Best Emmy-nominated shows of all time
The first Emmy Awards show took place at the . Hosted by Walter O'Keefe, tickets to the show were five dollars and only six awards were handed out鈥攐ne award went to a ventriloquist. Named after the image-orthicon camera tube, or "immy," which was instrumental in capturing images for television, the Emmys were created by the Television Academy to award excellence in the television industry. The Emmy Award statue was designed to be a winged woman, representing the arts, holding up an atom, representing science and was modeled after television engineer Louis McManus's wife, Dorothy McManus. As time went on, the Emmy Award gained acclaim and grew into one of the most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry.
Over the years, the Emmys have come to be known as an awards show where anything might happen. From an "Veep's" Julia Louis-Dreyfus and "Breaking Bad's" Bryan Cranston to to steal Betty Thomas's award to on diversity in the entertainment industry鈥攖he Emmy Awards have always brought together visionaries and artists with diverse perspectives. With a new era of television comes a new format for awards shows. Following in the footsteps of 2019's host-less Academy Awards ceremony, the Emmys will go without a host for the first time this year.
In celebration of the upcoming 2020 Emmy Awards, 麻豆原创 has compiled a comprehensive ranking of the best Emmy-nominated shows of all time based on . Data was sourced in September 2020. All drama, comedy, competition, variety, anthology, and limited series that have been nominated for at least one Emmy and have over 5,000 IMDb user votes were considered in the ranking. However, nature documentary series were not considered in this list.
Read on to see if your favorite shows make the list.
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#50. Mr. Robot (2015鈥2019)
- IMDb user rating: 8.6
- Votes: 321,404
With its feverish plot and striking cinematography, anarchist-oriented 鈥淢r. Robot鈥 felt like nothing else on TV when it premiered in 2015. Examining issues like corporate capitalism and mental health, and tapping into societal fears around computer security and surveillance, 鈥淢r. Robot鈥 centers on brilliant, depressed Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a computer hacker drawn into an Anonymous-style hacker collective bent on erasing debt. Malek won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, while composer Mac Quayle won Outstanding Musical Composition for his tense electronic score.
#49. Daredevil (2015鈥2018)
- IMDb user rating: 8.6
- Votes: 353,822
Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) is a blind lawyer by day who transforms into the vigilante Daredevil by night, using finely honed senses and martial arts skills to bring down bad guys in the Hell鈥檚 Kitchen neighborhood of New York City. 鈥淒aredevil鈥 is part of the television branch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Daredevil鈥檚 escapades influenced by the film franchise, as when the Avengers demolished much of New York City in 鈥淎vengers: Infinity War.鈥 鈥淒aredevil鈥 was nominated for several technical Emmy awards, including Outstanding Main Title Design, Outstanding Sound Editing, and Outstanding Stunt Coordination.
#48. Dexter (2006鈥2013)
- IMDb user rating: 8.6
- Votes: 630,023
A show about everyone鈥檚 favorite murderer with a heart of gold, 鈥淒exter鈥 made gruesome crime scenes complex and binge-able. Earning , Michael C. Hall plays sociopathic Dexter, a blood-spatter analyst by day and killer of wrong-doers at night. Miami has never looked the same.
#47. Cobra Kai (2018鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 61,934
The modern-day sequel to 鈥淭he Karate Kid,鈥 鈥淐obra Kai鈥 premiered on YouTube Premium and was co-executive produced by the original 鈥淜arate Kid鈥 himself, Ralph Macchio. Long after their 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament fight, Daniel and Johnny鈥檚 rivalry has taken a new form: competing dojos.
#46. The Shield (2002鈥2008)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 70,298
This lauded FX crime series follows a corrupt police unit that was based on corrupt police divisions in the LAPD in the late 90s. Star Michael Chiklis took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series after the first season made waves. It was nominated for six Primetime Emmy's total.
#45. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 72,698
The second hit from 鈥淕ilmore Girls鈥 creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, this bubbly New York comedy follows a '50s housewife-turned-comedian through a series of precarious events with just the right amount of provocative edge. 鈥淭he Marvelous Mrs. Maisel鈥 earned Sherman-Palladino .
#44. Fleabag (2016鈥2019)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 84,841
Phoebe Waller-Bridge鈥檚 British dramedy follows Fleabag, a complicated, viciously funny Londoner played by a magnetic Waller-Bridge. While season one explored Fleabag鈥檚 trauma, its second season delivered a transcendent and devastating love story as Fleabag falls in love with an attractive priest (Andrew Scott). The Academy took notice, with the second season nominated for 11 Emmy awards and taking home six, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress for Waller-Bridge, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.
