TV Shows That Should Have Won Awards But Didn’t

Awards season frequently sparks debates about which television series received the recognition they deserved and which were unjustly ignored. Many critically acclaimed productions build loyal fanbases and define pop culture without ever securing the most prestigious trophies in the industry. The voting bodies often favor traditional dramas or repeated winners over boundary-pushing genre shows and innovative comedies. This list explores the most notable programs that concluded their runs or spent years on air without taking home the top series awards in their respective categories.

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

David Simon crafted a gritty and realistic exploration of the drug trade in Baltimore through the eyes of law enforcement and dealers. The series expanded its scope each season to include the port system and the city government and the school system and the print news media. Critics widely regard ‘The Wire’ as one of the greatest television dramas of all time due to its complex narrative and sociopolitical commentary. The show surprisingly never won a Primetime Emmy Award and only received two nominations for writing during its entire run.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

This prequel to ‘Breaking Bad’ transformed a comic relief character into a tragic figure named Jimmy McGill. Bob Odenkirk and Rhea Seehorn delivered nuanced performances that captivated audiences for six seasons. The series holds a notorious record for receiving fifty-three Emmy nominations without securing a single win. Fans and critics argued that the distinct visual style and meticulous character development surpassed even its predecessor.

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ (2005–Present)

The longest-running live-action sitcom in American television history continues to push boundaries with its dark humor and satirical bite. Rob McElhenney and the gang constantly reinvent the format while exploring taboo subjects that other network comedies avoid. The show has maintained a loyal cult following and critical consistency for nearly two decades. Despite its longevity and cultural impact the series has been almost entirely ignored by major awards bodies.

‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)

Damon Lindelof created a profound meditation on grief and faith after a global event causes two percent of the population to vanish. The narrative shifts from a small town in New York to Texas and eventually Australia as the characters search for meaning. Carrie Coon gave a performance that many critics cited as one of the best of the decade. The series received zero Emmy nominations during its initial airing despite widespread acclaim for its writing and direction.

‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014–2020)

This animated series used a world of anthropomorphic animals to explore deep themes of depression and addiction and accountability. Will Arnett voiced the washed-up sitcom star as he navigated his past mistakes in Hollywood. The show balanced sharp satire of the entertainment industry with devastating emotional moments. It was nominated for Outstanding Animated Program multiple times but never took home the trophy.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

Bryan Fuller adapted the characters from Thomas Harris novels into a visually stunning psychological horror series. Mads Mikkelsen offered a sophisticated and terrifying interpretation of the iconic cannibal psychiatrist opposite Hugh Dancy. The show featured art direction and cinematography that were unprecedented for network television. It developed a passionate fanbase but struggled with ratings and failed to garner major award recognition before its cancellation.

‘The Americans’ (2013–2018)

Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys starred as two Soviet intelligence officers posing as a married couple in suburban Washington D.C. during the Reagan administration. The series masterfully blended spy thriller elements with intense domestic drama and questions of loyalty. It took six seasons for the show to finally win writing and acting awards but it never won the top prize for Outstanding Drama Series. Critics consistently ranked it as the best show on television during its run.

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

Amy Poehler led an ensemble cast in this optimistic mockumentary about local government employees in Pawnee. The show evolved from a clone of ‘The Office’ into a distinct entity filled with heart and memorable characters like Ron Swanson. It received nomination after nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series but always lost to other juggernauts. Poehler herself received numerous nominations for her performance as Leslie Knope without a win.

‘Community’ (2009–2015)

Dan Harmon created a meta-comedy that constantly deconstructed television tropes through the lens of a community college study group. The series experimented with various genres including action movies and claymation and 8-bit video games. It faced constant threats of cancellation and behind-the-scenes drama throughout its six seasons. ‘Community’ won a singular Emmy for technical achievement in animation but was otherwise shut out of major categories.

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

Joss Whedon used supernatural metaphors to explore the trials of adolescence and young adulthood. Sarah Michelle Gellar anchored the series as the chosen one who protects the world from darkness while trying to live a normal life. The show pioneered serialized storytelling and influenced a generation of television writers. Academics and critics praise its writing yet it was largely ignored by voters who held a bias against genre television.

‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987–1994)

Patrick Stewart brought gravitas to the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and elevated the science fiction genre. The series tackled complex ethical dilemmas and social issues through its allegorical storytelling. It became the first syndicated show to receive a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series in its final season. Despite this breakthrough recognition it ultimately lost the award and never won the top honor.

‘Deadwood’ (2004–2006)

David Milch wrote dialogue that blended Shakespearean rhythms with profane frontier vernacular in this western drama. The series depicted the growth of a lawless camp into a town while exploring the foundations of civilization and capitalism. Ian McShane delivered an iconic performance as the ruthless saloon owner Al Swearengen. The show was abruptly canceled after three seasons and never won Outstanding Drama Series.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

This reimagining of the 1970s series stripped away the campiness to tell a grounded war story about humanity facing extinction. The show focused on political and religious and military conflicts within a fleet of refugees. Critics praised it as a relevant commentary on the post-9/11 world and the nature of insurgency. It won awards for visual effects and sound editing but was overlooked in the top writing and drama categories.

‘Friday Night Lights’ (2006–2011)

The drama captured the intense culture of high school football in rural Texas with a documentary filming style. Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton portrayed one of the most realistic marriages ever seen on screen. The series tackled issues of class and race and family dynamics with great sensitivity. It struggled for viewership and survived on a deal with DirecTV but never won Outstanding Drama Series.

‘Justified’ (2010–2015)

Timothy Olyphant starred as a U.S. Marshal who brings his own brand of old-school justice to his home region of Kentucky. The dialogue crackled with wit thanks to the source material by Elmore Leonard. Walton Goggins played the complex antagonist Boyd Crowder who served as a perfect foil to the hero. While Margo Martindale won a guest acting award the series itself never claimed the top drama prize.

‘The Shield’ (2002–2008)

Vic Mackey led a corrupt anti-gang unit in Los Angeles in this intense police drama. The series broke new ground for basic cable television with its moral ambiguity and handheld camera work. Michael Chiklis won a lead acting award for his imposing performance in the first season. The show itself remained a contender throughout its run but never secured the Outstanding Drama Series win.

‘House’ (2004–2012)

Hugh Laurie played the brilliant but misanthropic medical diagnostician Gregory House for eight seasons. The procedural format was elevated by the focus on the main character’s addiction and psychological struggles. It was a massive ratings hit worldwide and received four consecutive nominations for Outstanding Drama Series. Despite the acclaim and Laurie’s legendary performance the show never won the main series award.

‘Oz’ (1997–2003)

Tom Fontana created the first one-hour dramatic television series to be produced by HBO. The show depicted the brutal and violent lives of inmates and officers within an experimental prison unit. It featured a massive ensemble cast that included J.K. Simmons and Christopher Meloni and Rita Moreno. ‘Oz’ paved the way for the prestige TV era but received zero major award recognition during its airing.

‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)

David Fincher produced this psychological thriller about the early days of criminal profiling in the FBI. The series focused on the interviews with imprisoned serial killers rather than the chase or the violence itself. Cameron Britton gave a chilling performance as Edmund Kemper that earned him a nomination. The show was put on indefinite hold after two seasons and never received the series accolades it deserved.

‘Halt and Catch Fire’ (2014–2017)

The narrative followed the personal and professional lives of visionaries during the personal computing revolution and the dawn of the internet. It started as a drama about hardware but evolved into a poignant story about connection and creativity. Lee Pace and Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy delivered powerful performances as the years progressed. Critics championed the later seasons heavily but the show remained completely off the awards radar.

‘Penny Dreadful’ (2014–2016)

Eva Green delivered a tour-de-force performance as Vanessa Ives in this gothic horror drama. The series wove together characters from classic literature including Frankenstein and Dorian Gray and Dracula. It featured lavish production design and poetic dialogue that set it apart from other horror shows. The acting and the series itself were consistently snubbed by the major American awards bodies.

‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000–2007)

Amy Sherman-Palladino created a fast-talking dramedy centered on the relationship between a single mother and her daughter. The scripts were longer than average to accommodate the rapid-fire dialogue and pop culture references. Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel had undeniable chemistry that anchored the show for seven seasons. The series won a single award for makeup but was completely ignored in writing and acting categories.

