Just a month from now, the voting window for the 77th Emmy Awards nominations will open, which means it's already crunch time for FYC season. As our calendars fill with nightly screenings, panels and other activations, I'd like to issue a reminder and also an invitation to consider the many series, programs and other projects just off the proverbial beaten path.

Without diminishing the merit of the usual awards darlings, who are certainly worthy of their accolades, we also know that even on the other side of the Peak TV era, there is plenty more content also deserving of recognition. The Academy has long fielded criticism that just a handful of shows dominates the lion's share of nominations and awards slots, and we've made rule changes and other adjustments over the years to ensure that eligible shows are accessible to our members. But nothing beats the simple remedy of actually consuming as much of our peers' work as possible. It's a responsibility — and, ideally, an enjoyable one — that we should all take seriously as voting members.

There are many benefits to widening our aperture when it comes to Emmys contenders: the pleasure of discovering an entertaining and/or illuminating feat of television, especially a hidden gem; the potential to experience an unexpected performance that stays with us long after the closing credits, and even changes us a little bit with its heart, humor or insight; and, of course, the boost that a surprise nominee can receive, driving new viewers to a series and propelling individuals to a new stage in their careers. This is all the more crucial in today's increasingly fragmented media landscape, where the Emmys can play a significant role in curating amid the clutter, which brings me to my final point: Robust Emmys races bolster the Academy's place as the definitive arbiter of excellence in the medium.

Many of the people featured in this issue are past Emmy nominees or winners, including The Better Sister cover stars Jessica Biel (The Sinner) and Elizabeth Banks (30 Rock, Modern Family); Doctor Odyssey's production designer Jamie Walker McCall (Schmigadoon!, Feud: Bette and Joan) and Emmy-winning set decorator Kimberly Wannop, SDSA (Veep, Bones); St. Denis Medical's Allison Tolman (Fargo), Mekki Leeper (Jury Duty) and Wendi McLendon-Covey (Reno 911!: The Hunt for QAnon) and many others. It's a talented bunch, but there is room for more.

I can't wait to welcome an array of artists — both new and established — and their stories to the party.

This chair letter originally appeared in emmy magazine, issue #6, 2025.