Period dramas have been tipped for Emmy success – with Mad Men and Downton Abbey gaining 17 and 16 nominations apiece. We asked some YouGov’s US panelists which show they think best deserves to win the Drama category when the awards are announced on September 23. The shows nominated for the Best Drama are:

  • Downton Abbey
  • Mad Men
  • Breaking Bad
  • Game of thrones
  • Boardwalk Empire
  • Homeland

Hit retro show Mad Men is acclaimed for its depiction of the grimy world of advertising in sixties New York. It has raked in controversy for its themes of sex and adultery – along with the high ratings. Viewers from the YouGov panel praised its originality and the quality of the script writing.

Downton Abbey presents a rather more demure version of the period drama. Set in early 20th century England, viewers have been drawn in by its interpretation of ‘upstairs downstairs’ life in wartime Britain. Panelist fans of the show said it is better for family viewing, has a compelling storyline and is well acted.

The story of a family man-turned drugs trade linchpin in Breaking Bad got panelists’ acclaim for making intense and compelling viewing. Game of Thrones has kudos for its cinematography and Boardwalk Empire for all-round entertainment. NCIS didn’t make the nominations cut but still has some ardent fans among the YouGov panelists who would prefer to see it win the top award for Drama.

Which series should win the Emmy award for Drama and why?

Viewpoint 1: Mad Men should get the top award

“The show is interesting, sexy, realistic for the time period and all the characters have flaws and distinctive personalities.” Connie, Kansas City, MO

“The story lines and acting in Mad Men are unbeatable.” Chrystal J., US

“Totally original, good actors, great scripts, great sets, great clothes.” JP, Pensacola, FL

“Five years of good writing and acting. It's the best.” Anon., US

“Best show on television. Love the way the show plays out without having huge cliff hangers.” Anon., US

“The writing is far superior to any other show and the acting is head and shoulders above any other show.” Sharon, Scottsdale, AZ

“Because it describes with realism life in the ad business in the 1960s.” Donna B., Mount Vernon, NY

Viewpoint 2: Downton Abbey is a clear winner

“Great cast. Mad Men has run its course.” KC., Chicago, IL

“Because it is well written, acted and America is ape over period drama.” Janelle, Casper, WY

“Downton Abbey is such a different program. So many of the other programming seems to copy each other’s styles, but this show is classy, original and very well acted.” Deb, Marshfield, WI

“This was a unique presentation when you saw the upper class and the lower class and an excellent story line for both. The characters were believable and for the most part likable.” Jean, Knoxville, TN

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“It’s captured a lot of people's attention and EVERYONE has access to it.” Anon., US

“It's surprisingly enjoyable to a wider audience than Mad Men.” Michael, Raleigh, NC

“It was a touching story about people in the past in another country who are very wealthy and about how the people of lower class were treated in relation to their status in a household.” Anon., WA

Viewpoint 3: Another show should win

Breaking Bad:

“It's the best of one of the few shows worth watching. Shows today have incredibly poor writers.” Edward, Albuquerque, NM

“Intense drama and superb acting.” Edgar, Key Biscayne, FL

“Watch it – it’s better than Mad Men.” Jim, Boston, MA

“I hear people talking about it much more often than the other two. Most compelling TV I can recall.” Ruth, TN

Game of Thrones:

“The acting, cinematography, settings, storyline – fresh, original...” Marlene, Topeka, KS

“Awesome writing and acting.” Larry, Bloomington, IL

“It's an epic, well produced, excellently acted story.” Melissa, Sacramento, CA

Homeland:

“Homeland should win, it’s a bad year for Mad Men – it’s like a soap opera” Anon., US

“This show is original, brilliantly written and acted, and less limited in concept and format than Mad Men or Downton Abbey – both of which I like” Mary, Inverness, FL

Boardwalk Empire:

“They took a comedian and made him into the most believable monster. It has everything in it – drama, mystery, intrigue, love.” Tami, Pulaski, TN

NCIS:

“This show has been on for years. The writing is always fresh, dramatic and still a good ‘who done it.’ Great actors.” Anon., US

“Top in ratings. Good plots, good characters that work well with each other.” George, Augusta, GA