As the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards approach, a fierce competition is heating up among the top contenders in the television industry. With an eligibility window spanning from July 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, studios and networks are strategizing to secure nominations for their standout series. The talent-driven platforms of Apple TV+, HBO/Max, Netflix, and Hulu are at the forefront, presenting a lineup that is set to captivate both audiences and voters alike.
Leading the drama categories, Apple TV+ is making a formidable statement this year with acclaimed shows like the second season of Severance, which continues to be a favorite. The platform is also seeking to shine with its legal thriller Presumed Innocent, featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, and the returning season of Slow Horses with Gary Oldman. These entries illustrate Apple TV+'s dedication to delivering high-caliber storytelling that resonates with viewers and critics.
Meanwhile, HBO/Max is also a strong player with its celebrated shows. This includes the much-anticipated third season of The White Lotus, which introduces new faces like Walton Goggins and Carrie Coon while maintaining its intriguing narrative style. Equally notable is the second season of The Last of Us, aiming to replicate its impressive tally from the previous year, where it received 20 nominations. Noah Wyle also leads The Pitt, which could make a significant impact this award season.
Not to be overshadowed, Netflix promises a diverse selection of hope at the Emmy Awards. The streaming giant is banking on the continued success of The Diplomat and the dystopian phenomenon Squid Game, alongside newly introduced contenders such as Black Doves and an adaptation of Judy Blume's Forever. This variety highlights Netflix's strategy to cater to various audience preferences, ensuring it remains a dominant force in the industry.
Hulu is primed to make its mark with shows like Paradise, featuring Emmy winners Sterling K. Brown and Julianne Nicholson. The final season of The Handmaid’s Tale is also a significant entry, offering a gripping farewell for a series that made history as the first streaming show to claim the top Emmy category. As it vies for recognition, the stakes are high for Hulu.
Representing regional players, Paramount+ enters the race with renewed seasons of Yellowjackets and Lioness, as well as the intriguing new drama Landman. Disney+, hot off the success of Andor, is hoping to capture attention again with Daredevil: Born Again, while AMC anticipates recognition for its thriller series, Dark Wind.
On the comedy side, HBO/Max's reigning champion, Hacks, featuring the talented Jean Smart, returns to defend its title. Peacock's Poker Face, performed well last season, is also angling for another nomination. Last year, FX’s The Bear garnered the most Emmy statuettes for a comedy series, firmly placing it as a top contender this season as well.
Apple TV+ is eyeing success with The Studio, co-created by and starring Seth Rogen, which draws in an ensemble cast including Catherine O’Hara and features guest appearances from legendary filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese. Other platforms are also showcasing strong competitors; Netflix is gearing up with options like A Man on the Inside and Nobody Wants This, while Hulu's Only Murders in the Building maintains momentum from a surprise SAG ensemble win.
Traditional network ABC continues to hold its ground with Abbott Elementary, which is now in its fourth season. The show, led by Quinta Brunson, is viewed as a standout, with supporting star Janelle James positioned for a long-awaited Emmy victory. NBC's St. Denis Medical seeks to carve its niche in the race as well. Not to be forgotten is the 50th season of Saturday Night Live, which consistently competes with Last Week Tonight with John Oliver in the continuing scripted variety series category.
This year's Emmy landscape also sees the return of dynamic entries such as Disney+'s Agatha All Along and Peacock’s Laid, rounding out a varied pool of nominees. Netflix’s Adolescence, which premiered earlier this month, has quickly become a frontrunner, showcasing its powerful storytelling that resonates with critics and audiences alike. HBO/Max’s The Penguin, featuring Colin Farrell in a much-discussed role, is also at the forefront of this year’s award talks, having already gained significant buzz across awards circuits.
FX is introducing audience-pleasers like Dying for Sex, featuring Emmy winner Michelle Williams, while Say Nothing takes viewers through a gripping thriller narrative. Additionally, HBO/Max’s fall anthology project, American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez, dives into the rise and fall of the NFL player through Josh Andrés Rivera’s portrayal leading the story.
The excitement surrounding the Emmy Awards is palpable, not just amongst the traditional networks but in the realm of digital creators as well. YouTube content is making waves in the Emmy conversation, with shows like Hot Ones and Good Mythical Morning vying for recognition in the outstanding talk series and comedy categories, respectively.
As this award season unfolds, Clayton Davis of Variety has noted that the competition remains fluid, with predictions frequently updated based on performances and viewers' buzz. The first round of Emmy predictions is set to roll out shortly, providing a clearer picture of the contenders across multiple categories. With the final nominations being assembled, the anticipation for the grand event, scheduled for later this year, is building stronger by the day.
