Emmys Introduce Legacy Award To Honour TV Shows With 'Lasting Impact'; Grey’s Anatomy, Will And Grace Eligible

The chances of your favourite long-running TV shows being recognised at Emmys have gone up! Yes, you read that right. In a landmark move, the Television Academy is adding a major new Emmy category for

the first time in nearly two decades: the Legacy Award. Announced on Thursday, the award is designed to honour television programs that have made “a profound and lasting impact” on audiences and continue to hold cultural, societal, or industry relevance. Unlike traditional Emmys that recognise achievements within a single season, the Legacy Award focuses on the long-term influence of a series, celebrating its enduring significance over time.

Emmys introduce Legacy Award to honour TV shows

According to a report in The Hollywood Reporter, the introduction of this award comes amid growing appreciation for shows that have shaped television history, inspired new content, or maintained relevance across generations. Programs eligible for the Legacy Award must have at least 60 episodes spread over a minimum of five seasons and must demonstrate sustained influence, inspiration, or relevance to audiences, genres, or culture. Both completed series and ongoing shows can qualify, making it a unique recognition bridging television’s past and present.

Legacy Award Criteria and Eligible Shows

The Legacy Award is intended to celebrate television that has left a lasting mark. Shows such as All in the Family (1971–1979, nine seasons) and Will & Grace (1998–2006, 2017–2020, 11 seasons) are eligible for their historical and cultural influence, while ongoing series like Grey’s Anatomy (2005–present, 22 seasons) and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–present, 17 seasons) qualify due to their continued relevance. Programs concluding soon, such as The Late Show (1993–2026, 27 seasons), are also considered.To be eligible, a program must meet two key requirements: at least 60 episodes across five or more seasons, and a proven track record of sustained impact on audiences, television genres, or society. Franchise properties are considered as a whole rather than for individual installments.

Nominated shows to be chosen by Academy board members

Nominations can come from TV Academy board members, the Special Awards Committee, industry professionals, or even the general public. Winners are selected annually by what is currently called the Governors Award Committee, soon to be renamed the Special Awards Committee.

More about Emmys Legacy Award

The award itself will take the form of an engraved Emmy statuette. It may be presented during the Primetime Emmys telecast, the Creative Arts Emmys, at the TV Academy’s Televerse festival, or during the Hall of Fame ceremony, decided each year by the Academy.