That Are 100% Worth Watching

From Chernobyl to The Good Place and everything in-between.

🚨Warning: There are some spoilers ahead!🚨

1. "Episode 1" from Fleabag Season 2

Amazon Prime

This episode perfectly encapsulates everything that's amazing about Phoebe Waller-Bridge and the Fleabag world she's created. "Episode 1" followed Fleabag as she attends a super uncomfortable family dinner for Godmother and Dad's engagement. Plus, the episode introduced us to the Hot Priest.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

2. "Part Four" from When They See Us

Netflix

Jharrel Jerome's performance in When They See Us is one that we won't be forgetting anytime soon. "Part Four" of When They See Us depicted Korey Wise's time in prison following his conviction. If there's one episode to watch or rewatch before the Emmys, it's this gut-wrenching masterclass in TV.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for Jharrel Jerome, Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series

3. "Janet(s)" from The Good Place Season 3

NBC

The episode focused on Eleanor, Chidi, Tahani, and Jason living in Janet's void. It's an exceptional episode of TV that brilliantly utilized the personalities of every single character. Also, it's honestly a crime that D'Arcy Carden wasn't nominated for this because she knocked it out of the part.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

4. "The Worst Possible Use of Free Will" from The Good Place Season 3

NBC

The Good Place continued to be a beautiful TV gem this season and this episode was a favorite. Michael shows Eleanor her past memories of falling in love with Chidi during various reboots. "The Worst Possible Use of Free Will" was a perfect example of how beloved Ted Danson is on this series.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Ted Danson

5. "Veep" from Veep Season 7

HBO

The Emmy Award-winning series ended with a strong episode. Selina does whatever it takes to secure the presidential nomination. "Veep" was the perfect finale episode that highlight the shows many strengths, in particular, Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Tony Hale, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Anna Chlumsky, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

6. "ronny/lily" from Barry Season 2

HBO

Not only was this episode directed by Bill Hader, but it's easily one of the greatest TV episodes this year (so far). A majority of the episode featured Barry getting attacked by Lily, a young kid who was a skilled fighter. From the witty dialogue to the incredible direction, this episode is a must watch.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

7. "The Iron Throne" from Game of Thrones Season 8

HBO

Alright, ironically the Game of Thrones episode with the most Emmy nominations is the series finale, which was not received well by fans. Whether you loved or hated the final season, it is worth celebrating the final episode of a global phenomenon.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Kit Harington, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Seres for Peter Dinklage, Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

8. "I've Gotta Get Away" from Dead to Me Season 1

Netflix

One of the best new shows of 2019, Dead to Me re-introduced the world to the forces that are Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini. In "I've Gotta Get Away," Jen and Judy attend a grief retreat in Palm Springs and it's simply iconic. The episode takes you from laughing hysterically to crying in ten seconds.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Christina Applegate

9. "The Graduates" from This Is Us Season 3

NBC

Mandy Moore doesn't get enough credit for playing Rebecca Pearson during every stage of her life. This episode exemplified her incredible work in terms of showcasing Rebecca's struggles in both the present and the past. "The Graduates" dealt with the premature arrival of Kate's son and then in the past, the Big Three graduated high school following Jack's death.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Mandy Moore

10. "R & B" from This Is Us Season 3

NBC

This Is Us Season 3 dove into Randall and Beth's relationship problems and TBH, it was tough to watch such a beloved couple almost come to an end. In "R & B," we see Randall and Beth's relationship through the ages and it makes their struggles even more gut-wrenching.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Sterling K. Brown

11. "Nothing in This World Is Easy" from Russian Doll Season 1

Netflix

Written by Natasha Lyonne, Amy Poehler, and Leslye Headland, this episode of Russian Doll is the perfect intro to Nadia's groundhog day-like scenario. Natasha Lyonne makes a lasting impression right out of the gate and the writing on the show is equally as compelling.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Natasha Lyonne and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

12. "Vichnaya Pamyat" from Chernobyl

HBO

Chernobyl is literally a perfect limited series and the series finale is a culmination for every single brilliant aspect of the series. "Vichnaya Pamyat" showcased Valery, Boris, and Ulana risking their lives to expose the truth about Chernobyl.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for Jared Harris, Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series

13. "The Crowening" from Schitt's Creek Season 5

Pop / CBC

If Catherine O'Hara's portrayal of Moira Rose doesn't get solidified with an Emmy win, we've seriously done something wrong. "The Crowening" showed Moira filming the Crows movie in hopes of jump starting her acting career again. It's an episode that perfectly showcases Catherine's comedic timing and is a must see.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Catherine O'Hara

14. "Rock On!" from Schitt's Creek Season 5

Pop / CBC

Honestly, it's about damn time that Schitt's Creek was recognized with several Emmy nominations, especially for Catherine and Eugene Levy. In "Rock On!" Johnny talks to Stevie after he accidentally sees her topless. It's an excellent episode that showcased Johnny's comedy, but also his heartfelt moments.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Eugene Levy

