The Emmys May Finally Right Wrongs for ‘The Wire’, ‘Better Call Saul’, ‘Snowfall’ and More

In the history of TV, there have been some amazing shows that were critically acclaimed and amassed huge fan bases, but were shockingly snubbed when it came to gold hardware. At the top of mind, shows likeThe Wire and Parks and Recreation were juggernauts during their runs on air, but failed to receive even one Emmy Award. Yes, there has always been stiff competition during award season, but for series like these to be shut out every year, it’s almost a travesty. 

Thankfully, the Television Academy just announced the creation of the new Legacy Award. As the Academy states, the Legacy Award “will be presented to television programs that have made a ‘profound and lasting impact’ on audiences and remain relevant to society, culture, and the industry.”

This means shows like The Wire and Parks and Recreation again have the opportunity to be in Emmy contention, along with long-running shows that are currently on the air but lack some gold hardware, several fans argue they should have (i.e., Grey’s Anatomy). However, before you think every show past and present may qualify, you should be aware that there are some strict requirements to be considered. 

What Is the Criteria for the Legacy Award?

In addition to a show needing to have made a "profound and lasting impact" on television audiences, the Television Academy has a list of requirements. Check them out below: 

• A minimum of 60 episodes aired across a minimum of five seasons.
• Continued or sustained relevance, influence, or inspiration:
  To a genre of television. To an existing or new audience. To society and culture.
• Franchise properties must be considered as a whole and awarded as such.
• An award may only be bestowed on a program once.

What Shows Are Most Deserving of the Legacy Award?

The following list is rooted in personal opinion, but it would probably find a lot of fans among TV watchers. 

‘The Wire’

The Wire should be on top of everyone’s list. The gritty crime drama zeroing in on drug trade culture and law enforcement in Baltimore received plenty of applause from critics when it was on the air and amassed a huge following of fans. Its influence has stood the test of time and remains a gold standard of crime dramas for shows coming after it to follow. Sadly, it only received two Emmy nominations, not winning either one. And when it comes to the other checklist of requirements, it meets the bare minimum, airing 60 episodes across five seasons. 

‘Parks and Recreation’

Parks and Recreation may not be as good as its cultural rival, The Office (a hill I’ll gladly die on), but its impact can not be denied. The Amy Poehler-led comedy amassed a large fan base during its run and continues to entertain audiences in the streaming arena. Despite it being nominated for 14 Emmys, it unfortunately didn’t win any after its seven seasons on air, which amounts to 125 episodes. 

‘Better Call Saul’

It may technically be a spinoff series, but Better Call Saul being able to break out of Breaking Bad’s shadow for six seasons and 63 episodes is a remarkable feat that wasn’t celebrated nearly enough. Sure, Better Call Saul received an impressive 53 Emmy nominations, but it painfully failed to win any of the trophies. Bob Odenkirk’s antics as the unsavory attorney, Saul Goodman, just couldn’t get enough votes to claim gold. 

‘Snowfall’

Snowfall is a series that was wrongfully ignored by awarding bodies for its entire six-season-and-60-episode run. John Singleton’s final work before passing is an incredible gritty crime drama, much like The Wire, and Damson Idris as the lead character, Franklin, is brilliant. His character work in the last season deserves the ultimate chef’s kiss. And even with all of that and the fact that Snowfall is one of FX’s most-watched shows of all time, it didn’t receive a single Emmy nomination. 

‘Scandal’

Now Joe Morton and Dan Bucatinsky may have won Emmys for their guest roles on Scandal, but the show didn’t capture any Emmys in the major categories in seven seasons. That’s unacceptable, considering how good the writing was, exceptional Kerry Washington was leading the show as Oliva Pope, and given how millions of fans would tweet about the series every Thursday night. It was literally must-see TV.

Related: The Pitt Season 2 Is Getting Rave Reviews, but Another HBO Show Is Getting Even Better