The Emmy best drama winners by year list starts in 1951 with live anthology showcases and evolves into serialized network classics that defined television for decades.

The Defenders won Outstanding Drama Series three straight years from 1962 through 1964 — an early dynasty on the Emmy best drama winners by year roll call before procedurals took over.

Hill Street Blues won four consecutive drama Emmys from 1981 through 1984 — tying the category record that L.A. Law, The West Wing, Mad Men, and Game of Thrones later matched.

L.A. Law claimed four Outstanding Drama Series trophies across the late 1980s and early 1990s — cementing legal ensemble storytelling on the Emmy best drama winners by year timeline.

NYPD Blue won in 1995 and ER claimed 1996 — hospital and precinct blockbusters that anchored the 1990s chapter of Emmy best drama winners by year before The West Wing arrived.