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Ranking the 25 Best TV Shows Never Nominated for an Outstanding Series' Emmy

By Dustin Rowles | Posted Under Seriously Random Lists | Comments (59)

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The 2011 Emmy Award nominations were announced this morning, and while there is plenty there to complain about (a “Big Bang Theory” nomination, the absence of nominations for Nick Offerman and “Community”), as Emmy nominations typically go, it’s better than most years. There were some deserving drama series left out, but there’s only six slots, and I don’t fault the Academy for the ones chosen.

All the same, it is Emmy nomination day, and I have to give you guys something to grouse about. So how about this: A list of the 25 Best TV Shows that were never nominated for a Best Series Emmy in either the drama or comedy categories. I’ve even ranked them to give you more ammunition with which to throw back. So, have at it: Gnash those terrible teeth, roll those terrible eyes, show those terrible claws. I’m certain there’s at least one show among this list that you can use to either show anger at the Emmys or me.

Bonus “Firefly” header pic to elicit that exasperated sigh. (And no, I won’t give it a rest.)


1. “The Wire”

2. “Homicide: Life on the Streets”

3. “Freaks and Geeks”

4. “Firefly”

5. “Justified”

6. “Oz”

7. “Sports Night”

8. “Veronica Mars”

9. “Community

10. “Party Down”

11. “The Walking Dead”

12. “The Shield”

13. “Louie”

14. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”

15. “Battlestar Galactica”

16. “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”

17. “Sons of Anarchy”

18. “Parenthood”

19. “Terriers”

20. “My So-Called Life”

21. “Gilmore Girls”

22. “Once and Again”

23. “Life”

24. “Better Off Ted”

25. “The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.”









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Comments

FIRST!!!!!!!!!!! But seriously, it is a complete and total travesty that The Wire was never nominated. It's easily the greatest television program of all-time, and for it to have never been nominated is a real shame. It was an incredible show, from top to bottom, with every piece fitting perfectly into place. And in the sage words of the great Lester Freamon: "All the pieces matter".

Posted by: TheDarkChrisKnight at July 14, 2011 11:45 AM

i disagree on the wire. especially to be listed at #1. i gave it four full episodes (and you know these are not 42-minuters, so it's a significant time investment) and nothing happens, the lead actor can't hide his british accent, and the characters aren't remotely sympathetic.

and yet everyone i know thinks it's the greatest ever. i don't get it.

Posted by: janellest at July 14, 2011 11:59 AM

I fully support almost everything on this list but...Brisco County Jr???? I love Bruce Campbell and have even gone so far to read his autobiography, "If Chins Could Kill", but Brisco County Jr. was sort of awful. The only thing worse was Jack of All Trades.

Posted by: gray123 at July 14, 2011 12:01 PM

Treme or GTFO. But good call on all the rest. I'd add Archer, too.

"Daaaaaaanger Zoneeeeeeeee!"

Posted by: Gumbercules at July 14, 2011 12:04 PM

"Louie" is climbing that list every week. The hobo attack episode from a couple of weeks ago pretty much changed my life.

Posted by: Kballs at July 14, 2011 12:13 PM

janellest
i disagree on the wire. especially to be listed at #1

SAY WHAT?

SAY WHAT?

SAY WHAT?

Sorry, had to repeat for emphasis

Posted by: cockroach at July 14, 2011 12:19 PM

I was going to grouse about your inclusion of The Walking Dead. (Somebody's got to, right? No? Well, I will until gets better.) But your addition of Brisco County at the end made me chuckle with delight. So, well played, chief.

Posted by: RobP at July 14, 2011 12:33 PM

Battlestar Galactica does not deserve to be on this list. And no, I won't give THAT a rest.

janellest: There's no law that says you MUST like The Wire, but you might want to give it a little more time. Personally it didn't start really clicking for me until about episode six or so. I think eventually (some of) the characters become more sympathetic, and "nothing happens" is certainly not the case forever.

Posted by: Todd at July 14, 2011 12:34 PM

I second RobP. I was just going to write that TWD gets ATMOSPHERE but it severely lacks interesting characters or dialogue. Come on, AMC writers. I know you can do it!!!

Posted by: gunnertec at July 14, 2011 12:37 PM

That Sports Night never got an Emmy nod is a crime against likeable, fast-talking people everywhere. And, you know, TALENT!

Posted by: Patty O'Green at July 14, 2011 12:38 PM

Different people like different things and I look forward to the spirited give and take that this list will bring. This seems to me an excellent opportunity for delurking. A perfect storm for delurking really: you can express solidarity, quote your darlings freely, or vociferously object AND, as a guaranteed bonus, there is a 57% chance someone's writing skills will be sub par and you will be able to belittle their taste in entertainment based on their ability to express hermself. OR if you are the person mocked, you can respond with invective directed at your detractor's elitism.

