'Better Call Saul' Sets Emmy Awards Record with 0 Wins After 53 Nominations

'Better Call Saul' Sets Emmy Awards Record with 0 Wins After 53 Nominations

A look at the unprecedented Emmy Awards losses of the popular television show, Better Call Saul, and the reactions from the cast and industry.

Unprecedented Emmy Awards Losses

Better Call Saul has made television history with the most Emmy Awards losses, securing zero wins out of 53 nominations. The AMC drama, which concluded its six-season run, faced a disappointing outcome at the 2023 Emmys, where it was nominated five times but failed to secure victory in any category. Additionally, the show lost in two categories at the Creative Arts Emmys, further solidifying its record-breaking losses.

Feature Better Call Saul Is 0 for 53 Following Its Final Emmys Award Nominations

Feature Better Call Saul Is 0 for 53 Following Its Final Emmys Award Nominations

The final season of Better Call Saul was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series, but it was bested by Succession's concluding season. Lead actor Bob Odenkirk, known for his portrayal of Saul Goodman, lost in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category to Kieran Culkin, who played Roman Roy on Succession. Similarly, Rhea Seehorn, acclaimed for her role as Kim Wexler, was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series but lost to Jennifer Coolidge for her performance in The White Lotus.

Better Call Saul Is 0 for 53 Following Its Final Emmys Award Nominations 2

Better Call Saul Is 0 for 53 Following Its Final Emmys Award Nominations 2

The show was also nominated twice in the Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series category, with writers Gordon Smith and Peter Gould vying for recognition. However, Jesse Armstrong, the creator of Succession, emerged victorious in this category for the season 4 episode titled 'Connor’s Wedding.' The absence of wins has led to Better Call Saul being labeled as 'the most snubbed series of all time' by industry publication Variety.

Better Call Saul Is 0 for 53 Following Its Final Emmys Award Nominations

Better Call Saul Is 0 for 53 Following Its Final Emmys Award Nominations

The Show's Legacy and Impact

Better Call Saul, a prequel spinoff of the immensely popular Breaking Bad, showcased Bob Odenkirk's compelling portrayal of the morally ambiguous lawyer, Saul Goodman. The series, spanning from 2015 to 2022, provided audiences with six seasons of captivating storytelling and character development. The series finale, which aired in August 2022, culminated in a poignant conclusion as Saul faced the consequences of his actions, ultimately admitting to his crimes and landing in jail.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Odenkirk reflected on his character, stating, 'It’s the person digging down into who they are and trying to come to terms with the world and what the world wants. The worst thing he did is he wanted approval from other people.' Odenkirk's insightful commentary sheds light on the complexity of Saul Goodman and the underlying themes explored throughout the series.

Industry Response and Cast Reactions

In the wake of the record-breaking losses, none of the Better Call Saul stars have publicly addressed the outcome. However, industry publication Variety has highlighted the show's unparalleled snub, deeming it 'the most snubbed series of all time.' The absence of acknowledgment from the cast and crew further underscores the impact of the show's Emmy Awards performance.