The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series is an award presented annually by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). It was first awarded at the 7th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, held in 1955 and it is given in honor of a writer or writers who produced an outstanding story or screenplay for an episode of a television drama series during the primetime network season. Undergoing several name changes, the award received its current title at the 48th Primetime Emmy Awards in 1996. Since its inception, the award has been presented to 75 writers. Will Smith is the current recipient of the award for his work on the episode of Apple TV+'s Slow Horses titled "Negotiating with Tigers". Rod Serling holds the record for most wins for this category at six. The Sopranos holds the record for most wins and nominations for this category at 6 and 21, respectively. Game of Thrones, Hill Street Blues and The Sopranos are the only shows that have been nominated in 7 different years.

Winners and nominations

Listed below are the winners of the award for each year, as well as the other nominees.

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

2020s

Total awards by network

Individuals with multiple awards

Individuals with multiple nominations

Programs with multiple awards

Programs with multiple nominations