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
One of the most fascinating things about the Outstanding Drama Series race this year? There are a ton of shows that have been nominated in the category already that are eligible again, and now looking for their first win (“The Handmaid’s Tale” being the one exception).
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The biggest example is “Severance” on Apple TV+, which had a sizable hiatus, but managed to avoid the sophomore slump that befell other streaming hits like “Squid Game,” “Bad Sisters,” and “House of the Dragon.” The streaming network has pulled out just about every stop it can, having the cast and creators show up in full to multiple for your consideration events on both coasts.
However, if there was any show that curtailed the Apple TV+ series’ hype train earlier this year, it was the new hit HBO Max series “The Pitt.” Maybe it is because it added HBO back to its moniker, but the streaming service has really found its identity as of late with its originals. Much like how “Hacks” falls somewhere between network sitcoms, and the much darker comedies on HBO proper, “The Pitt” is a premium cable version of a network medical show. And the fact that it can be as graphic as it needs to be about what an emergency room job entails really makes the difference.
HBO and HBO Max are not likely to tie its recent record of four nominees in the category in the same year, but one can still comfortably say “The Last of Us” and “The White Lotus” will be back in the race. Even though the latest seasons of both shows were not as big of a critical hit as the previous seasons, they still generated some of the most talked about moments on TV this year.
While Disney overall does not have a “Shōgun” level contender this season, both the first season of “Paradise” on Hulu and the final season of “Andor” have left enough of an impression on viewers, and are broad enough prestige projects, to feel like safe bets.
“The Diplomat” on Netflix and “Slow Horses” on Apple TV+ seem a bit stodgier at first glance, but have proven to have real momentum with voters, so it would not be a shock to see them nominated as well. But there is a real chance one Paramount project could rise up the ranks instead.
Kathy Bates is as big of a lock as one can be for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, yet can that translate into “Matlock” being the first CBS drama since “The Good Wife” to score a series nomination? And “Yellowjackets” has been nominated in the category twice already, so it does have Emmy voters’ attention. It just does not have the budget to campaign as hard as an Apple show does. Hardly any network can.
Predicted Nominees:
“Andor” (Disney+)
“The Diplomat” (Netflix)
“The Last of Us” (HBO)
“Paradise” (Hulu)
“The Pitt” (HBO Max)
“Severance” (Apple TV+)
“Slow Horses” (Apple TV+)
“The White Lotus” (HBO)
Contenders:
“Matlock” (CBS)
“Squid Game” (Netflix)
“Yellowjackets” (Showtime)
In a Perfect World:
“Interview with the Vampire” (AMC)
“Evil” (Paramount+)
“Pachinko” (Apple TV+)
More Drama Category Predictions:
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
View IndieWire’s full set of predictions for the 77th Emmy Awards.
Last Year’s Winner: “Shōgun”
Still Eligible: No.
Hot Streak: With “Shōgun” off the table, and FX not having any big dramas in the race yet, the 2025 Emmys will more likely start a new hot streak for a show and/or network rather than build off any previous successes.
Notable Ineligible Series: “The Crown” (ended); “The Morning Show” (Season 4 is not eligible); “The Gilded Age” (Season 3 is not eligible); “Shōgun” (Season 2 is not eligible); “3 Body Problem” (Season 2 is not eligible); “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (Season 2 is not eligible); “Fallout” (Season 2 is not eligible).
