Television Academy Creates ‘Legacy Award’ to Celebrate ‘Groundbreaking Programming’

The Television Academy has created its first new major award in nearly two decades. The Legacy Award will be given out to TV programs “that have made a profound and lasting impact on audiences and remain relevant to society, culture and the industry.”

The Governors Award committee — which has been renamed the Special Awards committee — will select candidates for the Legacy Award annually. The Board of Governors will then vote on the entries, which can be submitted by board members, the Special Awards committee or anyone who sends a letter to the org.

“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.”

Receipients of the Legacy Award will receive engraved Emmy statuettes, just like Governors Award honorees currently receive. The Academy said the award may be presented during the Creative Arts Emmys, the Emmy telecast, the Televerse event or the org’s Hall of Fame ceremony.

Among the criteria for consideration, according to the TV Academy, a show must have aired a minimum of 60 episodes aired across a minimum of five seasons. Also, the program must have “continued or sustained relevance, influence or inspiration” to a genre of TV, an existing or new audience and/or to society and culture. In the case of franchises with multiple series, they must be considered as a whole entity and receive one award. Also, no program can receive the Legacy Award more than once.

The TV Academy last added a major award with its Television Academy Honors in 2007; those kudos recognize programming that drive positive social change. Special TV Academy awards also include the Hall of Fame, the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award and the Governors Award.