What the Year-End Awards Race Did (and Didn’t) Tell Us About the 2025 Emmys

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As we step into the year 2025, we’ve reached the midpoint of the TV season, and both the Golden Globes and SAG Awards are casting their votes. It seems like a great opportunity to have a mid-season Emmys catch-up! Back in August, when Emmy voting was nearing its end, we speculated about which 2024 nominees might be up for repeat nominations and which past nominees could return for the 2025 ceremony. The four months that followed have provided us with more definite premiere dates for returning shows, so let’s update our previous predictions with the latest information on their schedules.

1. Yellowjackets comes back to Showtime or Paramount+ for viewing on Valentine’s Day, February 14.
2. The White Lotus unveils the Thailand-set third season on HBO on February 16.
3. The Last of Us is set to return to HBO and potentially give us all nightmares, as suggested by the trailer, in April.
4. Andor makes its comeback on Disney+ with the second season on April 22.

As someone who’s been keeping an eye on the TV landscape, now that we’ve got a better idea of which shows might be returning before May’s end, I’m excited to start speculating about potential Emmy nominees! Unlike the Oscars, the Emmys don’t follow a clear path through precursor awards. The Golden Globes, SAG, Critics Choice, Independent Spirit, and Gotham Awards all cover a year’s worth of television, which means shows like Shōgun, although garnering accolades now, won’t be in the running for Emmys. However, we can still learn something from these precursors to see which shows are resonating with awards voters. As we delve into the current state of the Comedy, Drama, and Limited Series categories at the Emmys, every bit of information will help us make more informed predictions.

The Comedies

Hacks, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, and Only Murders in the Building. Among these four, there’s a pecking order: Only Murders is content with being nominated (let’s hope so since it hasn’t won against the others yet), while Abbott has bagged major Emmys for both its writing and performers Quinta Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph but appears to be taking a back seat to the top two shows. The Bear had been on track to dominate the Comedy category after winning both the Emmys and Globes in 2023, but the unexpected Emmy win for Hacks in Outstanding Comedy Series last September seems to have shuffled things around. Assuming Hacks returns in May as it usually does, The Bear will be facing off against the defending champion with a potentially divisive third season.

In the Outstanding Comedy category, there remain four vacant spots. It’s highly possible that one of these will be filled by the final season of “What We Do in the Shadows,” a series that was nominated three times in 2020, 2022, and 2024. “Palm Royale,” which received a nomination in 2024, has been renewed for a second season, but Apple TV+ hasn’t given any hint about its return before May. The 2023 nominee “Wednesday” and the 2023 contender “Poker Face,” which should have been nominated, are both slated for 2025 returns, so they might not make it. If any or all of these three eventually meet the nomination deadline, they would be strong competitors.

Based on previous accolades, it appears that Netflix’s series “Nobody Wants This” is strongly contending for a nomination. It has been recognized with three Golden Globe nominations, three Critics Choice Awards, and made the AFI list of top TV shows for the year.

One aspect of comedy production that appears to be handled with caution is FX’s series, English Teacher. This show received outstanding reviews, made it onto numerous top-10 lists, and even garnered nominations from the Critics Choice Awards and Independent Spirit Awards. It’s undoubtedly a hilarious program. However, recent accusations of sexual assault against its creator and lead actor, Brian Jordan Alvarez, could be causing voters to shun the show entirely during awards season due to these allegations.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to express my anticipation for the last season of HBO’s heartfelt series, “Somebody Somewhere.” Over the years, this show has been overlooked in the broader television landscape, yet it’s consistently cherished and esteemed by its devoted fanbase. Despite gaining more recognition during its final episodes, shows like ours often go unnoticed by the Emmys when it comes to acknowledging their swan songs. Come on, Emmys! Show us some love this time around!

It’s challenging to predict which upcoming comedies will resonate with Emmy award voters, but these following shows are worth monitoring as they make their debut.

➼ As a die-hard fan, here’s my take on it:

I’m thrilled about “The Studio”! Produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, this new series sees Rogen stepping into the shoes of a movie studio boss during a tumultuous period for the film industry. Familiar faces like Catherine O’Hara and Kathryn Hahn join the cast, with big-names such as Martin Scorsese, Charlize Theron, and Anthony Mackie making cameos to dish out some hilarious insults in the trailer. With its grand scale and stellar lineup, this show is bound to generate a lot of buzz when it premieres on Apple TV+ on March 26. Given that Rogen’s previous Apple TV+ comedy, “Platonic,” was unfairly overlooked by the Emmys, I can’t help but feel they owe him for another brilliant performance!

