HBO's Game of Thrones made a significant impact, winning the Outstanding Drama Series award four times in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. The network's innovative approach to television continued with Westworld, which received its first nomination in 2017, and Succession, which won the award for its second, third and fourth seasons in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
In 2001, HBO's Sex and the City became the first comedy series from the network to win Outstanding Comedy Series.
In 2015, Veep won Outstanding Comedy Series, and it continued its winning streak with additional awards in 2017. Chernobyl won Outstanding Limited Series at 71st Primetime Emmy Awards and the network continued to dominate in the category with wins for Watchmen and The White Lotus in 2020 and 2022 respectively.
In total, HBO has received over 1,500 Primetime Emmy nominations across its productions and has secured more than 220 awards. The network set an all-time record with 137 nominations in 2019,[1] highlighting its continued influence and success in television.
Drama
Drama Series
In 1999, The Sopranos made history as the first cable TV series to receive a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series. It was nominated in every year it was eligible—1999, 2000, 2001, and 2003—finally winning in 2004 and again in 2007.
Six Feet Under earned nominations for its first four seasons in 2002, 2003, and 2004.
Deadwood was nominated in 2005 for its second season. The third season of Big Love and the second season of True Blood received nominations in 2009 and 2010, respectively.
Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones were both nominated for their first seasons in 2011 and their second seasons in 2012. Game of Thrones went on to win the award in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. Westworld debuted in the category in 2017. Succession was nominated for its first season in 2019 and won for its second and third seasons in 2020 and 2022.
In 1993, The Larry Sanders Show became the first cable TV series to receive a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series. It was nominated every year it was eligible and secured its final nomination in 1998. Sex and the City followed, earning nominations for its first season in 1999 and continuing through to its final season in 2004, winning the award in 2001.
Curb Your Enthusiasm received its first nomination in 2002 and continued to be a regular nominee over the years, with nominations spanning multiple seasons. Entourage was nominated for the award for its second season in 2006 and continued receiving nominations through 2009.
Girls made its debut in the category in 2013 and received nominations for its first two seasons. Veep started its streak in 2012 and won the award three times consecutively from 2015 to 2017, marking a significant achievement in the comedy genre.
Silicon Valley was first nominated in 2014 and continued to receive nominations for five consecutive seasons until 2018. Barry was nominated for its first season in 2018 and continued receiving nominations for subsequent seasons.
Insecure received its first nomination in 2020.
In 1998, From the Earth to the Moon received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series. In 2000, The Corner won the award. Band of Brothers followed in 2002, securing its win with its epic portrayal of World War II.
Angels in America won in 2004, highlighting its significant impact on television. Empire Falls received a nomination in 2005, and Elizabeth I followed with a nomination in 2006, winning for its historical drama.
John Adams was nominated in 2008 and won the award, celebrating its detailed historical recounting. Generation Kill was nominated in 2009, showcasing modern warfare, while The Pacific won for its gripping World War II narrative.
Mildred Pierce received a nomination in 2011, and Olive Kitteridge won in 2015 for its profound storytelling. Big Little Lies debuted in the category in 2017, winning for its compelling drama and star-studded cast. The Night Of was also nominated in 2017, noted for its intense, suspenseful storytelling.
Chernobyl won the award for its powerful depiction of the nuclear disaster. Sharp Objects was nominated in 2019 as well, adding to the year's impressive lineup. Watchmen followed in 2020, winning the award with its innovative and bold reimagining of the classic graphic novel.