Television drama has evolved into one of the most celebrated storytelling formats, producing shows that rival feature films in quality, depth, and cultural impact. The best drama series at TV awards not only captivate audiences but also earn critical acclaim, dominating prestigious ceremonies like the Emmys, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs. These series stand out for their writing, acting, direction, and the emotional weight they carry.
Here’s a roundup of the most acclaimed drama series that have triumphed at major TV awards—and why they’re worth watching.
1. Succession (HBO)
Award Highlights:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Drama Series (3 consecutive wins: 2020, 2022, 2023)
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Golden Globes: Best Drama Series
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Writers Guild and Directors Guild Awards
A searing, satirical look at power, wealth, and media empires, Succession earned its place as one of the best drama series at TV awards through sharp writing, brutal family dynamics, and career-defining performances from Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, and Sarah Snook.
2. The Crown (Netflix)
Award Highlights:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Drama Series (2021)
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Golden Globes: Best Television Series – Drama (multiple wins)
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SAG Awards: Outstanding Ensemble
This lavish historical drama about the British monarchy combines elegance with emotional depth. The Crown’s ability to humanize public figures through masterful storytelling made it a staple in awards categories for years.
3. Breaking Bad (AMC)
Award Highlights:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Drama Series (2013, 2014)
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Golden Globes: Best Actor (Bryan Cranston), Best Supporting Actor (Aaron Paul)
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SAG and Critics’ Choice Awards
Walter White’s transformation from mild-mannered chemistry teacher to drug kingpin is one of the most compelling arcs in television. Breaking Bad is frequently cited as one of the best drama series in awards history—and with good reason.
4. Game of Thrones (HBO)
Award Highlights:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Drama Series (4 wins)
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Golden Globes: Best Supporting Actor (Peter Dinklage)
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Record-breaking 59 Emmy wins overall
Despite its controversial final season, Game of Thrones set a new standard for fantasy drama. Its epic storytelling, massive scale, and complex characters made it a dominant force at the Emmys for nearly a decade.
5. The West Wing (NBC)
Award Highlights:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Drama Series (4 consecutive wins: 2000–2003)
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Golden Globes: Best Drama Series
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Peabody and Humanitas Prizes
Aaron Sorkin’s political drama brought intelligence, hope, and urgency to network television. Its fast-paced dialogue and optimistic view of governance earned it a loyal fan base and widespread critical praise.
6. The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Award Highlights:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Drama Series (2017)
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Golden Globes: Best Drama and Best Actress (Elisabeth Moss)
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BAFTA and DGA Awards
As the first streaming show to win an Emmy for Best Drama, The Handmaid’s Tale broke ground for Hulu and set a new bar for dystopian storytelling. Its chilling narrative and strong female leads continue to earn nominations and wins.
7. Mad Men (AMC)
Award Highlights:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Drama Series (4 wins)
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Golden Globes: Best Television Series – Drama
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WGA Awards: Best Writing (multiple years)
A slow-burning, character-driven series set in 1960s advertising, Mad Men combined style with substance. Jon Hamm’s performance as Don Draper remains iconic, and the show’s historical commentary resonated deeply with critics.
8. The Sopranos (HBO)
Award Highlights:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Drama Series (2004, 2007)
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Golden Globes: Best Drama Series and Best Actor (James Gandolfini)
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Peabody Awards: For groundbreaking television
Often credited with launching the modern golden age of television, The Sopranos blended psychological depth and crime drama like no other. It redefined what a TV drama could be—and inspired countless others.
9. Homeland (Showtime)
Award Highlights:
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Emmy Awards: Outstanding Drama Series (2012)
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Golden Globes: Best Drama and Best Actress (Claire Danes)
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Writers Guild and Producers Guild Awards
This gripping political thriller about CIA operations and national security brought intense performances and timely plots that captivated audiences and critics alike during its early seasons.
10. This Is Us (NBC)
Award Highlights:
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Emmy Awards: Multiple acting wins and nominations
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SAG Awards: Best Ensemble in a Drama Series
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Critics’ Choice Awards: Best Drama Series nominee
A family drama that spans decades, This Is Us became a cultural phenomenon by telling deeply personal stories with emotional impact. While it didn’t dominate the Emmys for Best Drama, its ensemble cast earned consistent praise.
Why These Shows Win Best Drama Series
The best drama series at TV awards typically share key qualities:
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Strong Character Development: Complex protagonists and layered relationships
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Consistent Storytelling: Tight scripts and well-paced arcs across seasons
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Cultural Impact: Relevance to real-world issues or powerful emotional themes
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Technical Excellence: Cinematography, direction, editing, and sound design at film-level quality
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Top-Tier Performances: Lead and supporting actors who carry emotional weight
Final Thoughts
From political thrillers to fantasy epics and emotional family sagas, the best drama series at TV awards showcase the pinnacle of what television can achieve. These shows don’t just entertain—they challenge, move, and inspire. If you’re looking for the most celebrated TV dramas of all time, these are the ones that have not only captivated audiences but earned the industry’s highest honors.
