Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series debuted in 1966, and has been annually awarded most years since the mid-1960s. It has had a large number of name changes, mostly involving the addition or subtraction of the word comedy. Generally, the category has recognized the writers of variety and sketch comedy shows. However, in 1969, 1970 and 1979, it was the main category for writers of situation comedies. Prior to 1966, variety series were eligible in Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series where The Red Skelton Show and other variety programs were occasionally nominated.
For most of the 1970s, the category was effectively split into two branches. From 1971 to 1978, one-off specials were awarded separately from ongoing series. The divide was reinstated in 2009 as Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special. The writers of one-off variety specials competed against series writers in the interim, and occasionally won, as in 1991 and 2000. This has led to some anomalies, such as when a special edition of Late Night with David Letterman beat out regular editions of The Tracey Ullman Show and Saturday Night Live in 1987, despite the fact that typical episodes of Late Night were not nominated that year.
The category eventually found greater stability with its name in 1982, when it settled on Outstanding Writing for a Variety or Music Program for almost two decades. In 2000, it added the word comedy. Of all the writing Emmy categories, it has recently become the one most dominated by cable networks. Since 1996 it has been won by a major terrestrial broadcaster only twice, with the overwhelming majority of winners coming from HBO and Comedy Central.
The following list of winners is organized both by year and the name being used by the category in that year:
Winners and nominations
1960s
Outstanding Writing Achievement in Variety1970s
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy – Variety or Music Series| Year | Program | Episode | Writers | Network |
| 1974 | - | - | - | - |
| 1974 | The Carol Burnett Show | "Bernadette Peters" | Roger Beatty, Gary Belkin, Dick Clair, Rudy De Luca, Barry Harman, Arnie Kogen, Barry Levinson, Jenna McMahon, Gene Perret, Bill Richmond and Ed Simmons | CBS |
| 1974 | The Carol Burnett Show | "The Family Show" | Bill Angelos, Roger Beatty, Stan Hart, Robert Hilliard, Woody Kling, Arnie Kogen, Buz Kohan, Gail Parent, Tom Patchett, Larry Siegel and Jay Tarses | CBS |
| 1974 | The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour | "Chuck Connors and Howard Cosell" | Bob Arnott, Chris Bearde, Allan Blye, George Burditt, Bob Einstein, Phil Hahn, Coslough Johnson, Jim Mulligan and Paul Wayne | CBS |
| 1975 | - | - | - | - |
| 1975 | The Carol Burnett Show | "Alan Alda" | Roger Beatty, Gary Belkin, Dick Clair, Rudy De Luca, Arnie Kogen, Barry Levinson, Jenna McMahon, Gene Perret, Bill Richmond and Ed Simmons | CBS |
| 1975 | Cher | "Raquel Welch, Tatum O'Neal and Wayne Rogers" | Nick Arnold, John Boni, Allan Katz, David Panich, Ronny Pearlman, Iris Rainer, Don Reo, George Schlatter, Ray Taylor and Digby Wolfe | CBS |
| 1976 | - | - | - | - |
| 1976 | Saturday Night Live | "Elliott Gould" | Anne Beatts, Chevy Chase, Tom Davis, Al Franken, Lorne Michaels, Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Herb Sargent, Tom Schiller, Rosie Shuster and Alan Zweibel | NBC |
| 1976 | The Carol Burnett Show | "Jim Nabors" | Roger Beatty, Gary Belkin, Dick Clair, Rudy De Luca, Ray Jessel, Arnie Kogen, Barry Levinson, Jenna McMahon, Gene Perret, Bill Richmond and Ed Simmons | CBS |
| 1976 | The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour | "Premiere" | Bob Arnott, John Aylesworth, Jeanine Burnier, Stuart Gillard, Phil Hahn, Coslough Johnson, Frank Peppiatt, Iris Rainer and Ted Zeigler | CBS |
