Emmy Awards Introduce Legacy Award for TV Shows with Lasting Cultural Impact

Earlier this year, the Television Academy announced the creation of a new award for its annual Emmy Awards ceremony. The Legacy Award has been established to recognize television programs that have made a profound and lasting impact on audiences. This marks the organization's first major new award in nearly two decades.

To be eligible for the Legacy Award, a TV series must have aired for at least five seasons and produced a minimum of 60 episodes. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the shows must have demonstrated continued or sustained relevance, influence, or inspiration to a genre of television, or to an existing or new audience, society, and culture.

Potential Contenders for the Legacy Award

Several television series immediately come to mind as fitting this criteria. For instance, The Wire has never won an Emmy but is often hailed as one of the best TV series of all time. Comedies like Martin and Living Single have built loyal audiences over decades through syndication and streaming, yet they have never received Emmy recognition. Additionally, there are beloved shows that have won a few awards but deserve acknowledgment for their enduring influence.

In case the Television Academy needs assistance, HuffPost compiled a list of TV series that meet the requirements, with input from devoted readers and social media fans. Here is a look at some of the shows that deserve a place among the Emmy's Legacy Award recipients.

Notable TV Series Deserving Recognition

A Different World: This sitcom left a deep cultural imprint, notably contributing to a rise in HBCU enrollment in America. It tackled serious issues like racism, domestic violence, and HIV/AIDS through comedy, earning reverence from audiences despite no Emmy wins during its six-season run.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer: A pioneering horror series for teens with a female protagonist, it addressed tough topics such as depression, addiction, and misogyny. Its quality writing and acting continue to inspire new generations of viewers.
Dallas: Known for its dramatic cliffhangers, this soap opera aired for 14 seasons and has lived on in syndication and streaming. It won four Emmys but is iconic for its cultural impact.
Gilmore Girls: This comedy-drama, famous for its quippy banter and strong mother-daughter relationship, has touched hearts across generations through streaming and a revival, though it only won one Emmy for makeup.
Girlfriends: A groundbreaking sitcom centered on the experiences of young Black women, it ran for eight seasons without Emmy recognition but remains a beloved testament to sisterhood.
In Living Color: This sketch comedy series introduced numerous comedic talents and influenced modern Super Bowl halftime shows, leaving an indelible mark on television.
Living Single: With unmatched comedic timing, this show has become a cultural staple, particularly for its portrayal of Black female characters like Khadijah James.
Martin: A '90s sitcom that continues to resonate in Black culture, with its cast recently receiving love at the Emmys, highlighting its deserving legacy.
Mr. Rogers Neighborhood: While it won several Daytime Emmys, this show is a prime candidate for the Legacy Award due to its gentle teaching of real-life issues to children.
Queen Sugar: A long-running drama with a Black cast that addressed timely issues, it stood out on TV from 2016 to 2022 without any Emmy nominations.
Sanford and Son: Despite seven Emmy nominations, this show about two poor Black men in the 1970s never won, but it showcased themes of love and resilience.
Sesame Street: With dozens of Emmy wins, its impact on generations through education and social issues makes it a strong contender for the inaugural Legacy Award.
The Arsenio Hall Show: The first Black-hosted nightly syndicated late show, it featured memorable moments like Bill Clinton playing saxophone and Magic Johnson discussing his HIV diagnosis.
The Jeffersons: This spinoff aired for 11 seasons, portraying an upwardly mobile Black family and breaking barriers with its real and strong characters.
The Wire: Often ignored by the Emmys despite its prestige, this crime drama remains relevant for its portrayal of institutional failures in America.
This Is Us: A heartwarming drama that captivated fans with its unique storytelling, it deserves more recognition for its emotional impact.

The introduction of the Legacy Award by the Television Academy aims to honor these and other TV series that have shaped culture and inspired audiences over the years. As the Emmy Awards evolve, this new category promises to celebrate the enduring legacy of television programming.