Emmys 2017: how to watch and what to expect

The 2017 Emmy Awards are upon us, airing live this Sunday, September 17, at 8 pm Eastern/5 pm Pacific on CBS, though you can also watch the show online at CBS All Access. Stephen Colbert is set to host.

One of the major stories this time around is in the drama categories. Stalwarts like Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones aren’t in the running this year — the former ended before last year’s awards, and the latter didn’t air its season within the eligibility window. (The same goes for the Twin Peaks revival, which won’t be eligible until the 2018 awards.)

As a result, new shows like Westworld, and Stranger Things were able to grab plenty of nominations — Westworld tied Saturday Night Live for the most nominations across the board, at 22, and Stranger Things earned 18.

And the fact that the Best Drama Series race contains five first-time nominees — Stranger Things, Westworld, The Handmaid’s Tale, This Is Us, and The Crown, alongside returning nominees Better Call Saul and House of Cards — is an Emmy record.

There’s also going to be a battle in the limited series categories. FX’s Feud: Bette and Joan reigned supreme with 18 nominations, followed by HBO’s Big Little Lies (16 nominations), Fargo (16), and The Night Of (13). Further, in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie category, Big Little Lies co-stars Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon will go head to head, as will Feud co-stars Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon. Carrie Coon (Fargo) and Felicity Huffman (American Crime) round out that tough, talented category.

In the comedy categories, perennial favorites like Veep and Modern Family are nominated for Best Comedy Series once again, but the breakthrough story may be Donald Glover’s Atlanta, which broke into the race in its first season.

Here’s how to watch the 69th Annual Emmy Awards:

Emmys ceremony: The Emmys, which take place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, will air live on CBS on Sunday, September 17, at 8 pm Eastern/5 pm Pacific.

Emmys live stream: You’ll need a subscriber login for CBS All Access to watch the show online, though there’s a free trial available.

Host: Stephen Colbert

Emmys red carpet: CBS isn’t offering any red carpet pre-shows. E! is airing Live From the Red Carpet at 6 pm Eastern/3 pm Pacific on the E! YouTube channel.

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