| 1977 | - | - | - | - |
| 1977 | Saturday Night Live | "Sissy Spacek" | Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Tom Davis, Jim Downey, Al Franken, Lorne Michaels, Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Bill Murray, Michael O'Donoghue, Herb Sargent, Tom Schiller, Rosie Shuster and Alan Zweibel | NBC |
| 1977 | The Carol Burnett Show | "Eydie Gormé" | Roger Beatty, Dick Clair, Tim Conway, Elias Davis, Rick Hawkins, Jenna McMahon, Gene Perret, David Pollock, Bill Richmond, Liz Sage, Ed Simmons, Adele Styler and Burt Styler | CBS |
| 1977 | The Muppet Show | "Paul Williams" | Jack Burns, Jim Henson, Jerry Juhl and Marc London | Syndicated |
| 1977 | Saturday Night Live | "Elliott Gould" | Anne Beatts, Chevy Chase, Tom Davis, Al Franken, Lorne Michaels, Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Michael O'Donoghue, Herb Sargent, Tom Schiller, Rosie Shuster and Alan Zweibel | NBC |
| 1977 | Van Dyke & Company | "John Denver" | Allan Blye, George Burditt, Bob Einstein, Garry Ferrier, Ken Finkleman, Mitch Markowitz, Tom McLoughlin, Don Novello, Pat Proft, Leonard Ripps, Mickey Rose, Aubrey Tadman, Dick Van Dyke and Paul Wayne | NBC |
| 1978 | - | - | - | - |
| 1978 | The Carol Burnett Show | "Steve Martin and Betty White" | Roger Beatty, Dick Clair, Tim Conway, Rick Hawkins, Robert Illes, Jenna McMahon, Gene Perret, Bill Richmond, Liz Sage, Larry Siegel, Franelle Silver, Ed Simmons and James Stein | CBS |
| 1978 | America 2Night | "Carol Burnett" | John Boni, Tom Dunsmuir, Robert Illes, Tom Moore, Harry Shearer, James Stein, Jeremy Stevens, Norman Stiles, Alan Thicke and Dan Wilcox | Syndicated |
| 1978 | The Carol Burnett Show | "Ken Berry" | Roger Beatty, Dick Clair, Tim Conway, Elias Davis, Rick Hawkins, Jenna McMahon, Gene Perret, David Pollock, Bill Richmond, Ed Simmons, Adele Styler and Burt Styler | CBS |
| 1978 | The Muppet Show | "Dom DeLuise" | Joseph Bailey, Jim Henson, Don Hinkley and Jerry Juhl | Syndicated |
| 1978 | Saturday Night Live | "Steve Martin" | Dan Aykroyd, Anne Beatts, Tom Davis, Jim Downey, Brian Doyle-Murray, Al Franken, Lorne Michaels, Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Don Novello, Michael O'Donoghue, Herb Sargent, Tom Schiller, Rosie Shuster and Alan Zweibel | NBC |
| 1979 | - | - | - | - |
| 1979 | M*A*S*H | "Inga" | Alan Alda | CBS |
| 1979 | All in the Family | "California, Here We Are, Part 2" | Milt Josefsberg, Bob Schiller, Phil Sharp and Bob Weiskopf | CBS |
| 1979 | M*A*S*H | "Point of View" | David Isaacs and Ken Levine | CBS |
| 1979 | Saturday Night Live | "Richard Benjamin" | Dan Aykroyd, Anne Beatts, Tom Davis, James Downey, Brian Doyle-Murray, Al Franken, Brian McConnachie, Lorne Michaels, Don Novello, Herbert Sargent, Tom Schiller, Rosie Shuster, Walter Williams and Alan Zweibel | NBC |
| 1979 | Taxi | "Blind Date" | Michael Leeson | ABC |
1980s
Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music ProgramOutstanding Writing in a Variety, Music or Comedy Program
Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program
1990s
Outstanding Individual Achievement in Writing in a Variety or Music Program| Year | Program | Writers | Network |
| 1992 | - | - | - |
| 1992 | The 64th Annual Academy Awards | Billy Crystal, Hal Kanter, Buz Kohan, Marc Shaiman, David Steinberg, Bruce Vilanch and Robert Wuhl | ABC |
| 1992 | In Living Color | Fax Bahr, John Bowman, Harry Dunn, Greg Fields, Les Firestein, Fred Graver, Becky Hartman Edwards, Michelle Jones, Buddy Sheffield, Adam Small, Michael Anthony Snowden, Steve Tompkins, Pam Veasey, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans, Larry Wilmore and Marc Wilmore | Fox |
| 1992 | Late Night with David Letterman | Rob Burnett, Jill Davis, Spike Feresten, Joe Furey, Larry Jacobson, Ken Keeler, David Letterman, Gerard Mulligan, Steve O'Donnell, Maria Pope, Adam Resnick, Bill Scheft, Paul Simms and Steve Young | NBC |
