7 Pilots You Need To Watch Before The Emmy Awards

Ah, the Emmy Awards.

That time of year when we realize we don't actually watch very much current, critically acclaimed television.

Not to worry, though: If you're looking to impress your dog when you flip to the 2016 Emmy Awards while the latest episode of "Rob & Chyna" is on commercial, I'm here to help.

Now, you hardly have time to watch entire seasons of shows before 7 pm this Sunday, but you might have time to knock out a few pilots.

So, in order to help you out, I've compiled a list of first episodes you should watch if you want to kinda-sorta be informed during the show.

Of course, many pilots don't live up to their actual shows, so keep that in mind when you're judging from home.

Note: This list is built on the assumption you all have already seen the shows that are back for their fifth or sixth year at the Emmys, or at the very least, you know what they are about. No one needs me to explain "Game of Thrones" or "House of Cards," right?

1. "Mr. Robot"

Season two of this cyber-hacking drama is nominated for six Emmys this year, including Outstanding Drama and Outstanding Lead Actor, so you should probably just watch the pilot already.

2. "black-ish"

This family sitcom is receiving a lot of critical acclaim for its second season, including three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Comedy, Comedy Actor and Comedy Actress. Also, the cast is the best.

3. "Master of None"

"Master of None" is an offbeat comedy drama that did something that is rarely ever done: get nominated for an Emmy for its very first season. And not just one Emmy nomination, but four — including Outstanding Comedy and Comedy Actor.

4. "Transparent"

Last year, Jeffrey Tambor won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Actor after just one season of "Transparent" — which is practically unheard of — and this year the Amazon series is up for a whopping 10 Emmys. Honestly, you're probably already watching this show, and if you're not, you really should be.

5. "Confirmation"

If you REALLY want to impress some folks this weekend, you'll watch one of the TV movies up for an Emmy. "Confirmation," starring Kerry Washington as American attorney Anita Hill, is the way to go. Though not technically a pilot, the film is up for both Outstanding Television Movie and Lead Actress in a Limited Series.

6. “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story"

FX debuted the first season of its new true crime anthology to great success: "The People v. O.J. Simpson" is nominated for 22 Emmys, coming in second this year only to "Game of Throne's" 23 nominations. If you haven't watched the show already, you better get on that, because it's sure to take home a few awards this weekend.

7. "The Night Manager"

The British miniseries "The Night Manager" snagged 12 Emmy nominations, but more importantly, Tom Hiddleston is the only celebrity with any interesting drama going to these damn awards.

Happy cramming!

The 2016 Emmy Awards will air on ABC this Sunday at 7 pm EST.