10 Most Shocking Emmy Wins

It was 1999, and the world had just been introduced to a series that would change television forever: 'The Sopranos.' But the world was not yet ready to acknowledge the glory of this HBO show, so instead, it granted the Outstanding Drama Series Emmy to the legal drama 'The Practice.' Come on, world! [ABC]

When you think great '80s television, you think 'Cheers', 'Family Ties,' 'The Wonder Years'... but none of these shows' leading men earned the Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Emmy in '89. Instead, it went to the shocking choice of Richard Mulligan for 'Empty Nest.' [NBC]

It's true that Ricky Gervais deserved the Emmy for his turn as the malignant Andy Milman on his satirical series 'Extras,' but few expected him to win against power players like Alec Baldwin ('30 Rock') and Tony Shalhoub ('Monk'). [HBO]

It wasn't so much who WON that was a shocker in 2011, but who lost. Steve Carell had just concluded his seven-season turn as 'The Office' star Michael Scott, and his final performance was tear-jerkingly poignant. How could he not win that Lead Actor in a Comedy Emmy? How?! [CBS]

Another shocking loss for 2011: Jon Hamm didn't snag the Lead Actor in a Drama Emmy, despite his insuperable performance in the 'Mad Men' Season 4 episode "The Suitcase." Did you guys SEE him tear up when he had to say goodbye to Peggy? This is Don Draper! [NBC]

Remember that hit 'Two of a Kind' theme song "We'll Win the World?" No? Exactly. Yet it somehow still took the Outstanding Music and Lyrics Emmy in 1983 over the culturally iconic theme to 'Cheers.' Everybody knows that song! And your name. But nobody knows what the hell 'Two of a Kind' is. [Lorimar Productions]

In 1994, the oft forgotten drama 'Picket Fences' snagged the Outstanding Drama Series over the much more formidable player of 'NYPD Blue.' Not necessarily an unholy choice, but definitely a surprising one. [CBS]

Comic Red Skelton's old TV series hasn't maintained a great deal of critical stamina over the years. But its competitor 'I Love Lucy' remains a comedy television staple, revered by writers, viewers, and actors alike. But somehow, 'Red Skelton' beat out 'Lucy' for the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy in 1952. Did Red Skelton eat chocolates off a conveyor belt? Did Red Skelton get drunk during a medicine commercial? Unbelievable. [NBC/CBS]

And finally, we have a delightful surprise! While 'Arrested Development' suffered in ratings compared to the crowd-pleasing 'Everybody Loves Raymond,' the offbeat, highly intelligent Fox comedy nabbed the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy in 2004, proving that sometimes, Justice isn't blind. Thank you, Judge Reinhold. [Fox]