The Television Critics Association (TCA) has announced the 2021 TCA Award Winners, honoring exceptional programs and performances from the 2020-2021 television season. Winners were selected by a cabal of more than 200 professional TV critics and journalists from the United States and Canada, all of whom are members of the TCA. The biggest winners at the 37th Annual TCA Awards are Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso, including the coveted Program of the Year Award. The biggest winner from a company standpoint is HBO/HBO Max, with a total of four wins. And Betty White, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty finally get their dessert with the Heritage Award for The Golden Girls (produced by Touchstone Television), which celebrated its 36th anniversary on September 13th. You can see the winners below and the full list of nominees here.
(ABC)
2021 TCA Award Winners:
- Individual Achievement In Drama: Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You – HBO)
- Individual Achievement In Comedy: Jean Smart (Hacks – HBO Max)
- Outstanding Achievement In News and Information: The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears (FX/FX On Hulu)
- Outstanding Achievement In Reality Programming: TIE: Couples Therapy (Showtime), Deaf U (Netflix)
- Outstanding Achievement In Youth Programming: The Baby-Sitters Club (Netflix)
- Outstanding Achievement In Variety, Talk Or Sketch: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO, 2018 & 2019 Winner In Category)
- Outstanding New Program: Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
- Outstanding Achievement In Movies, Miniseries, Or Specials: Mare of Easttown (HBO)
- Outstanding Achievement In Drama: The Crown (Netflix)
- Outstanding Achievement In Comedy: Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
- Program of the Year: Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
- Career Achievement Honoree: Jean Smart
- Heritage Award: The Golden Girls (NBC)
What They’re Saying:
- Melanie McFarland, TCA President and TV Critic for Salon: “Television came through in a big way this year, serving up some much-needed entertainment that was a welcome distraction from the real-life dramas of the real world. The fact that comedic shows reigned supreme at the 2021 TCA Awards is a testament to this. From the folksy humor of Ted Lasso and the sharp takes of Hacks, to the timeless laughs of The Golden Girls, this season’s offerings gave us plenty of reasons to smile in uncertain times. We are excited to honor these outstanding programs as we celebrate 37 years of the TCA Awards, and we look forward to being together again in person in 2022.”
Acceptance Speeches:
While the TCA Awards are not televised, a video of acceptance speeches was shared today. Executive Producer Tony Thomas accepts the Heritage Award for The Golden Girls.