“Take It From Me” is a TODAY.com series where experts use their wisdom to explain trends or make recommendations within their fields. In this latest installment, pop culture experts share their recommendations for what to watch ahead of the Emmys. The Emmys are approaching fast, which means t here are only a few more days to catch up on buzzy award shows. The ceremony takes place on Monday, Sept. 14, on NBC. So, maybe not quite enough time to binge-watch entire series, but there’s definitely enough hours to at least get a taste of the performances that everyone will be talking about. To narrow down what to watch, TODAY.com spoke to two pop culture experts to get their opinions: Chris Witherspoon, founder of PopViewers and an entertainment contributor for NBC News and MSNBC Kristen Maldonado, founder of the entertainment outlet Pop Culture Planet Read on for their recommendations. Front-Running Shows ‘Pluribus’ Nominated for: 18 awards, including outstanding drama series; outstanding lead actress in a drama (Rhea Seehorn); outstanding supporting actor in a drama (Carlos-Manuel Vesga); and outstanding guest actress in a drama (Miriam Shor) “Apple TV is really just nailing it lately,” Maldonado says, referring to “Pluribus” and another Emmys darling, “Widow’s Bay.” Created by Vince Gilligan of “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” this sci-fi series is about a woman (Rhea Seehorn) who ends up being one of the few of humanity not to be taken over by an alien virus that dissolves individuality. “The most miserable woman on book in the world has to save everyone,” Maldonado says. ‘Widow’s Bay’ Nominated for: 19 awards, including outstanding comedy series; outstanding lead actor in a comedy (Matthew Rhys); outstanding supporting actor in a comedy (Stephen Root); and outstanding supporting actress in a comedy (Kate O’Flynn) Created by Katie Dippold, a former “Parks and Recreation” writer, “Widow’s Bay” is set on a definitely haunted New England island, which the mayor (Matthew Rhys) is desperately trying to make palatable to tourists. “What’s so great about ‘Widow’s Bay’ is that it’s equal parts funny and unsettling,” Maldonado says. “Katie Dippold managed to deliver something that we haven’t seen before.” ‘The Pitt’ Nominated for: 25 awards, including outstanding drama series; outstanding lead actor in a drama series (Noah Wyle); outstanding supporting actress in a drama series (Sepideh Moafi, Katherine LaNasa, Taylor Dearden, Fiona Dourif); outstanding guest actress in a drama series (Brittany Allen, Tal Anderson, Tina Ivlev) and more Witherspoon says all you need is to watch one episode of “The Pitt,” HBO’s ER-set medical drama, to get the appeal. “You’ll be like, ‘Oh my God! I see how powerful this show is,’” he says. The show’s second season follows senior attending doctor Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) on the last day before he heads out for a risky sabbatical. Hidden Gems ‘All Her Fault’ Nominated for: Outstanding limited or anthology series; lead actress in an anthology series or movie (Sarah Snook); supporting actress in an anthology series or movie (Dakota Fanning); outstanding writing for a limited or anthology series (Meghan Gallagher) The book “All Her Fault” was sparked by an incident from author Andrea Mara’s real life, which then became a Peacock miniseries. Sarah Snook plays a mom whose son disappears suddenly. Witherspoon calls this a great show, and “one that you can rush through.” ‘Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat’ Nominated for: Outstanding writing for a comedy series The second season of “Jury Duty” followed the zany, “Truman Show”-esque premise of the first, but with a different setting. Instead of staging a fake jury duty, producers put the unsuspecting Anthony Norman at the center of a company retreat. Must-See Performances Noah Wyle in ‘The Pitt’ Maldonado and Witherspoon both said Noah Wyle is the one to watch in the outstanding lead actor in a drama category. He took away the award for “The Pitt’s” first season for his work as Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, the beleaguered, wise and occasionally bereft ER doctor. Witherspoon also notes that he’s the first lead actor nominee who is also up for best director and could make history if he wins. Yahya Abdul-Mateen in ‘Wonder Man’ “Wonder Man” is a spin on a typical superhero show. Yahya Abdul-Mateen plays a struggling actor who ends up developing unexpected powers. The show was not renewed for a second season, a decision Abdul-Mateen has criticized. He was nominated for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series. “It’s one of those shows that I think people underestimated. You know, it’s not getting a second season, but his performance is such a standout. He brings this like comedy and charm that I think is really refreshing,” Maldonado says. Matthew Rhys in ‘Widow’s Bay’ Nominated for: Outstanding lead actor in a comedy series Matthew Rhys is nominated for two Emmys this year: One for his work in the anthology series “The Beast in Me” and another for Apple TV’s sleeper hit “Widow’s Bay.” “We’ve not really seen him be a nominee since ‘The Americans.’ I feel like it could put Matthew back in the winner circle,” Witherspoon says. Kate O’Flynn in ‘Widow’s Bay’ Nominated for: Outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series “She just is so funny, so uncomfortable, so vulnerable, but also so badass. She’s been the MVP of the season of the show,” Maldonado says. If you’re going to watch one episode, check out the episode “Beach Reads,” centered on her character discovering a bewitching book. Rhea Seehorn in ‘Pluribus’ Nominated for: Outstanding lead actress in a drama series Rhea Seehorn gives “such an impressive performance” as Carol Sturka, one of the few people not impacted by an alien virus, Maldonado says. Witherspoon says she goes through “the entire range of emotions” on the show. Plus, her winning an Emmy would be a full-circle moment after years of nominations but no wins for “Better Call Saul.” “I love when I watch moments where somebody who’s been in the game for 30 years gets their flowers. She’s 54 years old. She is the front runner to win that category. I just feel like give Rhea all her things,” Witherspoon says. This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY: Is There a Summer COVID Surge? With Cases Rising in Nearly Every State, Watch for These Symptoms 9 Best High-Carb Fruits for a Natural Energy Boost Can your smartphone give you arthritis? A doctor explains ‘texting thumb’ ...read more read less