1. Picket Fences (CBS)
We all remember the big names like Breaking Bad or Friends, but what about the shows that cleaned up at award shows then quietly vanished from the cultural conversation? Picket Fences won four Emmys including Best Drama and was once hailed as one of the smartest shows on TV. Set in a small town with big issues, it blended courtroom drama, mystery, and dark comedy in a way that kept viewers hooked. Today, it is rarely streamed, rarely referenced, and largely forgotten despite once being considered must see television.
2. Thirtysomething (ABC)
A cultural phenomenon in the late 80s, this show captured the angst and intimacy of adult life for baby boomers turning into suburban parents. Thirtysomething felt like a mirror for a generation struggling with careers, marriage, and raising kids in changing times. It won 13 Emmys and was once considered groundbreaking in its honest portrayal of relationships and identity. Yet it never found new life in reruns or streaming, leaving it as a generational time capsule few revisit. For those who lived through it, it remains memorable, but younger audiences hardly know it ever existed.
3. The Practice (ABC)
David E. Kelley created some of television’s most memorable legal dramas, and The Practice was one of his finest. It won multiple Emmys including Best Drama and Outstanding Lead Actor for James Spader, proving it had both critical acclaim and powerful performances. The show thrived on moral ambiguity and gripping courtroom battles that kept audiences invested. However, it was soon eclipsed by its flashier spin off Boston Legal which carried over some of its biggest stars. Today, The Practice sits in the shadow of Kelley’s more enduring hits, remembered mostly by loyal fans who appreciated its darker tone.
4. China Beach (ABC)
When it first aired, China Beach stood out for its raw and emotional storytelling. Set in a Vietnam War field hospital, it focused on the women and medical staff whose stories were often left untold in war dramas. Dana Delany’s performance as nurse Colleen McMurphy earned her an Emmy, and the series itself received critical acclaim for its authenticity and heart. Despite this, China Beach never achieved lasting cultural presence and was quietly tucked away with limited reruns. Today, it remains underappreciated, a powerful show that brought humanity to history yet rarely finds mention in conversations about classic dramas.
5. Northern Exposure (CBS)
Quirky, surreal, and once wildly popular, Northern Exposure carved out its place in the early 90s television landscape. Set in a small Alaskan town, it mixed eccentric humor with heartfelt storytelling that drew in millions of fans. The show won seven Emmys and developed a cult following thanks to its lovable characters and offbeat charm. But the series struggled to maintain momentum over time and its slow arrival on streaming platforms hurt its chances with new audiences. Today, Northern Exposure is largely forgotten, overshadowed by more accessible shows despite once being hailed as unique and refreshingly different.
6. Brooklyn Bridge (CBS)
This nostalgic coming of age series aired in the early 90s and quickly earned critical praise for its heartfelt storytelling. Centered on a Jewish American family in 1950s Brooklyn, it portrayed childhood and family life with warmth and sincerity that resonated deeply with viewers. Brooklyn Bridge won a Golden Globe and received accolades for its tender approach to memory and tradition. Unfortunately, it lasted only two seasons before fading into obscurity. With little access to reruns or streaming availability today, it has become nearly impossible to find, making it a lost treasure of television history and family storytelling.
7. Lou Grant (CBS)
Spinning off from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Lou Grant surprised audiences by transforming a beloved sitcom character into the centerpiece of a serious newsroom drama. Ed Asner’s performance as the tough yet principled editor earned him multiple Emmy wins and cemented the show as one of the few spin offs that worked brilliantly. Lou Grant tackled important political and social issues head on, proving television could be both entertaining and meaningful. Despite its recognition and awards, it has not been widely syndicated and is often overlooked in retrospectives, leaving its legacy far quieter than it deserves.
8. Once and Again (ABC)
In the late 90s, Once and Again explored the challenges of divorced parents trying to rebuild their lives and relationships. Sela Ward’s nuanced performance won her an Emmy, and the show gained praise for its realism and sensitivity in depicting modern families. Its emotional storytelling made it resonate with audiences who appreciated its honest exploration of love, loss, and second chances. Despite this, it lasted only three seasons and is seldom mentioned today when great family dramas are discussed. Once and Again remains one of those beautifully acted series that left a mark but slipped from collective memory.
