Awards season is now in full swing with Harvey Guillén and Brenda Song announcing the nominees for the 77th Emmy Awards, featuring record-breaking recognition like Harrison Ford's first-ever Emmy nomination in his career, and Bella Ramsey making history as the first non-binary actor to be nominated more than once. Dystopian sci-fi hits and original properties in their debut seasons continue to emphasize the significance of new and exciting content finding its place in the industry, and some snubs naturally have critics and fans alike frustrated by the outcome.
With new shows like The Pitt and The Studio racking up multiple awards and unsurprising candidates like The White Lotus, here are the best series nominated for the 2025 Emmy Awards, along with where to watch them on platforms such as HBO Max, Netflix, and more.
Andor (2022)
The two-season Star Wars series took the world by storm with its debut and heightened the stakes in its sophomore run, effectively becoming one of the best additions to the expansive franchise. Nominated for 14 awards, including Best Outstanding Drama, Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series, Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series, and countless technical nods, Andor, the brilliant Diego Luna-led series is brimming with heart, empathy, and a narrative that's especially relevant in this day and age.
The Diplomat (2023)
Netflix's The Diplomat is the sleeper hit that now proves any series starring Keri Russell is bound to be an unquestionable success. (See FX's renowned The Americans.) Nominated for two awards, including Best Outstanding Drama, as well as an acting nod to Keri Russell as Kate Wyler, the series' small but mighty impact is proof that an original series with no IP can indeed make a vast impact on viewers. Created by Debora Cahn, the show is a political thriller centered on an American ambassador and her high-profile, tumultuous marriage.
The Last of Us (2023)
HBO Max's hit, The Last of Us, based on the renowned video game series, continues to be an indomitable triumph with 16 nominations, including Best Outstanding Drama and various production nods, as well as acting nominations for both Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. The post-apocalyptic sequel follows unlikely pairs in a high-stakes battle for survival, but it stands out due to its powerful themes of found family, vulnerable displays of compassion, and compelling narrative arcs that honor the video game it's based on.
Paradise (2025)
With four nominations, including Best Outstanding Drama, as well as recognition for Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, and Julianne Nicholson, Hulu's new original series, Paradise, like The Diplomat, proves that unique thrillers are still very much appreciated by critics and fans alike. Created by Dan Fogelman, the doomsday nail-biter centers on political elites, those hired to protect them, and the perilous outcomes of secrets and lies tormenting people at a time when mere existence is challenging.
The Pitt (2025)
HBO Max's unique and incredibly nuanced medical drama The Pitt is now nominated for 13 awards, including Best Outstanding Drama, various writing credits, as well as acting attributes for Noah Wyle as Dr. Robby and Katherine LaNasa as Charge Nurse Dana. The Pitt's distinctive one-day, hour-by-hour approach made it the series to turn to in the last year, becoming an instant success with its compelling and realistic depictions of medicine and its powerful display of empathy at the heart of human interactions.
Severance (2022)
Apple TV's dystopian sensation, Severance dominates the 77th Emmy Awards with 27 nominations, including (and not at all surprising) Best Outstanding Drama, multiple nods to cast members Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Tramell Tillman, John Turturro, and Patricia Arquette. Nominations also include numerous writing and directing credits, including Jessica Lee Gagné's brilliantly directed "Chikhai Bardo," proving that the series' sophomore season is even more lusciously exhilarating than its first as it breaks down the inner workings of Lumon to potentially set these characters free and explore what's keeping their innie and outie worlds separate.
Slow Horses (2022)
Slow Horses isn't a show for every viewer, yet it remains one of the more compelling dramas on streaming as it consistently raises its stakes and delivers something rich and nuanced in every upcoming season. Nominated for five awards, including Best Outstanding Drama, Best Casting for a Drama Series, a Best Actor nomination for its leading star, Gary Oldman, and more, the series based on Mick Herron's novel shines as an underrated hit, following dysfunctional MI5 agents that are hugely impactful in small but monumental ways.
The White Lotus (2021)
The once meant to be a limited series, The White Lotus is now a consistent awards contender, racking up 23 awards, including a variety for actors like Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, Aimee Lou Wood, Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, and Sam Rockwell, as well as a Best Outstanding Drama Series. For three consecutive seasons now, the series keeps its premise while changing its cast and location to continue showcasing that its appeal stems from exceptional casting every time.
Abbott Elementary (2021)
Quinta Brunson's Abbott Elementary also resumes conquering awards season as a true comedy with its nomination for Best Outstanding Comedy and five other nominations, including acting credits for Brunson herself, Janelle James, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. The mockumentary-style series set in an underfunded elementary school consistently and thoughtfully improves with each passing season, becoming the type of comedy that's both profoundly moving and tastefully hilarious.
The Bear (2022)
Fans and critics alike will likely turn to social media to once again air their grievances about how The Bear isn't a comedy, yet that discourse isn't stopping the Academy from recognizing it as one. With 13 nominations, the series continues to be a standout in every category. The Chicago-based culinary series aired its most dramatic and harrowing season yet, and every performer within, whether wrongfully categorized or not, is still deserving of the recognition for the stunning work they brought to the kitchen this year.
