2025 Emmy Nominations Unveiled: Apple TV+’s ‘Severance’ Leads with 27 Nods

The nominations for the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards were announced on July 15, 2025, at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony, scheduled for September 14, will celebrate television’s finest achievements over the past year. Apple TV+ emerged as a dominant force, with its sci-fi series Severance earning 27 nominations, the most for any program this year. Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, the event promises to be a night of celebration and surprises for the television industry.

‘Severance’ and ‘The Studio’ Take Center Stage

Severance, a dark workplace drama from Apple TV+, led the nominations with 27 nods, including Outstanding Drama Series and acting nominations for Britt Lower and Adam Scott. The series has been praised for its innovative storytelling and gripping performances. Meanwhile, Apple TV+’s comedy The Studio tied a record for the most nominations for a comedy series, racking up 23 nods. Its satirical take on Hollywood life resonated with both audiences and critics, earning nominations for stars Seth Rogen and Kathryn Hahn.

HBO’s The White Lotus and The Penguin also garnered significant recognition, with 23 and 24 nominations, respectively. The Los Angeles Times noted that The Penguin, a gritty origin story from the Batman universe, dominated the limited series category, while The White Lotus continued its streak as a critical darling.

First-Time Nominees and Milestones

This year’s Emmy nominations spotlighted several first-time nominees, underscoring the Academy’s recognition of fresh talent. Veteran actor Harrison Ford earned his first-ever Emmy nomination at the age of 83 for his supporting role in Apple TV+’s Shrinking. Additionally, 15-year-old Owen Cooper became the youngest actor ever nominated in the Supporting Actor category for his role in Netflix’s Adolescence.

In total, there were 33 first-time acting nominees, including Kristen Bell and Adam Brody for Netflix’s Nobody Wants This, as well as Cristin Milioti and Colin Farrell for HBO’s The Penguin. According to CBS News, this year’s nominations reflect a growing appreciation for both emerging talent and seasoned performers making their mark in television.

Streaming Platforms Dominate

Streaming platforms continued their dominance in the Emmy landscape. HBO and HBO Max led all networks with 142 nominations, followed by Netflix with 120 and Apple TV+ with 79. Network television, on the other hand, saw limited recognition, with shows like ABC’s Abbott Elementary and CBS’s Matlock securing a handful of nods.

Netflix’s breakout limited series Adolescence and Apple TV+’s Slow Horses were among the year’s most celebrated programs. As AP News highlighted, Netflix’s strong showing in categories like Limited Series and Comedy Specials reinforced its position as a powerhouse in content creation.

Snubs, Surprises, and Historical Context

While many celebrated the nominations, there were notable snubs. Squid Game Season 3, despite high expectations, failed to secure any major acting nominations. Additionally, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, a standout in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, was surprisingly overlooked.

Meanwhile, historical milestones were achieved. $1 Barack Obama received his third nomination in the Outstanding Narrator category for his work on the documentary Our Oceans. If he wins, it will mark his third consecutive victory in this category, joining other notable nominees like David Attenborough and Idris Elba.

Looking Ahead to Emmy Night

The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on September 14, 2025, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The Creative Arts Emmy Awards, which honor technical and artistic achievements, will be held on September 6 and 7, with an edited broadcast airing on September 13.

*As the Emmy Awards approach, anticipation builds for a night that promises to celebrate the best of television while setting the stage for future innovations in storytelling.*