Apple TV+ has made a massive impact on the 2025 Emmy Awards nominations, with its hit series “Severance” leading the drama race and “The Studio” dominating the comedy categories.
“Severance” Leads the Drama Pack
The dystopian workplace drama “Severance” has separated itself from the competition, securing an impressive 27 Emmy nominations. Its second season garnered significant buzz and critical acclaim, positioning it as a front-runner for top honors.
Lead actors Adam Scott and Britt Lower received nominations for their compelling dual roles, portraying both their characters’ “innie” work personalities and “outie” home selves. Tramell Tillman also earned a supporting nod, recognized for his memorable performance as the pineapple-wielding supervisor. Director Ben Stiller was also nominated for his work on the series.
“The Studio” Shines in Comedy
Not to be outdone, Apple’s Hollywood satire “The Studio” emerged as a strong contender in the comedy field, racking up 23 nominations. This impressive showing surpassed established favorites like “Hacks” (14 nominations) and “The Bear” (13 nominations).
Co-creator Seth Rogen received three individual nominations for his contributions to “The Studio” in acting, writing, and directing. The series also saw a bounty of nominations for its A-list guest stars, including Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Bryan Cranston, Anthony Mackie, and Zoë Kravitz.
Other Notable Contenders
HBO’s dark drama “The Penguin,” set in the “Batman” universe, made a surprising splash in the limited series category with 24 nominations. Its stars, Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti, both received acting nods.
Netflix’s critically acclaimed “Adolescence” also garnered 13 nominations, including a supporting actor nod for 15-year-old Owen Cooper, who portrays a 13-year-old suspected in a killing.
Key Emmy Nominees for 2025
- **Best Drama Series:** “Andor,” “Paradise,” “Severance,” “Slow Horses,” “The Diplomat,” “The Pitt,” “The Last of Us,” “The White Lotus.”
- **Best Comedy Series:** “Hacks,” “The Bear,” “The Studio,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “Abbott Elementary,” “Nobody Wants This,” “Shrinking,” “What We Do in the Shadows.”
- **Outstanding Limited Series:** “Adolescence,” “Black Mirror,” “Dying For Sex,” “Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story,” “The Penguin.”
- **Best Comedy Actor:** Seth Rogen (“The Studio”), Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”), Jeremy Allen-White (“The Bear”), Adam Brody (“Nobody Wants This”), Jason Segel (“Shrinking”).
- **Best Comedy Actress:** Uzo Aduba (“The Residence”), Kristen Bell (“Nobody Wants This”), Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”), Jean Smart (“Hacks”), Ayo Edibiri (“The Bear”).
Apple TV+’s Growing Prestige
“Severance” has solidified its place as a signature show for Apple TV+. While the streamer has previously earned nominations for dramas like “The Morning Show” and “Slow Horses,” and achieved dominance in comedy with “Ted Lasso,” it often lacked a groundbreaking prestige drama to rival networks like HBO.
The success of “Severance” in its second season, earning significantly more nominations than its first (14 in 2023), suggests a potential shift. Apple TV+ could see major wins when the Emmys are handed out this September.
The Evolving TV Landscape
The Emmys continue to reflect the splintered world of the streaming era, where even highly acclaimed nominees may not reach the massive audiences of network television’s past. While shows like “The Pitt” attracted millions on HBO Max, they rarely compare to the tens of millions who once tuned in for network hits like “ER.”
Broadcast networks now have a diminished presence at the Emmys, with notable exceptions like ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” which consistently garners comedy nominations. Oscar-winner Kathy Bates also stands out as a strong contender for Best Actress in a Comedy for her role on CBS’s “Matlock,” potentially marking a rare network win in the category.
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 14, with Nate Bargatze slated to host.
