A History of Excellence: The Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama
Since its inception, the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama has served as a premier benchmark for storytelling excellence on the small screen. This prestigious honor recognizes the highest achievements in dramatic programming, including traditional scripted series, mini-series (limited-run series), and documentary series.
The category has undergone significant evolution since the early days of television. From 1962 to 1968, the award was simply known as the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series, a broad category that grouped musical, comedy, and drama series together. However, as the television landscape expanded, the Golden Globes introduced a dedicated category for musical and comedy series after 1968, allowing the drama category to focus exclusively on its genre.
Key Facts
- Eligibility: Includes drama series, mini-series, and documentary series.
- Evolution: Separated from musical and comedy series after 1968.
- Leading Network: NBC holds the most wins in this category with 13.
- Top Performers: ER holds the record for the most nominations with 7.
Decades of Dramatic Excellence
The Early Years: 1960s and 1970s
The 1960s were characterized by a mix of anthology shows and classic westerns or spy thrillers. Early winners included The Defenders and Bonanza. As the decade progressed, the category saw a shift toward variety and high-concept shows like Mission: Impossible and Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (which competed in the unified category before the split).
The 1970s brought a surge in procedural dramas and landmark television events. This era was defined by heavyweights such as Columbo, The Waltons, and the groundbreaking miniseries Roots. The decade also saw the rise of influential crime dramas like Kojak and Lou Grant.
The Golden Age of Network Drama: 1980s and 1990s
During the 1980s, the "soap opera" style of serialized drama gained massive popularity through shows like Dynasty and Dallas. Simultaneously, gritty, character-driven ensembles began to dominate, led by Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law. Murder, She Wrote became a staple of the decade, securing multiple wins.
The 1990s marked a transition toward psychological depth and high-concept storytelling. The decade saw the rise of The X-Files, ER, and NYPD Blue. By the end of the decade, the landscape began to shift toward the prestige era with the emergence of The Sopranos on HBO, signaling a new direction for television drama.
The Rise of Prestige TV: 2000s to Present
The 2000s were defined by the "Golden Age of Television," where cable networks like HBO and FX began to challenge traditional broadcasters. The Sopranos, The West Wing, and Mad Men became synonymous with high-quality dramatic writing. This era also saw the rise of intense, serialized hits like 24 and Lost.
In the 2010s and 2020s, the competition expanded to include streaming giants like Netflix and Apple TV+. The category has seen a diverse array of winners, from the historical grandeur of The Crown to the intense political maneuvering of Succession and the genre-bending success of Shōgun.
Award Statistics and Historical Data
Total Wins by Network
| Network | Total Wins |
|---|---|
| NBC | 13 |
| ABC | 11 |
| CBS | 11 |
| HBO / HBO Max | 8 |
| Fox | 5 |
| AMC | 4 |
| FX | 4 |
| Showtime | 3 |
| Netflix | 2 |
| Hulu | 2 |
| ITV | 1 |
| USA | 1 |
Notable Series: Nominations and Wins
While many shows have been recognized, a select few have achieved extraordinary frequency in nominations and victories.
- Most Nominations: ER (7 nominations).
- High-Frequency Nominees: The Crown (6), Dynasty (6), L.A. Law (6), Murder, She Wrote (6), 24 (5), Dallas (5), Game of Thrones (5), NYPD Blue (5), The Sopranos (5), and The West Wing (5).
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of shows are eligible for the Best Drama category?
The category is open to traditional drama series, mini-series, and documentary series.
How did the category change in 1968?
Prior to 1968, musical, comedy, and drama series were all grouped into a single "Best Television Series" category. After 1968, musical and comedy series were moved into their own separate category.
Which network has won the most Golden Globes for Best Drama?
NBC holds the record for the most wins in this category, with a total of 13 awards.
Which television show has received the most nominations?
The medical drama ER holds the record for the most nominations in this category, with a total of 7.
Are streaming services included in the awards?
Yes, streaming platforms such as Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max are frequently represented among the winners and nominees.