Hacks (2021)
As yet another underrated series, Hacks floors us all with 14 nominations, including Best Outstanding Comedy, nominations for Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, as well as various technical achievements. Lucia Aniello's dark comedy is indeed properly categorized and consistently manages to become a roaring success thanks to its compelling writing and thoughtful characterizations that effectively tell an endearing story.
Nobody Wants This (2024)
Netflix's unexpected romantic comedy, Nobody Wants This, starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, is additional proof that the genre is effective, still revered, and award-worthy when it's done right. Following an aspiring Jewish Rabbi and a rebellious atheist in their journey toward falling in love, the romantic comedy is now a three-time Emmy nominee, including Best Outstanding Comedy as well as lead acting nominations for both Bell and Brody. The second season is set to air on October 23, 2025.
Only Murders in the Building (2021)
With seven nominations, Hulu's clever and genuinely hilarious hit, Only Murders in the Building, continues to rack up award nominations for Best Outstanding Comedy and one for Martin Short as Oliver Putnam. The delectable series, which follows an unlikely multi-generational friendship among podcast hosts who solve crimes in their apartment building, aired its most star-studded season yet, and with it, delivered one of the most exceptional comedy seasons to date.
Shrinking (2023)
Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel's heartfelt and brilliantly compelling Shrinking featured its most emotionally moving season yet in 2024 and, with it, garnered seven Emmy nominations, including Best Outstanding Comedy, and nominations for Segel, Harrison Ford, Michael Urie, and Jessica Williams. Following an unconventional therapist as he works through his lingering grief, Shrinking is a thought-provoking triumph that explores various themes such as parenthood, unlikely friendships, and more through an achingly realistic and vulnerable lens, packed with humor at every turn.
The Studio (2025)
Apple TV's boldest comedy to date, The Studio gives viewers a front-row seat to the decision-making process in Hollywood as it recognizes the problems with sequels and IP content, awards distribution, and the system as a whole, with celebrities guest-starring as themselves and one wild plot point after another. With 23 nominations, it lands itself in the third spot of most award nominations during the 77th Emmy Awards, including Best Outstanding Comedy.
What We Do in the Shadows (2019)
What We Do in the Shadows goes off with a shrill in its last season with six Emmy Award nominations, including Best Outstanding Comedy. The vampire mockumentary featuring unlikely roommates, which was originally based on a film of the same name, is yet another underrated hit that consistently hits the nail on every coffin (pun intended) with some of the most hilarious jokes to date. Ambitious, laugh-out-loud funny, and surprisingly endearing, acknowledging shows like this is a big win for more inclusivity with niche content.
Adolescence (2025)
The thrilling limited series, Adolescence, took viewers by surprise earlier this year, landing 13 nominations, including one for up-and-coming young star Owen Cooper. The British thriller follows a 13-year-old boy after he's arrested on suspicion of murder and, through four episodes, tells a gripping story that's impossible to look away from. With its Best Outstanding Limited Series nomination, it lands Netflix yet another hit that showcases the importance of contained stories.
Black Mirror (2011)
The now well-known anthology series earned 10 Emmy nominations, giving it time to finally shine after a bit of a slow run due to changes in the system. With it, Rashida Jones lands herself a nomination as well as one for Best Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Writing for "Common Place." The season of Black Mirror took bigger hits to continue telling thrilling Twilight Zone-esque tales that keep the season fresh and layered in its powerful themes.
Dying for Sex (2025)
Dying for Sex, starring Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate, the limited series based loosely on the real-life experiences of Molly Kochan is nominated for nine Emmy Awards, with acting nods to Williams, Slate, and Rob Delaney, as well as a directing nomination for Shannon Murphy. The provocative series rose to popularity with its honest depictions of female pleasure and bold storytelling, allowing it to become yet another series to accurately portray narratives that aren't always given proper time on screen.
Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story (2024)
Ryan Murphy's second installment of the true crime anthology series, Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story, follows the titular Mendez brothers after the killing of their parents and publicized trials. Stacked with an impeccable cast and excellent management, the series is nominated for 11 Emmy Awards, including Cooper Koch for Outstanding Lead Actor, Javier Bardem for Outstanding Supporting Actor, Chloë Sevigny for Outstanding Lead Actress, Outstanding Casting For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, and more.
The Penguin (2024)
HBO Max's hit limited series The Penguin follows the titular character after the events of Matt Reeves' The Batman in his rise to power. Starring Colin Farrell in his most unrecognizable and thoroughly compelling form, the bold crime drama is the second highest nominated series, with 24 nominations, including Best Outstanding Limited Series, acting nominations for Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, and Deirdre O'Connell, as well as various technical achievements to showcase the series' thoughtful means of honoring the comics.
Where To Watch The Best Emmy Nominated Shows Online
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