#43. Oz (1997鈥2003)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 86,896
One of HBO鈥檚 early forays into long-form dramatic television, Oz takes place in (and is short for) the maximum security Oswald State Correctional Facility. Only ever nominated for two Emmys, it was heralded for its guest stars and ensemble performance.
#42. This Is Us (2016鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 96,783
鈥淭his is Us鈥 follows three generations of the Pearson family, with their sometimes-tragic stories told through flashbacks over the course of four seasons (with a fifth coming in November 2020). The ensemble cast includes Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore, and Milo Ventimiglia, among many more. The show has garnered 10 Emmy nominations, with Sterling K. Brown taking home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
#41. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 98,983
With a whopping dating back to 2002, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" took "Seinfeld" co-creator Larry David out from behind the camera to spotlight his signature deadpan comedy style. Only winning two awards out of its 42 nominations, what this comedic series lacks in awards, it makes up for in very quotable dialogue.
#40. BoJack Horseman (2014鈥2020)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 103,542
An imaginative blend of self-deprecation, snappy pop culture wit, and thorough character development, Raphael Bob-Waksberg鈥檚 animated dramedy has been nominated for Outstanding Animated Program for the past two years as its come to a close. Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul, Paul F. Tompkins round out the stacked principal cast, but the series has even more star power in its long list of A-list guests.
#39. The Crown (2016鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 118,022
While 鈥淭he Crown鈥 is most notable for its exorbitant making it the most expensive TV series ever made, the Netflix show has earned its place as a TV heavy hitter. Following the intriguing life of Queen Elizabeth II (played by Claire Foy in the first two seasons and Olivia Coleman in the upcoming third season), 鈥淭he Crown鈥 takes the audience through the difficult ins and outs of navigating royal life. The show鈥檚 impressive cast and dedicated following earned it with the show winning five that year.
#38. Six Feet Under (2001鈥2005)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 118,156
A favorite of film buffs, the dark HBO comedy 鈥淪ix Feet Under鈥 captures the lives of a dysfunctional family who own a funeral home in Los Angeles. Led by Oscar-winning 鈥淎merican Beauty鈥 screenwriter Alan Ball, the show received . The same year, for best drama series and a for entertainment.
#37. Battlestar Galactica (2004鈥2009)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 149,652
鈥淏attlestar Galactica鈥 tells the story of a society obliterated by their android enemies, the Cylons. The last of this society remains to venture forth to the fabled 13th planet: Earth. As a much-loved sci-fi series, it鈥檚 no surprise that this show earned several nominations in special effects, but the show has also .
#36. Rome (2005鈥2007)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 151,357
This historic drama set in the last days of the Roman Republic stars Kevin McKidd as Lucius Vorenus, a Roman soldier serving the republic as it transitions to an empire. It features many well-known figures of the Roman era including Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, making it an easy favorite for history buffs. With , this show excels at its ability to transport viewers back in time.
#35. Downton Abbey (2010鈥2015)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 157,680
This BBC creation took the U.S. by storm, quickly gaining a massive cult following from American audiences. This unlikely hit transports audiences back to the post-Edwardian era and into the Grantham family鈥檚 sprawling estate, from which the show gets its title. Led by notable British stars like Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville, the show also helped launch the careers of newcomers like Michelle Dockery.
#34. The Boys (2019鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 174,323
After an avalanche of superhero films and series over the past decade, show developer Eric Kripke swooped in to capture the anti-hero sentiment. The dark show investigates questions like, 鈥淲hat happens when a superhero kills an innocent bystander in the process of saving the city?鈥 and other such unaddressed aspects of caped crusading. Karl Urban leads the principal cast. The series has received one Emmy nomination for Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Aeries (One Hour).
#33. The Mandalorian (2019鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 189,064
Disney鈥檚 first live-action TV show in its ever-growing roster of adventures set in a galaxy far, far away, 鈥淭he Mandalorian鈥 follows Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and 鈥淏aby Yoda鈥濃攁 colloquial name for the adorable puppet creature that is not actually Yoda but another creature of the same species who is a toddler at age 50. 鈥淭he Mandalorian鈥 was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series and won several Emmys in the award show鈥檚 creative categories, including Visual Effects, Production Design, and Sound Editing.