Apple TV+’s “Government Cheese”: Veteran music-video director Paul Hunter (“Hollaback Girl,” “Lady Marmalade,” “Me Against the Music”) and Aeysha Carr have teamed up to create a comedic series titled as a “surrealist comedy,” which Apple TV+ is set in 1969 San Fernando Valley. David Oyelowo portrays a man, fresh out of prison, attempting to rebuild his family life amid apparent divine interventions. The show could be categorized as a comedy or a limited series, depending on the level of creative flexibility Apple is willing to allow when it concludes its run.

Pursuing Passion: A Fascinating New Series – This upcoming show, airing on FX, is co-created by Elizabeth Meriwether (known for her work in ‘New Girl’ and ‘The Dropout’) and Kim Rosenstock, with Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate as the leads. The story revolves around a woman diagnosed with breast cancer who decides to leave her 15-year marriage to explore her sexuality. This series is adapted from a popular podcast of the same title. With such an impressive lineup, this could potentially be a captivating watch.

Glen Powell, along with Michael Waldron (creator of “Loki”), collaborated on this series that bears a resemblance to “Ted Lasso” in several aspects, one of which is its origins as an Eli Manning comedy skit on ESPN. Powell portrays a quarterback whose professional life has taken a downturn; he adopts the alias “Chad Powers” and signs up for a struggling football team in the South. Recently nominated for a Golden Globe for his work in “Hit Man,” Powell appears poised to enjoy the benefits of being charming, humorous, and successful simultaneously.

As a passionate advocate, I’d like to express my enthusiasm for the show Mindy Kaling has created, where Kate Hudson takes charge of a family-owned basketball team! With an impressive ensemble including Drew Tarver, Brenda Song, Max Greenfield, and Chet Hanks, this promising cast has me hooked. Let’s rally together to ensure that this captivating series receives the recognition it deserves from Emmy voters!

If the voting for Best Comedy Series ended today, these would be the nominees: Abbott Elementary, Bad Monkey, The Bear, A Man on the Inside, Nobody Wants This, Only Murders in the Building, Shrinking, and What We Do in the Shadows.

Nominees for the exceptional Comedy Series category, many of which are expected to air this spring:

– Abbott Elementary
– The Bear
– Dying for a Romance
– Hacks
– Nobody’s Asking for This
– Only Murders in the Building
– The Creative Workspace
– What We Do After Dark

The Dramas

Due to the lengthy postproduction periods for modern high-quality drama series, it appears we’ve settled into a two-year rhythm when considering the Emmys. The nominees from last year, such as Shōgun, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Fallout, and 3 Body Problem , are likely to be absent until after this current Emmy season concludes, with some not appearing until 2026. Even shows like The Morning Show and The Gilded Age, currently in production for new seasons, might miss the cutoff for 2025 eligibility. The only 2024 Outstanding Drama nominee certain to return is Apple TV+’s Slow Horses since it has already aired its latest season. Meanwhile, the dramas nominated for the 2023 Emmys are set to return over the coming months, ready to make quite an impact much like emerging cicadas.

Among the eight potential slots for Outstanding Drama Series, it’s quite likely that “Slow Horses” will secure one. In February, we have “The White Lotus” season 3 on HBO, followed by “The Last of Us” season 2 in April. “Andor”, a 2023 nominee, is set to return on April 22 on Disney+, aiming to meet the high expectations set by its first season. Showtime’s “Yellowjackets”, another 2023 nominee, faces a challenging situation as it strives for a comeback in its third season after a mixed response to the second season, which seems to have dampened public enthusiasm. A successful third season might help “Yellowjackets” secure another Outstanding Drama Series nomination. And let’s not forget about shows whose recent seasons didn’t quite meet expectations, such as “House of the Dragon”, which will continue to navigate under the substantial Emmy shadow cast by its predecessor, “Game of Thrones”.

