As the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards approach on September 14, 2025, several clear favorites have emerged, though upsets are far from impossible. Apple TV+'s dystopian drama Severance leads the drama field, while Seth Rogen's Hollywood satire The Studio is the top contender for comedy. For limited series, Netflix's Adolescence holds the edge over HBO's The Penguin.
Here is a closer look at the favorites and potential spoilers in the major categories.
Outstanding Drama Series
Severance is the undeniable frontrunner, having secured a staggering 27 nominations, the most of any program this year. The show’s second season was hailed for its masterful storytelling and stunning performances.
- The frontrunner: Severance (Apple TV+)
- Primary competition: HBO's medical drama The Pitt, a late-season breakout hit, has been gaining significant momentum and is considered the most likely contender for an upset.
- Key creative arts wins: Severance cemented its lead with six Creative Arts Emmy wins, including for Guest Actress in a Drama Series (Merritt Wever) and a number of technical categories.
Outstanding Comedy Series
Apple TV+'s razor-sharp Hollywood satire The Studio, co-written and directed by Seth Rogen, is the odds-on favorite. The show tied the record for the most nominations for a comedy series, with a total of 23.
- The frontrunner: The Studio (Apple TV+)
- Primary competition: HBO's Hacks and FX's The Bear are formidable opponents. Hacks is a returning champion and The Bear won for its previous season, so either could reclaim the top prize.
- Creative arts wins: The Studio dominated the Creative Arts Emmys with nine total awards, boosting its already strong position.
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
In one of the most competitive races of the night, Netflix's emotional drama Adolescence appears to have the edge. The series earned widespread critical acclaim and has a stellar 99% Rotten Tomatoes score.
- The frontrunner: Adolescence (Netflix)
- Primary competition: HBO Max's The Penguin is a strong rival, having received a high number of nominations. In the wake of the Creative Arts awards, some critics noted a tightening race.
Key acting categories
The races for individual performances are tight, with many categories featuring multiple deserving actors.
Lead Actress in a Drama
- The favorite: Veteran actress Kathy Bates is seen as the favorite for her work in the reboot of Matlock.
- Primary competition: Britt Lower's performance in Severance makes her a strong, and perhaps overdue, contender.
Lead Actor in a Drama
- The favorite: In what's widely considered one of the toughest races to call, Noah Wyle has emerged as a leading contender for his role in The Pitt.
- Primary competition: Wyle will have to contend with Adam Scott from Severance, who could ride his show's overall success to a win.
Lead Actress in a Comedy
- The favorite: Jean Smart is the top choice to win for her continued powerful performance in Hacks.
- Primary competition: Ayo Edebiri of The Bear is a fan favorite and poses a strong threat, though she may be overshadowed by Smart's dominance.
Lead Actor in a Comedy
- The favorite: While the race is tight, Seth Rogen is favored for his work in The Studio, which is expected to have a strong night overall.
- Primary competition: He faces stiff competition from Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building) and previous winner Jeremy Allen White (The Bear).
Lead Actor in a Limited Series
- The favorite: Colin Farrell's Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award wins for his transformative performance in The Penguin position him as the favorite.
- Primary competition: Stephen Graham's moving turn in Adolescence makes him a formidable opponent.
Lead Actress in a Limited Series
- The favorite: This is a toss-up, with Michelle Williams (Dying for Sex) and Cristin Milioti (The Penguin) in a near dead heat. Williams' previous Emmy win may give her a slight advantage, while Milioti's performance is praised as a breakout role.
- Rob Longwell, editor
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