TV critics honor their favorites

LOS ANGELES – “Empire” won the top prize Saturday at the 31st annual Television Critics Association Awards as Fox’s hip-hop drama was named program of the year by the critics’ group.

The honor comes just a few weeks after the show, a smash hit in its freshman season, was passed over for an Emmy nomination for best drama to the consternation of many fans.

Other TCA Awards winners included Comedy Central’s “Inside Amy Schumer,” which took home prizes for outstanding achievement in comedy and individual achievement in comedy, and AMC’s “Breaking Bad” spinoff “Better Call Saul,” which earned the award for outstanding new program.

The group gave a warm send-off to two old favorites: Jon Hamm received the prize for individual achievement in drama for his work on AMC’s last season of “Mad Men,” and “Late Show/Late Night with David Letterman,” which wrapped up its final season in May after 33 years, collected a special Heritage Award for its cultural and social impact.

A career achievement award went to James L. Brooks, who was involved in various capacities in a hit parade of TV shows including “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Lou Grant,” “Taxi,” “The Tracey Ullman Show” and “The Simpsons.”