For the two Netflix series last recognized at the 2022 Emmys, one is Stranger Things, which finished production in December but may not air until after the eligibility period closes in May. So let’s wait and see it again during the Emmys 2026. On the other hand, Squid Game made a comeback last December following a three-year hiatus, attracting massive viewership but receiving mixed reviews. Although opinions on its quality may vary, there’s no denying that the excitement surrounding the show isn’t as intense as it once was. As we approach Emmy voting and more viewers catch up on the series, Netflix will undoubtedly promote it vigorously. However, achieving the same level of success at the 2022 Emmys – with 14 nominations and six wins – appears to be a challenging ambition.

2022 was a monumental year for Apple TV+ at the Emmys, with an all-time best 70 nominations and nine victories under its belt. This stellar performance lays the groundwork for the comeback of Apple’s first Drama Series nominee, the captivating blend of psychological sci-fi and workplace drama, Severance. The series garnered 14 nominations and two wins in its debut year, but more significantly, it found itself firmly entrenched in pop culture discussions.

With such a strong foundation, anticipation for season two is palpable. If the show can live up to these expectations, I have no doubt that Emmy voters will continue to champion . The bar has been set high, but with its unique blend of intrigue and relatability, I’m optimistic that it will rise to the occasion.

The end-of-the-year awards gave a nod to several new and returning shows worth checking out. Among them, Peacock’s “The Day of the Jackal” stood out with nominations for Best Drama Series from the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and SAG Awards for Best Cast. Similarly, Netflix’s “The Diplomat,” which released its second season in October, earned those same three nominations. Additionally, “Bridgerton” received a Best Cast nod at the SAG Awards; however, it’s important to note that only episodes from the latest season after Emmys 2024 will be considered for Emmy eligibility since the first four episodes were released too early.

Other performances were recognized in various shows at awards ceremonies like the Golden Globes and Independent Spirit Awards, but not necessarily for Best Drama. The Golden Globes acknowledged Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance in Apple TV+’s Presumed Innocent, while his onscreen partner, Ruth Negga, received a nod from the Independent Spirit Awards. Similarly, Billy Bob Thornton was recognized by the Golden Globes for his role in Landman, potentially breaking the trend of Taylor Sheridan shows being overlooked at the Emmys if he becomes a contender. Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw, who starred in Black Doves, received Golden Globe nominations, which could suggest that their show might make it onto the Emmy shortlist as well. Kathy Bates, with her extensive Emmy history of 14 nominations and two wins across six categories, was nominated for a new adaptation of Matlock at the Golden Globes; however, it’s important to note that the original Matlock only received four Emmy nominations, all for its musical score.

Some shows are optimistic that Emmy voters will reconsider them this year, having been overlooked previously. These include HBO’s “Industry,” which has critical acclaim but faces internal competition from shows like “The White Lotus” and “The Last of Us,” AMC’s “Interview With the Vampire,” and the final season of Paramount+’s “Evil.” Similarly, FX’s “The Old Man,” though it earned Jeff Bridges a Lead Actor nomination a few years back, seems to be fighting an uphill battle for recognition due to its lesser presence in current TV discussions.

As for new dramas in these last few months of eligibility:

Max recently debuted its latest medical drama titled “The Pitt“, featuring Noah Wyle, and if it triggers a sense of nostalgia for “ER” among enough Emmy voters, it might secure some nominations down the line.

The television series titled “Your Friends and Neighbors” hails from the star and executive producer, Jon Hamm, along with creator Jonathan Tropper, known for Cinemax’s “Banshee” and “Warrior”. In this show, Jon Hamm portrays a hedge-fund manager who finds himself out of work and turns to illegal activities to sustain his lavish lifestyle. It’s quite innovative to see high-ranking financial professionals bending the law. The series will debut on Apple TV+ on April 11.

On Apple TV+, the science fiction series “Murderbot,” debuting in May, features Alexander Skarsgård as a murderous robot. This production is overseen by executive producers Chris and Paul Weitz, who have yet to receive Emmy awards, although they were nominated for an Oscar for writing the 2002 film “About a Boy.

The upcoming Netflix series, titled “The Residence“, follows a murder mystery unfolding within the White House. Unlike previous times with Olivia Pope, it’s Uzo Aduba (a three-time Emmy award winner), who takes up the investigation this time around.

If the current year’s Drama Series awards were to be given today, the nominees would include: Black Doves, The Day of the Jackal, House of the Dragon, Industry, Presumed Innocent, Severance, Slow Horses, and Squid Game.