9. Hill Street Blues (NBC)
In the early 80s, Hill Street Blues changed how people saw police dramas. Its gritty storytelling, overlapping plots, and complex characters felt ahead of its time and earned it an impressive 26 Emmys. Viewers loved its realism, and critics called it revolutionary for television. Yet despite its accolades, it slowly faded from mainstream memory as newer cop shows took over the spotlight. Today, its name is rarely mentioned even though many credit it for shaping the modern television drama. Hill Street Blues once stood tall, but now quietly lingers in the background of television history.
10. The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd (NBC/Lifetime)
This unconventional series centered on Molly Dodd, a single woman navigating her life with wit and vulnerability. It won praise for its introspective tone and unique storytelling style that stood apart from typical network shows. Blair Brown’s performance was at the heart of its charm, earning multiple Emmy nominations. Still, The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd never broke into mainstream popularity. Its limited run and quiet audience left it as a hidden gem of the 80s and early 90s. Today, it remains fondly remembered only by those who discovered its quiet brilliance during its original airing.
11. Cagney and Lacey (CBS)
Cagney and Lacey was groundbreaking for its time, giving audiences two female leads in a police drama that was both gritty and heartfelt. Tyne Daly and Sharon Gless each won multiple Emmys for their roles, proving the show had both critical respect and cultural importance. It ran successfully throughout the 80s and influenced how women were portrayed on television. Yet despite its awards and legacy, it is rarely acknowledged in today’s discussions of great cop shows. Its trailblazing role has quietly slipped from memory even though its success helped pave the way for the shows that followed.
12. Family (ABC)
Family was a quiet drama from the late 70s that resonated deeply with viewers for its gentle yet powerful storytelling. It tackled issues like divorce, illness, and coming of age in a way that felt natural and emotionally real. The show influenced later family dramas, setting a tone of authenticity that many tried to emulate. Despite being an early trailblazer in sensitive television, Family has all but vanished from cultural conversations. It rarely gets mentioned or rerun today, even though it helped shape what audiences came to expect from family centric television stories in decades that followed.
13. I’ll Fly Away (NBC)
I’ll Fly Away aired in the early 90s and stood out for its moving portrayal of life in the civil rights era. With powerful performances and thoughtful writing, the show won Emmys and even a Peabody Award, marking it as a serious achievement in television. It tackled themes of justice, race, and humanity in a way that was both bold and heartfelt. Sadly, it was canceled too soon and quickly faded from the mainstream. Today, I’ll Fly Away is seldom remembered, even though it left a significant mark on those who valued its courage and compassion.
14. St. Elsewhere (NBC)
Before ER, St. Elsewhere was the medical drama that redefined what a hospital show could be. Premiering in the 80s, it introduced layered storytelling and complex characters that earned it 13 Emmys. It launched the careers of stars like Denzel Washington and made audiences care deeply about the staff of St. Eligius Hospital. Critics hailed it as sharp and innovative, but over time it lost its spotlight. Without strong reruns or modern streaming availability, St. Elsewhere has become a forgotten classic. Once a must watch drama, it now exists mostly as a footnote in television history.
15. Life Goes On (ABC)
Life Goes On was groundbreaking in its own way, bringing the first primetime role for an actor with Down syndrome. Chris Burke’s performance as Corky Thatcher was a milestone for representation, and the show was praised for tackling issues like HIV, family challenges, and disability with sincerity. It ran through the late 80s and early 90s and earned critical acclaim during its time. Yet despite its influence and awards, it is hardly ever mentioned today. Life Goes On was once an important cultural step forward but now lingers in quiet memory, rarely discussed in modern television circles.
16. The Waltons (CBS)
The Waltons became a television staple in the 70s with its heartfelt portrayal of a family living through the Great Depression. It won Emmys and even a Peabody Award for its warm storytelling and strong sense of community. Its focus on simple values and rural life resonated with millions of viewers. For a time, its characters felt like family to audiences across America. Today, however, The Waltons is mostly remembered by older generations. Younger audiences rarely reference it, and it has slipped into obscurity despite once being one of the most beloved shows on network television.
