Emmy Nominations 2025: 5 Key Takeaways from a Surprising Awards Landscape
Unpack the 5 biggest takeaways from the 2025 Emmy nominations, from Apple TV+'s rise with 'Severance' and 'The Studio' to shocking snubs and delightful surprises across drama, comedy, and limited series.
The Television Academy unveiled the nominations for the 77th Annual Emmy Awards on July 15, 2025, immediately sparking widespread discussion and debate. While some outcomes were anticipated, the 2025 list was particularly rich with revelations, signaling shifts in television's power players and celebrating both established excellence and fresh talent.
Here are five key takeaways from the 2025 Emmy nominations that define this year's awards season landscape:
Takeaway 1: Apple TV+ Solidifies Its Awards Powerhouse Status
If there was one clear victor in the nomination tally, it was Apple TV+. The streamer achieved a record-breaking performance, showcasing its aggressive investment in prestige content.
"Severance" Soars: The dystopian thriller "Severance" led all dramas with an astounding 27 nominations, marking it as Apple TV+'s most-nominated series ever. Its strong showing across major categories like Outstanding Drama Series, acting nods for Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and Patricia Arquette, and a directing nomination for Ben Stiller, highlights its critical acclaim.
"The Studio" Breaks Comedy Ground: In a testament to its diverse portfolio, the new comedy "The Studio" made history with 23 nominations, tying the record for a first-season comedy. Its unique concept and surprising guest star nominations (including acting nods for cinematic legends Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard) underscored Apple's ability to attract top-tier talent.
Takeaway 2: Genre and Newcomers Break Through to the Top Tier
The Academy demonstrated an increasing openness to genre-bending series and compelling new voices, moving beyond traditional drama and comedy tropes.
"Presumed Innocent" & "Paradise": Alongside "Severance," new series like Apple TV+'s "Presumed Innocent" (starring Jake Gyllenhaal) and Hulu's "Paradise" (a surprising Drama Series nominee) received significant attention, proving that fresh narratives can quickly capture critical imagination. This suggests a broadening of what defines "prestige" television.
Takeaway 3: The Enduring Charm of Established Comedies Prevails
While new comedies broke records, the 2025 nominations also reaffirmed the Academy's continued love for a select group of critically adored comedy series that have consistently delivered.
Familiar Favorites Shine: Shows like FX's "The Bear," HBO Max's "Hacks," and ABC's "Abbott Elementary" maintained their strong Emmy presence, earning numerous nominations and reminding viewers of their consistent quality and widespread appeal. Their continued recognition reflects a stability in the comedy categories.
Takeaway 4: The Shocking Snubs That Sparked Major Debate
As always, a nominations list is defined as much by who's absent as by who's present. Several high-profile omissions left fans and critics bewildered:
Major Acting Overlooks: Selena Gomez and Steve Martin were notably snubbed for "Only Murders in the Building" (though Martin Short was nominated), while Elisabeth Moss ("The Handmaid's Tale") and Renée Zellweger ("Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy") were also surprising omissions in lead acting categories.
Big Show Shutouts: After its groundbreaking first season, Netflix's "Squid Game" Season 2 received a surprising zero nominations, raising questions about its critical reception. Popular dramas like HBO's "House of the Dragon" and Paramount+'s "1923" also had notably quiet showings.
"The Handmaid's Tale" Quiet Exit: The final season of the once Emmy-dominant "The Handmaid's Tale" received only one nomination (for guest actress), signaling a muted farewell from the Academy.
Takeaway 5: Unexpected Faces and Veteran Surprises Graced the List
Beyond the snubs, the 2025 nominations also celebrated a delightful array of unexpected names and veteran actors in surprising roles.
New Faces Recognized: Performers like Uzo Aduba ("The Residence"), Sharon Horgan ("Bad Sisters"), and Jeff Hiller ("Somebody Somewhere") received well-deserved acting nods, highlighting breakout performances.
Legendary First-Timers: In a truly unexpected turn, cinematic icons Harrison Ford ("Shrinking") and directors Ron Howard and Martin Scorsese ("The Studio") all received their first-ever Emmy nominations for acting, underscoring the high caliber of talent now drawn to television.
The 2025 Emmy nominations confirm that television is in a vibrant and dynamic era, continually pushing boundaries and offering a wealth of compelling stories across diverse platforms. The debates ignited by this year's list will undoubtedly fuel discussions leading up to the September ceremony, where new champions will be crowned.
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