15. "Love Is the Message" from Pose Season 1

FX

Billy Porter's Pray Tell was easily one of the best new characters of 2018 and this episode belonged to him. In "Love Is the Message," Pray Tell organizes a cabaret for the AIDS ward at a hospital. It's an emotional hour that perfectly encapsulates what Pose is about.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Billy Porter

16. "Celebration" from Succession Season 1

HBO

The best time to start Succession is before the 2019 Emmy Awards. The first episode deals with Logan Roy's announcement to find a new heir for his media empire. The premiere episode will brilliantly drag you into Roy's world.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series

17. "Return to Murder House" from AHS: Apocalypse

FX

Directed by Sarah Paulson, this episode was an American Horror Story fan's dream. Featuring the return of fan-favorite characters and actors, this episode reminded us of what made AHS great. Jessica Lange's highly-anticipated return as Constance Langdon was easily the best guest-starring performance this season.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for Jessica Lange

18. "We're Going to the Catskills" from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 2

Amazon Prime

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 2 continued to be an amazing comedic force this TV season. "We're Going to the Catskills" followed the Weissmans as they traveled to the Catskills for the summer. The writing, directing, and comedic timing blended together in a perfect episode of TV.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Tony Shalhoub and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series

19. "Midnight at the Concord" from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 2

Amazon Prime

This episode of Maisel featured a moment two seasons in the making when Abe stumbled upon Midge's late night comedy set. Paired with "We're Going to the Catskills," "Midnight at the Concord" is essential to watch.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Rachel Brosnahan

20. "Anna Ishii-Peters" from Pen15 Season 1

Hulu

"Anna Ishii-Peters" centered on Anna and Maya having a long-anticipated sleepover, but it ends up not going according to plan. Pen15's version of a bottle episode and it was executed perfectly. The anxiety building throughout the episode makes it a standout.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

21. "I Hope You Like Missionary!" from Killing Eve Season 2

BBC America / Via youtu.be

If Season 1 belonged to Sandra Oh, then Season 2 of Killing Eve was Jodie Comer's. In this episode alone, Jodie performed four different accents in the span of a minute as Villanelle tested out a new persona for Eve. It's simply brilliant.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Jodie Comer

22. "You're Mine" from Killing Eve Season 2

BBC America

The Season 2 finale of Killing Eve was a rollercoaster episode that featured a scene with Eve and Villanelle fighting with Raymond. It ends up being a massive turning point for the series and was immaculately pulled off by Sandra Oh.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Sandra Oh

23. "Episode 1" from Bodyguard Season 1

Netflix

Now is the time to watch Bodyguard if you haven't. The first episode introduced David, a Scottish Afghanistan War vet who has just been assigned to protect the UK Home Secretary. The show was easily one of the best new series of 2018.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

24. "Holly" from The Handmaid's Tale Season 2

Hulu

An episode that really rested on Elisabeth Moss's performance, "Holly" dealt with June giving birth to her daughter and reflecting on being a mother to Hannah and the relationship with her own mother, Holly. The episode was easily one of the most stressful of the series.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for Cherry Jones, Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

25. "The Comedian" from The Twilight Zone Season 1

CBS All Access

Jordan Peele's The Twilight Zone featured a ton of guest-stars this season, but Kumail's portrayal as a comedian that realizes the people he jokes about in his set go missing. It's a perfect introduction to Jordan's re-imagination of the hit TV series.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Kumail Nanjiani

26. "Milk" from Sharp Objects

HBO

Sharp Objects was a near perfect limited series and one of the reasons was because of Amy Adams' performance as Camille. The entire series featured some memorable twists and turns, but nothing was more jaw-dropping than the final episode.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series for Sharp Objects

27. "Reparations" from Ozark Season 2

Netflix

Directed by Jason Bateman, "Reparations" kicked off Season 2 with Ruth's dad getting out of jail, meanwhile the Mexican cartel demands repayment from the Snells. It was a perfect Season 2 premiere episode both on the page and on-screen.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Jason Bateman and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series

28. "Teeth" from The Act

Hulu

We've never sat on the edge of our seats more than while watching this limited series and "Teeth" is just the tip of the iceberg for the series. The episode deals with a dental emergency that possibly leads to Dee Dee's lie about Gypsy being exposed. It's the second episode of the series and is a must see.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for Joey King and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for Patricia Arquette

29. "Providence" from Fosse/Verdon

FX

Fosse/Verdon brilliantly depicted Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon's working and romantic relationship from Cabaret to All That Jazz. This series finale dealt with the final days of Bob's life and its impact on Gwen. Both Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams transformed into Bob and Gwen and perfectly worked together to bring this story to life.

What it's nominated for: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series for Michelle Williams, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for Sam Rockwell, and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series

The 2019 Emmy Awards will air on September 22 on Fox.