‘Veronica Mars’ (2004–2019)

Kristen Bell starred as a teenage private investigator navigating the class divide in a wealthy California town. The show combined film noir elements with high school drama and witty voiceover narration. It developed a fierce cult following that eventually funded a movie and a revival season. Despite critical praise for its smart writing the series never broke through with awards voters.

‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)

Michael Schur created a fantasy comedy that explored moral philosophy and the afterlife. The show constantly reinvented itself with major plot twists and deepened its characters with every season. Ted Danson and Kristen Bell led a charming ensemble cast that navigated complex ethical questions. It was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series multiple times but never took the prize.

‘New Girl’ (2011–2018)

Zooey Deschanel starred in this ensemble comedy that found its rhythm by focusing on the friendship dynamics of the loft roommates. Jake Johnson and Max Greenfield created iconic characters in Nick Miller and Schmidt. The show moved beyond its initial quirky premise to become a reliable and hilarious hangout sitcom. It received acting nominations early on but drifted away from awards consideration as it improved creatively.

‘Broad City’ (2014–2019)

Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer created and starred in this surreal comedy about two best friends navigating life in New York City. The show captured the specific anxieties and joys of millennial life with unapologetic humor. It originated as a web series before finding a home on cable and critical success. The series was consistently overlooked by the Emmy Awards throughout its five-season run.

‘GLOW’ (2017–2019)

This comedy-drama fictionalized the creation of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling promotion in the 1980s. The ensemble cast performed their own stunts and balanced physical comedy with emotional character arcs. It tackled themes of female friendship and workplace sexism within the wrestling industry. The show was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series but was canceled due to the pandemic before it could win.

‘Fringe’ (2008–2013)

J.J. Abrams co-created this science fiction procedural that dealt with parallel universes and fringe science. John Noble gave a legendary performance as the eccentric scientist Walter Bishop. The show developed a deep mythology and an emotional core centered on the father-son relationship. It was largely ignored by awards bodies aside from a nomination for sound editing.

‘Person of Interest’ (2011–2016)

Jonathan Nolan created a crime drama that evolved into a complex science fiction story about artificial intelligence and surveillance. Jim Caviezel and Michael Emerson starred as a duo preventing crimes before they happened. The show explored privacy concerns years before they became mainstream headlines. It remained a ratings success but was categorized as a standard procedural by voters and ignored.

‘The Knick’ (2014–2015)

Steven Soderbergh directed every episode of this medical drama set in New York City during the early 1900s. Clive Owen starred as a brilliant but drug-addicted surgeon pushing the boundaries of medicine. The electronic score by Cliff Martinez created a unique anachronistic atmosphere. The series was a critical darling for its technical mastery but failed to win major series awards.

‘Treme’ (2010–2013)

David Simon and Eric Overmyer created this drama about the residents of New Orleans rebuilding their lives after Hurricane Katrina. The show emphasized the unique musical and culinary culture of the city over traditional plot mechanics. It featured many real musicians and locals alongside a cast of professional actors. The series was highly respected by critics but received very little attention from awards voters.

‘Freaks and Geeks’ (1999–2000)

Paul Feig and Judd Apatow produced this honest look at high school life in the early 1980s. The cast included future stars like James Franco and Seth Rogen and Jason Segel and Linda Cardellini. It was canceled after only one season due to low ratings and erratic scheduling. The show won a casting award but the series itself was not recognized until years later as a cult classic.

‘My So-Called Life’ (1994–1995)

Claire Danes starred as Angela Chase in this realistic portrayal of the teenage experience. The show dealt with serious topics like homelessness and substance abuse and identity without preaching. It was praised for its authentic dialogue and emotional depth. Claire Danes was nominated for her performance but the show was canceled after one season and missed the series award.

‘Twin Peaks’ (1990–2017)

David Lynch and Mark Frost changed television forever with this surreal mystery about the murder of Laura Palmer. The first season was a cultural phenomenon that mixed soap opera tropes with dream logic and horror. The 2017 revival pushed the medium even further with avant-garde storytelling. Despite its massive influence on the Golden Age of TV it never won Outstanding Drama Series.

