The 2025 Emmy nominations, announced on July 15, have once again highlighted the dynamic and evolving landscape of television.
As streaming services continue to reshape the industry and new talents emerge alongside established stars, the nominations showcase a blend of ambitious storytelling, standout performances, and the shifting power dynamics among networks and platforms. Here are five key takeaways from this year’s nominations that reflect the trends and surprises shaping the small screen today.
1. Apple TV+ Leads With 'Severance' and 'The Studio'
This year, Apple TV+ emerged as a major Emmy powerhouse. Severance topped the drama categories with a staggering 27 nominations—nine of which were for actors—cementing its status as a critical and popular favorite.
On the comedy side, The Studio garnered 23 nods, including 10 acting nominations and a remarkable sweep through the guest actor categories. The extensive recognition for both shows highlights not just their quality but also the advantage of having large, acclaimed ensembles.
It’s clear Emmy voters are magnetized by shows with celebrated casts, as seen with The White Lotus, which continues to dominate the supporting categories.
2. First-Time Nominees Steal the Spotlight
Some of the most joyful moments came from seeing both veterans and fresh faces earn their first nominations. Harrison Ford finally landed his first Emmy nod for Shrinking on Apple TV+, while Colin Farrell was recognized for his performance as Oswald Cobb in The Penguin.
Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, long beloved on television, found themselves first-time nominees for Netflix’s Nobody Wants This. Other exciting newcomers included Tramell Tillman and Zach Cherry (Severance), and Michael Urie (Shrinking), all of whom are rapidly rising stars in TV.
3. Streaming Services Dictate the Pace
A few years ago, Netflix and Hulu were the platforms to watch—now the field has broadened. Apple TV+ has made a significant mark with critical darlings like Severance, The Studio, Shrinking, and Slow Horses. HBO and Max remain strong, but their nominations now blend traditional cable and streaming: The White Lotus and The Last of Us aired on HBO, while The Pitt and Hacks were Max originals. Disney+ and Netflix keep their reputations strong with high-profile nominees including Andor, Adolescence, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, and Black Mirror.
Hulu, meanwhile, packed a punch with Only Murders in the Building and Paradise.
4. Big Snubs and Some Surprises
With so much TV, heartbreak is inevitable. Despite expectations, actors like Taylor Dearden (The Pitt) and the cast of Andor, including Diego Luna, went unrecognized, puzzling fans and critics alike.
On the other hand, Jeff Hiller’s moving performance in the underappreciated HBO comedy Somebody Somewhere was finally acknowledged, making for a bittersweet farewell as the show enters its last eligible year. There was also a pleasant surprise with Kathy Bates becoming the oldest nominee in the lead actress drama category at 77.
5. Genre Shows and Anthologies Continue to Score
Miniseries and anthology series continue to pull in major attention, underscoring TV’s love for fresh, deeply crafted stories. Netflix’s AdolescenceAdolescence was a standout with 13 nominations, while Monsters and Black Mirror kept the anthology flag flying. The Penguin and The Pitt also made notable debuts in the drama and limited series categories.
The 2025 Emmy nominations showcase a blend of star-powered ensembles, streaming dominance, overdue recognition for TV veterans, delightful first-timers, and a few stinging snubs—an exciting reflection of how the medium continues to evolve.