| 1992 | Saturday Night Live | Tom Davis, Jim Downey, Al Franken, Jack Handey, Warren Hutcherson, Steve Koren, Dan McGrath, Lorne Michaels, Adam Sandler, Herb Sargent, Rob Schneider, Robert Smigel, Bonnie and Terry Turner and Christine Zander | NBC |
| 1992 | The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | Michael Barrie, Tony Desena, Tom Finnigan, Bob Keane, Jim Mulholland, Bob Smith, Andrew Nicholls and Darrell Vickers | NBC |
| 1993 | - | - | - |
| 1993 | The Ben Stiller Show | Judd Apatow, Robert Cohen, David Cross, Brent Forrester, Jeff Kahn, Bruce Kirschbaum, Bob Odenkirk, Sultan Pepper, Dino Stamatopoulos and Ben Stiller | Fox |
| 1993 | The Kids in the Hall | Paul Bellini, Dave Foley, Brian Hartt, Norm Hiscock, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney and Scott Thompson | HBO |
| 1993 | Late Night with David Letterman | Jon Beckerman, Rob Burnett, Donick Cary, Jill Davis, Spike Feresten, Larry Jacobson, David Letterman, Gerard Mulligan, Steve O'Donnell, Brian Reich, Bill Scheft and Steve Young | NBC |
| 1993 | Rick Reynolds: Only the Truth Is Funny | Rick Reynolds | Showtime |
| 1993 | Saturday Night Live | Tom Davis, Jim Downey, Al Franken, Jack Handey, Bruce Handy, Warren Hutcherson, Steve Koren, David Mandel, Ian Maxtone-Graham, Tim Meadows, Lorne Michaels, Vanessa Middleton, Adam Sandler, Herb Sargent, Robert Smigel, David Spade, Bonnie and Terry Turner and Christine Zander | NBC |
| 1994 | - | - | - |
| 1994 | Dennis Miller Live | Jeff Cesario, Mike Dugan, Eddie Feldmann, Gregory Greenberg, Dennis Miller and Kevin Rooney | HBO |
| 1994 | The Kids in the Hall | Paul Bellini, Garry Campbell, Diane Flacks, Dave Foley, Brian Hartt, Norm Hiscock, Andy Jones, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney and Scott Thompson | CBS |
| 1994 | Late Show with David Letterman | Nick Arnold, Jon Beckerman, Rob Burnett, Donick Cary, Jill Davis, Spike Feresten, Dave Hanson, Larry Jacobson, David Letterman, Gerard Mulligan, Steve O'Donnell, Bill Scheft, Jeff Stilson and Steve Young | CBS |
| 1994 | Mystery Science Theater 3000 | Trace Beaulieu, Paul Chaplin, Frank Conniff, Bridget Jones, Jim Mallon, Kevin Murphy, Michael J. Nelson, Mary Jo Pehl, David Sussman and Colleen Williams | Comedy Central |
| 1994 | Tracey Ullman Takes on New York | Dick Clement, Marc Flanagan, Ian La Frenais, Stephen Nathan and Tony Sheehan | HBO |
| 1995 | - | - | - |
| 1995 | Dennis Miller Live | Jeff Cesario, Ed Driscoll, David Feldman, Eddie Feldmann, Gregory Greenberg, Dennis Miller and Kevin Rooney | HBO |
| 1995 | The Kids in the Hall | Paul Bellini, Garry Campbell, Diane Flacks, Dave Foley, Brian Hartt, Norm Hiscock, Andy Jones, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney and Scott Thompson | CBS |
| 1995 | Late Show with David Letterman: Video Special | Michael Barrie, Jon Beckerman, Rob Burnett, Donick Cary, Jill Davis, Spike Feresten, Dave Hanson, Larry Jacobson, Chris Kelly, David Letterman, Jim Mulholland, Gerard Mulligan, Steve O'Donnell, Bill Scheft, Jeff Stilson and Steve Young | CBS |
| 1995 | Mystery Science Theater 3000 | Trace Beaulieu, Paul Chaplin, Frank Conniff, Mike Dodge, Bridget Jones, Jim Mallon, Kevin Murphy, Michael J. Nelson, Mary Jo Pehl and Colleen Williams | Comedy Central |
| 1995 | Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher | Scott Carter, Christopher Case Erbland, Hayes Jackson, Tim Long and Eric Weinberg | Comedy Central |
| 1996 | - | - | - |
| 1996 | Dennis Miller Live | David Feldman, Eddie Feldmann, Mike Gandolfi, Tom Hertz, Leah Krinsky, Dennis Miller and Rick Overton | HBO |
| 1996 | Late Night with Conan O'Brien | Tom Agna, Chris Albers, Tommy Blacha, Greg Cohen, Janine Ditullio, Ned Goldreyer, Michael Gordon, Jonathan Groff, Brian Kiley, Brian McCann, Conan O'Brien, Brian Reich, Andy Richter, Dino Stamatopoulos and Mike Sweeney | NBC |
