Emmy 2026 is giving TV fans something new to talk about even before the red carpet could be rolled out. The Television Academy has decided to add a brand-new award called “The Legacy Award,” and it is meant for shows that have stayed relevant across multiple seasons and have had a cultural impact on pop culture.The award will celebrate TV shows that were/are meaningful, had/have a forceful impact, and have been loved for many years.With this new award, Emmy 2026 is not just adding another trophy to the list, but it is creating a space to recognize television history in a serious way, and this alone makes the move exciting.What does "The Legacy Award" being introduced for Emmy 2026 truly mean?The Legacy Award is a huge addition to the Emmy 2026 lineup, especially since the Academy has not introduced something this significant since 2007. This award is for shows that have left a real mark on fans and for shows that continue to matter even today, regardless of how many years have passed.The Television Academy described the award as one that celebrates programs that have made “a profound and lasting impact” on fans and remain important to society, culture, as well as the industry.Cris Abrego, the Chair of the Television Academy, explained the meaning behind the award in a press release. According to him,“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.”The award is also not limited to shows that are currently on air. Older series that have had a hand in shaping pop culture are eligible too, as well as long-running favorites that are still putting out new episodes.How shows qualify, who nominates them, and where the award will be givenThe rules for the Legacy Award are strict but easy to understand. A show must have at least 60 episodes and a minimum of five seasons to even be considered for a nomination.Cris Abrego, 77th Primetime Emmy Awards - Show - Source: GettyApart from the numbers, the show must also inspire a genre, be loved by the audience, or have cultural importance. If a show belongs to a franchise, the entire franchise shall be judged on the basis of the show that has been submitted for nomination. Once a TV show wins this award, it will not be eligible for a second win.Members of the TV Academy Board of Governors can submit names for the nominations. The Special Committee can also put forward their preferred shows. Even people from the industry or fans can suggest shows by sending letters directly to the Television Academy.Final selections will be handled by the committee that is now being renamed from the Governors Award Committee to the Special Awards Committee.As for where audiences will see the award handed out, the Academy is keeping its options open. The award could be presented during the Primetime Emmys, the Creative Arts Ceremonies, the Televerse festival, or possibly at the Hall of Fame event. Nothing has been formally decided yet.With Emmy 2026 introducing the Legacy Award, the Academy is widening how it celebrates and looks at what excellence in TV means.By introducing the Legacy Award for the Emmy 2026 lineup, the Television Academy is making space to honor shows that have shaped TV and have stayed important across multiple seasons and episodes.With easy-to-follow nomination rules, the new category seems focused on the future of TV. The award adds depth to the Emmys and gives longtime fans a reason to celebrate the shows that defined their taste.Stay tuned to SoapCentral for more updates on Emmy 2026.