
The series has received critical acclaim. It won the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 2017 and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2018, with Sherman-Palladino receiving the awards for Outstanding Directing and Outstanding Writing at the latter ceremony. Brosnahan won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2018 and two consecutive Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy in 2018 and 2019. Borstein won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series twice consecutively, in 2018 and 2019; and Shalhoub and Kirby won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 2019, respectively.
the same night for using profanity in his act. Gaslight manager Susie Myerson, recognizing Midge's raw talent, coaches her on stand-up comedy.
Season 2: As Midge secretly hones her comic skills at the Gaslight Café, she and Susie also hit the road. Touring is hard and female comics are generally disparaged and discriminated against. Midge rejects comedian Sophie Lennon's notion that female comics need a gimmicky persona to compete in a male-dominated field and instead performs as herself, adopting the stage name, "Mrs. Maisel". After Midge disparages Sophie's corny act, Sophie's vindictive manager gets Midge blacklisted from New York clubs. Midge perseveres and gets a huge break as the opening act for famous singer Shy Baldwin's upcoming tour.
Season 3: Midge balances career and family life while touring with Shy Baldwin; she retools her act for non-New York audiences. After divorcing, Midge and Joel remain in each other's lives while navigating new relationships. Joel branches out by opening a small nightclub in New York's Chinatown, soon discovering the landlords operate an illegal gambling den downstairs. Tensions arise when Midge initially objects to Susie managing other clients, including Sophie Lennon; is unaware that Susie relies on mob connections for professional assistance. After carelessly alluding to Shy's homosexuality during a set, Midge is fired.
Season 4: Following the Shy Baldwin debacle, Midge vows to only do headliner gigs, though with little success. Sophie Lennon gives Midge a professional break before jealously thwarting her career again. Meanwhile, Joel's busy nightclub draws unwanted attention to his landlords' illegal activities. Midge becomes the comic emcee at the Wolford burlesque club, contentedly languishing there until a police raid closes it. Lenny Bruce helps Midge regain her confidence and reboot her career.
Season 5: The story covers the 1960s – 2000s. In the early 60s, Midge, still struggling professionally, is hired as a writer for The Gordon Ford Show and competes against male co-workers. Glimpses into the future reveal: Midge fires Susie after learning her mob ties entangled Joel in illegal activities to protect Midge. As Midge's career climbs, Lenny Bruce descends into drug addiction. After seizing an opportunity, Midge becomes a major comedy star but has a messy personal life with multiple marriages, lost loved ones, strained relationships, including her two adult children, and eventual reconciliations. Throughout, Midge and Joel stay close.