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The TV Series with the Most Emmy Wins in a Single Year

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - September 14th 2025, 11:00 GMT+2

Cropped Hill Street Blues 1981 — Hill Street Blues (1981) – 8 Emmys Wins

In 1981, *Hill Street Blues* made an unexpected splash at the Emmys, winning 8 awards in its debut season – a record for any first-year show at the time. Despite ranking 87th out of 96 primetime series, it swept the acting categories, including Outstanding Lead Actor for Daniel J. Travanti. The gritty portrayal of urban police life was a departure from the norm, and its success proved that sometimes, the underdog has the best bite. *Hill Street Blues* not only set a new benchmark for ensemble casts but also showed that quality storytelling can defy ratings. | © NBC

Cropped The Marvelous Mrs Maisel 2018 — The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2018) – 8 Emmys Wins

In 2018, *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel* took the Emmys by storm, winning 8 awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Rachel Brosnahan's portrayal of Midge Maisel, a 1950s housewife turned stand-up comedian, captivated audiences and critics alike. The series, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, also earned accolades for writing, directing, and acting, making it a standout in the comedy category. Its success highlighted the industry's growing appreciation for female-driven narratives and period pieces. | © Amazon Studios

Cropped The Handmaids Tale 2017 — The Handmaid’s Tale (2017) – 8 Emmys Wins

In 2017, *The Handmaid’s Tale* made history by winning 8 Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series – the first major award for a streaming service. Elisabeth Moss's portrayal of Offred earned her the Outstanding Lead Actress award, while Ann Dowd and Alexis Bledel took home supporting acting honors. The series, based on Margaret Atwood's novel, resonated with audiences for its timely themes and compelling storytelling. Its success marked a significant milestone for Hulu and the streaming industry as a whole. | © Hulu

The Penguin 2025 — The Penguin (2025) – 8 Emmy Wins

Before the main ceremony even began, *The Penguin* had already secured 8 Creative Arts Emmys, including Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup and Contemporary Costumes for a Limited Series. Colin Farrell's portrayal of Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot in this gritty *Batman* spinoff captivated audiences and critics alike. While some may argue that the series leaned heavily on its dark aesthetic, there's no denying its technical prowess and compelling performances. Despite its early success, the show faces the challenge of maintaining momentum in the competitive landscape of superhero television. | © HBO Entertainment

Schitts Creek — Schitt’s Creek (2020) – 9 Emmy Wins

In 2020, *Schitt’s Creek* made history by sweeping the comedy categories at the Emmys, winning 9 awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series. The series, created by Eugene and Dan Levy, brought heartfelt humor and LGBTQ+ representation to the forefront of television. While some critics might have found the show's tone overly sentimental, its genuine charm and memorable characters resonated with audiences worldwide. *Schitt’s Creek* stands as a testament to the power of inclusive storytelling and the impact of heartfelt comedy. | © Not A Real Company Productions Inc.

The Studio 2025 — The Studio (2025) – 9 Emmy Wins

*The Studio* took the 2025 Creative Arts Emmys by storm, clinching 9 awards, including Outstanding Guest Actor for Bryan Cranston. The series, a satirical look at Hollywood's inner workings, garnered attention for its sharp wit and star-studded cast. While some may argue that the show's portrayal of the entertainment industry was exaggerated, its clever writing and engaging performances made it a standout in the comedy category. *The Studio* has quickly become a favorite among viewers seeking a humorous take on the glitz and glam of Hollywood. | © Apple TV+

The White Lotus 2022 — The White Lotus (2022) – 10 Emmy Wins

In 2024, *The White Lotus* continued its Emmy dominance, winning 10 awards, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. The series, created by Mike White, delves into the complexities of privilege and human nature through the lens of a luxury resort. While some critics might have found the show's satire biting, its sharp commentary and compelling storytelling kept audiences hooked. *The White Lotus* remains a critical darling, offering a darkly comedic look at societal dynamics. | © HBO Entertainment

Cropped The Bear 2024 — The Bear (2024) – 11 Emmy Wins

*The Bear* made history in 2024 by winning 11 Emmys, including Outstanding Comedy Series. The series, set in a Chicago-based restaurant, offers a raw and authentic portrayal of the culinary world. While some may argue that the show's pacing was frenetic, its realistic depiction of kitchen life and strong performances resonated with both critics and audiences. *The Bear* has set a new standard for workplace comedies, proving that the heat of the kitchen can translate to Emmy-winning television. | © FX Productions