I am also reasonably certain that someone will make an ill-advised and inflammatroy comment, be slapped down by a so-called regular and then can complain that they forgot "that only the regulars are allowed to criticize". It's gonna be great!

I'll help: Oh please, Community sucks. It appeals to the same lack of attention span as that most Pajiban of shitcoms Arrested Development.

/fires starter pistol

Posted by: Mrs. Julien at July 14, 2011 12:39 PM

I just started watcing Firefly a couple of weeks ago and I LOVE it. I also just found out that Alan Tudyk went to the same junior college that I went to, but started the year after I left. God, I was so close to becoming Mrs. Tudyk.

Posted by: elsie at July 14, 2011 12:44 PM

This makes me feel better. There is some damn fine TV on that list. Makes not being nominated some sort of badge of honor.

Posted by: Sbrown at July 14, 2011 12:46 PM

Can we count shows still on the air? Technically, they just haven't been nominated as of this point.

Although, seeing as the Emmy's generally nominate for life (see Hugh Laurie) it might be a safe bet to keep them on the list.

Posted by: quirk at July 14, 2011 12:47 PM

Supernatural! Schlocky yet awesome.

Posted by: Anon at July 14, 2011 12:55 PM

Kurt Sutter is currently tweeting his usual outrage about not getting nominated. I love the show and I agree SOA should have been nominated but his contempt is getting old. It's the Emmys. Fucking Glee and Two and a Half Men got nominations. Nothing to get jealous of.

Posted by: Paultera at July 14, 2011 1:00 PM

Veronica Mars?

Are you for real? I get it, you have a hipster "thing" wherein you are supposed to pretend you enjoy kissing Kristen Bell's ass. But just take a deep breath, you don't need to pretend anymore, just let it go.

/she wouldn't piss on any geek if they were on fire

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at July 14, 2011 1:04 PM

I was really hoping Sons of Anarchy might get a nomination even though last season was, to me, weak. But no. Can't hate on the Olyphant getting a nomination and am very glad that Friday Night Lights finally got some well deserved love. I'm really hoping both leads walk away with an award.

Posted by: Az at July 14, 2011 1:09 PM

Mrs Julien, there's too much competition next door with the 2011 Emmy nominations to incite much action over here...yet. Gimme a few minutes. I'm home alone with the cat and we're about to pop the top off a Newcastle Brown Ale. The cat might have a few things to say once he gets a pint under his collar.

Posted by: Stinky at July 14, 2011 1:21 PM

I love a lot of these shows but Terriers takes me to that place of irrational anger where all my thoughts are reduced to screaming TERRIERS at anyone who will listen. Like, if I scream it enough, everyone will finally see it's magnificence and it will be awarded with all of the awards.

Todd You are wrong sir. You don't have to like Battlestar Galactica but it does deserve to be on this list. Fact(by way of opinion).

Posted by: llaurus at July 14, 2011 1:22 PM

/off to start shit on Emmy thread

Posted by: Mrs. Julien at July 14, 2011 1:23 PM

I was surprised to not see "Norm MacDonald's Sports Show" on this list. Or did it's cancellation after about 4 episodes disqualify it?

Posted by: Jim at July 14, 2011 1:53 PM

Why? Why do you have to bring up Teriers when I just got over it last week. Now the flood gates have opened again. Such a long grieving period. My pup Comet did'nt even get this much grieving after my dad ran him over with his power wheelchair. RIP Dad, Comet and Terriers.

Posted by: dna at July 14, 2011 2:04 PM

Thanks, Barbado. I agree completely.

I do like Veronica Mars quite a bit. But a Best Series Emmy? No. It was not deserving of that by a long shot, especially considering the other shows that were airing at the same time.

Posted by: beckster at July 14, 2011 2:25 PM

I guess we're only talking about nominations in the major awards categories (Actor/Actress/Show/etc)? Cause some of these received tech and writing nods during their runs.

Posted by: KatSings at July 14, 2011 2:39 PM

Fuck me sideways, it is truly inconceivable to me that The Wire was never nominated. Love it or hate it (?), there is no denying the talent of the cast or the power of the message and story it's trying to tell. I wasn't balls deep in the show when it was on the television box as I am now, but man, to me that snub almost discredits the entire Emmy institution and the worth of winning the Best Series Emmy. All in the game yo, I guess.

Posted by: thomasP at July 14, 2011 2:50 PM

I was sure that "Once More With Feeling" (Buffy musical episode) had been nominated for an Emmy. It must have won some kind of award.

