Emmy Snubs by the Emmys: Intro

The word "snub" gets thrown around a lot in award shows and, generally it's a matter of opinion. Then again, sometimes it's not. Sometimes, the nominations and awards don't match up. In the case of the Emmys, it would be fit to reason that a show with nominations across the field (acting, writing, directing, etc.) probably deserves a nomination for Outstanding series, over a show with only a Guest Acting nomination. Of course, the Emmys are a fallible bunch not even bound to their own rules.

So, I got bored and compiled a big list of the biggest Emmy-induced snubs of the past 20 years. That means, these are the shows that, on paper, got all the big nominations, but still weren't picked for the big list (usually in favor of Law & Order: a fine show that never looked like it belonged there). I did my best to leave personal preference at the door and go with equal parts nomination count and weak nomination field.

I'm only going back 20 years. The reason, other than it taking a long time to compile this list as is, is because I chose the 1993 ceremony as the beginning of a more modern era of TV. Since The Larry Sanders Show pulled the Outstanding series nomination that year, cable has been a strong presence in the nominations.

Lastly, one other thing I will note. Reality TV doesn't have enough nomination categories to determine a "snub" by my metrics. Variety shows have been dominated by two shows (Late Night with David Letterman and The Daily Show) for almost this entire window and there is barely any turnover in the nominations anyways. TV Movie and Mini-series are being left out for a few reasons: 1) Not enough variety. 2) Weird BBC series rules. 3) Fusing of the categories. 4) No year-to-year turnover. 5) Mostly though, I've watched about 3% of the nominees and it feels disingenuous to comment on them. That leaves Outstanding Drama and Comedy Series.

Time to start the countdown, starting with the honorable mention.


Touched by an Angel - Season 3

Year: 1997
Nominations: Lead Actress (Roma Downey), Supporting Actress (Della Reese), Guest Actor (Louis Gossett Jr.), Guest Actress (Diane Ladd)
Wins: None
Snubbed by: Law & Order

For some reason, it took the Emmys a few seasons to notice this series existed. In 1997, it picked up a boatload of acting nominations. At first glance, it makes more sense for this to be nominated for Outstanding Drama series over Law & Order, but they redeemed that pick by giving Law & Order the win for the night (shockingly) and sending Touched by an Angel home empty handed.


Alias - Season 2

Year: 2003
Nominations: Lead Actress (Jennifer Garner), Supporting Actor (Victor Garber), Supporting Actress (Lena Olin), Art-Direction, Cinematography Single-Camera Series, Costumes, Hairstyling, Single-Camera Picture Editing
Wins: Makeup, Stunts
Snubbed by: CSI

Sure, CSI pulled off an acting nom. but Alias pulled three and a host of technical awards. I call that a discrepancy.


Just Shoot Me! - Season 2

Year: 1999
Nominations: Supporting Actor (David Spade), Supporting Actress (Wendie Malick), Writing, Multi-Camera Picture Editing
Wins: None
Snubbed by: Sex and the City

I know, I know. It sounds weird to call Just Shoot Me! a snub, especially over future winner, Sex and the City, but check the nominations. It was before Sex and the City's time in the sun and Just Shoot Me! had at least one year in Emmy's good graces.


Extras - Season 2

Year: 2007
Nominations: Guest Actor (Ian McKellen), Directing, Writing
Wins: Lead Actor (Ricky Gervais)
Snubbed by: Entourage

I get the feeling that HBO has to have a series comedy nomination and I think the Emmys picked the wrong show. Extras pulled "the trinity" (Writing, Directing, Acting noms). Entourage didn't. Simple as that.