#32. Arrested Development (2003鈥2019)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 271,309
鈥淎rrested Development鈥 follows the ridiculous misadventures of the Bluth family in Orange County, California. The once-wealthy family faces trouble when its patriarch is charged with a white-collar crime, which leaves them all penniless. Through five seasons and one movie, 鈥淎rrested Development鈥 charmed audiences with its somewhat frustrating humor, and it solidified the careers of many of its actors, including Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, and Portia de Rossi.
#31. Better Call Saul (2015鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 306,039
An off-shoot of TV sensation "Breaking Bad," "Better Call Saul" follows the life of character Saul Goodman before the events of "Breaking Bad." Before he was Saul Goodman, Walter White's morally corrupt lawyer, he was Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer in Albuquerque, N.M., just trying to survive in an exploitative world. While this spin-off has gained recognition through the success of "Breaking Bad," it has earned accolades in its own right, pulling an impressive throughout the lifespan of the show.
#30. South Park (1997鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 323,661
From the comedic minds of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, this long-running animated series follows the boisterous, troublemaking adventures of foul-mouthed friends Cartman, Kenny, Stan, and Kyle. The show often borders on the offensive but has kept viewers engaged by putting a comedic spin on topical political and social issues that are otherwise very serious.
#29. The Simpsons (1989鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 356,617
Premiering in 1989 and still going strong, 鈥淭he Simpsons鈥 follows the suburban lives of the Simpson family from Springfield, Ill. with some offbeat twists and turns. Approaching the premiere of the show鈥檚 31st season, the show has become in the history of television.
#28. House (2004鈥2012)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 404,372
鈥淗ouse鈥 brought to life everyone鈥檚 favorite curmudgeonly genius: Dr. Gregory House. Actor Hugh Laurie鈥檚 highly referenced role on 鈥淗ouse鈥 . The always-skeptical Dr. House brought the flawed world of medical diagnosis into people鈥檚 homes, while inevitably winning audiences over with his keen sense of humanity.
#27. Westworld (2016鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 411,649
This HBO sci-fi series invents a western amusement park like no other. Wealthy guests can live out their fantasies by interacting with AI 鈥渉osts,鈥 with no consequences. Based on the 1973 Michael Crichton movie of the same name, the series is lead by a star-studded cast, including Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, and Thandie Newton.
#26. House of Cards (2013鈥2018)
- IMDb user rating: 8.7
- Votes: 456,666
Based on the BBC series of the same name, this U.S.-based version follows Frank Underwood (played by Kevin Spacey), a Democrat from South Carolina who is passed over for Secretary of State and exacts his revenge with his equally manipulative wife, Claire Underwood (played by Robin Wright). After sexual assault allegations against Kevin Spacey surfaced, the show made the executive decision to , moving Robin Wright to the starring role.
#25. Chappelle's Show (2003鈥2006)
- IMDb user rating: 8.8
- Votes: 51,884
Regarded as one of the greatest comedy sketch shows of all time, Chappelle鈥檚 Show became the avenue through which the world met Dave Chappelle. Known for his boundary-pushing comedy that cuts to the socio-economic core of America鈥檚 racist past and present, Chappelle was nominated for two of the shows three Emmy鈥檚 (Writing and Outstanding Variety or Comedy Series). The third nomination was for Outstanding Directing.
#24. The West Wing (1999鈥2006)
- IMDb user rating: 8.8
- Votes: 60,962
Written by Oscar-winner Aaron Sorkin and Emmy-winner Felicia Wilson, 鈥淭he West Wing鈥 took audiences inside the personal lives of White House staffers in the presidential West Wing. Over seven seasons, the show earned an .
#23. Freaks and Geeks (1999鈥2000)
- IMDb user rating: 8.8
- Votes: 126,190
The show that launched a thousand careers, 鈥淔reaks and Geeks鈥 remains a one-season legend. Conceived from the mind of a young Judd Apatow, the series captured the uncomfortable angst and confusion of teens growing up in 1980s suburbia. With a cast including James Franco, Busy Phillips, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and Linda Cardinelli, it鈥檚 hard to fathom this show doing poorly in the ratings.
#22. Twin Peaks (1990鈥1991)
- IMDb user rating: 8.8
- Votes: 169,570
David Lynch鈥檚 iconic first television series follows an FBI agent, played by Kyle MacLachlan, as he investigates the murder of a young woman in the town of Twin Peaks. Known for its unconventional narrative, and eerie, surreal tone, this series introduced the masses to what is now David Lynch鈥檚 signature filmmaking style.
