The race for the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards is heating up as the nomination voting window closes on June 23rd, leading up to the official announcement on July 15th. While perennial favorites and recent winners are sure to dominate many categories, television critics and industry observers are highlighting a wealth of deserving contenders across the landscape, from acclaimed returning series to buzzy newcomers and often-overlooked gems.
Unlike last year, where Shōgun significantly shaped the drama categories, the field in 2025 appears wide open. Meanwhile, the comedy races are anticipated to feature another showdown between The Bear (reigniting the genre debate) and Hacks, with several beloved shows also in the mix. Critics are urging voters to consider a diverse array of programming, recognizing both established talent and fresh voices.
Here’s a look at some of the top contenders and critic picks for nominations ahead of the September 14th ceremony, which will air on CBS and Paramount+ hosted by Nate Bargatze:
The Comedy Landscape
While the spotlight often falls on Hacks and The Bear, critics see a deeper pool of talent in the comedy categories.
Best Series: Beyond the expected frontrunners, shows lauded for their distinct voices include the poignant Apple TV+ series Shrinking, HBO’s moving and funny Somebody Somewhere, Max’s new contender A Man on the Inside, and the reliable broadcast favorite Abbott Elementary. Nathan Fielder’s unique HBO hybrid The Rehearsal is also getting buzz, noted as a “genre hybrid dazzler.” NPR critic Eric Deggans also champions Netflix’s Mo, calling the series, which follows a Palestinian refugee, extremely relevant and uniquely able to blend humor, pathos, and heart.
Best Actor: The field is rich with distinctive performances. Advocacy is strong for Jeff Hiller of Somebody Somewhere, praised for his irrepressible and exquisitely empathetic turn, which critics feel is long overdue for Emmy recognition. Nathan Fielder (The Rehearsal) is highlighted for his distinctive weirdness, Ted Danson (A Man on the Inside) for a funny-poignant role, Adam Brody (Nobody Wants This) for romantic chops, and Seth Rogen (The Studio) for a “never-ending panic attack” portrayal. The ensemble work on FX’s What We Do in the Shadows is also frequently mentioned.
Best Actress: This category features a mix of returning nominees and exciting new possibilities. While Hacks star Hannah Einbinder is seen by some as rightfully belonging in this lead category (though she’s submitted in Supporting), potential nominees include Uzo Aduba in Netflix’s quirky White House whodunit The Residence. NPR’s Eric Deggans specifically advocates for Aduba, noting her past Emmy success but fearing this performance in a unique genre might be overlooked; he describes her portrayal of a birder turned detective as commanding and sharp-eyed. Stephanie Hsu (Laid) is cited for her confident rom-com weirdness, and Kristen Bell (Nobody Wants This) for a charming performance. Returning favorites like Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), and Natasha Lyonne (Poker Face) remain strong contenders. Kaitlin Olson also enters the conversation for her role in ABC’s most-watched new show in seven years, High Potential.
Best Supporting Actor: Expected nominees like Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear), Paul W. Downs (Hacks), Tyler James Williams (Abbott Elementary), and Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) are likely to return. However, critics are pushing for others such as SNL breakout Marcello Hernández, Tim Bagley (Somebody Somewhere), Ted McGinley (Shrinking), and notably Harrison Ford (Shrinking), who many felt was snubbed for the previous season.
Best Supporting Actress: A highly competitive category. If Hannah Einbinder is nominated here, some critics believe she should win, while also acknowledging the deserving Emmy previously won by Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear). Strong contenders include Lukita Maxwell, Jessica Williams, and Christa Miller (Shrinking), Zosia Mamet (Laid), Poorna Jagannathan (Deli Boys), Janelle James (Abbott Elementary), and Lou de Laâge (Étoile).
The Wide-Open Drama Field
Having been dominated by a single series last year, the drama categories are poised for a fresh mix of nominees.
Best Series: Tony Gilroy’s anti-fascist statement Andor on Disney+ is a top pick, lauded as “searingly of-the-moment.” Max’s The Pitt is highlighted as potentially the best and buzziest of the year’s medical dramas. Critics also dream of seeing HBO’s sharper-than-ever Industry (Season 3) and AMC’s twisted Interview With the Vampire enter the race.
Best Actor: Zahn McClarnon delivers a confident, anchoring performance in AMC’s Dark Winds, making him a prominent pick. Noah Wyle’s steady yet emotional work carried The Pitt, while Adam Scott took his Severance character to darker places in Season 2. Diego Luna held together the complex elements of Andor. Other strong possibilities include Matthew Goode in Netflix’s Dept. Q, Sterling K. Brown in Hulu’s Paradise, and the consistently reliable Gary Oldman in Apple TV+’s Slow Horses. NPR’s Eric Deggans specifically backs Matthew Goode, noting his strong performance in the Scottish crime drama anchors the series despite it being released close to the voting deadline and potentially overlooked.
Best Actress: This year’s notable performances are often described as “ferocious.” Bella Ramsey’s fury and vulnerability in HBO’s The Last of Us, Britt Lower’s high-wire act on Apple TV+’s Severance, Marisa Abela’s turn in Industry, and Melanie Lynskey and Sophie Nélisse’s shared rage on Showtime’s Yellowjackets are frequently mentioned.
