Emmy Awards 2015: Emerging Networks Offer High Quality Contenders

Variety – June 8, 2015

By Geoff Berkshire

If voracious viewers find it hard to keep up with all the quality dramas on TV, just imagine how Emmy voters feel. Last year, 108 titles were submitted for consideration as outstanding drama series. This year, that number spiked to 145.

This year, the TV Academy changed its rules to allow seven drama series battle for the top prize — up from six — sending studios and networks into a campaigning frenzy for a coveted slot. Since two of last year’s contenders — heavyweights “Breaking Bad” and “True Detective” — won’t be returning this year, there’s certainly room for a breakout. But favorites “Downton Abbey,” “Game of Thrones,” “House of Cards” and “Mad Men” are still firmly in the mix, while another of last year’s nominees — “Orange Is the New Black” — now contends as a drama.

The question is, will voters cast an eye beyond the many well-established contenders? Read more here.