Television’s biggest night is nearly upon us, and as the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards prepare to air this Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and Paramount+, the buzz surrounding both the nominees and notable snubs is reaching a fever pitch. Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, this year’s ceremony promises to celebrate the very best in television from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, but not without controversy over which shows made the cut—and which were left in the cold.
According to the TV Academy, this year’s Emmy nominations leaned heavily into acclaimed series like “Severance,” “The Pitt,” “The White Lotus,” “The Studio,” “Adolescence,” “The Penguin,” and “The Last of Us.” These shows, spanning genres from psychological drama to workplace satire and dystopian adventure, have dominated the conversation among critics and fans alike. Yet, as reported by multiple outlets including the Detroit Free Press, the Academy’s choices have left a trail of overlooked fan favorites and critical darlings in their wake.
Among the most glaring omissions is AMC’s “Interview with the Vampire.” Despite two seasons of critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase since its 2022 debut, the series has failed to secure any major Emmy nominations. Jacob Anderson’s performance as the immortal Louis has been called “criminally snubbed,” leaving many to hope that the show’s upcoming third season in 2026 might finally earn it the recognition it deserves. Similarly, Taylor Sheridan’s “1923”—a Western prequel starring legends Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford—was ignored by the Emmys, even after the Golden Globes acknowledged its excellence in two major categories last year.
Another surprise came with “The Day of the Jackal,” a British spy thriller featuring Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch. The series had previously garnered nominations at both the 2025 Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, yet failed to break through the stiff competition in the Emmy drama series category. Over on the comedy side, Amazon’s “Overcompensating,” based on Benito Skinner’s college experiences, was shut out entirely, despite its bold humor and popularity.
In the world of drama, the competition is fierce. Nominees for Outstanding Drama Series include “Andor,” “The Diplomat,” “The Last of Us,” “Paradise,” “The Pitt,” “Severance,” “Slow Horses,” and “The White Lotus.” Among these, “The Pitt,” a medical drama revitalizing the genre with Noah Wyle’s return to the ER, is widely predicted to win. However, some critics argue that “Andor,” with its masterful compression of the “Star Wars” rebellion saga and Diego Luna’s compelling performance, is the show that truly deserves the honor.
The acting categories are just as hotly contested. Kathy Bates is expected to take home the Lead Actress in a Drama Series award for her role in “Matlock,” marking a triumphant comeback. But many believe Britt Lower’s haunting portrayal of Helly R. in “Severance” is the season’s standout. For Lead Actor, Adam Scott’s nuanced turn in “Severance” has him favored to win, though Pedro Pascal’s emotionally raw performance in “The Last of Us” is also drawing praise. Predictions from the Detroit Free Press suggest that “it feels like Adam Scott’s time to be recognized as someone who handles drama as well as he does comedy.”
Comedy series nominees are equally impressive, with “Abbott Elementary,” “The Bear,” “Hacks,” “Nobody Wants This,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “Shrinking,” “The Studio,” and “What We Do in the Shadows” all vying for the top prize. “The Studio,” a satirical look at the chaos of running a Hollywood studio, is the predicted favorite. Yet, “Nobody Wants This”—a rom-com sitcom about the unlikely romance between a rabbi and a sex podcaster—has its own passionate supporters, who argue that it marks a sweet return to classic sitcom storytelling.
In the comedy acting races, Kristen Bell is poised to win her first Emmy for “Nobody Wants This,” a recognition of her two decades of outstanding television work. Seth Rogen’s performance as a beleaguered studio head in “The Studio” is expected to earn him the Lead Actor award, with critics lauding his portrayal of a creative torn between artistry and commerce.
The limited or anthology series category has also sparked debate. “Adolescence,” a raw four-episode Netflix drama filmed in one continuous take, is the likely winner. Its unflinching depiction of a family shattered by tragedy has been called “searingly unforgettable.” However, “The Penguin,” with Colin Farrell’s transformative performance as a Batman villain, is considered equally deserving. As one critic put it, “If Shakespeare had written for DC Comics, it would be like this.”
Supporting roles are no less competitive. Julianne Nicholson could upset the field for her chilling turn in “Paradise,” while Walton Goggins is the favorite for his memorable role in “The White Lotus.” Comedy supporting categories see Janelle James as the frontrunner for her hilarious performance as Principal Ava Coleman in “Abbott Elementary,” and Bowen Yang is predicted to win for his MVP season on “Saturday Night Live.”
Yet, as the excitement builds for Sunday’s show, the conversation isn’t just about who will win—it’s also about those who were left behind. HBO’s “Industry,” despite a stellar third season and the addition of Kit Harington, has never managed to break into the Emmy field. Jon Hamm’s “Your Friends and Neighbors” was only recognized for its theme music, and “The Righteous Gemstones” ended its four-season run without a single major nomination, despite Walton Goggins’ standout performance. Even Ted Danson, a perennial Emmy favorite, was overlooked for his role in “A Man on the Inside,” though fans are hoping that the show’s second season—with the addition of Mary Steenburgen—might reverse his fortunes.
Meanwhile, some shows are getting a second chance. “Black Doves,” which earned Keira Knightley a Golden Globes nomination, is returning for a second season, giving the Emmys another opportunity to acknowledge its unique blend of espionage and drama.
As the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards approach, viewers are left to wonder: will the Academy’s choices reflect the true breadth and diversity of television’s golden age, or will deserving shows and performers continue to be overlooked? Either way, Sunday promises to be a night of celebration, surprise, and perhaps a little controversy—just the way television fans like it.
For those eager to tune in, the Emmys air live on CBS and Paramount+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Whether your favorites are among the nominees or the snubbed, it’s sure to be a night to remember.