Elizabeth Moss in “The Handmaid’s Tale”/Hulu(LOS ANGELES) — The Handmaid’s Tale is the current reigning best drama champ at the Emmys, but show creator Bruce Miller says he was still surprised by the 20 Emmy nominations the dystopian Hulu series received Thursday morning.

“I wasn’t expecting anything, because I’m terrified all the time that we did a terrible job,” Miller told ABC Radio. “I’m always thrilled and surprised because I’m always expecting or preparing for the worst. So this was wonderful news.”

After taking home the Best Drama Series prize at last year’s awards, Miller premiered the second season of the series on Hulu to mixed reviews. Miller says he does read some of the negative critiques to try and improve the show — even if the criticism hurts. 

“If you don’t pay attention you don’t have the kind of ammunition you need to figure out how to improve the show,” he said. “It does hurt my feelings when people don’t like things that I like.”

Unlike last year, Miller will be competing against juggernaut Game of Thrones for best drama, but he told ABC Radio that doesn’t faze him. “They’ve been making fantastic television for a very, very long time, and I’m just proud to be counted in the same category,” he said.

The Television Academy also nominated The Handmaid’s Tale stars Elisabeth Moss for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, Ann Dowd for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, and Samira Wiley for Guest Actress in a Drama Series.

“We’re beyond grateful, beyond proud,” Miller said. 

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