The Best TV Shows That Never Won A Single Emmy
Emmy snubs are a common complaint of television fans as there are some series with zero Emmys that just seem to have rotten luck. Despite critical acclaim and huge followings, the programs below never took home that coveted statue. These shows didn't just miss out on the big awards like Best Series; they have not won one single Emmy period, not even for obscure niche categories. Given their acclaim, that is truly a shock.
TV shows that never won an Emmy span across all genres, from lighthearted comedies to seedy dramas. These shows are so esteemed, many are surprised to hear they never received an Emmy. With The Wire's influence, how did it never snag at least one award? It's not uncommon for critics to be wary of genres like sci-fi, so the lack of Best Drama awards for Star Trek: The Original Series is understandable. However, how could it not have at least scored a win for technical effects like sound editing? These TV shows with no Emmy wins are truly baffling and often downright infuriating.
What do you think are the best shows that didn't get Emmys? Cast your vote below!
Notable Nominations:
- Outstanding Drama Series (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023)
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Bob Odenkirk (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023)
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Jonathan Banks (2015, 2016, 2017)
- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Giancarlo Esposito (2019, 2020)
- Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Rhea Seehorn (2022, 2023)
- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (2015, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023)With 53 nominations over its six-year run, Better Call Saul is the most nominated series in Emmy history to go without winning one.
- 1Plan and Execution144 Votes
- 2Chicanery146 Votes
- 3Saul Gone95 Votes
Nominated For:
- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (2005, 2008)
A homicide officer and narcotics detective target drug traffickers.- 1Idris Elba - Luther62 Votes
- 2Andre Royo - Empire23 Votes
- 3Aidan Gillen - Game of Thrones49 Votes
Nominated For:
- Outstanding Main Title Theme Music (2009)
- Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics: A Mother's Work (2014)
- Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (2015)
- Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie (2015)
- Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics: Papa's Goods (2015)Nominated For:
- Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series: Amy Poehler (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015)
- Outstanding Comedy Series (2011, 2015)
- Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour) And Animation (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015)
- Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: Mike Schur (2012)
- Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: Amy Poehler (2012)A midlevel bureaucrat works tirelessly toward improving her hometown.- 1Ron Swanson3,335 Votes
- 2Andy Dwyer2,993 Votes
- 3April Ludgate2,957 Votes
Nominated For:
- Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or a Variety Program (2013, 2014, 2015)
Five egocentric friends run a bar together in Philadelphia.Notable Nominations:
- Outstanding Dramatic Series (1967, 1968)
- Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: Leonard Nimoy (1968)
- Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: Leonard Nimoy (1969)
- Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction and Scenic Design (1969)
- Outstanding Achievement in Film Editing (1969)Nominated For:
- Outstanding Derivative Interactive Program (2020)An eccentric Time Lord travels through time and space to battle injustice across the universe.- 1Donna Noble11,654 Votes
- 2Sarah Jane Smith9,205 Votes
- 3Wilfred Mott6,285 Votes
Nominations:
- Outstanding Visual Effects (2016)
Criminal profiler Will Graham teams up with Dr. Hannibal Lecter to hunt serial killers.- 9
Nominated For:
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: Charles S. Dutton (1999)
- Outstanding Casting for a Series (1999) - 10
Nominated For:
- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: Charles Durning, (2005)
- Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Miniseries, or Movie (2008, 2013) Nominated For:
- Outstanding Comedy Series (2019, 2020)
- Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series: Ted Danson (2018, 2019, 2020)
- Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series: D'Arcy Carden (2020)
- Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series: William Jackson Harper (2020)
- Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series: Maya Rudolph (2018, 2019, 2020)
- Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series (2019, 2020)
- Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media Within A Scripted Program (2019)Eleanor Shellstrop finds out that even in the afterlife, it's never too late to change your ways.Nominated For:
- Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Ann Dowd (2017)
After two percent of the world's population disappears, those left behind struggle to understand.- 1Kevin Garvey, Jr.189 Votes
- 2Nora Durst164 Votes
- 3Matt Jamison210 Votes
Nominated For:
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Vera Farmiga (2013)
- Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (2016)
- Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (2016)Nominated For:
- Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music (2006)
Brothers Michael Scofield and Lincoln Burrows continue to evade the law.- 1Prison Break: Resurrection182 Votes
- 2Prison Break: The Final Break111 Votes
- 3Person of Interest36 Votes
Nominated For:
- Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Scott Winant (1995)
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Claire Danes (1995)
- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (1995)
- Outstanding Main Title Theme Music (1995)Nominated For:
- Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (2015)
- Outstanding Period Costumes (2016, 2018)
- Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period Program (2016)Honeymooning in 1945 Scotland, a combat nurse is suddenly transported back to the 1700s.Never Nominated
Veronica Mars helps her father investigate the lives of the rich in the town of Neptune.Notable Nominations:
- Outstanding Music Composition For A Series (2015, 2016)
- Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup For A Series, Limited Series, Movie Or A Special (2015, 2016, 2017)
Some of literature's most famously terrifying characters become embroiled in Victorian London.Never Nominated
A quirky family of employees at supersized megastore Cloud 9 tackle the day-to-day grind together.Nominated For:
- Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance: Kristen Schaal (2017)
- Outstanding Animated Program (2019, 2020)A whiskey-drinking, humanlike horse -- a popular '90s sitcom star -- tries to make a comeback.Nominated For:
- Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series: Laura Dern (2013)
- Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series: Molly Shannon (2013)A self-destructive woman has a spiritual awakening that wreaks havoc on her home and work lives.Never Nominated
A successful but ethical man works at a morally questionable corporation.Nominated For:
- Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series - 2012
Though they never won an Emmy, Parenthood won Television Academy Honors in 2011 and 2013.
Parenthood, a heartwarming family drama, unfolds the intricate dynamics of the Braverman clan as they navigate life's triumphs and challenges. The show's stellar ensemble cast, led by Craig T. Nelson as Zeek Braverman, delivers authentic and nuanced performances, earning it multiple Emmy nominations throughout its six-season run. With storylines that touch on relatable themes such as parenthood, relationships, and personal growth, viewers find themselves emotionally invested in each character's journey. This critically acclaimed series masterfully blends humor and sentimentality, offering a poignant portrayal of the complexities and joys of family life.Nominated For:
- Outstanding Narrator: Anthony Mendez (2015, 2016)
A 23-year-old virgin is accidentally impregnated during a routine visit to a clinic.Never Nominated
Hollywood wannabe actors and writers make ends meet by working for a posh L.A. catering company.- 26
Never Nominated
A man struggles to adjust to life after spending 20 years on death row. - 27
Never Nominated
An ex-cop starts an unlicensed private investigation business with his best friend.
