16 Old-Fashioned TV Award Shows That No Longer Exist

Many once-prominent television award shows have faded from the spotlight, either due to changing industry trends, declining viewership, or the emergence of newer formats. These old-fashioned ceremonies captured iconic moments in TV history but couldn’t keep pace with modern entertainment demands. As the landscape of awards shows evolves, the legacy of these bygone events still lingers in TV archives and fan recollections. Understanding what made them special sheds light on how television culture itself has transformed over time.

1. The TV Guide Awards

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Running from the 1950s to early 2000s, the TV Guide Awards were once among the most anticipated events in television. Winners were determined by public vote, making it a direct reflection of viewer preferences. The ceremony featured a mix of popular stars, musical numbers, and nostalgic tributes. Over time, waning interest and shifting viewer habits led to its quiet discontinuation. Today, it stands as a reminder of how viewer-based accolades once shaped television trends.

2. The ACE Awards

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The ACE Awards, also known as the Awards for Cable Excellence, were established in the 1970s to recognize outstanding achievements in cable television. Before the Emmys recognized cable content, the ACE Awards gave these shows a platform. Notable networks like HBO and Showtime found early validation through these accolades. The show was eventually absorbed into the Emmys in the late 1990s. Its disappearance marked a turning point for cable’s integration into mainstream recognition.

3. The Soap Opera Digest Awards

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A staple for daytime television fans, the Soap Opera Digest Awards ran from 1984 until 2005. It celebrated the drama, passion, and fan-favorite characters that defined the soap opera genre. While the format was more casual than the Daytime Emmys, it resonated deeply with loyal audiences. As soap operas began to decline in popularity, so did the relevance of the awards. Eventually, the industry saw little need for a separate recognition platform.

4. The TV Land Awards

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TV Land launched its own awards show in 2003 to honor classic television and legacy stars. With humor and heartfelt reunions, the show became a nostalgic event for TV lovers. It paid tribute to shows like The Brady Bunch and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Despite a devoted fan base, it ended in 2016 after ratings steadily declined. The shift toward streaming and modern programming overshadowed its retro appeal.

5. The Golden Satellite Awards (TV categories)

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Originally encompassing both film and television, the Satellite Awards included TV categories that highlighted both network and cable productions. Over time, television sections of the awards received less attention and were ultimately diminished. The organization behind the awards shifted focus to film as its primary category. Fewer celebrities attended the TV segments, which further reduced its visibility. By the 2010s, the show had mostly faded from public awareness.

6. The Blockbuster Entertainment Awards (TV division)

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Though mainly recognized for film, the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards briefly included television categories in the late 1990s. The awards relied heavily on fan voting and celebrated pop culture-friendly shows. It featured popular stars and was broadcast nationwide. However, as Blockbuster’s influence declined, so did its associated media ventures. The TV categories were quietly dropped before the entire show was canceled.

7. The American Television Awards

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A short-lived ceremony in the early 1990s, the American Television Awards attempted to rival the Emmys. It aimed to honor all aspects of television, from acting to technical achievement. Despite featuring big names and high production value, the awards failed to attract a substantial audience. It lasted only a few years before being discontinued. Critics cited redundancy and lack of industry support as reasons for its failure.

8. The CableACE Awards

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Not to be confused with the ACE Awards, the CableACE Awards were specifically designed for cable programming before it became eligible for Emmys. Established in 1978, it honored outstanding cable shows, documentaries, and performances. It filled a crucial gap during the early days of cable television. As the Emmys began to include cable content, the CableACE lost relevance. It was officially discontinued in 1997.

9. The People’s Choice Awards (Original CBS Format)

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While the People’s Choice Awards still exist, its original TV-focused CBS broadcast from the 1970s to early 2000s had a very different tone. It centered on popular television choices and had a more traditional format. Over time, the awards became more celebrity-driven and less about TV specifically. CBS eventually dropped the event, which was rebranded and reformatted. What once celebrated viewer choices in television became a broader pop culture showcase.

10. The Viewers for Quality Television Awards (Q Awards)

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Formed by a nonprofit fan group in the 1980s, the Q Awards celebrated shows with high artistic value and recognized excellence that was often overlooked. These awards gained attention for highlighting lesser-known but critically acclaimed series. The event gained a cult following and respected standing among TV purists. As ratings for quality-driven shows waned, so did the awards’ relevance. The organization dissolved in the early 2000s.

11. The National Television Awards (U.S. Version)

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Adapted briefly from the popular UK show, the American version of the National Television Awards aired in the late 1990s. It aimed to replicate the British format by honoring popular shows through viewer votes. The show did not resonate well with American audiences and lacked major network support. It struggled to find a consistent format or time slot. After just a few editions, it was pulled from the air.

12. The Aftonbladet TV Prize (U.S. Syndicated)

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Originally a Swedish concept, the Aftonbladet TV Prize had a brief syndicated presence in the U.S. in the 1980s. It highlighted international TV influence and recognized shows with global appeal. Its U.S. iteration was short-lived due to low ratings and limited network interest. Audiences were confused by the hybrid format and foreign elements. Despite its noble intentions, it failed to make a lasting mark.

13. The American Video Awards (TV Segment)

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Focused primarily on music videos, the American Video Awards also honored music-related television programs. It celebrated shows that bridged the gap between TV and the music industry. As MTV began dominating music television, the need for such separate recognition dwindled. The show lost network backing and was quietly canceled. It’s now remembered mostly by music television historians.

14. The Family Television Awards

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The Family Television Awards celebrated programming suitable for all ages, highlighting wholesome content and family-friendly messaging. It launched in the late 1990s and gained early traction among networks promoting clean content. However, as audience tastes shifted toward more complex and mature narratives, interest declined. The show failed to evolve with the changing landscape. It eventually ended without major publicity.

15. The Saturn Awards (TV Categories Only)

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While the Saturn Awards continue to exist for science fiction and fantasy, their dedicated TV segments once held more prominence. Initially, they were a major platform for genre television, long before it became mainstream. Shows like The X-Files and Buffy the Vampire Slayer received early acclaim here. In recent years, the TV portion became smaller and overshadowed by film recognition. Though not gone entirely, its television emphasis has nearly vanished.

16. The American Comedy Awards (TV-Focused Era)

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Initially launched in 1987, the American Comedy Awards spotlighted television’s funniest performers and programs. For a time, it rivaled the Emmys in comedy recognition. Its humor-driven format and casual atmosphere appealed to fans and performers alike. Over time, the show struggled with ratings and consistency. After several cancellations and revivals, it quietly disappeared from the television landscape.

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• Awards
• television
• history
• shows
• legacy