TV Shows Deserving an Emmy Yet Never to Receive One

No discussion about television shows and awards can end without a mention of a few notable programs that deserved an Emmy but never quite made the cut. The television industry is filled with incredible content, and sometimes, the recognition it deserves may lag behind. These are some of the television shows that often come up in discussions about being the unsung heroes of television history. From the groundbreaking Star Trek to critically-acclaimed series like Breaking Bad, we'll explore several contenders that deserved an Emmy award but never received one.

Star Trek

Star Trek is one of the most iconic and influential television series of all time, yet it never won an Emmy. Despite its immense cultural impact and the timeless appeal of its storyline and characters, Star Trek only managed to earn a couple of Academy of Television Arts and Sciences nods over the years. This is particularly surprising given the show's unparalleled influence on science fiction and pop culture.

Summary: Star Trek (TV series, 1966-1969) had 6 nominations but won no Emmy Awards. The series received critical acclaim and many accolades in other categories, notably in syndication. Its influence on the genre is undeniable, with episodes still inspiring and referenced in pop culture.

Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad is often cited as one of the greatest television series of the 21st century. It received numerous critical accolades, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards. However, both Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan and lead actor Bryan Cranston received widespread praise for their performances and the show's writing, but the series never won an Emmy for Best Drama Series. Despite its critical success, it lost out to Mad Men in this category in 2009.

Summary: Breaking Bad (TV series, 2008-2013) received 7 peer nominations and 9 total, including one win for Best Actor, but missed out on the trailblazing Best Drama Series award despite critical acclaim. Interestingly, it later dominated the Emmy landscape, winning 16 awards in total, including for Gilligan and Cranston.

The Wire

The Wire stands as a testament to the art of storytelling on television. Developed by David Simon, it explored the gritty realities of Baltimore's criminal underworld and law enforcement with unparalleled depth. The series garnered 10 Emmy nominations but never won an Emmy, even though it became widely recognized as one of the greatest series of all time. Despite its critical acclaim, the complexity and realism of The Wire often failed to secure the recognition it deserved in the award shows.

Summary: The Wire (TV series, 2002-2008) received 10 Emmy nominations but won none. The series ended with a critical wave of praise and consideration in many Top 10 rankings, underscoring its significance and impact on the series and the television landscape.

Westworld

Westworld by HBO ventured into one of the most anticipated and critically acclaimed series of the past few years. The show, based on the 1973 film of the same name directed by Michael Crichton, centered on the futuristic concept of artificial intelligence, robots, and human morality. Though it received 8 Emmy nominations, it failed to secure any wins. This series is known for its intricate plot and philosophical explorations, which often go beyond the typical narratives of television series.

Summary: Westworld (TV series, 2016-2020) received 8 Emmy nominations but won none. It focused on themes of artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the boundaries between humans and robots, leading to critical acclaim and discussions on modern television storytelling.

Conclusion

While the television landscape is vast and diverse, it's evident that there are several shows that deserve recognition beyond what they have currently received. Shows like Star Trek, Breaking Bad, The Wire, and Westworld have made significant contributions to the industry and continue to influence television and storytelling to this day. Their impact and legacy extend far beyond any accolades, making them invaluable and deserving of recognition.

The reasons for these shows not winning Emmys can be multifaceted, from competition to evolving television trends. Nonetheless, their influence on pop culture and the industry is undeniable. As the television landscape continues to evolve, it's hoped that the recognition for these and other excellent programs will grow, ensuring that the true gems of television are celebrated for the impact they have.