17. Homicide Life on the Street (NBC)
Before The Wire, there was Homicide Life on the Street, a gritty Baltimore based cop drama that redefined realism on television. It tackled complex cases and moral ambiguity with writing that critics adored, winning multiple Emmys in the process. Many consider it one of the best police shows ever made, but it never reached a wide mainstream audience. Over time, its reputation has been overshadowed by flashier series and it is rarely mentioned today. Still, Homicide was a forerunner for the prestige crime dramas that came after, laying groundwork that helped shape television’s storytelling style.
18. Franks Place (CBS)
Franks Place was a short lived but remarkable show in the late 80s that blended comedy and drama in a way few series dared. Set in New Orleans, it followed the story of a man who unexpectedly inherits a Creole restaurant. The series won an Emmy for its sharp writing and earned praise for capturing a unique atmosphere. However, it was considered too unusual for network television and struggled to find an audience. Lasting only one season, Franks Place quickly faded from sight. Today, it remains a fascinating what if in television history, remembered only by devoted fans.
19. My So Called Life (ABC)
Few shows captured the turbulence of teenage life as honestly as My So Called Life did in the mid 90s. Claire Danes delivered a powerful performance as Angela Chase, which won her a Golden Globe and made her a star. The series tackled issues like identity, sexuality, and relationships in ways that felt strikingly real for its time. Despite critical acclaim, it was canceled after only one season, leaving audiences frustrated. Over time, it developed a cult following but never became mainstream again. Today, it is remembered fondly by fans but remains largely absent from broader conversations.
20. The Corner (HBO)
The Corner was a raw and emotional miniseries that aired in 2000, created by David Simon before his acclaimed work on The Wire. It focused on the devastating realities of Baltimore’s drug epidemic, told through the lives of one family. The series won multiple Emmys and was praised for its honesty and impact. Yet, it never gained the recognition of Simon’s later work and is rarely mentioned even by fans who celebrate his career. Today, The Corner stands as a powerful but forgotten piece of television, overshadowed by the massive legacy of the series that followed it.
21. Chicago Hope (CBS)
When Chicago Hope premiered in 1994, it immediately drew comparisons to ER which launched the same year. Despite strong performances from stars like Mandy Patinkin and Christine Lahti, the show struggled to keep up with the flashier competition. Still, it won Emmys and had moments of brilliance that made it stand out in its own right. Over time, however, it faded into the background and is seldom revisited by new audiences. Chicago Hope is one of those shows that had everything going for it but could not escape the shadow of a bigger hit launched at the same time.
22. Touched by an Angel (CBS)
In the 90s, Touched by an Angel was one of the most popular shows on television, offering uplifting stories of hope and faith. It ran for nine seasons, winning Emmys and NAACP Image Awards while connecting deeply with audiences who found comfort in its message. Roma Downey and Della Reese became household names through their roles. Despite this, the show rarely gets discussed today, having quietly slipped away as television shifted toward darker, more complex storytelling. Touched by an Angel once felt like a cultural phenomenon, but now it exists as a faint memory of a softer era.
23. Sisters (NBC)
Sisters premiered in the early 90s and became a fan favorite for its portrayal of four adult sisters navigating the ups and downs of life. Starring Swoosie Kurtz and Sela Ward, the show struck a balance between heartfelt drama and light humor that resonated with viewers. It earned Emmys and critical praise for showing the lives of women in ways not often explored at the time. However, it never cemented itself as a classic. Today, Sisters is rarely mentioned when people recall 90s television, overshadowed by flashier series despite once having a devoted audience and lasting influence.
24. Ally McBeal (FOX)
In the late 90s, Ally McBeal was a cultural juggernaut. It won Emmys and Golden Globes, became famous for its quirky courtroom antics, and even introduced pop culture to the unforgettable dancing baby. Calista Flockhart’s performance anchored the series and gave it charm. For a time, it was one of the most talked about shows on television, blending humor, romance, and fantasy in unusual ways. Yet its popularity faded quickly, and it is rarely revisited today. Ally McBeal remains an emblem of its era, remembered briefly then set aside as television audiences moved on to new favorites.
This story 24 Award-Winning Shows That No One Talks About Anymore was first published on Daily FETCH
