We’re taking a look at this year’s Emmy nominees and delving into their previous work and credits that may have influenced their Emmy-nominated work this year.
Why are some of the nominees running for just one episode while others will be running for the entire series? Simple, if a single writer is responsible for the entire series, they compete for the entire series. However, if the limited series is to have multiple writers, the writers will compete for individual episodes.
Who has an advantage, individual episodes or writers of the entire series? Writers appreciate quality over quantity. So if voters aren’t fans of an entire series but love a single episode, the race becomes a race.
stunned, for the episode: “The People vs. Purdue Pharma” written by DANNY STRONG
Emmy History: Wins: Outstanding Miniseries or Movie and Outstanding Miniseries or Movie Writing for Change of game (2012) and Best Writing for a Miniseries or a Movie for Count (2008)
Synopsis: In the series finale, Rick and Randy’s criminal investigation now threatens Richard Sackler’s empire, activists take action against Purdue, and Finnix attempts to heal his beloved community that has been ravaged by addiction. Based on the book, Dopesick: Drug Dealers, Doctors, and the Pharmaceutical Company That Addicted America by BethMarcy.
gilmore Girls, Doyle turned his attention towards writing with great success writing political dramas. Count Y Change of game. He would then go on to co-write prestige films. Lee Daniels: The Butler (2013) and popcorn fee The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and Part 2 (2014-2015).
As he stood in front of the camera reprising his role on screen in a Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life (2016) where Amy Sherman-Palladino had fun turning Doyle from a journalist into a screenwriter. Strong also created and wrote some of the episodes for the first season of the hip-hop drama. Empire (2015-2020).
Strong, acts as director, writer and producer of foolgiving him three shots at Emmy glory.
hidden gem: Empire season one
abandonment, for episode: “I’m in a Hurry” written by elizabeth meriwether
Emmy Awards History: N/A
Synopsis: At the start of the series, Elizabeth Holmes, an optimistic and determined young woman, leaves Stanford to found a promising new blood testing company. Adapted from the podcast of the same name.
After writing the raunchy comedy No strings attached (2011) Meriwether turned his attention to writing for television and creating new girl (2011-2018). Meriwether would go on to write short-lived series. single girls (2018-2020) and bless this mess (2019-2020).
Meriwether turned his attention to the real-life drama of Elizabeth Holmes and received not only a nomination for Best Writing for a Limited Series/Movie Made for Television, but also a second nomination for Best Limited Series. With a big screen movie planned for the Holmes saga, it will finally be compared to Meriwether’s series.
hidden gem: No strings attached (2011)
impeachment: American Criminal History, for episode: “Man Handled” written by Sarah Burgess
Emmy Awards History: N/A
Synopsis: In the sixth episode, the Independent Lawyer’s Office traps Monica Lewinsky and holds her for 12 traumatic hours in a hotel room. Based on the book A Grand Conspiracy: The True Story of the Sex Scandal That Nearly Toppled a President by Jeffrey Tobin.
This is Burgess’s first major project as a creator and writer. Next for Burgess is Purity, A drama about a young woman who joins an activist group and begins a global journey in search of her father. It is expected to star Daniel Craig.
hidden gem: Compliance (2018)
Maid, for the episode: “Snaps” written by Molly Smith Metzler
Emmy Awards History: N/A
Synopsis: In the series finale, gaining strength and support from creative writing therapy, Alex fights for his future by going up against Sean over custody of Maddy. Adapted from Stephanie Land’s memoir. Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive.
Metzler’s previous credits include writing for orange is the new black (2017), Casual (2016-2017) and Shameless (2017-2019). Maid, marks the first times she has been a series creator and writer. Next for Metzler is jellyfish starring Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Suzy, who after her former best friend is lost in a drowning accident, Suzy knows something is not right. She embarks on this incredible journey and learns about life, death and love.
hidden gem: Casual (2016-2017)
station eleven, for the episode: “Unbroken Circle” written by Patrick Somerville
Emmy Awards History: N/A
Synopsis: In the series finale, Kirsten sets her plan to free the Traveling Symphony in motion, while Miranda tries to live the right life. Based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Emily St. John Mandel.
Somerville, has writing credits ranging from 24: Live another day (2014) and the remains 92015-2017). His creations have run the tactic of Mania (2018) to comedy made for love (2021-2022). Up next for Somerville is another sci-fi fantasy. Great Bear which follows a mother and daughter struggling to survive on a terraformed planet while hiding from a group of ruthless hunters.
hidden gem: the remains (2015-2017)
the white lotuswritten by mike white
Emmy Awards History: N/A
Synopsis: Set in a tropical resort, it follows the exploits of various guests and employees over the course of a week.
White began writing the teen drama Dawson’s Creek (1998-1999) before moving on to short-term cult success weird and nerdy (2002). She would go on to write critical darling, the good girl (2002). Next would be the instant classic. School of Rock (2003). She would go on to star, create, write and direct. Illustrated (2011-2013).
Then, to show just how unpredictable he was, White was a finalist on Survivor: David vs. Goliath (2018). Maybe being on an island trying to outwit, play and survive helped White, create the white lotus—the only candidate not based on previously produced material. White acts as the sole writer and director while also producing the series, giving him three shots at Emmy glory. Earlier in the year, White received his first WGA Award nomination for writing The White Lotus.
hidden gem: orange county (2002)
