7 Near-Perfect Series To Binge-Watch Before The 2026 Emmy Awards On September 14

Published Sep 10, 2026, 4:32 PM EDT

Greg is a Lead TV Writer & Critic at Screen Rant with expertise in new streaming releases. He's published over 3000 articles at SR, including weekly recommendation guides and dozens of reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. He previously worked in Development at ABC Television & Lawrence Bender Productions.

Greg majored in Film Production at Chapman University's Dodge College. Greg also has years of broadcast TV production experience at major networks such as NBC, TNT, and ESPN. He currently lives in Greater Boston.

With the 2026 Emmy Awards just days away, it's the perfect time to watch as many nominated series as possible. The following series are all acclaimed nominations with near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores that can be streamed from start to finish by the end of the weekend.

Between a star-studded Apple TV comedy, a gripping Netflix political thriller, a celebrated Prime Video sci-fi series, a high-concept Apple TV drama, an exceptional HBO Max medical drama, and two historic Emmy winners that recently ended with their fifth and final seasons, these 7 Emmy-nominated series are some of the very best to watch ahead of the awards on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Margo's Got Money Troubles

Margo's Got Money Troubles earned a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score and 8 nominations at the 2026 Emmys, with 3 wins already at last weekend's Creative Arts Emmys. Created by David E. Kelley (Presumed Innocent, The Lincoln Lawyer), the series is based on the celebrate dnovel of the same name by Rufi Thorpe and stars Elle Fanning as the titular Margo, a young mother who begins a lucrative online venture through an adult website. Margo's Got Money Troubles consists of just 8 episodes, each 35 to 44 minutes long.

The Diplomat

The third season of The Diplomat was also its most critically acclaimed, earning a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score and landing a series-high 7 Emmy nominations this year, including Outstanding Drama Series, adding to its franchise total of ten. The Diplomat stars Keri Russell as a US Ambassador stationed at the London Embassy who becomes entangled in an international conspiracy. Featuring West Wing alums such as Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford, The Diplomat season 3 consists of 8 episodes, all between 41 and 54 minutes each.

The Bear

The Bear looks to regain some of its previous Emmy dominance following its fifth and final season on FX and Hulu/Disney+, which earned a ​​​​​​​96% Rotten Tomatoes score. That said, The Bear season 4 is in contention this year, earning 8 nominations and already winning one for Rob Reiner's guest performance (posthumously). The entire ensemble cast, including Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, has returned for each season, and both seasons 4 and 5 are worth watching ahead of Monday's ceremony.

Hacks

The fifth and final season of Hacks, one of the most celebrated comedy series of all time, earned 24 Emmy nominations this year, adding to its lifetime total of 86. Hacks season 5 earned a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score in its final season, which brought an end to the story of two unlikely associates turned best friends, comedy veteran Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and aspiring writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder). Smart is a favorite to win her fifth Emmy for her star role in Hacks, which would be the eighth of her career.

Fallout

Fallout season 2 is a great series to watch before the Emmys on Prime Video for fans of action and sci-fi genres. With a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, the series has already won two of its 9 Emmy nominations this year, which are mostly in technical and non-acting categories. Although the series picked up an Outstanding Drama Series nomination for its debut season, it was unable to pick one up for its sophomore effort. That said, Fallout season 2 is one of the best Emmy contenders Prime Video has to offer.

Pluribus

Pluribus was one of the biggest breakout series of 2025 and is also one of the most critically acclaimed series ever made, based on its 99% Rotten Tomatoes score and 18 Emmy nominations. Created by Vince Gilligan of Breaking Bad fame, Pluribus is a slow-burning sci-fi drama set in a strange new reality after a mysterious event binds humanity together with one shared mind. A heavy contender in several drama categories, this record-breaking series is the #1 show worth watching on Apple TV ahead of the Emmys, even if it's for a re-watch.

The Pitt

The Pitt season 2 is another major contender at the 2026 Emmys, also earning a near-perfect 99% Rotten Tomatoes score. With its 25 Emmy nominations, adding to its lifetime total of 38 in just two seasons, The Pitt is simply must-see TV, even if you aren't regularly a big fan of medical dramas. Noah Wyle, who won Best Actor in a Drama Series just last year, leads one of the best ensemble casts on TV or streaming as Dr. Robby. If you can only squeeze in one binge-watch before the 2026 Emmys on Monday, make it The Pitt season 2.

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