Television Academy Introduces Legacy Award to Celebrate Trailblazing TV Shows
The Television Academy has announced the introduction of the Legacy Award, aimed at recognizing television programs that have left a “profound and lasting impact” on audiences while remaining relevant to society, culture, and the industry.
The selection of candidates for this award will occur annually, with the Governors Award committee, soon to be renamed the Special Awards Committee, overseeing the process. Nominations can be submitted by members of the Board of Governors, the Special Awards Committee, or others who wish to propose recipients through a letter addressed to the Television Academy.
“The Legacy Award celebrates groundbreaking programming—shows that have stood the test of time by delivering stories that continue to resonate with audiences and featuring iconic characters with multigenerational appeal,” said Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego. “The award enables the Academy to honor more of television’s rich history and acknowledge the storytellers whose work has captivated viewers and continues to entertain fans around the globe.”
To be eligible for the Legacy Award, programs must consist of at least 60 episodes aired over a minimum of five seasons and must maintain relevance, influence, or inspiration within the television genre and to its audience. Additionally, franchises will be recognized as a whole, and the award will only be granted to a program once.
The Legacy Award is the first of its significance introduced by the Academy since the Television Academy Honors Award was established in 2007, which recognizes programming that promotes positive social change.
Recipients of the Legacy Award will receive engraved Emmy statuettes, similar to those honored with the Governors Award. Presentations of the award may occur during various events, including the Creative Arts Emmy ceremonies, the Emmy telecast, Televerse, or the Hall of Fame ceremony.