| 1996 | Late Show with David Letterman | Michael Barrie, Jon Beckerman, Rob Burnett, Donick Cary, Jill Davis, Davey DiGiorgio, Larry Jacobson, David Letterman, Tim Long, Jim Mulholland, Gerard Mulligan, Rodney Rothman, Bill Scheft, Stephen Sherrill, Joe Toplyn, Rob Young and Steve Young | CBS |
| 1996 | Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher | Chris Albers, Scott Carter, Christopher Case Erbland, Jon Hotchkiss, Hayes Jackson, Brian Jacobsmeyer, Chris Kelly, Bill Maher, Billy Martin and Eric Weinberg | Comedy Central |
| 1996 | Tracey Takes On... | Jerry Belson, Dick Clement, Kim Fuller, Jenji Kohan, Ian La Frenais, Molly Newman, Gail Parent, Tony Sheehan, Tracey Ullman and Allen J. Zipper | HBO |
Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program
| Year | Program | Writers | Network |
| 1997 | - | - | - |
| 1997 | Chris Rock | HBO | |
| 1997 | Dennis Miller Live | David Feldman, Eddie Feldmann, Jim Hanna, Tom Hertz, Leah Krinsky, Dennis Miller and Rick Overton | HBO |
| 1997 | Late Night with Conan O'Brien | Tom Agna, Chris Albers, Ellie Barancik, Tommy Blacha, Greg Cohen, Janine Ditullio, Michael Gordon, Jonathan Groff, Brian Kiley, Brian McCann, Conan O'Brien, Brian Reich, Andy Richter, Robert Smigel and Mike Sweeney | NBC |
| 1997 | Late Show with David Letterman | Michael Barrie, Jon Beckerman, Rob Burnett, Alex Gregory, Matt Harrigan, Peter Huyck, Eric Kaplan, David Letterman, Tim Long, Jim Mulholland, Gerard Mulligan, Rodney Rothman, Bill Scheft, Joe Toplyn and Steve Young | CBS |
| 1997 | Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher | Franklyn Ajaye, Scott Carter, Christopher Case Erbland, Al Franken, Jon Hotchkiss, Arianna Huffington, Hayes Jackson, Brian Jacobsmeyer, Bill Kelley, Chris Kelly, Bill Maher, Billy Martin, Ned Rice, Chris Rock, Geoff Rodkey, Michael Rotman, Jeff Stilson, Danny Vermont and Eric Weinberg | ABC |
| 1997 | Tracey Takes On... | Jerry Belson, Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais, Robert Klane, Jenji Kohan, Molly Newman, Gail Parent, Tracey Ullman and Allen J. Zipper | HBO |
| 1998 | - | - | - |
| 1998 | Dennis Miller Live | Jose Arroyo, David Feldman, Eddie Feldmann, Jim Hanna, Leah Krinsky, Dennis Miller and David Weiss | HBO |
| 1998 | The Chris Rock Show | Louis C.K., Lance Crouther, Gregory Greenberg, Jon Hayman, Paul Kozlowski, Ali LeRoi, Steve O'Donnell, Chris Rock, Chuck Sklar, Jeff Stilson and Wanda Sykes | HBO |
| 1998 | Late Night with Conan O'Brien | Chris Albers, Ellie Barancik, Tommy Blacha, Greg Cohen, Janine Ditullio, Michael Gordon, Jonathan Groff, Brian Kiley, Brian McCann, Conan O'Brien, Brian Reich, Andy Richter, Brian Stack and Mike Sweeney | NBC |
| 1998 | Late Show with David Letterman | Gabe Abelson, Michael Barrie, Carter Bays, Jon Beckerman, Rob Burnett, Will Forte, Eric Kaplan, David Letterman, Tim Long, Jim Mulholland, Gerard Mulligan, Rodney Rothman, Eric Stangel, Justin Stangel, Craig Thomas, Joe Toplyn and Steve Young | CBS |
| 1998 | Mr. Show with Bob and David | David Cross, Jay Johnston, Bob Odenkirk, Bill Odenkirk, Brian Posehn, Dino Stamatopoulos, Michael Stoyanov, Paul F. Tompkins and Mike Upchurch | HBO |
| 1999 | - | - | - |
| 1999 | The Chris Rock Show | Tom Agna, Vernon Chatman, Louis C.K., Lance Crouther, Gregory Greenberg, Ali LeRoi, Steve O'Donnell, Chris Rock, Frank Sebastiano, Chuck Sklar, Jeff Stilson, Wanda Sykes and Mike Upchurch | HBO |
| 1999 | Dennis Miller Live | Jose Arroyo, David Feldman, Eddie Feldmann, Jim Hanna, Leah Krinsky, Dennis Miller and David Weiss | HBO |
| 1999 | Late Night with Conan O'Brien | Chris Albers, Ellie Barancik, Tommy Blacha, Janine Ditullio, Jon Glaser, Michael Gordon, Jonathan Groff, Brian Kiley, Brian McCann, Conan O'Brien, Andy Richter, Brian Stack and Mike Sweeney | NBC |
