The 2025 Emmy Noms Are Here, and I Have Thoughts

Screens in Focus
Jul 16
3 min read

Updated: Jul 16

I was still buzzing from posting my Superman video when BAM—the 77th Primetime Emmy nominations dropped—and suddenly I was screaming into my phone with reactions. Naturally, I recorded a TikTok the same day (you can watch it [here]👈), but to be honest, I wasn’t done talking. 😂

As someone who podcasts about TV (Screens in Focus!), I live for this kind of thing. And wow, there’s a lot to love… and a few things that stung.

The Nomination Leaders

Here’s where the Emmy buzz is loudest:

Severance – 27 nominations
The Penguin – 24 noms
The Studio & White Lotus – tied with 23
The Last of Us – 16 noms
Adolescence & The Pit – 13 each
The Bear – with 13, also came through strong (yes!!)

I’ve seen (and loved!) nearly all of these except The Penguin—but now it’s officially bumped up on my must-watch list.

Severance Girlie Reporting for Duty

Let’s be real: I’m a Severance girlie. The fact that it leads with 27 noms? Thrilled. Over the moon. Tramell Tillman supporting actor nod?! One of my favs!

Adam Scott’s nomination? Of course. John Turturro? Deserved. Patricia Arquette, Britt Lower, and Zach Cherry ? YES. Honestly, give them all Emmys and call it a day.

Is The Bear a Comedy? I don't know. Is It Brilliant? Absolutely.

I get that there’s always debate over whether The Bear belongs in the comedy category… but you know what? I don’t care. It’s one of the best shows on TV, and I’m just happy it’s being recognized.

We’ll be deep-diving into Season 4 on the pod this Friday, so stay tuned to Screens in Focus for that episode—because I have a lot to say about Carmy, Sydney, and the future of The Bear.

First-Timers and Record-Breakers

There were some really cool milestones in this year’s noms:

Harrison Ford (Shrinking) and Colin Farrell (The Penguin) are both first-time Emmy nominees (!).
Owen Cooper, just 15, became the youngest ever nominee in the supporting actor category (Adolescence).
Kathy Bates (Matlock) is now the oldest Emmy nominee at 77, breaking Angela Lansbury’s record from Murder, She Wrote. I haven’t watched Matlock yet, but now I kinda feel like I have to.

Celebs Playing Themselves? Yes, Please.

Let’s talk about The Studio. It racked up 23 nominations and I could not be more excited. Part of the magic? The A-list cameos.

We’re talking Bryan Cranston, Anthony Mackie, Ron Howard, Dave Franco, Zoe Kravitz, and even Martin Scorsese—all playing exaggerated versions of themselves. That’s the heart of the show’s genius. It’s sharp, self-aware, and absolutely hilarious. More of this, please.

Snubbed and Sad

Okay, here’s where the Emmys lost me a little.

Dark Winds — completely shut out. Nothing for Zahn McClarnon?! I really thought this would be its year. This one hurts!!!!
The Handmaid’s Tale — only one nomination. Just one. I podcasted on the final season and it deserved more.
Squid Game — shut out. That one surprised me too.
House Of The Dragon, not for series, acting, directing, or writing
There are always more deserving performances than slots, but… ouch.

Fan Favorite Win: Coleman Domingo!

Update! I initially thought Coleman Domingo had been overlooked—but nope! He was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Danny in The Four Seasons. I’m honestly thrilled—I'm a big fan of his work, and I’ll root for him in just about anything. 👏🏾✨

Final Thoughts Before I Hit Play Again…

There’s a lot to celebrate, a few things to scream into a pillow about, and way too many shows I now need to catch up on (Matlock, The Penguin—I see you!).

If you haven’t yet, check out my quick reaction on TikTok [here] and join me on the podcast Friday for The Bear deep dive. I’ll definitely be bringing some Emmy energy there too.

In the meantime, what made you cheer, gasp, or eye-roll this Emmy season? Drop your faves and snubs in the comments or hit me up on socials. I’m all ears (and eyes 👀).