The Emmy Awards honor outstanding work in primetime and daytime entertainment programming. These shows not only entertain millions of viewers across the world but also set a new standard. Winning an Emmy is an achievement like no other, and to rack up multiple wins means that the TV show is extraordinary. A handful of TV shows have managed to do that over the years, dominating the Emmy Awards and placing themselves at the top in the history of television.
Owing to their narratives, characters, and more, these shows are icons and have set a new high bar for quality. They have revolutionized TV and brought us some of the funniest comedies and epic dramas.
Here are the top 8 TV shows with the most Emmy Awards. Whether you love a good sketch comedy show, an intriguing fantasy, or even a good satire, there is something for everybody on this list.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinion.
8 TV shows with the most Emmy Awards
1) Saturday Night Live (SNL) - 84 Wins
Starting us off is Saturday Night Live, which has 84 Emmy wins! SNL has been a household name for decades. It first aired on NBC on October 11, 1975, and viewers have been in splits ever since! It has been the launching pad for comedians and actors, most of whom have become big names in the industry. It brings a new celebrity host every week.
SNL has evolved with time, ensured the introduction of new cast members, and is experimental in comedy styles. It has satire, political commentary, and character sketches that will make your stomach hurt out of laughter. As such, it has garnered millions of viewers worldwide, and it only keeps growing with time.
2) Game of Thrones - 59 Wins
Game of Thrones took the world by storm when it was first released. With eight seasons on HBO, it quickly took over the hearts and minds with its epic storyline adapted from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. Arguably, it was the first time any TV show had achieved what Game of Thrones did. It set a new standard in scale, storytelling, and production value.
This elaborate drama has 59 Emmy wins! What makes it such a success is its quality and impact on its viewers and the entire industry. It revolutionized the history of television by reigning supreme over categories like Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Directing, and Outstanding Writing. It also won awards for its technical aspects, like its stunning visuals, costumes, and production design.
The most talked-about moments of this show have a tinge of unpredictability. The cast’s powerful performances became iconic; Peter Dinklage bagged four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, making him one of the show's most successful actors.
3) Frasier - 37 Wins
Frasier, a spin-off of Cheers, became a comedy powerhouse in its own way. It is about Dr. Frasier, a radio psychiatrist who returns to Seattle, his hometown after his marriage ends. He lives there with his father and housekeeper. He is sophisticated and self-important, which gives the show its comic essence. His brother, with his pretentiousness, also contributes to the essence of the show.
The clever writing, intelligent comedy, and brilliant performances earned the show 37 Emmy wins, making it one of the most awarded sitcoms in the history of television. It won in the Outstanding Comedy Series category five times in a row. This show stands out from the other sitcoms of the era because of its rare mix of high-brow comedy and relatable family moments.
Kelsey Grammer played Frasier Crane, who won four Emmy awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. David Hyde Pierce played Niles, who won four Emmy awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
It ran for 11 seasons and continues to remain in the hearts of its fans even after its end.
4) The Simpsons - 37 Wins
The Simpsons needs no introduction. It is the longest-running American sitcom and has been a fan favorite since 1989. Created by Matt Groening, this animated show is set in a fictional place called Springfield and is about the lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.
It hilariously and satirically touches on social topics, politics, pop culture, and even everyday life. It has a reputation for clever jokes, brilliant writing, and the relatability factor that has made it loved by people across generations. Moreover, it has predicted some real-life events with unbelievable accuracy.
The show has won Emmy Awards in categories such as Outstanding Animated Program and Outstanding Voice-Over Performance and has also received awards for its unforgettable music.
5) RuPaul's Drag Race - 29 Wins
RuPaul's Drag Race has made quite a noise at the Emmys with 29 wins! Popular for its vibrant attires, powerful performances, and witty, sharp humor, this show has secured its place as one of the most loved reality shows in the history of Emmy. This goes to say what an impact it has on pop culture and celebrating drag artistry.
RuPaul's Drag Race captures viewers with its unique hold on talent, charisma, and individuality. Every season features new drag queens who come from across the world to compete against each other in creative challenges. They are judged on their performance skills, yielding stunning results.
6) The Mary Tyler Moore Show - 29 Wins
Another show with 29 wins is The Mary Tyler Moore Show. It is a classic show with groundbreaking records of remarkable acting, brilliant writing, and an unforgettable impact on the television industry.
It ran from 1970 to 1977 and explored the life of Mary Tyler Moore, a single, independent working lady who is a TV news producer. This show has everything you need in a sitcom, from witty humor to quirky, unforgettable characters. It set a new bar for sitcoms and also redefined them.
7) Cheers - 28 Wins
It’s one thing to become a household name and another to have something to prove the same. Cheers has got both. This iconic TV show has racked up 28 Emmy Awards! It ruled the airwaves in the 80s and 90s, airing from 1982 to 1993.
Set in a bar in Boston, Cheers is all things quirky! With memorable characters and an ensemble cast that includes Ted Danson, Shelley Long, and Kelsey Grammer, this sitcom has given us some unforgettable moments. Cheers is just the perfect mix of comedy and heart.
8) Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - 28 Wins
With 28 wins, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is the last on the list. It was first released in 2014 and is popular for its rare take on social and current affairs. John Oliver, the host, makes sure to engage his audience with his witty commentary and detailed research.
It has taken up controversial topics and presented them humorously, making it stand out from the rest. The show shows how even a serious issue can be examined from a different perspective while simultaneously making things insightful and fun.
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These shows have left a lasting impact and have not allowed time to take away their glory and fame. So, if you find yourself looking for something to keep you entertained throughout, it would be a good idea to start with one of the above.
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