| 1999 | Late Show with David Letterman | Gabe Abelson, Michael Barrie, Carter Bays, Jon Beckerman, Jeff Boggs, Rob Burnett, Chris Harris, David Javerbaum, David Letterman, Jim Mulholland, Gerard Mulligan, Rodney Rothman, Tom Ruprecht, Eric Stangel, Justin Stangel, Craig Thomas, Joe Toplyn and Steve Young | CBS |
| 1999 | Mr. Show with Bob and David | Scott Aukerman, Jerry Collins, David Cross, Jay Johnston, Bob Odenkirk, Bill Odenkirk, B. J. Porter, Brian Posehn and Dino Stamatopoulos | HBO |
2000s
Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series| Year | Program | Writers | Network |
| 2009 | - | - | - |
| 2009 | The Daily Show with Jon Stewart | Steve Bodow, David Javerbaum, Josh Lieb, Rory Albanese, Kevin Bleyer, Jason Ross, Tim Carvell, John Oliver, Sam Means, Rob Kutner, J. R. Havlan, Rich Blomquist, Wyatt Cenac, Elliott Kalan, Rachel Axler and Jon Stewart | Comedy Central |
| 2009 | The Colbert Report | Tom Purcell, Stephen Colbert, Allison Silverman, Rich Dahm, Michael Brumm, Rob Dubbin, Opus Moreschi, Peter Gwinn, Jay Katsir, Frank Lesser, Glenn Eichler, Peter Grosz, Barry Julien and Meredith Scardino | Comedy Central |
| 2009 | Late Night with Conan O'Brien | Mike Sweeney, Chris Albers, Jose Arroyo, Dan Cronin, Kevin Dorff, Andres du Bouchet, Michael Gordon, Berkley Johnson, Brian Kiley, Todd Levin, Brian McCann, Guy Nicolucci, Conan O'Brien, Matt O'Brien, Brian Stack and Andrew Weinberg | NBC |
| 2009 | Late Show with David Letterman | Eric Stangel, Justin Stangel, Michael Barrie, Jim Mulholland, Steve Young, Tom Ruprecht, Lee Ellenberg, Matt Roberts, Jeremy Weiner, Joe Grossman, Bill Scheft, Bob Borden, Frank Sebastiano and David Letterman | CBS |
| 2009 | Saturday Night Live | Seth Meyers, Doug Abeles, James Anderson, Alex Baze, Jessica Conrad, Jim Downey, Steve Higgins, Colin Jost, Erik Kenward, Rob Klein, John Lutz, Lorne Michaels, John Mulaney, Paula Pell, Simon Rich, Marika Sawyer, Akiva Schaffer, John Solomon, Emily Spivey, Kent Sublette, Jorma Taccone and Bryan Tucker | NBC |
2010s
Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series| Year | Program | Writers | Network |
| 2012 | - | - | - |
| 2012 | The Daily Show with Jon Stewart | Tim Carvell, Rory Albanese, Kevin Bleyer, Rich Blomquist, Steve Bodow, Wyatt Cenac, Hallie Haglund, J. R. Havlan, Elliott Kalan, Dan McCoy, Jo Miller, John Oliver, Zhubin Parang, Daniel Radosh, Jason Ross and Jon Stewart | Comedy Central |
| 2012 | The Colbert Report | Barry Julien, Stephen Colbert, Tom Purcell, Rich Dahm, Michael Brumm, Rob Dubbin, Opus Moreschi, Peter Gwinn, Jay Katsir, Frank Lesser, Glenn Eichler, Meredith Scardino, Max Werner, Eric Drysdale, Scott Sherman, Dan Guterman and Paul Dinello | Comedy Central |
| 2012 | Portlandia | Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein, Jonathan Krisel and Karey Dornetto | IFC |
| 2012 | Real Time with Bill Maher | Adam Felber, Matt Gunn, Brian Jacobsmeyer, Jay Jaroch, Chris Kelly, Mike Larsen, Bill Maher, Billy Martin and Scott Carter | HBO |
| 2012 | Saturday Night Live | James Anderson, Alex Baze, Jessica Conrad, James Downey, Shelly Gossman, Steve Higgins, Zach Kanin, Chris Kelly, Colin Jost, Erik Kenward, Rob Klein, Seth Meyers, Lorne Michaels, John Mulaney, Christine Nangle, Michael Patrick O'Brien, Paula Pell, Marika Sawyer, Sarah Schneider, Pete Schultz, John Solomon, Kent Sublette, Bryan Tucker and Emily Spivey | NBC |
| 2013 | - | - | - |
| 2013 | The Colbert Report | Michael Brumm, Nate Charny, Stephen Colbert, Rich Dahm, Paul Dinello, Rob Dubbin, Eric Drysdale, Glenn Eichler, Dan Guterman, Barry Julien, Jay Katsir, Frank Lesser, Opus Moreschi, Bobby Mort, Tom Purcell, Meredith Scardino and Max Werner | Comedy Central |
