Top 9 Most Astonishing Emmy Snubs of the Decade
An exploration of the most glaring omissions and oversights in Emmy history over the past ten years, highlighting the remarkable talents and series that were inexplicably overlooked.
9. The Unacknowledged Mastery of 'Orphan Black'
Despite a fanbase roaring for justice and a performance by Tatiana Maslany that finally seized an Emmy for lead actress, 'Orphan Black' was astonishingly never nominated for Outstanding Drama Series. It's a mystery how a show that broke the barriers of its genre, moving beyond a cult sci-fi status, could be ignored for its collective excellence. The series, which juggled complex narratives and a multitude of characters all portrayed by Maslany, surely deserved recognition for its writing and production as a whole.
Sarah and Crystal in Orphan Black
8. The Late Late Oversight: Craig Ferguson's Era
Craig Ferguson's unique charm and wit reinvented 'The Late Late Show,' yet it never earned a nomination for Outstanding Variety Talk Series. Despite the host's individual nomination, the show's innovative humor and engaging conversations were overlooked. Even with James Corden at the helm, the program faced a series of defeats and eventually missed out on a nomination altogether when the category was reduced. It's a snub that raises questions about the true criteria for Emmy recognition in the world of late-night talk shows.
Craig Ferguson on the Late Late Show
7. 'The Americans' - The Cold War Era's Unrewarded Saga
Keri Russell's portrayal of an undercover Russian agent in 'The Americans' was a tour de force, earning her multiple nominations but never a win. While her co-star found victory, Russell's nuanced performance in the show's final season, marking an end to what some called the Golden Age of television, was overshadowed. The series itself, rich in suspense and historical intrigue, was left out in the cold without a single Emmy to show for its acclaimed run.
Matthew Rhys as Philip Jennings and Keri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings contemplating being back in Russia in The Americans' finale
6. 'BoJack Horseman' - The Animated Dark Horse That Never Won
The animated series 'BoJack Horseman' consistently led the race for Best Animated Series but never crossed the finish line with an Emmy. Will Arnett's sardonic portrayal of the titular character, coupled with the show's razor-sharp commentary on Hollywood and mental health, made it a critical favorite. Yet, it repeatedly lost to competitors like 'Rick and Morty,' leaving fans and creators to wonder if its perfection lay in its perpetual underdog status.
Will Arnett as Bojack Horseman looking at himself in the mirror.
5. Sandra Oh's Riveting Roles Sans Emmy Recognition
Sandra Oh's transformative performances in 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Killing Eve' have garnered her a staggering number of Emmy nominations but, shockingly, no wins. Her ability to convey profound depth in her characters—whether as a passionate surgeon or an MI6 agent entangled in a dangerous obsession—demonstrates a range eclipsing many of her peers. Oh's talent shines brightly, yet the Emmy spotlight has eluded her, prompting discourse on the awards' alignment with artistic merit.
Sandra oh in Killing Eve
4. 'Better Call Saul' - A Legacy of Nominations Without Triumph
The critically lauded 'Better Call Saul' has been an Emmy bridesmaid with over 50 nominations but not a single win. The 'Breaking Bad' prequel, which some argue surpasses its predecessor, has been repeatedly snubbed in categories like Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Writing. The lack of recognition for Giancarlo Esposito's chilling performance as Gus Fring stands as one of the most bewildering oversights in recent memory. The show's consistent excellence makes its Emmy shutout all the more baffling and controversial.
Bob Oedenkirk as Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman looking upset in Better Call Saul.
3. No Emmy for Anthony Anderson's 'Black-ish' Brilliance
Anthony Anderson's heartfelt and humorous portrayal of Andre 'Dre' Johnson in 'Black-ish' has earned him multiple Emmy nods but never a win. His frustration is shared by audiences who have seen him deliver consistently stellar performances over eight seasons. The omission of recognition for Anderson's role as both actor and executive producer raises questions about the inclusivity and fairness of the awards process.
Zendaya and Anthony Anderson in black-ish.
2. Amy Poehler's 'Parks and Rec' Snub: Comedy Royalty Without a Crown
Amy Poehler's iconic turn as Leslie Knope in 'Parks and Recreation' earned her a string of Emmy nominations but no wins for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. Poehler's comedic genius was acknowledged by audiences and peers alike, yet her run coincided with Julia Louis-Dreyfus's dominance in the category for 'Veep.' This snub not only reflects on Poehler's individual misfortune but also on the broader trend of overlooked comedic talent in an era dominated by a handful of winners.
Leslie looks mildly disgruntled.
1. Steve Carell's 'Office' Omission: A Legendary Performance Unrewarded
At the pinnacle of Emmy snubs sits Steve Carell, whose portrayal of Michael Scott in 'The Office' was nothing short of legendary. Despite being nominated for nearly every season he starred in, Carell's masterful balance of humor and pathos was never awarded the Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series Emmy. His loss to other television favorites underscores the unpredictable and often controversial nature of the Emmy's selection process. Carell's absence from the Emmy winner's circle remains one of the most memorable oversights in television history.
Steve Carell Looking Surprised as Michael Scott in The Office