The Crown (2021) – 11 Emmys Wins

When Netflix's *The Crown* swept the 2021 Emmys with 11 wins, it wasn't just a royal affair – it was a coronation. The series, chronicling Queen Elizabeth II's reign, clinched major awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, Best Actress for Olivia Colman, and Best Actor for Josh O'Connor. While the show dazzled with its lavish costumes and impeccable performances, some critics couldn't help but wonder if the monarchy was getting a bit too much screen time. Nonetheless, *The Crown* proved that history, when told with such grandeur, can still captivate audiences and critics alike. | © Netflix

Cropped The Queens Gambit 2020 — The Queen’s Gambit (2020) – 11 Emmy Wins

In 2021, Netflix's *The Queen's Gambit* made a grand entrance at the Emmys, securing 11 awards, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. Anya Taylor-Joy's portrayal of Beth Harmon, a chess prodigy battling personal demons, was nothing short of mesmerizing. The series not only revived interest in chess but also sparked debates about whether the game was as thrilling as the drama unfolding on screen. With its compelling narrative and standout performances, *The Queen's Gambit* checkmated its competition. | © Netflix

Cropped Angels in America 2003 — Angels in America (2003) – 11 Emmys Wins

HBO's *Angels in America* made history in 2003 by winning 11 Emmys, including Best Limited Series, and sweeping all four major acting categories – a feat few have matched. Tony Kushner's adaptation of his own play, directed by Mike Nichols, delved into the complexities of the AIDS crisis and politics in 1980s America. While the series was lauded for its powerful performances and poignant storytelling, some viewers might have found its surreal elements a bit... angelic. Nonetheless, *Angels in America* remains a landmark in television history. | © HBO Films

Cropped Eleanor and Franklin 1976 — Eleanor and Franklin (1976) – 11 Emmys Wins

In 1976, ABC's *Eleanor and Franklin* captivated audiences with its portrayal of the Roosevelt couple, earning 11 Emmys, including Outstanding Television Movie. The miniseries, directed by Daniel Petrie, was praised for its historical accuracy and depth. While some might argue that the portrayal of such iconic figures was a bit too polished, the series undoubtedly offered a window into the complexities of American history. *Eleanor and Franklin* stands as a testament to the power of historical storytelling. | © ABC

Cropped Game of Thrones 2019 — Game of Thrones (2019) – 12 Emmys Wins

By the time *Game of Thrones* wrapped up in 2019, it had already become a cultural phenomenon – but the final season was widely criticized. The season still won 12 Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series, showing that awards voters were more forgiving than the fans. Peter Dinklage earned another Emmy for his role as Tyrion Lannister, even as viewers complained about rushed storylines, inconsistent character arcs, and a finale that left many disappointed. It’s a clear example that Emmy wins don’t always match audience satisfaction. The series’ ending may have divided fans, but its record-breaking awards remain part of television history. | © HBO

Cropped John Adams 2008 — John Adams (2008) – 13 Emmys Wins

*John Adams* stands as a monumental achievement in television history, clinching 13 Emmys in 2008, including Outstanding Miniseries. The HBO production, starring Paul Giamatti as the second President of the United States, offered a detailed portrayal of Adams's life and political career. The series was praised for its historical accuracy and compelling performances, with Giamatti's portrayal earning him the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie. While some viewers might have found the pacing slow, the series's depth and attention to detail garnered critical acclaim. *John Adams* remains a benchmark for historical dramas on television. | © HBO

Cropped Shōgun 2024 — Shōgun (2024) – 18 Emmys

In a groundbreaking achievement, FX's *Shōgun* shattered records by winning 18 Emmys in 2024, including Outstanding Drama Series. The series, based on James Clavell's novel, tells the story of an English navigator's adventures in 17th-century Japan. The show was lauded for its captivating storytelling and stunning visuals, with Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai earning lead acting awards. Despite being a non-English language series, *Shōgun* resonated with audiences worldwide, proving that compelling narratives transcend language barriers. Its historic Emmy haul underscores the growing appreciation for diverse storytelling in the television industry. | © FX

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Winning an Emmy is a huge achievement for any television show, but sweeping the awards in a single year is something else entirely. Only a handful of series have managed to dominate the ceremony so completely that they set records in one night. These shows didn’t just impress critics – they captured the cultural moment, showcasing groundbreaking storytelling, unforgettable performances, and world-class production. In this article, we’ll explore the TV series that holds the record for the most Emmy wins in a single year, and why its achievement remains one of the biggest milestones in television history.

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Winning an Emmy is a huge achievement for any television show, but sweeping the awards in a single year is something else entirely. Only a handful of series have managed to dominate the ceremony so completely that they set records in one night. These shows didn’t just impress critics – they captured the cultural moment, showcasing groundbreaking storytelling, unforgettable performances, and world-class production. In this article, we’ll explore the TV series that holds the record for the most Emmy wins in a single year, and why its achievement remains one of the biggest milestones in television history.