| 2013 | The Daily Show with Jon Stewart | Rory Albanese, Kevin Bleyer, Steve Bodow, Tim Carvell, Travon Free, Hallie Haglund, J. R. Havlan, Elliott Kalan, Dan McCoy, Jo Miller, John Oliver, Zhubin Parang, Daniel Radosh, Jason Ross, Lauren Sarver and Jon Stewart | Comedy Central |
| 2013 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! | Tony Barbieri, Jonathan Bines, Joelle Boucai, Gary Greenberg, Sal Iacono, Eric Immerman, Josh Halloway, Bess Kalb, Jimmy Kimmel, Jeff Loveness, Molly McNearney, Bryan Paulk, Danny Ricker and Rick Rosner | ABC |
| 2013 | Portlandia | Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein, Jonathan Krisel and Bill Oakley | IFC |
| 2013 | Real Time with Bill Maher | Scott Carter, Adam Felber, Matt Gunn, Brian Jacobsmeyer, Jay Jaroch, Chris Kelly, Bill Maher, Billy Martin and Danny Vermont | HBO |
| 2013 | Saturday Night Live | James Anderson, Alex Baze, Neil Casey, James Downey, Steve Higgins, Colin Jost, Zach Kanin, Chris Kelly, Joe Kelly, Erik Kenward, Rob Klein, Seth Meyers, Lorne Michaels, Mike O'Brien, Josh Patten, Marika Sawyer, Sarah Schneider, Pete Schultz, Robert Smigel, John Solomon, Kent Sublette and Bryan Tucker | NBC |
| 2014 | - | - | - |
| 2014 | The Colbert Report | Michael Brumm, Nate Charny, Aaron Cohen, Stephen Colbert, Rich Dahm, Paul Dinello, Eric Drysdale, Rob Dubbin, Glenn Eichler, Gabe Gronli, Barry Julien, Jay Katsir, Sam Kim, Matt Lappin, Frank Lesser, Opus Moreschi, Tom Purcell, Meredith Scardino and Max Werner | Comedy Central |
| 2014 | The Daily Show with Jon Stewart | Rory Albanese, Dan Amira, Steve Bodow, Tim Carvell, Travon Free, Hallie Haglund, J. R. Havlan, Elliott Kalan, Matt Koff, Dan McCoy, Jo Miller, John Oliver, Zhubin Parang, Daniel Radosh, Lauren Sarver and Jon Stewart | Comedy Central |
| 2014 | Inside Amy Schumer | Emily Altman, Jeremy Beiler, Neil Casey, Kyle Dunnigan, Jessi Klein, Kurt Metzger, Christine Nangle and Amy Schumer | Comedy Central |
| 2014 | Key & Peele | Rebbeca Drysdale, Colton Dunn, Keegan-Michael Key, Jay Martel, Jordan Peele, Ian Roberts, Alex Rubens, Charlie Sanders and Rich Talarico | Comedy Central |
| 2014 | Portlandia | Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein, Karey Dornetto, Jonathan Krisel and Graham Wagner | IFC |
| 2014 | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon | Patrick Borelli, Gerard Bradford, Luke Cunningham, Mike DiCenzo, Mike Drucker, Jess Dweck, Dicky Eagan, Jimmy Fallon, John Haskel, Michael Jann, Josh Lieb, Arthur Meyer, A.D. Miles, Chase Mitchell, Dan Opsal, Gavin Purcell, Jon Rineman, Albertina Rizzo, Jason Ross and David Young | NBC |
| 2015 | - | - | - |
| 2015 | The Daily Show with Jon Stewart | Dan Amira, Steve Bodow, Travon Free, Hallie Haglund, Elliott Kalan, Matt Koff, Adam Lowitt, Dan McCoy, Jo Miller, Zhubin Parang, Owen Parsons, Daniel Radosh, Lauren Sarver, Jon Stewart and Delaney Yeager | Comedy Central |
| 2015 | The Colbert Report | Michael Brumm, Nate Charny, Aaron Cohen, Stephen Colbert, Paul Dinello, Eric Drysdale, Rob Dubbin, Ariel Dumas, Glenn Eichler, Gabe Gronli, Barry Julien, Jay Katsir, Matt Lappin, Opus Moreschi, Tom Purcell and Max Werner | Comedy Central |
| 2015 | Inside Amy Schumer | Hallie Cantor, Kim Caramele, Kyle Dunnigan, Jon Glaser, Jessi Klein, Kurt Metzger, Christine Nangle, Tami Sagher and Amy Schumer | Comedy Central |
| 2015 | Key & Peele | Rebbeca Drysdale, Colton Dunn, Phil Augusta Jackson, Keegan-Michael Key, Jay Martel, Jordan Peele, Ian Roberts, Alex Rubens, Charlie Sanders and Rich Talarico | Comedy Central |
| 2015 | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver | Kevin Avery, Tim Carvell, Josh Gondelman, Dan Gurewitch, Geoff Haggerty, Jeff Maurer, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Jill Twiss and Juli Weiner | HBO |
| 2016 | - | - | - |
