Some of the fans’ favorite series may be getting a second chance at Emmy’s glory. The Television Academy has announced it will be introducing a new award today called the Legacy Award. The legacy award will celebrate the television programs that have made “a profound lasting impact” on viewers while remaining culturally relevant to modern society. The last time the Television Academy introduced a new award of this significance was in 2007, when they introduced the Honors Award given to series that incite positive social change.
The selection process for the honors award will be decided by the Governors committee, eventually to be renamed the Special Award Committee. The nominees will then be presented to the board of governors for a vote. Individuals may also suggest entries to the Television Academy via a letter. Franchises will be counted as a single entry and can receive the award only once.
Criteria to be considered for the legacy award are at least 60 episodes that have aired over five or more seasons. The series must have sustained cultural relevance over an extended period in one of the three following categories: a genre, an audience, or society.
The Television Academy released a statement about the award. “The Legacy Award celebrates groundbreaking programming — programs that have stood the test of time, delivering stories that continue to engage audiences and featuring iconic and timeless characters with multigenerational appeal,” said Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego. “The award allows the Academy to honor more of television’s rich history and acknowledge the storytellers whose work has resonated with viewers and continues to entertain legions of fans around the globe.”
Similar to the honor award, recipients will be awarded to the recipients of the award. The award can be presented during Creative Arts Emmy ceremonies, the Emmy telecast, Televerse, or the Hall of Fame ceremony.