2014 Emmys: ‘Hannibal,’ ‘Masters of Sex,’ ‘Walking Dead’ take CarterMatt’s Drama Series nods

We’re in the month of June, and Emmy season is almost upon us! Throughout the month, we’re going to be giving you our picks for all of the major categories leading up to the actual nominations being revealed.

You’ll be able to cycle through all of our categories at the link here, and today, we’re starting things off with one of the biggest categories of them all: Drama Series. We could’ve easily included 12 nominees in here since there are so many awesome shows out there (including “Bates Motel,” “Sons of Anarchy,” “Game of Thrones,” “True Detective,” “Hell on Wheels,” “House of Cards,” and more), but we really laser-focused in here on the six shows that to us, managed to do the most in the past year and are deserving of getting these nods.

“Breaking Bad” (AMC) – This is the obvious choice for many, but the problem here is that it’s just so darn good that it really doesn’t matter how obvious it is. The final season of “Breaking Bad” was a triumph, and one of the best things on TV in the past decade. If you have a problem with AMC splitting up the final season into two batches to double eligibility, blame the network or the Emmys for allowing the rule. Don’t blame the show for killing it.

“Hannibal” (NBC) – The best drama on network TV, and not nearly enough people watch it. It’s at times gruesome and disturbing, but much of it is layered in psychosis and character development that it rarely feels as gratuitous as other violent series. Also, you have stellar producing from Bryan Fuller, great performances from Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen, and constant reminders that risk-taking on TV isn’t just a good thing; it’s phenomenal.

“Mad Men” (AMC) – Loving “Mad Men” may be so 2010, but this may have been the best seven episodes of the show since around season 2 or 3 this year. So much great stuff happened, and it was anchored in beautiful writing. Matthew Weiner’s ability to find actors like Neve Campbell and Harry Hamlin and reinvent them with new roles is astounding. Also, you still have the big three of Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, and John Slattery giving worthy performances.

“Masters of Sex” (Showtime) – The other great period drama on TV. Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan turn Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson into fantastic characters, and the actors on the show are so good (see Beau Bridges) that you almost take some of the other stuff like the sets and the costumes for granted.Showtime found a real winner in this rookie season.

“Orphan Black” (BBC America) – The final two shows here have little chance of actually getting a series nod, but that does not make them any less deserving. The fact that “Orphan Black” has pulled off the story that they are telling is commendable in itself. The misfortune with “Orphan Black” is that voters assume that Tatiana Maslany’s performance is the only great thing about the show, and while she is outstanding, there are other facets here that fire on just as many cylinders.

“The Walking Dead” (AMC) – The surprise of the season for us. Even halfway through the fourth season we had no idea we would be saying that “The Walking Dead” season 4 would be Emmy-worthy. Then, Scott Gimple completely justified his hire with eight of the best episodes that the series has ever had. As a matter of fact, “The Grove” is probably a top 5 episode of 2014, and he has brought such actors as Melissa McBride and Chandler Riggs to new heights. Finally, this show has matched its stellar visual effects with its writing and its acting.

Who do you think should be the favorite to win the Drama Series Emmy right now? Share below! Also, click here to get some additional TV news and updates via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: AMC