The Television Academy has introduced a new Emmy called the Legacy Award, and fans have quickly shared which shows they believe deserve this high honor. Breaking Bad, The Office, and other long-running favorites are getting the most support from viewers online for the award that celebrates shows with a “profound and lasting impact.” This is the first major new award category added by the Academy in nearly 20 years.
To be considered for the Legacy Award, a television program must meet specific rules. It needs a minimum of 60 episodes aired across at least five seasons. More importantly, the show must prove it has “continued or sustained relevance, influence or inspiration” to a genre, to audiences, or to society and culture. The award can only be given to a show once, and it can honor programs that are still on the air or shows that ended decades ago.
How Shows Get Nominated for the Emmy Legacy Award
Unlike regular Emmy categories, the process for the Legacy Award is different. Official nominations will come from within the Television Academy’s special committee or its board of governors. However, the Academy is also accepting suggestions from the general public and industry members through formal letters sent to the organization. The recent online excitement, where fans have been nominating their favorite shows on social media, is an informal show of support. The final decision on recipients will be made by the Academy’s Special Awards Committee and then voted on by the Board of Governors.
Fan-Favorite Shows for the Inaugural Legacy Award
Following the award’s announcement, a popular social media account asked fans which show should receive the first Legacy Award. The response highlighted several beloved series.
Breaking Bad: The AMC drama, which ran for five seasons and 62 episodes from 2008 to 2013, is a major fan pick. One supporter noted its “iconic storytelling and lasting impact”. The show, which won 16 Primetime Emmys during its original run, continues to be widely discussed and streamed, fitting the award’s criteria perfectly.
The Office: The NBC sitcom, with nine seasons and 201 episodes, is another top choice. It remains one of the most-binged comedies worldwide, demonstrating the lasting appeal and cultural relevance the award seeks to honor.
Other Strong Contenders: Fans also heavily nominated The Walking Dead (11 seasons, 177 episodes) and long-running hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Modern Family. Some popular shows, however, do not meet the technical rules. For example, Stranger Things concluded with its fifth season but has only 42 episodes, making it ineligible for this particular award.
The new Legacy Award statuette will be presented at an Academy event, though it has not been decided if it will be part of the main Primetime Emmys telecast, the Creative Arts Emmys ceremony, or another TV Academy function.
“The Legacy Award celebrates groundbreaking programming — programs that have stood the test of time delivering stories that continue to engage audiences and featuring iconic and timeless characters with multigenerational appeal,” said Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego.
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