Lifestyle Emmy Shows with Characters Over 50 9/18/2024 | By Kari Smith If you’re over 50 and searching for new TV shows, the winners and nominees of these seven 2024 Emmy Award shows with characters over 50 can show you the way. This year’s 76th Emmy Awards were a landmark for actors over 50, with several veteran performers shining in the spotlight. The 14 major nominations for actors in this age group resulted in four wins, for long-time fan favorites and rising stars. Hosts Eugene Levy (77) and his son Dan Levy, most recently known for “Schitt’s Creek,” charmed the audience with warmth and humor. These nominations and wins not only celebrate the actors’ contributions but also offer a guide for great TV shows with characters over 50, which older audiences can watch and enjoy. Shows with and for people over 50 1. Jean Smart in ‘Hacks’ Jean Smart, a perennial Emmy favorite, won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “Hacks” (her third for that series). At 73, she continues to impress audiences with her sharp wit and emotional depth as Deborah Vance, a seasoned standup comedian navigating the modern world. “Hacks also won for Outstanding Comedy Series. “Hacks” delves into themes of reinvention and resilience, as Deborah teams up with a younger comedy writer to revitalize her career. The show’s sharp writing and emotional depth make it a standout, mixing humor with touching life lessons. It’s a perfect fit for older viewers looking for both laughs and a reflective take on life’s later stages. “Hacks” is available for streaming on Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV, and Max. (Note that HBO Max was rebranded as “Max” in 2023.) 2. Steve Martin and Martin Short in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Comedy legends Steve Martin (78) and Martin Short (74) were both nominated for their roles in “Only Murders in the Building,” alongside the younger Selena Gomez. The comedy series mixes humor with a thrilling murder mystery. The trio portrays amateur sleuths investigating crime in their New York apartment building, while podcasting about their detective work. The interplay between the veteran actors, filled with comedic timing honed over decades, has made the show a fan favorite. The series appeals to a broad demographic, with its clever mix of crime solving and witty reflections on aging. It’s a must-watch for fans of mystery and classic comedy, or of the humor of the two Martins. Watch “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu, currently in season four. You may also watch previous seasons on Disney+. 3. Jodie Foster in ‘True Detective: Night Country’ Jodie Foster (61) took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for “True Detective: Night Country,” the latest installment of the critically acclaimed anthology series. In this season, Foster plays a seasoned detective solving crimes in the remote wilderness of Alaska. Her portrayal is intense, drawing on her years of experience to deliver a complex, multilayered performance. The darker themes of “True Detective” make it an ideal show for viewers who enjoy thought-provoking thrillers. Available to stream on Max. The first three seasons of “True Detective” can also be streamed through Hulu and Amazon Prime Video by adding Max to an existing subscription. Problems with Pay & Gray for Hollywood Women 4. Hiroyuki Sanada in ‘Shōgun’ At 63, Hiroyuki Sanada won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his powerful performance in “Shōgun.” The series, set in feudal Japan, blends historical drama with gripping action. Sanada’s portrayal of Lord Toranaga captivated audiences with its emotional depth, and the show’s sweeping epic nature appeals to those who love historical dramas. Stream on Hulu or Disney+. 5. Gary Oldman in ‘Slow Horses’ Gary Oldman (66) received an Emmy nomination for his role in “Slow Horses,” a gritty espionage drama in which he plays a washed-up intelligence officer overseeing a team of misfit spies. Oldman’s performance brings dark humor and world-weary cynicism to the forefront, making the show both tense and entertaining. The series, filled with smart storytelling and complex characters, is perfect for fans of spy thrillers and those who appreciate Oldman’s ability to bring depth to every role he takes on. Available on Apple TV+. 6. Christine Baranski in ‘The Gilded Age’ Christine Baranski (72) was nominated for her standout role in “The Gilded Age,” a lavish period drama that dives into the social hierarchies of 19th-century New York. Baranski’s portrayal of the aristocratic Agnes van Rhijn is filled with sharp wit and class, making it an engaging watch for fans of historical dramas. Watch it on Max, Fandango at Home or Prime Video on your Roku device. It can also be watched on Hulu by paying a fee for the Max add-on, or on Spectrum On Demand. More TV including shows with characters over 50: 11 of the Best TV Shows for Viewers Over 50 7. Liza Colón-Zayas in ‘The Bear’ “The Bear” seems a misfit in the comedy category. Dysfunctional characters and chaotic situations abound, and laughs are rare. Emmy host Eugene Levy quipped, “I know some of you will be expecting us to make a joke about whether ‘The Bear’ is really a comedy. But in the true spirit of ‘The Bear,’ we will not be making any jokes.” But the show’s quality is no joke – it received 23 Emmy nominations and 11 wins, for acting and production. “The Bear” offers a behind-the-scenes dive into the world of restaurants. While the situational stress can be a turn-off, the characters keep viewers coming back. More than just a chronological series, “The Bear” focuses attention on individual characters as well, including the winner of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Liza Colón-Zayas. Colón-Zayas (52) plays Chef Tina Marrero, a complex character who balances a calm maternal presence with proud independence and a touch of insecurity. These Emmy-nominated and award-winning performances by actors over 50, in shows with characters over 50, highlight the wealth of talent that continues to thrive on screen. Whether it’s the sharp humor of “Hacks,” the twisty mysteries of “Only Murders in the Building” and “True Detective: Night Country,” or the captivating historical drama of “Shōgun” and “The Gilded Age,” these shows include content that older viewers can appreciate, including compelling characters and relatable themes. Adding these series to your watch list guarantees hours of top-tier entertainment led by some of the finest actors in the industry. Read More Kari Smith Kari Smith is a frequent contributor to Seniors Guide, helping to keep those in the senior industry informed and up-to-date. She's a Virginia native whose love of writing began as a songwriter recording her own music. In addition to teaching music and performing in the Richmond area, Kari also enjoys riding horses and farming.