Like many award ceremonies, the annual Emmys also have their fair share of snubs. In some cases, audience favorites like The Leftovers get a handful of nominations but hardly secure any wins. In other cases, some modern cult classics don’t even make the final cut.
Based on the views of many frustrated and disappointed Reddit s, some of these shows like Veronica Mars were too genre-specific for the Emmys’ taste. Still, these shows still have a stellar legacy among fans, and awards are required to prove their worth. In some other cases, broadcasting rights in American territories might prevent acclaimed shows from making the cut. Doctor Who and several iconic anime series have not garnered any Emmy love for this reason.
The Expanse
The Expanse is arguably one of the best sci-fi TV shows to watch right now. Coming to an end this year, the Prime original's six season-run revolved around an intergalactic future where Mars and Earth are waging a war against each other. A larger mystery unravels as a ship captain and a detective investigating the disappearance of a young girl.
With a fresh sci-fi narrative that didn't ape any previous space franchises, the series is also very faithful to the novels by James S.A. Corey. Despite a committed fanbase, The Expanse failed to gain any nominations at the Emmys. As the Reddit ISellAwesome puts it, "The Expanse is criminally snubbed.".
Doctor Who
Despite the immense popularity of the time-traveling adventures of Doctor Who, the multi-decade BBC show could never make the Emmys cut because of its ineligibility as a British TV show like Doctor Who.
When BBC America served as a co-producer on the franchise, then finally it earned a nom but that too for the Outstanding Derivative Interactive Program category. Doctor Who: The Runaway was just a standalone animated spin-off with an interactive visual experience. Hence, Doctor Who as a series on its own is yet to get some Emmy love. THe_DOHnut OP notes, "It’s a very, very minor award" while an unknown adds "It’s not a huge thing but it’s great to see the show getting some recognition!"
Invincible
Invincible is one of those adult animated shows that subvert the superhero genre with mature violence and self-aware humor. The superhero drama's first season was heavily praised as a breath of fresh air in an overcrowded genre. With particular praise garnered towards its writing and the voice talents of Steven Yeun and JK Simmons, Invincible was expected to sweep the Emmys' animated categories.
Unfortunately, the Emmys couldn't recognize the hype around this adaptation of the Image Comics series. When it comes to Outstanding Animated Program, 2021's Invincible was snubbed in favor of shows like The Simpsons, and Bob's Burgers (shows that have already been nominated plenty of times for earlier seasons). This snub angered the Reddit committee with s like TheJonExp saying, "Emmy awards are a joke." Then, there are fans who are convinced that even though Invincible is currently Emmy-less, the show still has a dedicated fanbase. "It wouldn't be a competition if they did include Invincible", Lord-Chamberpot sums it up.
Veronica Mars
The detective thriller series Veronica Mars added to The Good Place. Even though the latter managed to secure a few noms, the former never secured any.
Maybe, the reason might be that detective thrillers like Veronica Mars hardly make the Emmy cut ever. As Reddit johnadreams notes, "With things like Veronica Mars...I can understand those shows being too genre for the awards committee". Another called interfail still laments on the fact that "she (Kristen Bell) really should have got proper awards for Veronica Mars,".
Castlevania
Based on the games of the same name, Netflix's Castlevania is a hyperviolent tale of vampires, sorcerers, and a whole lot of mystic beings. The series was noted for its faithful take on the game's lore along with favorable reviews in of voice acting and animation.
Redditor OMG2Reddit excitedly writes, "Holy F*** Castlevania's animation should win an Emmy! In fact, throw all the Emmys at this Fucking Amazing masterpiece!" With the show's final season also being snubbed for this year's Emmys, Cow_other dismissed the nominee list for Outstanding Animated Program as "a terrible lineup".
Steven Universe
The characters of Steven Universe are intergalactic warriors who meet the titular hero, an unlikely ally who inherits powers from a magical gemstone. Steven's incompetence puts the team in hilarious situations that form the premise of this surreal children's show.
Despite being produced by Cartoon Network, Steven Universe did not get much exposure at the Emmys. PretendMarsupial 9 noted that this is a sad development as not only did the cartoon boast great episodes and stellar music but it was also a landmark show for LGBTQIA+ representation. For instance, the character Stevonnie is introduced as an intersex and non-binary fusion of Steven and Conne.
Space Dandy
Space Dandy is a bizarre space comedy anime that deals with the everyday misadventures of a bounty hunter. However, just like much other anime series, Space Dandy never stood a chance to contest at the Emmys. There might be a reason behind such animes getting snubbed as ValiantSerpant mentions how the awards require that "a show must originally air on American television...between 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., and to at least 50 percent of the country."
Despite this limitation, another SonicFrost adds that Space Dandy would have still been eligible. In their words, "It aired at 11:30 PM in the U.S. on a major, nationwide television network before even airing in Japan." It is not surprising to find a slightly edgier anime not getting a nomination when even popular modern anime shows have never contested at the awards.