The Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special is awarded to one television special each year.
In the 1960s and between 1979 and 2008, specials competed alongside nominees for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series.
In the following list, the first titles listed in gold are the winners; those not in gold are nominees, which are listed in alphabetical order.
The years given are those in which the ceremonies took place: Totals include individuals wins for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program.
Totals are for individuals nominated since 2009.