‘Reservation Dogs’ (2021–2023)

Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi created this groundbreaking comedy about four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma. The show seamlessly blended humor with magical realism and poignant drama about grief and community. It featured an almost entirely Indigenous cast and crew. The series was critically acclaimed as one of the best of its time but was shut out of the major Emmy categories.

‘Station Eleven’ (2021–2022)

This limited series adapted the novel by Emily St. John Mandel about a traveling symphony surviving after a flu pandemic. The narrative moved back and forth in time to explore how art and connection sustain humanity. It was praised for its hopeful tone and beautiful cinematography. Himesh Patel received an acting nomination but the show itself did not win the top limited series award.

‘Midnight Mass’ (2021)

Mike Flanagan created a horror limited series about an isolated island community that experiences miraculous events after the arrival of a new priest. The show featured dense monologues about religion and death and addiction. Hamish Linklater delivered a mesmerizing performance as Father Paul. It was completely ignored by the Emmy Awards despite fervent critical praise.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

Cillian Murphy starred as Tommy Shelby in this stylish gangster saga set in Birmingham after World War I. The show was known for its modern rock soundtrack and cinematic slow-motion sequences. It became a global phenomenon and influenced men’s fashion. While it won BAFTA awards in the UK it never broke through to win a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series.

‘Legion’ (2017–2019)

Noah Hawley created a psychedelic and visually experimental series based on a Marvel Comics character. Dan Stevens played a powerful mutant diagnosed with schizophrenia. The show used dance sequences and abstract imagery to explore the protagonist’s mental state. It was a unique entry in the comic book genre that was too abstract for major awards consideration.

‘Bates Motel’ (2013–2017)

This contemporary prequel to ‘Psycho’ explored the twisted relationship between Norman Bates and his mother Norma. Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore delivered intense and uncomfortable performances for five seasons. The show managed to create suspense even though the audience knew the ultimate tragic ending. It remained a cult favorite but was largely overlooked by the Academy.

‘Shameless’ (2011–2021)

William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum led the cast of this long-running dramedy about the dysfunctional Gallagher family in Chicago. The show balanced outrageous comedy with heartbreaking poverty and addiction storylines. Macy won several Screen Actors Guild awards for his role as Frank Gallagher. However, the show itself never won Outstanding Comedy Series despite its decade-long run.

‘Sons of Anarchy’ (2008–2014)

Kurt Sutter created a violent drama loosely based on ‘Hamlet’ set within a California motorcycle club. Charlie Hunnam and Katey Sagal led a cast that navigated internal politics and gang warfare. The series was a massive ratings hit for FX. Katey Sagal won a Golden Globe but the series was famously snubbed by the Emmys year after year.

‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)

Mike Flanagan reimagined the classic Shirley Jackson novel as a drama about a fractured family confronting their past trauma. The show terrified audiences with hidden ghosts while delivering emotional punches. Episode six was filmed in long continuous takes that showcased incredible technical skill. The series was a hit for Netflix but failed to secure a nomination for Outstanding Limited Series.

‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)

Amy Adams starred as a troubled reporter returning to her hometown to cover the murder of two young girls. The limited series was directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and featured a Southern Gothic atmosphere. It explored themes of self-harm and generational trauma with brutal honesty. Patricia Clarkson won a supporting award but the show lost the top prize to ‘Chernobyl’.

‘Maid’ (2021)

Margaret Qualley gave a breakout performance as a young mother fleeing an abusive relationship and working as a cleaner to survive. The series provided a raw look at the complexities of poverty and the American welfare system. It was based on the memoir by Stephanie Land. The show received critical acclaim and nominations but did not win the Outstanding Limited Series award.

‘Unbelievable’ (2019)

Toni Collette and Merritt Wever played detectives investigating a series of rapes in this true-crime drama. The show was praised for its respectful treatment of the victims and its focus on the investigative process. Kaitlyn Dever received accolades for her portrayal of a survivor who is charged with lying about her assault. It won a Peabody Award but missed out on the Primetime Emmy for Limited Series.

Share your favorite snubbed TV show or tell us which one on this list deserved a win the most in the comments.