Shows To Add To Your Watchlist
With streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple cranking out a seemingly endless stream of TV shows, it can be hard to narrow down the ones that are actually worth devoting your precious time to. Awards don't mean everything, but chances are if a show has won a lot of Emmys, the most prestigious award in television, it's good. Whether you're into reality TV, competition shows, sitcoms, or hard-hitting dramas, there's a category for that. Here are 20 TV shows that won all the awards.
1. Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live is one of the longest-running shows in TV history, having started in 1975. A comedy right of passage, it's where so many of Hollywood's most talented comedians got their start. Bill Murray, Alec Baldwin, Kate McKinnon, and Tina Fey are just some of the SNL staff who took home Emmys.
2. Game of Thrones
There was a time when it seemed you couldn't have a conversation without Game Of Thrones being brought up. One of the most impactful, epic TV series ever made, it won 59 Emmys.
3. Frasier
It's not too often that a spin-off TV show becomes more popular than the one it originated from, but such is the case with Frasier. The show follows Frasier Crane, one of the central characters of Cheers. The show won 37 Emmys in total.
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4. The Simpsons
The Simpsons is more than just silly gags about Homer's bad parenting. It's the longest-running American sitcom ever, fueled by a team of extremely talented voice actors, writers, and actors. The show has won 37 Emmys.
5. Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
John Oliver is renowned for his scathing political commentary presented through his silly self-deprecating humor and quick wit. His show Last Week Tonight With John Oliver which started as a spinoff of The Daily Show has won 30 Emmys.
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6. The Mary Tyler Moore Show
The Mary Tyler Moore Show was a trailblazing program that fearlessly grappled with themes of feminism and homosexuality. The show and its stupendous cast wrapped up a total of 29 Emmy wins.
7. RuPaul's Drag Race
RuPaul's Drag Race is one of the most beloved and most awarded competition shows of all time, earning 29 Emmys so far. RuPaul has more Emmys than any other Black artist for his fabulous hosting.
8. Cheers
Cheers was among the most universally beloved shows on TV during its 11-year run from 1982 to 1993. Audiences and critics alike fell in love with the show's ever-growing ensemble of relatable characters. The show took home 28 Emmy wins.
9. Hill Street Blues
Hill Street Blues, chronicling the lives of members of the Metropolitan Police Department, dominated the Emmys in the early 80s. Much of the cast earned awards for their outstanding performances, and the show took home a total of 26 Emmys.
10. The West Wing
The West Wing is one of the most popular TV political dramas ever made. Starring Martin Sheen as the president of the US, the show followed him and the white house staff as they navigated the changing political climate in the US. The series won 26 Emmys, including four for Outstanding Drama.
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11. The Carol Burnett Show
Similar to SNL but pre-dating it by almost 10 years, The Carol Burnett Show was a variety program featuring some of the biggest names in comedy. It won 25 Emmys in a variety of categories including writing, directing, and acting.
12. The Crown
The Crown was a series about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, spanning six seasons and six decades of her life. The impeccable acting, writing, and directing earned the show much critical acclaim and 24 Emmys.
13. ER
ER is a drama set in the emergency room of a fictional hospital that follows the doctors and nurses on staff there as they grapple with the intense and emotionally charged reality of their jobs. It influenced a whole genre of medical shows and took home 23 Emmys over its 15-year run.
14. All in the Family
All in the Family was groundbreaking for its willingness to breach topics that were considered taboo in the US at that time like racism, gay rights, and sexual assault. The show won 22 Emmys, four of which were in the Outstanding Comedy Series category and another four went to Carroll O'Connor who played the now iconic Archie Bunker.
15. Modern Family
Modern Family was a mockumentary-style sitcom that aired for 11 seasons on ABC. Its depiction of an American family as a diverse, slightly dysfunctional, and varied group of people was groundbreaking for its time and relatable to many. It took home 22 Emmys.
16. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
One of Amazon Prime Video's biggest hits, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was about a Jewish female comedian navigating the sexist and antisemitic landscape of 1950s America as she tried to make a name for herself in stand-up. It won 22 Emmys during its five-season run.
17. The Sopranos
Largely considered one of the greatest and most influential TV series ever made, The Sopranos ran from 1999 to 2007, but it's still enjoyed today. It follows the life of a New Jersey mob boss as he grapples with his mental health issues. It won 21 Emmys in a variety of categories.
18. Dancing With the Stars
We as audiences underestimate how much work behind the scenes it takes to make every performance on Dancing With the Stars look so beautiful, entertaining, and special. Those in the industry, however, know it well and appreciate it. That's why the show has routinely taken home Emmys in the choreography, lighting, makeup, and costume design categories.
19. The Bear
The show that elevated Jeremy Allen White from a recognized actor to an absolute superstar, The Bear depicts the highs and lows, passions, and anxieties of chef life better than any other show or movie. It's taken home 21 Emmys and counting.
20. American Masters
American Masters is a PBS documentary series profiling some of America's most influential cultural icons including actors, musicians, writers, and artists, exploring their work and cultural impact. Since it premiered in 1999 it's earned 20 Emmys.
