In a move that acknowledges the enduring power of nostalgia, the Television Academy has announced a new "Legacy Award" for the Emmys, designed to honor shows that have shaped culture long after their finales aired.

This new category is a nod to the fact that in the streaming era, old shows often have a second, more vibrant life than current hits. From The X-Files to Star Trek, franchises that defined generations but may have missed out on "Best Drama" in their heyday will finally get their flowers.

Why Now?

The TV landscape is fractured. With hundreds of new shows premiering annually, few achieve the monocultural impact of the classics. The Legacy Award allows the Emmys to tap into the passionate fanbases of yesteryear.

• The Criteria: To qualify, a show must have run for at least five seasons and 60 episodes, and demonstrated "sustained relevance" to society and pop culture.
• Potential Winners: Speculation is rife that sci-fi giants like Star Trek (celebrating its 60th anniversary) could be inaugural recipients. The prospect of seeing William Shatner and Patrick Stewart on stage together is TV gold.
• Industry Trend: This mirrors the Oscars' struggles to remain relevant. By honoring "legacy," the Emmys are admitting that sometimes, they got it wrong the first time around.

The Kenyan Angle

For Kenyan TV lovers who grew up on KBC’s weekend diet of MacGyver and The X-Files, this award validates our childhood obsession. It is a celebration of the stories that traveled borders and stood the test of time.