Every year, Emmy voters have a unique opportunity to thumb their noses at the networks and studios who canceled their favorite shows by rewarding said shows with nominations. This year was no exception.
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Palm Royale, Gen V, Poker Face, and Ponies nabbed a total of 20 Emmy bids, despite all having gotten 86’d. This doesn’t include programs that ended on their own terms, such as Hacks, The Boys, or Euphoria. Being abruptly canceled before one’s time is an entirely different beast, and tends to leave a bad taste in fans’ mouths.
Emmy nominations for canceled programs prove that buzz and strong below-the-line work can outlive a network’s decision. Many of these shows campaigned for Emmys, demonstrating to voters they were very much still in the race. Below, take a look at all of the canceled series that showed up in the Emmy nominations.
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
With nine nods, The Late Show is CBS’ most-nominated show of the year. Let that sink in. The network infamously pink-slipped Stephen Colbert and company a year ago, allegedly because of “financial” reasons — though many in Hollywood assumed it was due to political pressure from the top.
In the wake of its cancellation last year, The Late Show won its first two Emmys, for series and directing. Now, it has a chance to add nine more trophies to its name in the following categories:
Palm Royale
Apple TV’s feast for the eyes, Palm Royale is a craft darling, earning 11 nominations in 2024 for Season 1 and winning Best Main Title Theme Music. It added eight more nods this year, despite having its plug pulled following the conclusion of Season 2.
The show went out in style this year, with a full song-and-dance number featuring Kristen Wiig and Ricky Martin, and a poignant ear-tug from Carol Burnett. Notably, Palm Royale staged a massive FYC campaign including a panel with the creative team. Here are its final noms:
- Best Choreography
- Best Costumes (Period)
- Best Hairstyling (Period/Fantasy)
- Best Makeup (Period/Fantasy)
- Best Music Composition
- Best Production Design
- Best Stunt Coordination
- Best Stunt Performance
Gen V
The Boys spin-off didn’t fare as well this year as its parent series, which nabbed five farewell nominations. However, Gen V does get to say goodbye by calling itself an Emmy nominee, after being snubbed two years ago for its first season. The college-set superhero show is recognized in the following category:
- Best Visual Effects in a Single Episode
Poker Face
The second half of Poker Face Season 2 was eligible this year, though it only snagged a single nomination. The sleuth series previously earned six bids, including Best Comedy Actress for Natasha Lyonne and Best Comedy Guest Actress for Judith Light (she won), both for Season 1. Despite being canceled, there are plans for Peter Dinklage to take over in a reimagined version of Poker Face, potentially playing the same crime-solver who has the ability to tell when people are lying. Its final (for now) nomination is for:
Ponies
It was one and done for Peacock’s Ponies, which galloped into the sunset with a sole Emmy nom for its canceled debut season. The comedy followed the lives of the offbeat characters played by Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson, a pair of secretaries who become CIA operatives. Ponies received a nomination for:
In years past, Emmy voters didn’t just bestow nominations onto canceled series — they also gave them wins. Everything from Étoile to Pushing Daisies to Deadwood have walked off with post-cancellation victories, which no doubt helps soften the sting of TV defeat. Stay tuned to see whether the same positive fate will befall any of this year’s axed programs.