Posted by: Ballymena Bob at July 14, 2011 2:50 PM

Hate to be a killjoy, but Buffy was nominated for a bunch of Emmys. Mostly special effects stuff, but also one each for cinematography and writing (both for Hush) and a few for music.

Posted by: Artemis at July 14, 2011 2:52 PM

Sports Night and Freak and Geeks are two of my favorite all time shows and were definitely under appreciated.

Posted by: Michael at July 14, 2011 2:54 PM

I believe this is a list of shows that were never nominated for "Best Drama Series" or "Best Comedy Series," as the title of the post says "...Show Never Nominated for a Best Series Emmy."

Posted by: MelBivDevoe at July 14, 2011 3:01 PM

That's a good list. I thought The Shield had been nomitated a few times at least. The Emmys are really stupid. They ignore The Wire. They keep nominating the same shows and actors even if they had bad years... Dexter for example deserves nominations most years, but last season? Really?? I wonder if Mad Men is gonna be on the list next year even without having a season aired.

Posted by: zito at July 14, 2011 3:32 PM

You loved Once and Again? I loved Once and Again too, Dustin! Besties!

I really miss Terriers, too. It took me about one episode to fall completely in love with those characters.

I wish I could help myself but I can't:

The Walking Dead doesn't belong anywhere near this list. That show was well shot but poorly written and poorly acted.

Posted by: becks at July 14, 2011 4:05 PM

What, no Angel?

I can’t believe you left off Angel?

You suck!

I Hated Life How dare you put it on this list.

I don’t mean to be that guy, but how could you leave off Angel?”

Why wouldn’t you include Angel It’s almost like you’re trying to piss me off.

/list fail

How could you forget Angel Maybe next time try doing a little research.

Did you hit send too early or did you really mean to leave off Angel?

Worst. List. Ever.

Posted by: John W at July 14, 2011 4:17 PM

...you don't really suck...

Posted by: John W at July 14, 2011 4:18 PM

I know you'll all laugh yerselves silly at me but I don't care, and it's not like I have no taste. I think Two and a Half Men is a misogynist pile of one-note crap and Glee wore out it's welcome at the end of season 1. I love Community, Parks and Rec, Modern Family, Cougartown and The Good Wife.

Soooooo...for your consideration

THAT 70'S SHOW.

There was gold in them comedy hills. The circles, the basement, the dream sequences, the characters, the actors, Red Forman.
T7S never got enough love and it was an incredibly funny show from S1-S6. It jumped the shark in S7, and the final season.....we don't talk about that...

It also realistically depicted a group of high school kids in the 70's, with their music, clothes and situations as well as that strange smell in the basement and the oblivious parents. I know, I was there.

AND NO FACEBOOK OR CELLPHONES!!! Just talking to each other. That deserves an Emmy.

Posted by: kirbyjay at July 14, 2011 4:43 PM

Mrs. Julien: It's fine (not really, but I'll allow it) if you don't like Arrested Development or Community, but the charge "lack of attention span" is completely without merit. Those two shows have impeccable attention to detail and almost every episode has multiple references to past and future episodes. It takes repeated viewings and great attention to detail to comprehend all of the in-jokes and references, but it is very rewarding.

Posted by: Three-nineteen at July 14, 2011 5:15 PM

I wish Whedon fans understood that no one but them really likes or cares about Joss Whedon's shows very much.

/playing hideous troll on the thread

//running the hell away

Posted by: Figgy at July 14, 2011 5:30 PM

I see my work here is done.

Posted by: Mrs. Julien at July 14, 2011 8:17 PM

Please do not feed the troll known as Mrs. Julien. She is simply bored at work and trying to keep herself amused. Cruel, cruel woman, that Mrs. J.

Posted by: Uriah Creep at July 14, 2011 9:59 PM

figgy and mrs. Julian need to stop. There is plenty to grouse about without stirring the pot on our collective pet loves and pet peeves. And some of us can't tell when you're joking...

Posted by: welldressed at July 14, 2011 10:02 PM

My favorite part of this article is the Where the Wild Things Are reference up there, I'm nearly 30 and still re-read that book regularly.

A lot of this list surprises me. I haven't seen some of them, such as The Wire, but from all the acclaim I've heard given to that show I can't believe it hasn't been nominated. I'm only six episodes into SoA and it's already blowing my mind. What is wrong with people, etc etc, grumble grumble.

Posted by: Even Stevens at July 15, 2011 12:11 AM

im actually shocked community is all the way up at #9..i definitely thought it was going to be 2 or 3

Posted by: anna at July 15, 2011 12:13 AM

I don't recall Deadwood ever getting this nomination...

