TV shows sometimes take a while to find their footing. It's very rare that a show comes out running directly out of the gate, turning heads and earning critical acclaim. In most regards, a show needs a couple of seasons to find its "voice." Take, for example, The Simpsons, which many people believe entered its "Golden Era" around season three.
But in some rare cases, a TV show's first season is actually its best. These shows instantly make an impact, and along with the critical acclaim come some accolades. In fact, some shows have won the Best Drama Emmy for their very first season.
The Defenders (1961 - 1965)
Running for four seasons on CBS between 1961 and 1965, The Defenders was quite controversial during its run. The show followed a father-son defense attorney team whose clients included many contentious figures of the time, including neo-Nazis and atheists.
Despite the difficult subject matter (or perhaps because of it), The Defenders earned critical acclaim, winning Outstanding Program Achievement in the Field of Drama in 1962. It ended up winning the top award for its first three seasons, along with other awards for its writing and acting.
Mission: Impossible (1966 - 1973)
Now some of Tom Cruise's biggest movies, the Mission: Impossible franchise began as a CBS action-drama that ran for seven seasons between 1966 and 1973. Of course, going back to the show after viewing the movies can prove incredibly difficult owing to its age and limited budget.
But this was the hottest thing on television at the time. It won the award for Dramatic Series in 1967, along with Best Actress in a Leading Role, Outstanding Writing, and Film and Sound Editing. It would also win Best Dramatic Series for its second season in 1968.
Upstairs, Downstairs (1971 - 1975)
Serving as a major inspiration for Downton Abbey, Upstairs, Downstairs is a British drama that ran for five seasons on ITV. Anyone who loves Downton Abbey and is looking for similar shows should check it out, as it shares the same basic premise and explores very similar themes. The story concerns the servants downstairs and the nobles upstairs who endure major social upheavals throughout the first quarter of the 20th century, including World War One and women's suffrage.
It was a three-time winner of Outstanding Drama Series, winning in 1974 (for its first two seasons combined), 1975 (season 3), and 1977 (season 5).
Hill Street Blues (1981 - 1987)
Hill Street Blues is an enormously influential program in regards to the antihero themes seen in the TV of the 2000s. The show is notable for many aspects, including its gritty tone and atmosphere, difficult subject matter/storylines, complex characters, and overarching storyline - most of which were quite unique to television at the time.
Hill Street Blues was so acclaimed that it ended up winning a record four times for Outstanding Drama Series, beginning in its debut year of 1981 and finishing in 1984.
L.A. Law (1986 -1994)
There was many good legal dramas before L.A. Law, but this was arguably the first great one. The show is a great time capsule of the late '80s and early '90s, touching on many of the most controversial and headline-grabbing topics of the day, including abortion, AIDS, racism, and homophobia.
It was both a major commercial and critical success, scoring eight seasons, 172 episodes, and four Outstanding Drama Series wins. It took home the top prize for its first season, along with Outstanding Directing, Outstanding Writing, and Outstanding Guest Performer.
The West Wing (1999 - 2006)
Arguably the best show ever made about American politics, The West Wing was created and run by acclaimed screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. The show features all of his usual tropes and personality traits, including dense wordplay and speedy dialogue.
The show was also notable for its cinematic techniques, including the iconic "walk and talk" tracking shots. The West Wing was an immediate hit, with its first season garnering five Emmys for its acting, writing, and directing. It also won its first of four awards for Outstanding Drama Series.
Lost (2004 - 2010)
For some, Lost was never able to recapture the magic of its first season. This was a cultural phenomenon, garnering upwards of 20 million viewers per episode, making stars out of its cast, and generating intense water cooler discussion in regards to its many twists and mysteries. While the show is still great, part of Lost's charm was wrapped up in the fun of discussing the episodes in real time on internet chat rooms and message boards.
Its first season won the awards for Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Directing for J.J. Abrams. It would prove its only Outstanding Drama win (although it was nominated a further three times).
Mad Men (2007 - 2015)
Showrunner Matthew Weiner got a lot of practice on The Sopranos, writing some of the best episodes of the series. But unlike that classic show, Mad Men won the award for Outstanding Drama Series in its very first season.
While never a major commercial success (although certainly not a failure either, given its seven seasons), Mad Men continuously earned acclaim for nearly all aspects of its production, generating one of the greatest period pieces ever aired on television. The show won two Emmys for its debut season - Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Writing.
Homeland (2011 - 2020)
By the end of the 2000s, many major movie stars were making the transition to television. Such was the degree of acclaim and popularity that prestige television was earning. For Homeland, Claire Danes made the transition and began playing CIA officer with bipolar disorder named Carrie Mathison.
Her performance garnered instant praise and award recognition, as did the show, in general. For its first (and arguably most popular) season, Homeland won four awards for Writing, Lead Actor, Lead Actress, and Outstanding Drama Series.
The Handmaid's Tale (2017 - )
Elisabeth Moss has proven herself one of the most talented television actresses of modern times. Following an acclaimed stint on Mad Men, Moss made the transition to The Handmaid's Tale, an extended adaptation of Margaret Atwood's classic dystopian novel.
The show's first season garnered five Primetime Emmy Awards, with Moss winning for Lead Actress and Ann Dowd for Supporting. It also won for its writing and directing and took home the Outstanding Drama Series prize.