Sponsored: Who will win ‘Best Drama’ at the Emmys?

Since 1949, the Emmy Awards have been gripping television audiences across the world. The TV equivalent of the Academy Awards, the Primetime Emmy Awards, is a prestigious event that celebrate and reward excellence in US primetime programming.

This year’s awards – the 66th in their history – will be held on August 25th in Los Angeles and there is set to be a close run battle between some of the very best programmes in the TV industry. But who looks set to win the highly-competitive best drama series category? Let’s take a closer look at the nominations:

True Detective – HBO
Some might argue that HBO series True Detective shouldn’t even be in the best drama series category and should instead be fighting it out in the mini-series race, but the Television Academy have nevertheless allowed its inclusion.

The HBO series True detective  has taken television screens by storm but now it really has to prove itself against the big boys in the best drama series category – not an easy task. But the fact that it will be going toe-to-toe against some of the best drama series to ever grace our screens will make for a nail-biting finale.

Breaking Bad – AMC
There’s no denying that Breaking Bad has been nothing short of revolutionary. And now its final season is looking to repeat the success it had at last year’s Emmy Awards where it won best drama series.

Furthermore, Breaking Bad’s cast have also enjoyed Emmy success, with Bryan Cranston scooping three best lead actor awards and Aaron Paul two best supporting.

Game of Thrones – HBO
Another HBO blockbuster, Game of Thrones, is also looking for recognition at this year’s Emmy Awards. There’s no denying that the show is extremely popular – its juggernaut ratings are testament to its huge following and the show is a worthy nominee in this category.

But can George R.R. Martin’s fantasy kill fest emerge on top? With 19 nominations under its belt the show stands a great chance of winning somewhere – but best drama series? We’ll all just have to wait and see.

House of Cards – Netflix
Netflix’s flagship series House of Cards is another fan favourite that is looking to make its mark on the Television Academy. It historically snagged a best drama nomination last year – a first for an online series – and is looking to improve on that at this year’s ceremony.

Will it emerge victorious or is House of Cards set to collapse under the pressure?

Downton Abbey – PBS
British period drama series Downton Abbey might seem out of its depth in the best drama category, but can any other entries boast that they were the second most watched TV program on Super Bowl Sunday this year?

Mad Men – AMC
AMC’s Mad Men may have an intriguing title but its inclusion in the best drama category is definitely not crazy. No stranger to the Emmy Awards, with best drama wins from 2008 to 2011, Mad Men is looking to rekindle its Television Academy flame and add a few more trophies to the AMC cabinet.

Our prediction
This year’s best drama Emmy is set to be an extremely close contest with every nominee easily capable of winning. However, HBO series True Detective might just have the edge because of its ability to attract Hollywood heavyweights like Matthew McConaughey. True Detective is an attractive proposition because it features a new cast and a new storyline every season and so only requires a relatively short-term commitment.