Best Supporting Actor: While many expected nominees might come from Severance (like Zach Cherry) and The White Lotus (like Patrick Schwarzenegger), critics are pushing for broader recognition. TVLine’s “Dream Nominees” list for this category features Walton Goggins (The White Lotus), praised for making his character the “true VIP guest” with intense pain and surprising sympathy (Episode: “The Meaning of Dreams”). Ken Leung (Industry) is noted for his captivating and riveting portrayal of anxiety (Episode: “Il Mattino ha L’Oro Bocca”). James Marsden (Paradise) is highlighted for bringing unexpected gravitas and heartbreak in a final address (Episode: “The Day”). Sam Reid (Interview With the Vampire) is described as devastatingly unforgettable in conveying Lestat’s despair (Episode: “I Could Not Prevent It”). Kyle Soller (Andor) is credited with portraying his character’s complex evolution and internal revulsion (Episode: “Who Are You?”). Tramell Tillman (Severance) impressed with his unsettlingly placid yet sometimes gentle portrayal of Milchick (Episode: “Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig”). John Turturro (Severance) is recognized for the richly realized depth and chilling confidence paired with tenderness he brings to Irving B (Episode: “Woe’s Hollow”). Ben Whishaw (Black Doves) is lauded for blending humor and charm with dramatic range and heartbreak (Episode: “The Coming Night”). NPR’s Eric Deggans makes a specific case for Vincent D’Onofrio in Disney+’s Daredevil: Born Again, arguing performers in genre shows like superhero series are often overlooked, but D’Onofrio’s chilling and captivating portrayal of the Kingpin completely dominated the series. Other contenders mentioned include Gerran Howell (The Pitt) and Michael Emerson (Evil).
Best Supporting Actress: This highly competitive category sees strong consideration for performances in The Pitt, particularly Katherine LaNasa and Taylor Dearden. However, critics also champion Aimee Lou Wood and Carrie Coon (The White Lotus), Denise Gough and Genevieve O’Reilly (Andor), Isabela Merced (The Last of Us), and Dichen Lachman (Severance).
Limited and Anthology Series Standouts
This category often brings fresh stories and powerful, contained performances.
Best Series: Netflix’s harrowing Adolescence is called a “one-shot wonder” and a “powerhouse,” drawing comparisons to Baby Reindeer for its acclaimed and intense nature. FX’s Say Nothing is noted as a searing troubles drama, while Dying for Sex is described as a boldly horny cancer dramedy. NPR highlights Peacock’s Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, calling it an excellent, blaxploitation-tinged production with significant stars, based on a real Atlanta event.
Best Actor: Stephen Graham’s performance in Adolescence is singled out as particularly devastating. Brian Tyree Henry in Apple TV+’s Dope Thief is praised for being unable to do wrong. Other strong performances in potentially “so-so shows” mentioned include Cooper Koch (Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story), Josh Rivera (American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez), and Jimmy O. Yang (Interior Chinatown). Don Cheadle and Kevin Hart are specifically mentioned by NPR for their strong work in Fight Night, with Hart’s serious performance and Jackson’s masterful turn highlighted.
Best Actress: Critics emphasize the need for Cristin Milioti (The Penguin) to finally receive a nomination after a “bizarre streak” of snubs, stating the show is nothing without her. Michelle Williams (Dying for Sex) and Cate Blanchett (Disclaimer) are expected to add star power, but the category also deserves recognition for Kaitlyn Dever (Apple Cider Vinegar), Lola Petticrew (Say Nothing), and Tamara Lawrance (Get Millie Black). Ellen Pompeo is also a possibility for her first-ever Emmy nod for her role in the Hulu limited series Good American Family.
Best Supporting Actor: Owen Cooper’s astonishing onscreen debut in Adolescence is seen by some as a potential winner. Bill Camp is noted for having numerous performances deserving of a nomination, and other strong contenders include Don Cheadle (Fight Night), Diego Luna (La Máquina), Rob Delaney (Dying for Sex), Wagner Moura (Dope Thief), and Ramy Youssef (Mountainhead).
- Best Supporting Actress: Erin Doherty’s performance in Adolescence is described as a “beast” – intense, nuanced, layered, and dynamic. Jenny Slate (Dying for Sex) is praised for her tenderness, Ruth Negga (Presumed Innocent) for hurt and determination, and Betty Gilpin (Three Women) for raw longing. Imogen Faith Reid also impressed in Good American Family.
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Beyond Scripted: Talk Series
NPR’s Eric Deggans specifically offered recommendations for the Talk Series category, urging voters to recognize unconventional but high-quality programming. His picks include CNN’s Americanized political satire Have I Got News for You, hosted by Roy Wood Jr., calling it a fun way to process chaotic times with a telling yet heartening take on the news. He also champions YouTube’s Hot Ones, arguing it’s a “crime” it hasn’t been nominated. Despite the simple premise of interviewing celebrities while eating progressively hotter wings, Deggans believes host Sean Evans elevates the show with sharp, insightful questions, making it deserving of Emmy attention.
As Emmy voters finalize their ballots, these shows and performances represent just a fraction of the incredible television produced over the past year. Nomination day on July 15th promises to reveal which of these contenders will get their shot at Emmy gold.