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 and why to watch them on platforms such as HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, and more.
Andor (2022-2025)
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.
While the series is best suited for Star Wars fans with knowledge of the vast lore, it can be consumed on its own to act as a solid starting point to lead viewers into Rogue One (2016) and the original trilogy. As a genre, science fiction isn't often recognized during award season, but with the gripping, realistic narrative in Andor, the series can also work for viewers who aren't typically fans of the genre.
The Diplomat (2023-Present)
Netflix's The Diplomat is the sleeper hit that now proves any series starring Keri Russell is bound to be an unquestionable success. Perfect for the viewers who adored her work as the complex undercover spy in The Americans (2013), Russell proves that her forte is embodying women with tremendously riveting and nuanced stories to tell.
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-Present)
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. While some of the gore might not be suitable for viewers who aren't a fan of post-apocalyptic themes, fans of The Walking Dead (2011) and Station Eleven (2021) are more than likely to appreciate the series.
Paradise (2025-Present)
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. Paradise is especially well-suited for fans of dystopian thrillers who appreciate the artistry and character-driven arcs like in Arrival (2016). It is on the heavier end, so for the viewers who might not be in the best headspace, there are plenty of great comedies nominated this year, too.
The Pitt (2025-Present)
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 accolades 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. It's especially perfect for fans of ER (1994), but simultaneously, for squeamish viewers or hypochondriacs, perhaps give The Pitt a try. As someone who's both and generally steers clear of shows centered on medicine, the series' character-driven approach and fast-paced environment make it easy to watch. On top of that, we get enough cues to look away when it's clear that something is about to feature blood or a heavy, heartbreaking death.
Severance (2022-Present)
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.
There are a few dystopian series nominated this year, but if viewers are to choose one, Severance is the way to go. Every performance and every narrative decision make it an indescribable triumph worth being a part of the conversation for.
Slow Horses (2022-Present)
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.
Perfect for viewers who recently loved Netflix's Dept. Q (2025) and are fans of British crime dramas, Slow Horses is another reason to subscribe to Apple TV+ considering the majority of shows on this list are featured on the streamer site.
The White Lotus (2021-Present)
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. The White Lotus is perfect for viewers who love television centered around rich people, and this season especially shines with a brilliant performer like Carrie Coon. As the type of series viewers can jump into during any season because of its anthology storytelling, you don't have to watch all two seasons to watch the third.
Abbott Elementary (2021-Present)
Quinta Brunson's Abbott Elementary also resumes conquering awards season as a true, laugh-out-loud and clever 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. Perfect for viewers who miss comfort shows like Parks and Recreation (2009), Abbott Elementary is the one comedy today that can be perfect for all types of viewers.
The Bear (2022-Present)
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. Best suited for viewers who appreciate character-driven shows, The Bear dives deep into some of its most quiet work this season, delivering something that viewers who appreciate emotional storytelling will especially love.
Hacks (2021-Present)
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.
Perfect for viewers who want to watch well-written and nuanced women on television, few shows handle authenticity as brilliantly as Hacks does. Sharp and clever in every way, it's not one to miss.
Nobody Wants This (2024-Present)
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.
For viewers who want more romantic comedies in their lives that feel realistic and carry the same magic that classic '90s hits do, Nobody Wants This is the way to go. Set to return in October for its second season, it's one of the most swoonworthy shows that have aired on Netflix since the historical hit, Bridgerton (2020).
Only Murders in the Building (2021-Present)
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.
Only Murders in the Building is perfect for cozy crime aficionados who revel in movies like Clue (1985). Lighthearted despite the obvious premise, it's also best suited for viewers who aren't big fans of true crime, but still want to dip their toes into the topic that's taken the podcasting world by storm.
Shrinking (2023-Present)
Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel's heartfelt and brilliantly compelling Shrinking aired 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. Perfect for fans of Ted Lasso (2020), the emotionally moving hit is yet another added beat of brilliance to Apple TV+'s lineup.
The Studio (2025-Present)
What may be the boldest comedy to date, The Studio gives viewers a front-row seat to the decision-making processes of filmmaking in Hollywood. It boldly 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 in the third spot of most award nominations during the 77th Emmy Awards, including Best Outstanding Comedy. For viewers who've wanted to learn more about Hollywood, no show or film has taken a deep dive as intimately as The Studio. It's a true comedy with a plethora of depth to explore and one more reason to sign up for Apple TV+.
What We Do in the Shadows (2019-2024)
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. What We Do in the Shadows is perfect for viewers who loved the original film, and especially for those who appreciate offbeat humor.
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. While Adolescence might not be best for viewers who aren't in a good space, viewers who appreciate realistic examples of young adults stuck in the crossfires of death and murder.
Black Mirror (2011-Present)
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."
This 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. Black Mirror isn't suited for viewers who aren't fans of complex narratives that can perhaps send the imagination running wild, but for sci-fi nerds who don't mind dark, dystopian narratives, it's a must-watch.
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. Dying for Sex isn't suited for viewers who are sensitive about health diagnoses, but it can be a perfect viewing experience for those who want to see a woman explore all her avenues with a second chance.
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.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erick Menendez Story is for viewers who appreciate Murphy's means of storytelling as well as those who aren't sensitive to true crime narratives. Anyone wanting to learn a little more about one of America's most famous crimes will find answers here.
The Penguin (2024)
HBO Max's hit limited series The Penguin follows the titular character after the events of Matt Reeves' The Batman (2022) 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.
The Penguin isn't an easy show to dive into with prior knowledge of the comics lore, but the blood and gore might also not be suited for viewers who prefer more lighthearted approaches to villain-based stories. Still, where performances are concerned, The Penguin is absolutely worth every minute.
