Do the Roys really deserve all the fuss? “Streaming” columnist NICK OVERALL ponders the prospects “Succession” and the other Emmy Awards nominees…

I NEVER thought a corporate board meeting could put me on the edge of my seat.

That was until I watched the finale of “Succession”, which finished just weeks ago on streaming service Binge to resounding applause.

First pitched as a version of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” for the modern media age, this comedy-drama about the battle for a Murdoch-esque media empire delivered a tragic, unexpected and fitting ending in its fourth and final season.

Now, the show looks set to sweep the Emmy Awards with a whopping 27 nominations, including one for best drama. The show has also received 14 nods for the cast – notably Brian Cox as cut-throat media mogul and patriarch Logan Roy.

The actors who play his three children who compete for his throne, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin and Aussie star Sarah Snook, have also been acknowledged, marking the first time three cast members from the same show have nabbed a nomination for best lead actor award.

So “Succession” has broken records and continues to generate talk, but does it really deserve this amount of hype?

I must confess that back when the series first dropped I was somewhat sceptical of its potential, but having stuck with it and seen it through to the end, I’m convinced it deserves the top gong this year.

It’s no easy thing to admit as a long-devoted fan of “Better Call Saul” (on Stan), which has also been nominated for best drama in its final season.

Over its 63 episodes the famed spin-off of “Breaking Bad” achieved a feat indeed making a slow burn just so thrilling, but despite delivering some of the best moments of modern television “Saul” has racked up 53 Emmy nominations and never been able to pull off a single win. 

That includes six swings and misses for best drama and six times star Bob Odenkirk has lost out on the outstanding acting prize.

While “Succession” has indeed earnt best drama, it’s high time Odenkirk received the acknowledgement he deserves for his performance as sleazy and charismatic lawyer Saul Goodman. 

His co-star Rhea Seehorn is also up for best supporting actress in a drama series and has more than earnt the prize after dialling up her acting to a whole new level for the show’s ending.

Also breaking records this year is HBO’s “The Last of Us”, which has scored 24 nominations.

This post-apocalyptic thriller about a man and his surrogate daughter who journey across a decrepit and monster-infested US marks the first time a video game adaptation has been nominated for an Emmy.

Stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey are up for acting prizes, and while the competition might be a bit too stiff to see them take out a win, it’s exciting to see the video game and TV mediums brought so vividly together into the spotlight for the first time.

Another surprise, though a welcome one, is Disney Plus’ “Andor” getting a nomination for best drama series.

This is the first time a “Star Wars” spin-off show has been nominated for television’s top award and deservedly so. “Andor” represents a much darker, more mature entry in the galaxy far, far away and proves when done well blockbuster sci-fi and fantasy can exist in the upper echelons of TV drama.

There’s no shortage of talent in the comedy categories either, with “Barry” (Binge), “The Bear” (Disney Plus) and “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV+) all frontrunners for the category.

While my money’s on “Ted Lasso” to take out the best comedy prize for its final season, Bill Hader’s emotionally charged performance in the ending of “Barry” merits the trophy.

HBO’s second season of “The White Lotus” (Binge) has also dominated the game, taking out an impressive total of 23 nominations.

It would be great to see Jennifer Coolidge’s baffling and hilarious performance of neurotic heiress Tanya McQuoid take out the prize for best supporting actress. Four of her co-stars have also been nominated in the same category, showcasing just how well this show balances its many different characters.

In any other year “The White Lotus” would likely sweep the ceremony but a truly action-packed year of TV means it’s got some tight competition indeed. The calibre of quality on display means this could be the most exciting Hollywood awards ceremony for some time – whether anybody gets slapped or not.