@ACT_1​ Thanks,

I was thinking of the "Gunsmoke" (1955–1975) too and agree it is in the conversation. I am still considering it, and I have provisionally added it. But, it is going to be tough to represent all the TV genres and not leave some deserving titles off the list. In the Western genre, I see "Little House on the Praire" and  "Bonanza" are in the mix too, with all having a significant role in the history of TV.

Emmys Greatest TV Series — Speculative Legacy Award Pick Honorable Mentions

Shows will be primarily evaluated on their "continued or sustained relevance, influence or inspiration: 1) to a genre of television, 2) to an existing or new audience, and 3) to society and culture" in general.

@Peter_pbn​ "The Wire" appears at the top or in the top five of just about every greatest TV series list I have seen. I would expect this turns out to me more about popularity than about legacy as a poll. So, I would expect it to well, but wouldn't say it is a lock, some of the other TV franchises have equally as large and passionate fan bases to rally for their shows.

The Television Academy has not announced a timeline for making their selection, or which Emmy ceremony it will be presented at, but an announcement will likely be come prior to the ceremony, and since six months have already passed since the awards creation was announced, this poll suggestion is probably better published sooner rather than later.

I think the Television Academy goes with an older and safer pick for the first Legacy TV series honoree, like "I Love Lucy."  The show checks a lot of legacy boxes on the creative, business, industry, and societal sides. It led to the creation of Desilu Studios, a major player in television production for two decades during the industry's formative years. The studio that Lucy built is still relevant today, after being aquired, amalgamated and renamed to become what is known today as, Paramount Television.

It's also the fact it was largely ignored by the Emmys at the time.

@Peter_pbn​ Yes, it was. I would expect the Legacy Award might an opportunity to right some wrongs.

As you can see, just about every listed show was influential within their genre, but a few series dominated and were the clearly in the top one or two shows of their decade. So, after 75 years of widespread televised programming, it is going to take fifteen years to recognize that top tier @ one honoree per year.

@Peter_pbn​ 

FYI, it might not be a coincidence that "The Wire" just got in under the wire for the new Emmys Legacy Award equaling the minimum to qualify at five seasons and sixty episodes.

hollywoodreporter.com/lists/the-wire-parks-and-rec-emmy-legacy-award-candidates/

filmofilia.com/emmy-legacy-award-television-academy-215719/

@TheOldJalapenoman​ If I understand this correctly, Star Trek: The Original Series is eligible. The fact it ran less than three seasons, but has run continuously in syndication ever since, I think makes a strong case for the influence and the staying power the TOS has. 

"Those programs that are part of a television franchise will be considered as a group and are awarded as such and can be bestowed on an individual television program only once."

I assume all the Star Trek series will be considered in their entirety. I think size and scope of the franchise here strengthens the case in another way, especially when compared to other franchises.

@TheOldJalapenoman​ 

I rephrased the question to include the term "franchise", so the scope and premise are clearer.

In your opinion, which select influential American television series or television franchise* that has had a profound and lasting impact on the medium is the most deserving pick for the inaugural Emmys' Legacy Award?