Posted by: Maryscott O'Connor at July 15, 2011 1:37 AM

"I don't recall Deadwood ever getting this nomination..."

2005.

Also, I've gotten to the point that I can't even comprehend people who don't love The Wire. Sure, it takes a couple of episodes to hook you, but there's no excuse for not being on that particular "fuck the Emmys" bandwagon.

Posted by: Steve at July 15, 2011 4:26 AM

Firefly was too short-lived to hope for a nomination anyway.
Though i'm agreat fan of the beautiful and talented Sumer Glau.
A fansite just released apict of her in her new movie "Knighst of Badassdom : the Summer Glau Wiki.

Posted by: david at July 15, 2011 8:15 AM

That was awesome John W.

Posted by: Mrs. Julien at July 15, 2011 9:25 AM

WHOA WHOA WHOA

THE WIRE was never nominated? What sort of world is this?

I'm not exaggerating when I say that this is one of the most unbelievable bits of trivia i've ever heard.

Posted by: Marty at July 15, 2011 9:32 AM

Mrs. J is always out looking for a flame war. Who are we to deny her?

It's your business if you want to ignore the greatest show of all time. (ALL TIME!) And if you choose to shutter your eyes to the unadultered awesomeness that is Donald Glover, go ahead. It's your loss.

Hey, where did this ribbon come from? And why am I holding an awesome picture of Allison Brie and Gillian Jacobs? Oh shit the chickens are getting out!

Posted by: Socrates_Johnson at July 15, 2011 9:39 AM

Mrs. J is neither a troll or a cruel woman, She is very kind. Her intent is merely to raise vigorous debate amongst the Pajibans.

Posted by: logan at July 15, 2011 10:28 AM

The Shield should be further up the list(2nd), The walking Dead should be nowhere near the list, Briscoe county jr is obviously a joke and your inclusion of the Gilmore Girls makes me want to hurt you.
Also, Kurt Sutter is coming across as a giant fucking cock recently and SoA last season was shite with some of the worst Irish accents I have ever heard so maybe for the first 2 seasons but last season blew donkey cock.

Posted by: supafly at July 15, 2011 10:34 AM

Thank you logan.

I do genuinely dislike both of the shows I disparaged.

Posted by: Mrs. Julien at July 15, 2011 10:46 AM

I'm sorry, I just can't resist an easy jab at Whedonites.

Mrs J, you really don't like Community either? I feel...not so alone anymore. I liked Arrested Development well enough, though. Never loved it but it was hilarious sometimes.

You're still wrong about Beslie.

*stokes the fire*

Posted by: Figgy at July 15, 2011 11:03 AM

Your welcome Mrs. J. I could not let some creep besmirch your good name.

Posted by: logan at July 15, 2011 12:52 PM

I have a feeling that if Mrs. J truly tried to troll, it would be so eloquent and full of excellent vocabulary words that those who attempted to troll back would be flabbergasted.

Posted by: Socrates_Johnson at July 15, 2011 1:20 PM

I don't think Malcolm in the Middle every got nominated.

and Breaking Bad got nothing this year.

Posted by: bananapanda at July 15, 2011 3:40 PM

Socrates

In a perfect world, and maybe on TV shows, cunningly crafter ripostes would win, but the fact is that online whoever is willing to be the most obnoxious generally claims victory. You can't reason with crazy. Also, and I speak from personal experience here on Pajiba, if you are a woman, sooner or later, you will be called a c*nt. I find it's best to walk away. I also find that the other commenters will swoop in and defend the wronged person at some point.

Mrs. Lsyander Julien

Posted by: Mrs. Julien at July 15, 2011 4:27 PM

Gilmore Girls never even got a nomination?

Fuck the Emmys!!!

Posted by: Snuggiepants at July 15, 2011 8:40 PM

Sh#t shows that you just really, really, really wanted to be good shouldn't be on this list, ie. Terriers.

Posted by: James S at July 15, 2011 9:04 PM

Truth Time: I haven't heard of all of these. I do not have the Pana-Cable you seek.

Still, there is no script, actor, character or director in the world immune to the the plague of overhype. Screaming where one could easily speak never make the comments more true. That's television though, outside of the whack-inations of the industry itself, it's audiences justifying their preferences and being scolded, or pontificating enthusiastically to someone who doesn't care about how not liking a show reveals a deep harrowing from reality that can only be cured through insults. Hopefully, fewer exchanges than needed will end in 'shut your fuck mouth', but I won't wait.

Posted by: Jo 'Mama' Besser at July 15, 2011 11:46 PM