Game of Thrones broke The West Wing’s record for drama Emmy wins in 2016.
Before that year, The West Wing had tied Hill Street Blues for the most Emmy wins by a drama series, with 26 awards. At the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards, Game of Thrones won three awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, bringing its cumulative total to 38 and surpassing the earlier record.
The distinction between 2015 and 2016 causes frequent confusion. In 2015, Game of Thrones set a record for the most Emmy wins by a series in a single year, taking home 12 awards. In 2016, it set the separate cumulative record for most wins by a drama series at that point.
Game of Thrones later extended its overall Emmy dominance, finishing its run with 59 wins. The West Wing remains notable for winning Outstanding Drama Series four consecutive times, from 2000 through 2003.