#21. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.8
- Votes: 185,133
This sitcom follows the depraved and scheming exploits of Mac, Charlie, Dennis, Frank, and Dee鈥攁 group of friends dubbed "The Gang." With many of the outlandish, moral-bending plotlines resulting in slapstick humor, it's not surprising that of its Emmy nominations in stunt coordination.
#20. Seinfeld (1989鈥1998)
- IMDb user rating: 8.8
- Votes: 247,205
A live-action sitcom written by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, 鈥淪einfeld鈥 follows four single friends battling the absurdities of living in New York City. Solidifying the term 鈥淣ew York humor,鈥 the show grew a strong national audience and maintains its devoted following 30 years later.
#19. Narcos (2015鈥2017)
- IMDb user rating: 8.8
- Votes: 341,050
This Netflix series chronicles the life of Columbian drug lord Pablo Escobar and other drug cartels through the region. With the rise of the cocaine trade, the cartels gained power that they enforced through bloodshed. The series has been followed by another centered on the drug trade in Mexico, titled 鈥淣arcos: Mexico.鈥
#18. Black Mirror (2011鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.8
- Votes: 418,508
Netflix鈥檚 sci-fi anthology of dystopian, technology-based scenarios has earned a cult following with its particular brand of psychological storytelling. From killer robot bees to a cartoon bear elected to office, each episode encapsulates a different fear that audiences didn't know they had. In 2018, Netflix released a film in addition to the series titled 鈥淏lack Mirror: Bandersnatch鈥 with multiple endings. This was the streaming service鈥檚 first foray into interactive movies.
#17. Stranger Things (2016鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.8
- Votes: 768,391
This beloved Netflix show satisfied the country鈥檚 craving for '80s sci-fi kitsch. The story follows a group of childhood friends in a typical-Midwestern-town, complete with government labs, alternate realities, and monsters.鈥淪tranger Things鈥 has earned an impressive in its short three-season tenure.
#16. Gravity Falls (2012鈥2016)
- IMDb user rating: 8.9
- Votes: 67,891
The Disney series "Gravity Falls" follows the story of twins named Dipper and Mabel Pines who are sent to spend the summer with their great-uncle in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls. This animated children's show has an unlikely star-studded cast, including Jason Ritter and Linda Cardellini.
#15. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.9
- Votes: 76,525
After earning an Emmy for his work as a writer and contributor on 鈥淭he Daily Show With Jon Stewart,鈥 John Oliver鈥檚 distinct voice got the attention of HBO. The series includes Oliver鈥檚 comedically British takes on world news that happened throughout the week. .
#14. Fargo (2014鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 8.9
- Votes: 310,008
Based on the Coen brothers鈥 feature film of the same name, this anthology series follows various stories of crime that inevitably lead back to Fargo, North Dakota. In fact, the Coen brothers co-produced the series with writer Noah Hawley, who wrote each season to exist in a different era with an entirely new cast and story. The show has featured a number of highly acclaimed actors including Billy Bob Thornton, Kirsten Dunst, Ewan McGregor, and Ted Danson.
#13. The Office (2005鈥2013)
- IMDb user rating: 8.9
- Votes: 379,582
Welcome to the Scranton, Pa. branch of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. Under the guidance of branch manager Michael Scott, a group of oddball office workers brings humor (and heart) to the workplace. Shot as a single-camera mockumentary, and launched the comedy careers of huge stars like Steve Carell, John Krasinski, and Mindy Kaling.
#12. Friends (1994鈥2004)
- IMDb user rating: 8.9
- Votes: 786,211
鈥淚鈥檒l be there for you鈥︹ And they were. They were there for us through thick and thin, through heartbreaks and gut-wrenching laughs, through awkward weddings and recipes gone wrong. With a whopping the decade-long series launched the careers of some of the biggest stars of the 1990s and 2000s, including Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, and Courtney Cox. This year marks the show鈥檚 25th anniversary, and through all the years since, the show has seemingly only gained fans.
#11. The Twilight Zone (1959鈥1964)
- IMDb user rating: 9.0
- Votes: 68,779
With a two-note theme song that instantly makes your heart race and raises the hairs on your neck, "The Twilight Zone" set the precedent for shows that blur the boundaries between horror, sci-fi, and drama. With an impressive 150-episode run, the series has become a prominent part of pop culture. A reboot premiered earlier this year.
