'The Pitt' and 6 Other Emmy-Winning Drama Series of the Past Decade, Ranked by IMDb
These projects have all made an everlasting impact on culture and on the hearts of their fans.
The Emmy Awards ceremony was held just recently, and the highlight of the evening was The Pitt's victory in the Outstanding Drama Series category.
Let's take a look back at the other dramatic projects that have received this honor in the last decade.
7. 'The Handmaid's Tale', 2017-2025
IMDb Score: 8.3/10
The Handmaid's Tale is based on Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name. It is set in an alternate future where religious fanatics have seized power over most of Earth.
The situation is exacerbated by the planet's rapidly deteriorating ecology, resulting in only a small percentage of women remaining fertile.
Despite its science fiction elements, The Handmaid's Tale raises relevant issues. The series emphasizes the sore points of patriarchal society that have remained unresolved for centuries.
6. 'The Crown', 2016-2023
IMDb Score: 8.6/10
The Crown is Netflix's large-scale saga about the British royal family. Season 1 follows Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947 to the dissolution of her relationship with Princess Margaret and Captain Peter Townsend in 1955.
Season 4 depicts Prince Charles's marriage to Lady Diana Spencer, while Season 5 chronicles the dissolution of their marriage. Season 6 concludes the series by following Queen Elizabeth's reign in the 21st century.
The show's main gimmick is its age-appropriate casting. Claire Foy portrays Queen Elizabeth II in the first two seasons, and Matt Smith plays Prince Philip. Olivia Colman becomes the queen in seasons 3 and 4, with Tobias Menzies playing Prince Philip.
5. 'Shogun', 2024-...
IMDb Score: 8.6/10
Shogun is based on James Clavell's novel of the same name, in which he freely retells historical events.
Hiroyuki Sanada, who played Toranaga, served as producer and ensured that the costumes and depiction of everyday life were authentic to Japanese culture. The series was initially conceived as a one-season project, but it became so popular that FX renewed it for a second season.
The triumph at the Emmy Awards, where Shogun won a record 18 awards, confirmed that this decision was the right one.
4. 'Succession', 2018-2023
IMDb Score: 8.8/10
For five years, Succession was HBO's flagship series, combining elements of high drama and vicious satire. It won multiple Golden Globes and Emmys.
The plot follows the Roy family's media empire – they own news agencies, channels, and amusement parks. The events of the first season are triggered by a stroke suffered by the family patriarch, Logan Roy, which temporarily leaves him unable to manage his brainchild.
This sets off a power struggle between his children: middle son Kendall, daughter Shiv, and youngest son Roman.
3. 'The Pitt', 2025-...
IMDb Score: 8.9/10
Today, The Pitt is perhaps HBO's most successful new release, having been renewed for a second season even before the finale. The plot centers on a group of doctors and interns led by an experienced doctor, Robby, who is dealing with psychological trauma himself.
The show's concept is unique: fifteen episodes cover one workday of the characters' lives, with each episode representing one hour.
The Pitt elevates the medical drama genre: it is a dynamic, fast-paced show in which the doctors demonstrate empathy and uphold high professional ethics.
2. 'Game of Thrones', 2011-2019
IMDb Score: 9.2/10
Based on the novel series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, the epic fantasy Game of Thrones has become a full-fledged cultural phenomenon.
Its ambiguous characters, complex relationships, and unconventional plot twists have made Game of Thrones one of the most discussed – and perhaps the most popular – TV series in history.
Viewers and critics especially loved the series for its epic battle scenes and political intrigue. Although controversial, the long-awaited finale became a significant event in the world of television.
1. 'Breaking Bad', 2008-2013
IMDb Score: 9.5/10
Walter White is still the most popular antihero, whose moral decline was watched with bated breath by millions viewers worldwide.
Among the series' ardent fans are masters of gripping stories, such as Stephen King, George R. R. Martin, and David Lynch. Anthony Hopkins even wrote a letter to the lead actor, Bryan Cranston, admitting that he had never seen anything like it.
Breaking Bad has received more than 350 award nominations and won over 130 awards, including 16 Emmys and two Golden Globes.
