The 2015 Emmy nominees are in and, outrage over snubs aside, that probably means you have a lot of shows to catch up on. Luckily, in the age of streaming, it is easier than ever before to catch up on Emmy nominated shows you missed. Between Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, and Google and Apple's pay-to-watch services, your options are endless. The best part is many of this year's nominees come straight from the Internet, proving once and for all streaming is not only here to stay, but its shows plan on earning all the awards too. Most of the 14 shows nominated for best comedy and drama are just a few clicks away.
Whether you missed out on Transparent or Homeland, the Internet has your back. Remember, if you want the privilege to yell at your TV come Emmy night, then you need to be an informed indignant TV fan. The only way to accomplish this is by watching all the shows (or, at least, an episode of each), and since September 20 — Emmy night! — is fast approaching, there is no better time to dive into the 2015 Emmy pile than right now. Even with shortened seasons, this is a serious marathon commitment far beyond your typical Netflix binge watch. Gather your snacks and prepare to fall in love with a new show.
Best Comedy Nominees:
Louie Season 5 (FX)
Where to Watch: Amazon, Google Play Store, iTunes
If you want to catch up on Season 5 of Louie, the darkly comedic tale of stand-up comic Louis C.K., then you are going to have to drop some cash. Sadly, Louie's eight-episode fifth season hasn't made its way to Netflix or Hulu yet, but it is available for purchase on all of the sites above at a reasonable price.
Modern Family Season 6 (ABC)
Where to Watch: Hulu
All of the extended Pritchett family hijinks from the 24 (!) episode Season 6 are still available to stream on Hulu.
Parks and Recreation Season 7 (NBC)
Where to Watch: Hulu
If for some unfathomable reason you missed the final 12 episodes of Parks and Recreation's magical run, then you can catch up on Hulu immediately. Do it for Leslie, people.
Silicon Valley Season 2 (HBO)
Where to Watch: HBOGo, HBONow
Use that HBOGo and HBONow subscription for something other than Game of Thrones and use it to catch up on this nerdtastic comedy about computer geniuses. If you don't have HBOGo or HBONow, you can purchase episodes individually through iTunes and Google Play.
Transparent Season 1 (Amazon)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Amazon's buzzy show Transparent is kept on Amazon Prime (although, you can watch the first episode for free without a subscription), so if you want to see Jeffrey Tambor's groundbreaking performance then I suggest finding a friend with a Prime account and suggesting a marathon. It will totally be worth it.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Season 1 (Netflix)
Where to Watch: Netflix
The adorable Netflix original is available exclusively through the streaming service. If you for some reason don't have an account, you can always get a month trial for free, which is more than enough time to get the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt song stuck in your head forever.
Veep Season 4 (HBO)
Where to Watch: HBOGo, HBONow
Selina Meyer had a crazy year as the Veep became the President, and the show was funnier as ever as a result. Just like with Silicon Valley, you can purchase episodes individually if you don't have an HBOGo or HBONow subscription, but stopping with just one, or even two episodes will be impossible.
Best Drama Nominees:
Better Call Saul Season 1 (AMC)
Where to Watch: Amazon, Google Play
AMC and Netflix aren't set to stream the Breaking Bad prequel, Better Call Saul, until 2016. Still, if you missed the origin story of Saul Goodman, you can purchase the episodes — and yes, they were awesome enough to spring $20 bucks on.
Downton Abbey Season 5 (PBS)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
After you and your friend finish Transparent, maybe suggest a Downton Abbey catch up. (Or, you know, pick up the DVDs.)
Game of Thrones Season 5 (HBO)
Where to Watch: HBOGo, HBONow
Honestly, who didn't watch Game of Thrones live?
Homeland Season 4 (Showtime)
Where to Watch: Showtime Anytime
Did you miss the latest chapter of Carrie's story? Homeland doesn't get the buzz it used to, but episode eight of Season 4, "Halfway to a Donut," stunned everyone. If you don't have time for the whole season, at least watch that one episode (you can purchase it at the usual haunts if you don't have access to Showtime Anytime).
House of Cards Season 3 (Netflix)
Where to Watch: Netflix
I suspect you already watched House of Cards Season 3, so if you did, use this pre-Emmy time to catch up on Bloodlines. The Netflix original didn't earn a spot at the best drama table, but it garnered two major acting nominations, and I suspects fans of Frank will enjoy this swampland set, dark family drama.
Mad Men Season 7 (AMC)
Where to Watch: Amazon, Google Play
Stay calm and meditate like Don Draper because the final half of Season 7 hasn't hit Netflix yet. It is on Google Play and Amazon, though!
Orange Is the New Black Season 2 (Netflix)
Where to Watch: Netflix
I know, I know, you've already watched Orange Is the New Black Season 2 (and three), but it is going to be a long time before season four gets here. Make the wait seem shorter by indulging in a pre-Emmy rewatch just in case you somehow forgot how amazing Uzo Aduba was as Suzanne last season.
Now that you have the rest of your summer binge-watching sorted out, go forth and prepare yourself for the inevitable Emmy disappointments (and maybe even some treats).
Image: Ursula Coyote/AMC; Giphy (14)