| 2016 | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver | Kevin Avery, Tim Carvell, Josh Gondelman, Dan Gurewitch, Geoff Haggerty, Jeff Maurer, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Jill Twiss and Juli Weiner | HBO |
| 2016 | Full Frontal with Samantha Bee | Samantha Bee, Ashley Nicole Black, Pat Cassels, Eric Drysdale, Mathan Erhardt, Joe Grossman, Jo Miller, Jason Reich and Melinda Taub | TBS |
| 2016 | Inside Amy Schumer | Kim Caramele, Kyle Dunnigan, Jessi Klein, Michael Lawrence, Kurt Metzger, Christine Nangle, Claudia O'Doherty, Daniel Powell, Tami Sagher and Amy Schumer | Comedy Central |
| 2016 | Key & Peele | Rebbeca Drysdale, Colton Dunn, Phil Augusta Jackson, Keegan-Michael Key, Jay Martel, Jordan Peele, Ian Roberts, Alex Rubens, Charlie Sanders and Rich Talarico | Comedy Central |
| 2016 | Portlandia | Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein, Jonathan Krisel, Graham Wagner and Karey Dornetto | IFC |
| 2016 | Saturday Night Live | James Anderson, Jeremy Beiler, Chris Belair, Megan Callahan, Michael Che, Mikey Day, Fran Gillespie, Sudi Green, Steve Higgins, Colin Jost, Zach Kanin, Chris Kelly, Erik Kenward, Rob Klein, Paul Masella, Dave McCary, Dennis McNicholas, Seth Meyers, Lorne Michaels, Fred Armisen, Josh Patten, Katie Rich, Tim Robinson, Sarah Schneider, Pete Schultz, Streeter Seidell, Dave Sirus, Will Stephen, Kent Sublette, Julio Torres and Bryan Tucker | NBC |
| 2017 | - | - | - |
| 2017 | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver | Kevin Avery, Tim Carvell, Josh Gondelman, Dan Gurewitch, Geoff Haggerty, Jeff Maurer, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Jill Twiss and Juli Weiner | HBO |
| 2017 | Full Frontal with Samantha Bee | Samantha Bee, Ashley Nicole Black, Pat Cassels, Eric Drysdale, Mathan Erhardt, Travon Free, Joe Grossman, Miles Kahn, Jo Miller, Jason Reich and Melinda Taub | TBS |
| 2017 | Late Night with Seth Meyers | Jermaine Affonso, Alex Baze, Bryan Donaldson, Sal Gentile, Matt Goldich, Dina Gusovky, Jenny Hagel, Allison Hord, Mike Karnell, John Lutz, Seth Meyers, Ian Morgan, Seth Reiss, Amber Ruffin, Mike Scollins, Mike Shoemaker and Ben Warheit | NBC |
| 2017 | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | Stephen Colbert, Michael Brumm, Nate Charny, Aaron Cohen, Cullen Crawford, Paul Dinello, Ariel Dumas, Glenn Eichler, Django Gold, Gabe Gronli, Barry Julien, Jay Katsir, Daniel Kibblesmith, Matt Lappin, Opus Moreschi, Michael Pielocik, Tom Purcell, Kate Sidley, Jen Spyra, Brian Stack and John Thibodeaux | CBS |
| 2017 | Saturday Night Live | James Anderson, Kristen Bartlett, Jeremy Beiler, Zack Bornstein, Joanna Bradley, Megan Callahan, Michael Che, Anna Drezen, Fran Gillespie, Sudi Green, Steve Higgins, Colin Jost, Chris Kelly, Erik Kenward, Rob Klein, Nick Kocher, Dave McCary, Brian McElhaney, Dennis McNicholas, Drew Michael, Lorne Michaels, Josh Patten, Katie Rich, Sarah Schneider, Pete Schultz, Streeter Seidell, Will Stephen, Kent Sublette, Julio Torres and Bryan Tucker | NBC |
| 2018 | - | - | - |
| 2018 | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver | John Oliver, Tim Carvell, Raquel D'Apice, Josh Gondelman, Dan Gurewitch, Geoff Haggerty, Jeff Maurer, Brian Parise, Scott Sherman, Ben Silva, Will Tracy, Jill Twiss, Seena Vali and Juli Weiner | HBO |
| 2018 | Full Frontal with Samantha Bee | Melinda Taub, Samantha Bee, Pat Cassels, Mike Drucker, Eric Drysdale, Mathan Erhardt, Travon Free, Miles Kahn, Nicole Silverberg, Ashley Nicole Black and Joe Grossman | TBS |
| 2018 | Late Night with Seth Meyers | Jermaine Affonso, Alex Baze, Bryan Donaldson, Sal Gentile, Matt Goldich, Dina Gusovky, Jenny Hagel, Allison Hord, Mike Karnell, John Lutz, Seth Meyers, Ian Morgan, Seth Reiss, Amber Ruffin, Mike Scollins, Mike Shoemaker and Ben Warheit | NBC |
