We will update this article throughout the season, along with all our predictions, so make sure to keep checking IndieWire for the latest news from the 2025 Emmys race. The nomination round of voting takes place from June 12 to June 23, with the official Emmy nominations announced Tuesday, July 15. Afterwards, final voting commences on August 18 and ends the night of August 27. The 77th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards are set to take place on Sunday, September 14, and air live on CBS at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT.
The State of the Race
Judging by the record-breaking amount of Emmy nominations it received, “The Studio” sure looks like the Television Academy’s new favorite comedy. The Apple TV+ series earned 23 Emmy nominations, which makes it the most nominated freshman comedy series ever, and it ties “The Bear” Season 2 for the most nominations for a comedy series in a single year.
But although that season of “The Bear” did eventually also break the record for most wins for a single season of a comedy series, it did not end up winning Outstanding Comedy Series. That honor went to the third season of “Hacks.”
The argument for that particular win? “Hacks” is actually funny, while many people feel “The Bear” is not. That line of thinking may still weigh down “The Bear” this year. “The Studio,” co-created and led by Seth Rogen, does not have the same problem. Ultimately, the conversation around it versus “Hacks” is which show has more jokes. “Hacks” certainly has more dramatic moments, but parts of “The Studio” can make viewers feel uneasy, especially an Emmys-voting audience that can relate to situations that the characters are dealing with.
Building upon that relatability, it is worth pointing out that six out of eight of the nominees filmed in Los Angeles this season. The January wildfires in the region drew further attention to how rare local production is nowadays, so that aspect adds to the appeal of voting for a show like “The Studio” or “Hacks” over the Chicago-set “The Bear.”
The FX series “What We Do in the Shadows” is the only nominee to have ended with its currently nominated season. Though it is the other production that did not shoot in LA this past year, it has been consistently and triumphantly nominated in the category. Far too often, Emmy voters are quick to award a new series and rarely give a farewell Emmy to shows that have sustained their quality. The most welcome upset would be “What We Do in the Shadows” winning for holding six seasons strong.
Nominees are listed below in order of their likelihood to win.
Power Rankings:
- “The Studio” (Apple TV+)
- “Hacks” (Max)
- “The Bear” (FX)
- “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
- “Nobody Wants This” (Netflix)
- “Shrinking” (Apple TV+)
- “Only Murders in the Building” (Hulu)
- “What We Do in the Shadows” (FX)
Will Win: “The Studio”
Could Win: “Hacks”
Should Win: “What We Do in the Shadows”
More Comedy Category Predictions:
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
View IndieWire’s full set of predictions for the 77th Emmy Awards.
Last Year’s Winner: “Hacks”
Still Eligible: Yes.
Hot Streak: While “Ted Lasso” is the most recent series to win the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series twice in a row, it’s been years since the category has had a true hot streak with a specific show and/or network winning the category year after year.
Notable Ineligible Series: “Reservation Dogs” (ended); “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (ended); “The Gentlemen” (Season 2 is not eligible); “Palm Royale” (Season 2 is not eligible).