The wait is over! The 2025 Emmy Nominations were officially announced on July 15, 2025, and this year’s list is packed with surprises, record-breakers, and fan favorites. As television continues to push creative boundaries, the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards are shaping up to be a true celebration of streaming giants, fresh faces, and bold storytelling.
From returning champions to first-time contenders, let’s break down the biggest highlights of the Emmy Nominations 2025.
The Top Contenders: Who’s Leading the 2025 Emmy Nominations?
This year, Apple TV+’s “Severance” stormed ahead with a whopping 27 nominations, the highest for any series in 2025. Close behind are HBO’s “The Penguin” with 24 noms, and both “The White Lotus” and “The Studio” bagging 23 each.
On the network front, HBO Max continues its Emmy dominance with over 140 total nominations, proving once again it’s a heavyweight in prestige TV.
These front-runners reflect a year where workplace thrillers, dark anthologies, and sharp comedies took center stage.
Drama Series Spotlight: The Heavy Hitters
The competition in the Outstanding Drama Series category is intense this year. Leading the charge are:
Severance – The dark, mind-bending workplace thriller.
The White Lotus – Back with more intrigue and layered storytelling.
Andor – Star Wars’ boldest TV venture yet.
The Last of Us – Apocalyptic drama with heart.
Slow Horses – British espionage at its gritty best.
Paradise and The Pitt – Two breakout hits making strong Emmy debuts.
On the acting front, stars like Sterling K. Brown, Pedro Pascal, and Bella Ramsey landed key nominations, proving the drama category is stacked with talent.
Comedy & First‑Timers: Fresh Faces, Big Laughs
The comedy scene brought plenty of heat this year. Fan-favorites like Abbott Elementary, The Bear, and Hacks secured their expected spots. But the real buzz?
Newcomer “The Studio” burst onto the scene with 23 nominations, tying with The Bear as a top comedy contender.
On the acting side, stars like Quinta Brunson, Jeremy Allen White, and Ayo Edebiri are back in the spotlight — joined by first-time nominees like Seth Rogen and Jean Smart.
2025’s comedy race is all about sharp writing, fresh perspectives, and fearless performances.
Limited Series & Anthology: The Standalone Stars
In the limited series and anthology category, “The Penguin” stole the show with 24 nominations, making it this year’s standout.
Other big names in the mix include:
Black Mirror – Returning with new tech nightmares.
Adolescence – A bold newcomer with 13 nominations.
Dying for Sex and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story – Both grabbing attention for their gripping narratives.
Top performances came from big names like Cate Blanchett, Colin Farrell, and rising star Owen Cooper, who became one of the youngest nominees in Emmy history.
Music, Variety & Reality: Entertainment Beyond the Script
The 2025 Emmys also recognized the best in variety shows, music specials, and reality TV.
Highlights include:
Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and Jay‑Z earning nods for their music specials.
RuPaul’s Drag Race and The Traitors leading the reality categories.
Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show holding strong in the variety segments.
These categories prove that live entertainment, unscripted drama, and musical genius remain Emmy favorites.
Snubs & Surprises: What No One Saw Coming
The 2025 Emmy Nominations didn’t come without shocks.
Biggest snubs this year:
Squid Game and House of the Dragon missing from key drama categories.
Only Murders in the Building stars Selena Gomez and Steve Martin overlooked in acting nods.
Fan-favorite Law & Order completely shut out.
On the flip side, unexpected nominations went to Meghann Fahy, Uzo Aduba, and Colman Domingo, proving Emmy voters love a good surprise.
Save the Date: Emmy Awards Night
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards will be held on September 14, 2025, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
The show will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
Hosted by Harvey Guillén and Brenda Song.
Voting wraps up on August 27, so the countdown is officially on.
Mark your calendars — it’s set to be a night full of surprises, celebration, and unforgettable moments.
What Makes the 2025 Emmys Stand Out?
The 2025 Emmy Nominations reflect a bold shift in television — where streaming hits, fresh talent, and unconventional stories lead the charge. From record-breaking nods to unexpected first-timers, this year’s lineup proves the Emmys are embracing change.
Whether you’re a fan of gripping dramas, sharp comedies, or reality TV thrills, the 77th Emmy Awards promise a night that celebrates both legacy and new-age storytelling.
Stay tuned, because this year, TV’s biggest night might just rewrite the script.
