Shame on the ATAS & its chair, Cris Abrego
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation should be ashamed for not adopting criteria that would allow Star Trek: The Original Series the ability to, at least, be nominated for the upcoming Emmys Legacy Award. And shame on Cris Abrego, the Television Academy Chairman, who wrote in the same press release:
"The Legacy Award celebrates groundbreaking programming — programs that have stood the test of time delivering stories that continue to engage audiences and featuring iconic and timeless characters with multigenerational appeal. The award allows the Academy to honor more of television’s rich history and acknowledge the storytellers whose work has resonated with viewers and continues to entertain legions of fans around the globe.”
Well, congratulations, Mr. Abrego. You're chairing over a Television Academy that won't honor one of TV's most impactful series because it only ran for three seasons. How about The Addams Family? I suppose it isn't worthy of your consideration either?
And what about Batman starring Adam West?! Mr. Abrego, are you seriously going to sit there and tell me Batman isn't deserving of a Legacy Award because it only ran three seasons? Aren't you aware of its enormous impact on TV history and pop culture?
Also set forth in the aforementioned press release: "Candidates for the Legacy Award shall be selected annually by the Governors Award committee (to be renamed the Special Awards Committee) and presented to the Board of Governors for a vote. Entries may be made by members of the Board of Governors, the Special Awards Committee or individuals who may suggest recipients in a letter to the Television Academy. As with the Governors Award, engraved Emmy statuettes will be bestowed upon the recipients of the Legacy Award."
I guarantee you some of those assigned to the Special Awards Committee are going to be scratching their heads when they are unable to select iconic television series like Star Trek and Batman. (Continued...)