| 2018 | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | Jay Katsir, Opus Moreschi, Michael Brumm, Nate Charny, Aaron Cohen, Stephen Colbert, Cullen Crawford, Paul Dinello, Ariel Dumas, Glenn Eichler, Django Gold, Gabe Gronli, Barry Julien, Daniel Kibblesmith, Matt Lappin, Michael Pielocik, Tom Purcell, Kate Sidley, Jen Spyra, Brian Stack and John Thibodeaux | CBS |
| 2018 | Saturday Night Live | Michael Che, Colin Jost, Kent Sublette, Bryan Tucker, James Anderson, Steven Castillo, Andrew Dismukes, Megan Callahan, Anna Drezen, Claire Friedman, Steve Higgins, Sam Jay, Erik Kenward, Michael Koman, Dave McCary, Dennis McNicholas, Lorne Michaels, Nimesh Patel, Josh Patten, Katie Rich, Gary Richardson, Pete Schultz, Will Stephen, Julio Torres, Stephen Glover, Jamal Olori, Tim Kalpakis, Erik Marino, Fran Gillespie, Sudi Green and Streeter Seidell | NBC |
| 2019 | - | - | - |
| 2019 | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver | Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Jill Twiss, Juli Weiner, Tim Carvell, Raquel D'Apice, Josh Gondelman, Daniel O'Brien, John Oliver, Owen Parsons, Charlie Redd, Joanna Rothkopf, Ben Silva and Seena Vali | HBO |
| 2019 | Documentary Now! | John Mulaney and Seth Meyers | IFC |
| 2019 | Full Frontal with Samantha Bee | Melinda Taub, Samantha Bee, Miles Kahn, Kristen Bartlett, Mike Drucker, Pat Cassels, Eric Drysdale, Mathan Erhardt, Nicole Silverberg, Ashley Nicole Black, Joe Grossman and Allison Silverman | TBS |
| 2019 | Late Night with Seth Meyers | Jermaine Affonso, Alex Baze, Karen Chee, Bryan Donaldson, Sal Gentile, Matt Goldich, Dina Gusovsky, Jenny Hagel, Allison Hord, Michael Karnell, John Lutz, Seth Meyers, Ian Morgan, Seth Reiss, Amber Ruffin, Mike Scollins, Mike Shoemaker and Ben Warheit | NBC |
| 2019 | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | Opus Moreschi, Jay Katsir, Aaron Cohen, Stephen Colbert, Tom Purcell, Barry Julien, Paul Dinello, Matt Lappin, Michael Brumm, Emmy Blotnick, Cullen Crawford, Ariel Dumas, Glenn Eichler, Django Gold, Gabe Gronli, Greg Iwinski, Daniel Kibblesmith, Kate Sidley, Jen Spyra, Brian Stack, John Thibodeaux, Michael Pielocik, Asher Perlman and Eliana Kwartler | CBS |
| 2019 | Saturday Night Live | Michael Che, Colin Jost, Kent Sublette, Bryan Tucker, James Anderson, Steven Castillo, Andrew Dismukes, Anna Drezen, Alison Gates, Steve Higgins, Sam Jay, Erik Kenward, Michael Koman, Alan Linic, Eli Coyote Mandel, Lorne Michaels, John Mulaney, Josh Patten, Simon Rich, Gary Richardson, Pete Schultz, Marika Sawyer, Will Stephen, Julio Torres, Bowen Yang, Megan Callahan, Dennis McNicholas, Katie Rich, Fran Gillespie, Sudi Green and Streeter Seidell | NBC |
2020s
Programs with multiple wins
;9 wins- The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
- The Carol Burnett Show
- The Colbert Report
- Dennis Miller Live
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
- Late Night with David Letterman
- Saturday Night Live
- SCTV Network
Programs with multiple nominations
- Saturday Night Live
- Late Show with David Letterman
- The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien
- Late Night with David Letterman
- The Carol Burnett Show
- The Colbert Report
- SCTV Network
- Dennis Miller Live
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
- Real Time with Bill Maher
- Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
- Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
- The Chris Rock Show
- Late Night with Seth Meyers
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
- The Muppet Show
- Portlandia
- The Tracey Ullman Show
- The Flip Wilson Show
- In Living Color
- Inside Amy Schumer
- Key & Peele
- The Kids in the Hall
- Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher
- The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour
- The Danny Kaye Show
- Mr. Show with Bob and David
- Mystery Science Theater 3000
- The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
- Tracey Takes On...