‘Better Call Saul’ Fans Riot Over Show’s 53 Emmy Nominations Leading To Exactly Zero Wins: “One Of The Worst Things That’s Ever Happened To The Emmys”

By Nicole Gallucci Twitter @nicolemichele5
Published Jan. 16, 2024, 11:43 a.m. ET

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Emmys 2024

After six spectacular seasons, 63 awe-inspiring episodes, 53 well-deserved Emmy nominations, and far too many outstanding performances to count, the critically-acclaimed Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul racked up a total of *checks notes* ZERO EMMY AWARDS.

Year after year, snub after snub, loyal Saul Goodman fans tune into the Emmys hoping they won’t be left screaming, “SAUL BAD, MAN!” and Monday night’s event was no different. Better Call Saul stans watched the 75th Emmy Awards with breath held and fists clenched in hopes that members of The Academy would finally come to their senses and honor Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould’s masterpiece, its top-notch cast, and its talented creative team for excellence in the television industry to close out its sixth and final season. But tragically, by the end of the three-hour ceremony (AKA The Bear and Succession Sweep) the show’s chances at winning an Emmy were Saul Gone!

In 2023 alone, Better Call Saul was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy or Drama Series, Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series, Outstanding Picture Editing For A Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series for the phenomenal Bob Odenkirk — who, on top of bringing Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman/Gene Takovic to life, almost died filming the final season — and finally, Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series for the singular Rhea Seehorn’s performance of Kim Wexler. (As a reminder, Seehorn was repeatedly snubbed for brilliantly bringing her complex character to screen until she received a long-overdue Emmy nomination in 2022.) After leaving the January 15, 2024 event empty-handed again, the series set an unfortunate Emmys record of the most losses, with 53 nominations and zero wins. I think I can speak for all fans when I say the lack of proper recognition, praise, and celebration for the groundbreaking series simply makes no sense.

As a reminder, Breaking Bad snagged 16 Emmys over the course of its five seasons, and a decent chunk of The Gilliverse — myself included — feels the prequel successfully surpassed its admittedly stellar predecessor. With no shade this year’s Outstanding Drama Series/Actor/Actress Emmy winners, Odenkirk, Seehorn, and their Season 6 costars Jonathan Banks, Patrick Fabian, Michael Mando, Giancarlo Esposito, Tony Dalton, and Mark Margolis visibly poured their full selves into layered, blazing, emotionally demanding roles. And their masterful final products were the epitome of award-worthy.

Needless to say, fans were heartbroken and outraged — sharing Kim Wexler Crying GIFs galore — over Better Call Saul‘s final night of Emmy snubs. The reality is tough to accept, but in the end, I like to think that Better Call Saul was just too good for the awards. The series joins the ranks of other fan-favorite shows that never won a single Emmy, including The Wire, The Leftovers, Oz, BoJack Horseman, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Parks and Recreation, and more.

Real ones know that Better Call Saul, Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, and every second of the thrilling crime drama are winners even if The Academy doesn’t. As the great Saul Goodman once said, “If you’re committed enough, you can make any story work.” So as far as I’m concerned, Better Call Saul won all 53 Emmys?

Better Call Saul is now streaming on Netflix for any and all rewatch needs.