Better Call Saul is one of the most critically acclaimed TV shows of the 21st century. It is a spin-off and prequel to Breaking Bad, a show that many consider one of the greatest TV series of all time. Created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, Better Call Saul follows the story of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer who eventually becomes Saul Goodman, the morally questionable attorney we know from Breaking Bad.
The show’s storytelling, direction, and performances have been widely praised, but the question remains: Did Better Call Saul win any Emmys? The Emmy Awards are one of the most prestigious honors in television, and many fans of the show have been wondering if the series has been recognized by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. In this article, we’ll look at the Emmy Awards won by Better Call Saul, as well as the nominations the show received over its run.
Better Call Saul and Its Journey to the Emmys
Better Call Saul first premiered on AMC on February 8, 2015. It was a spin-off that was never expected to become as beloved or successful as its predecessor, Breaking Bad. But from the start, it stood out on its own, offering a slower, more nuanced approach to the world of criminal law and personal morality. The show dives deep into the transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman and explores the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
From the very beginning, critics praised the acting, writing, and direction of the show. Bob Odenkirk’s portrayal of Jimmy/Saul was especially admired, as were the performances of other main cast members like Rhea Seehorn (Kim Wexler), Jonathan Banks (Mike Ehrmantraut), and Michael McKean (Chuck McGill). As the show continued, it gained more fans and a strong following, earning respect not only as a spin-off but also as a series in its own right.
As it became a fan-favorite, the show was repeatedly in the conversation during awards seasons, including the Emmys. Its success was not only measured by the number of viewers but also by the recognition it received from critics and industry professionals alike.
Emmy Nominations and Wins by Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul was nominated for a total of 46 Primetime Emmy Awards over its six seasons. The show was consistently nominated in key categories, including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Despite its critical success and widespread praise, it took a few years for the show to take home any trophies.
Emmy Nominations for Better Call Saul
Here is a breakdown of the major Emmy nominations Better Call Saul received over its run:
Outstanding Drama Series: Better Call Saul was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series for every season after its debut, except for the first season. The show’s consistent presence in this category proves its strong standing in the television world.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Bob Odenkirk): Bob Odenkirk received multiple nominations in this category for his performance as Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman. His transformation from a struggling lawyer to a morally questionable character was one of the most compelling arcs in modern television. He was nominated each season starting in 2016, and his performance was universally praised.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Jonathan Banks): Jonathan Banks, who played Mike Ehrmantraut, was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series multiple times. Mike’s calm demeanor and his involvement in the morally complex world of Better Call Saul earned Banks critical acclaim throughout the show’s run.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Rhea Seehorn): Rhea Seehorn, who played Kim Wexler, also received multiple nominations for her brilliant performance. Kim’s character was one of the most complex and interesting in the series, and Seehorn’s portrayal of her earned a lot of respect and admiration from both fans and critics.
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: The show’s writing was also a major point of praise. The writers were nominated several times for their intricate and layered storytelling. The balance between character development and plot progression was one of the show’s key strengths.
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Several episodes of Better Call Saul were nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. The directors helped bring the show’s complex stories to life with impeccable pacing, tense moments, and visual style.
Wins for Better Call Saul
While Better Call Saul received many nominations, it took a while for the show to win an Emmy Award. However, once it began to win, it did so in several major categories.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Bob Odenkirk): After years of being nominated, Bob Odenkirk won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2022 for his portrayal of Saul Goodman. This win was a significant milestone in his career and was widely celebrated by both fans and critics. Odenkirk’s ability to capture the complexity of Saul/Jimmy was central to the show’s success, and this win was long overdue.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Rhea Seehorn): Rhea Seehorn finally won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2022, after being nominated multiple times throughout the series. Seehorn’s portrayal of Kim Wexler was groundbreaking, and her character’s moral struggles were an essential part of the series’ appeal. This win was considered a well-deserved recognition of her incredible work.
Outstanding Drama Series (2022): Better Call Saul also won the prestigious award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2022, which marked a crowning achievement for the series. This win was particularly significant because it was the show’s final season, and it solidified its place in television history. The win for Outstanding Drama Series recognized the excellence of the show as a whole, including its writing, acting, and direction.
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (2022): The final season of Better Call Saul won the Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series in 2022. This victory was a recognition of the exceptional storytelling that made the series so unique. The intricate plotting and character-driven narrative structure were key to Better Call Saul’s success, and the win for writing acknowledged this.
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (2022): In addition to its writing, the direction of Better Call Saul was also recognized with an Emmy win in 2022. The direction of several key episodes, particularly in the final season, was a masterclass in pacing and suspense. The show’s directors helped craft a visually stunning and emotionally powerful conclusion to the series.
The Final Season’s Impact on Better Call Saul’s Emmy Success
The final season of Better Call Saul played a significant role in the show’s Emmy success. In 2022, the show was able to sweep several major categories, including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor, and Outstanding Supporting Actress. The final season was widely regarded as one of the best in television history, and it provided a satisfying and emotional conclusion to the story of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman.
The show’s end was a bittersweet moment for many fans, but it was also a moment of triumph for the cast and crew, as their hard work was finally recognized by the Emmy Awards. Better Call Saul had always been a critically acclaimed series, but the final season elevated it to an even higher level of greatness.
Conclusion
Better Call Saul may not have won many Emmys in its early seasons, but its final years were filled with recognition and triumph. Bob Odenkirk’s win for Outstanding Lead Actor, Rhea Seehorn’s win for Outstanding Supporting Actress, and the show’s win for Outstanding Drama Series were all major milestones in the show’s Emmy history. These wins were long overdue and celebrated by fans who had followed the show since its first episode.
With a total of 46 nominations and several wins across different categories, Better Call Saul is firmly established as one of the best TV shows of all time. Its storytelling, direction, and performances will continue to be remembered for years to come. While the show may have come to an end, its legacy in the world of television will live on.
