Despite the name, this is also an award that documentary series and mini-series can win, as proved by Roots (1978) and 60 Minutes (1979).
- 1970 - Marcus Welby, M.D
- 1971 - Medical Center
- 1972 - Mannix
- 1973 - Columbo
- 1974 - The Waltons
- 1975 - Upstairs/Downstairs
- 1976 - Kojak
- 1977 - Rich Man, Poor Man (Book I)
- 1978 - Roots
- 1979 - 60 Minutes
- 1980 - Lou Grant
- 1981 - Shogun
- 1982 - Hill Street Blues
- 1983 - Hill Street Blues
- 1984 - Dynasty
- 1985 - Murder, She Wrote
- 1986 - Murder, She Wrote
- 1987 - L.A. Law
- 1988 - L.A. Law
- 1989 - thirtysomething
- 1990 - China Beach
- 1991 - Twin Peaks
- 1992 - Northern Exposure
- 1993 - Northern Exposure
- 1994 - NYPD Blue
- 1995 - The X-Files
- 1996 - Party of Five
- 1997 - The X-Files
- 1998 - The X-Files
- 1999 - The Practice
- 2000 - The Sopranos
- 2001 - The West Wing
- 2002 - Six Feet Under
- 2003 - The Shield (FX)