#10. Batman: The Animated Series (1992鈥1995)
- IMDb user rating: 9.0
- Votes: 84,374
This iconic show from the DC Universe followed the escapades of the dark, moody protagonist, Batman, and his trusty sidekick Robin. While the Batman series of the 1960s largely represented its main characters as campy crime-fighters, this show was praised for its film noir aesthetic and the complexity of its characters.
#9. Firefly (2002鈥2003)
- IMDb user rating: 9.0
- Votes: 239,492
In an odd mashup of genres, 鈥淔irefly鈥 is a Western space drama set in the year 2517, when humans have occupied a new star system. It follows the ragtag renegade crew who live aboard a spaceship named Serenity. The show gained accolades for its stunning narrative and its popularity lead to the creation of a feature film titled 鈥淪erenity.鈥
#8. True Detective (2014鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 9.0
- Votes: 484,682
Much like 鈥淔argo,鈥 鈥淭rue Detective鈥 is a crime anthology series that switches up stories and casts each season. Written and created by Nic Pizzolatto, the HBO series follows detectives over various eras and has earned excellent reviews from critics for its strong casts and unique cinematography. Casts over various seasons have featured Matthew McConaughey, Colin Farrell, Mahershala Ali, Woody Harrelson, and Rachel McAdams.
#7. Sherlock (2010鈥2017)
- IMDb user rating: 9.1
- Votes: 779,052
This modern update of British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle鈥檚 original series of stories stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the ever-perceptive detective Sherlock Holmes. Set in current times, 鈥淪herlock鈥 brings his Victorian-era archetypal detective expertise into today鈥檚 forensic landscape. A TV movie titled 鈥淪herlock: The Abominable Bride鈥 was also released in relation to the series.
#6. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005鈥2008)
- IMDb user rating: 9.2
- Votes: 232,867
This animated series portrays a world divided into four nations鈥攖he Water Tribe, the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads鈥攚ith the Fire Nation hoping to overthrow the other three. The Avatar, who can control all four elements, has disappeared but returns to bring back peace to the world. The Nickelodeon series has become known for its innovative incorporation of the Japanese tradition of anime with Western animation.
#5. The Sopranos (1999鈥2007)
- IMDb user rating: 9.2
- Votes: 287,587
鈥淭he Sopranos鈥 was an iconic precedent-setting drama from HBO that changed how television shows portray nuanced and complex stories with character development that rivals feature films. This year and the announcement of a prequel named .
#4. Rick and Morty (2013鈥損resent)
- IMDb user rating: 9.2
- Votes: 354,729
After sociopathic scientist Rick Sanchez reunites with his adult daughter and moves in with her family, he takes his grandchildren traveling through alternate dimensions. The adult animated series is created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland and is broadcast on Cartoon Network鈥檚 Adult Swim.
#3. The Wire (2002鈥2008)
- IMDb user rating: 9.3
- Votes: 275,038
Created by former police reporter David Simon, 鈥淭he Wire鈥 portrays the lives of criminals and corrupt police in West Baltimore, Maryland. The show takes on the perspectives of both drug dealers and of law enforcement, and despite , gained a dedicated following over its five seasons.
#2. Game of Thrones (2011鈥2019)
- IMDb user rating: 9.3
- Votes: 1,706,463
Based on George R. R. Martin鈥檚 best-selling fantasy book series 鈥淎 Song of Ice and Fire,鈥 鈥淕ame of Thrones鈥 took the world by storm becoming a show that the nation watched together every Sunday night for nine years. Arguably one of the most iconic shows of this decade, 鈥淕ame of Thrones鈥 integrated strong visual effects, strong character development, and sophisticated writing to create cliffhangers that left viewers on the edge of their seats until the following week. With a whopping in its lifetime of airing.
#1. Breaking Bad (2008鈥2013)
- IMDb user rating: 9.5
- Votes: 1,392,827
The best Emmy nominated show of all time is Vince Gilligan's drama "Breaking Bad." Following the story of high school-chemistry-teacher-turned-meth-dealer Walter White, "Breaking Bad" introduced viewers to the ultimate antihero of our time. Pushed into cooking meth by the financial burden of his inoperable lung cancer, the series juggles Walt's unfortunate situation with the moral slippery slope that eventually destroys his life.