Here are the nominees for Outstanding Drama Series, including those premiering in the spring: Andor, The Day of the Jackal, The Last of Us, Severance, Slow Horses, Squid Game, The White Lotus, and Your Friends and Neighbors.

The nominated series for Outstanding Drama are Andor, The Day of the Jackal, The Last of Us, Severance, Slow Horses, Squid Game, The White Lotus, and Your Friends and Neighbors – these include those that will air their spring premieres.

Limited Series

For the non-renewed limited series, there’s less need for complex mathematical calculations because we don’t know if they’ll win Emmys since they’re new. However, being new means we can’t predict whether they’ll be well-liked by Emmy voters. The landscape in this category is always changing, like when Shōgun seemed destined to rule the Limited Series categories last spring until FX announced it would return for another season, making it a drama instead. Will The Penguin do the same? This year’s drama field is packed, so I suspect HBO might hold off on announcing a second season until after Emmy nominations are out.

The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” were both nominated at the Globes. Despite the differences in quality between these two shows, they are both potential winners: “Disclaimer” and its star, Cate Blanchett, have a strong pedigree, while the Emmys have often favored Ryan Murphy’s productions in the past.

In addition to being recognized by The Globes, Kathryn Hahn’s performance in “Agatha All Along” and Diego Luna’s performance in “La Maquina” were also nominated (Patti LuPone received an additional nomination for her work in “Agatha All Along” from the Indie Spirits). Betty Gilpin’s performance in Starz’s “Three Women” was recognized by both the Indie Spirits and Critics Choice. Critics Choice also acknowledged Liev Schreiber’s work in “The Perfect Couple”, a series that should receive an Outstanding Choreography nomination to avoid causing a stir among critics. Among these shows, I would pay close attention to “Agatha” due to the success of its predecessor, “WandaVision”, which received 23 nominations in 2021.

Among the shows I expected to see recognized was FX’s “Say Nothing,” an intriguing nine-episode series delving into the Troubles in Northern Ireland, which surprisingly didn’t make an appearance anywhere. With the Limited Series category now less crowded due to shows from early 2024 being excluded, it will be intriguing to observe if “Say Nothing” or Apple TV+’s “Lady in the Lake,” featuring Natalie Portman attempting to unravel a pair of murders, can fill those vacant spots.

The spring is also expecting a bunch of limited series:

→ Freshly debuted is the Netflix western titled “American Primeval”, produced by Peter Berg who still carries a certain reputation due to his Emmy nominations for “Friday Night Lights”.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’m excited to share that starting January 22, you can catch me hooked on “Prime Target,” a pulse-pounding thriller that intertwines global mysteries with the intriguing world of mathematics. Starring the talented Leo Woodall, who’s known for his captivating role in “The White Lotus,” this film is not to be missed on Apple TV+!

In the Netflix series titled “Zero Day,” Robert De Niro plays a role as a past American president who is assigned to probe into a worldwide cyber-assault. The production team for this show consists of Eric Newman, known for “Narcos,” Noah Oppenheim from NBC News, and Pulitzer Prize laureate Michael Schmidt. Notable actors such as Lizzy Caplan, Jesse Plemons, Joan Allen, Connie Britton, Dan Stevens, Angela Bassett, Bill Camp, and Matthew Modine make up the impressive supporting cast of this show.

The Apple TV+ show titled “Dope Thief,” featuring Brian Tyree Henry and overseen by Ridley Scott, is set to debut in March.

As a film enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating the yet-to-be-released Netflix production titled “Sirens.” This intriguing series is brought to us by the same team behind the captivating show “Maid,” which boasts Margot Robbie among its producers and writers. The story revolves around Meghann Fahy, best known for her role in “The White Lotus,” portraying a young woman on a mission to rescue her sister from the powerful grip of billionaire philanthropist, socialite, and Svengali Julianne Moore. The star-studded cast also includes Kevin Bacon, Milly Alcock from “House of the Dragon,” Glenn Howerton from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” and Josh Segarra from “The Other Two.

I’m rather intrigued about the upcoming event, as many heavyweights are yet to make their debut. However, if I were to place a wager on the potential lineup that would leave me thrilled, it would be one featuring “The Penguin”, “Disclaimer”, “Zero Day”, “Sirens”, and “Say Nothing”.

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2025-01-23 02:55