The Handmaid’s Tale breaks Emmys record no show wants

It was nominated for a whopping 21 awards – but The Handmaid’s Tale broke a record nobody wants at this year’s Emmys.

The Handmaid’s Tale set an Emmys record this year, but not in the way the show’s makers probably anticipated.

The Elisabeth Moss-led series received 21 total nominations, coming just behind The Crown and The Mandalorian’s 24 nominations and WandaVision’s 23. But after yesterday’s Primetime Emmys and last weekend’s Creative Arts Emmys, The Handmaid’s Tale unexpectedly went home empty, breaking the record for most Emmy losses in a single year.

The acclaimed show didn’t pick up a single award this year. Picture: SBS

This record was previously held by Mad Men, which was nominated for 17 Emmys in 2012 and won none. Previously, shows like Northern Exposure and The Larry Sanders show went zero for 16 in 1993 and 1997, respectively.

The Handmaid’s Tale has won 15 Emmy Awards over the course of its run, including outstanding drama series, outstanding lead actress in a drama series for Moss, and outstanding supporting actress in a drama series for Ann Dowd who plays Aunt Lydia on the show.

The dystopian drama has been renewed for a fifth season, although discussions about when the series will end are still ongoing.

The show’s star Elisabeth Moss has been a frequent award winner in the past. Picture: AFP

“The success of The Handmaid’s Tale remains paramount for us,” head of scripted originals at Hulu Jordan Helman told Deadline in August. “That said, what is also most important to us is that we close out the show in creative fashion that feels organic so we are in constant communication, literally right now … about what the best way to end The Handmaid’s Tale is.”

The Handmaid’s Tale was created by Bruce Miller, and is based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name. The series is executive produced by Miller, Moss, Warren Littlefield, Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears, Ilene Chaiken, Eric Tuchman, John Weber, Sheila Hockin, and Frank Siracuusa.

This story originally appeared on Decider and is republished here with permission