At tonight’s Emmy Awards, FX’s Shōgun won the award for Best Drama Series, overcoming a highly competitive group of acclaimed shows. Adapted from James Clavell’s epic novel set in feudal Japan, Shōgun beat out several strong contenders, establishing itself as one of the most celebrated dramas on TV this year.
Shōgun’s win shows how well it blends rich historical details with engaging character-driven drama. Set in 17th-century Japan, the series follows a British sailor who, after being shipwrecked, show complex political and cultural situations. Its victory tonight highlights its impressive production and cultural impact, as well as the enduring appeal of Clavell’s source material.
For FX, Shōgun’s Emmy win enhances the network’s reputation for producing high-quality original programming. For the show’s creators, it represents a major achievement for a production that has engaged audiences with its grand storytelling and powerful performances.
What Else Was Nominated for Outstanding Drama Series?
Among the series Shōgun outperformed was Netflix’s The Crown. This show, a regular favorite at the Emmys, details the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the dramatic events involving the British royal family. The Crown has been a dominant presence at the Emmys in recent years.
Another strong competitor was Fallout, a Prime Video series based on the popular video game franchise. With its dark tone and post-apocalyptic story, Fallout attracted audiences with its gritty humor. HBO’s The Gilded Age was also a contender.
This series show the excesses and social politics of 19th-century New York’s elite. Known for its lavish sets and detailed period portrayal, The Gilded Age has a fan base similar to Downton Abbey.

Still from Shōgun (Credit: FX)
Apple TV+’s The Morning Show, a drama about the behind-the-scenes drama of a fictional morning news program, was another major nominee. Featuring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, The Morning Show has been noted for its showing of media power dynamics, though it did not win the top prize.
Prime Video’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith reboot was also in the running. Starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, this action-packed series impressed with its exciting scenes and charismatic leads, but did not surpass the drama of Shōgun.
Apple TV+’s Slow Horses, a spy drama with Gary Oldman in a critically praised role, was another nominee. The show’s gritty look at MI5 rejects and its compelling story made it a serious contender, though it couldn’t compete with Shōgun’s broad historical narrative.
The list of nominees was completed by Netflix’s 3 Body Problem, a science fiction series based on Liu Cixin’s award-winning novel. Known for its ambitious plot and impressive visual effects, 3 Body Problem brought a futuristic element to the category.
For more Emmy updates, stay tuned to Otakukart and stream Shōgun on Hulu.
The Peacock Theater erupted with applause and cheers when HBO’s Hacks won the award for Outstanding Comedy Series. Many people had expected The Bear to take the top spot this year, but Jean Smart and the Hacks team proved everyone wrong. Hacks won three awards from 14 nominations at the Creative Arts Emmys and tonight’s event.
Jean Smart, the leading performer on the show, added another accolade to her list. She won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. The show’s writers, Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, won Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for their work on the episode “Bulletproof.”
Hannah Einbinder, a co-star, was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress. Paul W. Downs was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor, and Lucia Aniello was recognized for her directing in “Bulletproof.”
At last week’s Creative Arts Emmys, the team was also nominated in categories like Outstanding Contemporary Costumes and Outstanding Guest Actor for Christopher Lloyd.
After a year-long break between its second and third seasons, Hacks has returned to the awards scene with a bang. Alongside Shōgun, the HBO comedy performed exceptionally well at the Television Critics Association (TCA) Awards in July. While Shōgun won four awards, Hacks secured two.

Still from Hacks (Credit: FX)
It was announced in the spring that the comedy would return for a fourth season. The specifics are still unknown, but the cast is set to begin filming soon, showing that the network values the show’s continued success and popularity.
Other Nominees for Outstanding Comedy Series
The competition for Outstanding Comedy Series was fierce. Along with Hacks and The Bear, other contenders included FX’s Reservation Dogs, HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, ABC’s Abbott Elementary, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, Apple TV+’s Palm Royale, and FX’s What We Do in the Shadows.
Each show brought something unique and exciting, showcasing remarkable talent both in front of and behind the camera. Check out more of our Emmys coverage and stay tuned for updates on Season 4 of Hacks. Stream the show now on Max.