Quick Read
- General Hospital won seven awards, including Outstanding Daytime Drama Series.
- Drew Barrymore received her first Emmy as Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host.
- Lisa Yamada was the inaugural winner of Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series.
- Netflix led all platforms with nine wins; streaming services were prominent.
- Deborah Norville received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Daytime Emmys have always been a celebration—a moment when the stars and makers of daytime television gather under the bright lights to honor the year’s most resonant work. On October 17, 2025, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium buzzed with anticipation as Mario Lopez hosted the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, marking his fourth time at the helm. This year, there was a noticeable sense of renewal, as fresh faces joined seasoned veterans on stage, and new categories broadened the scope of recognition.
General Hospital’s Triumph: Seven Wins and a Repeat Victory
ABC’s General Hospital once again took center stage, securing its second consecutive win for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series. With a total of seven trophies, the show reaffirmed its enduring appeal and the talent of its cast and crew. Nancy Lee Grahn earned her third Emmy for her portrayal of Alexis Davis, a testament to her nuanced performances that continue to captivate audiences. Jonathan Jackson was also honored for his role as Lucky Spencer, further cementing General Hospital’s dominance in both lead and supporting categories. The writing and directing teams of the series were equally celebrated, with both taking home top honors, reflecting the show’s cohesive storytelling and production excellence (Deadline, TV Insider).
Breakthroughs in Daytime: New Faces and Notable Firsts
History was made with the introduction of the Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama Series category. Lisa Yamada, recognized for her work as Luna Nozawa in The Bold and the Beautiful, became its inaugural winner, a signal of the industry’s commitment to spotlighting rising stars. Drew Barrymore, though absent from the ceremony, won her first Emmy for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host for The Drew Barrymore Show, adding a fresh dimension to the talk show landscape. The show itself was among the night’s top contenders, though Live With Kelly and Mark ultimately claimed the award for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series.
In the realm of culinary programming, Delicious Miss Brown won Outstanding Culinary Instructional Series, with Kardea Brown also picking up the award for Outstanding Culinary Host. These wins highlighted the growing popularity and creative evolution of food-related daytime television. Meanwhile, Entertainment Tonight continued its reign as a trusted source of entertainment news, winning both Outstanding Entertainment News Series and Outstanding Daytime Personality – Daily for its team of hosts (PEOPLE, Deadline).
Honoring Legacy and Innovation: Lifetime Achievement and New Program Categories
The ceremony paid homage to the enduring impact of daytime television’s icons. Deborah Norville received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing a career that has spanned local news, national broadcasts, and decades as anchor of Inside Edition. This moment of reflection was balanced by the celebration of innovative programming, with Netflix’s Black Barbie winning Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program and Outstanding Writing Team for a Daytime Non-Fiction Program, underscoring the genre’s evolution.
Nature and science programming also received attention. Apple TV+’s The Secret Lives of Animals secured three wins, including Outstanding Science and Nature Program, showing the growing influence of streaming platforms in the daytime sphere. Sir David Attenborough was honored as Outstanding Daytime Personality – Non-Daily for his narration in Secret Lives of Orangutans, a nod to the power of documentary storytelling in daytime slots (TV Insider).
Soap Opera Milestones and Emotional Tributes
The 2025 ceremony marked a milestone for Days of Our Lives, which celebrated 60 years of drama, romance, and twists. Cast members assembled on stage, taking a collective bow that served as a living tribute to the show’s legacy and its impact on generations of viewers. Paul Telfer, honored for his role as Xander Kiriakis, reflected the continued strength of the genre, while Susan Walters and Alley Mills were recognized for their outstanding supporting and guest performances in The Young and the Restless and General Hospital, respectively.
Other categories highlighted the diversity of daytime television. Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse won Outstanding Instructional/How-To Program, and Expedition Unknown was recognized as Outstanding Travel or Adventure Program, illustrating the breadth of content embraced by the Daytime Emmys.
Streaming’s Ascent and Shifting Television Landscapes
The landscape of daytime television is evolving rapidly. Netflix led all platforms with nine wins, reflecting the increasing influence of streaming services on traditional awards circuits. ABC followed with eight, while CBS and Peacock each secured two. Syndicated and cable programming also made their mark, with shows like Hot Bench and The Kelly Clarkson Show receiving recognition in technical and legal categories.
In the short form space, Ballin’ Out from Outsports took home the award, while Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade was honored as Outstanding Daytime Special. These wins demonstrated the Emmys’ embrace of both legacy and new formats, as well as programming that brings joy and wonder to daytime audiences.
Full List of Major Winners
- Outstanding Daytime Drama Series: General Hospital
- Outstanding Lead Actress, Daytime Drama: Nancy Lee Grahn, General Hospital
- Outstanding Lead Actor, Daytime Drama: Paul Telfer, Days of Our Lives
- Outstanding Supporting Actress: Susan Walters, The Young and the Restless
- Outstanding Supporting Actor: Jonathan Jackson, General Hospital
- Outstanding Guest Performance: Alley Mills, General Hospital
- Outstanding Emerging Talent: Lisa Yamada, The Bold and the Beautiful
- Outstanding Daytime Talk Series: Live With Kelly and Mark
- Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host: Drew Barrymore, The Drew Barrymore Show
- Outstanding Culinary Instructional Series: Delicious Miss Brown
- Outstanding Culinary Host: Kardea Brown, Delicious Miss Brown
- Outstanding Entertainment News Series: Entertainment Tonight
- Outstanding Daytime Personality – Daily: Entertainment Tonight hosts
- Outstanding Daytime Personality – Non-Daily: Sir David Attenborough, Secret Lives of Orangutans
- Outstanding Writing Team, Daytime Drama: General Hospital
- Outstanding Directing Team, Daytime Drama: General Hospital
- Outstanding Arts and Popular Culture Program: Black Barbie
As the curtain fell on the 2025 Daytime Emmys, the evening’s mix of tradition and innovation was unmistakable. The awards recognized not only the enduring appeal of stalwarts like General Hospital and Days of Our Lives, but also the expanding universe of daytime television—where streaming platforms, new talent, and fresh formats are reshaping what it means to connect with viewers during the day. The ceremony was a reminder that, in an era of endless entertainment choices, daytime TV still knows how to shine.
The 2025 Daytime Emmys showcased both the resilience of classic soap operas and the momentum of new faces and formats. As streaming services reshape the industry and original programming finds new ways to engage viewers, the Emmys’ recognition points to a future where tradition and innovation coexist, each enriching the other.