Can breakouts like The Pitt, Adolescence, and The Studio unseat Emmy heavyweights like Severance, The White Lotus, and The Bear? Our predictions ahead of TV’s biggest night.
Everywhere you look in our 2025 Emmy predictions, something feels unmistakably different. After years of predictable repeat winners and safe, prestige-fare domination, this year’s Emmy Awards arrive with the rare scent of disruption. Television is in flux—creatively, economically, and structurally—and the list of nominees reflects a medium at an inflection point.
The Television Academy has long faced criticism for its tendency to reward familiar names—season after season, the same titles and talent returned to the winner’s circle. But in 2025, with the aftershocks of industry strikes, streaming platform overhauls, and mass audience fragmentation still echoing, that cycle may finally be breaking.
Enter a trio of breakout contenders: The Pitt, Adolescence, and The Studio. Each hailing from a different corner of the cultural zeitgeist, they bring fresh voices, urgent themes, and modern storytelling to the table. They challenge the hold that returning juggernauts like Severance, The White Lotus, Hacks, and The Bear have maintained over the past few years—and in doing so, they represent a broader shift in what prestige television looks and sounds like today.
What’s at stake tonight isn’t just trophies. It’s the future direction of the medium itself. Will Emmy voters embrace this year’s tonal and generational shift? Or will the awards continue to cling to what’s worked in the past?
With thousands of working writers, actors, directors, and artisans voting, the Emmys remain a peer-based prize—and the results offer a snapshot of what the industry values in the current moment. Below, The Cinema Group presents our bold, category-by-category predictions for the 2025 Emmy Awards, spotlighting likely winners, dark horses, and what each outcome might say about where television is headed next.
Below, The Cinema Group presents our final predictions across every major category, breaking down the likeliest winners and what their victories will mean for the future of television.
COMEDY SERIES
Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Hacks
Nobody Wants This
Only Murders in the Building
Shrinking
The Studio
What We Do in the Shadows
TCG Prediction: The Studio
The Bear returns (pun intended) as a top contender, but the heat is on with The Studio delivering one of the most meta, razor-sharp Hollywood satires in recent memory. Nobody Wants This has been a breakout, and the second season of Shrinking has brought serious momentum thanks to Harrison Ford’s standout performance. Hacks and Only Murders remain favorites among voters, and don’t count out What We Do in the Shadows for its consistency. Abbott Elementary remains the feel-good, crowd-pleasing anchor.— Jonathan P. Moustakas
ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Kristen Bell, Nobody Wants This
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
Ayo Edebiri, The Bear
Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building
Jean Smart, Hacks
TCG Prediction: Kristen Bell, Nobody Wants This
Kristen Bell finally gets her due with a performance that masterfully blends comedic neurosis and pathos. Quinta Brunson remains a powerhouse in a now-iconic role, while Ayo Edebiri continues to be the genre’s breakout star. Selena Gomez elevates her game, showing growth and subtlety, and Jean Smart is, as always, a commanding Emmy force. —JPM
ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Adam Brody, Nobody Wants This
Seth Rogen, The Studio
Jason Segel, Shrinking
Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building
Jeremy Allen White, The Bear
TCG Prediction: Seth Rogen, The Studio
Adam Brody turns in a career-best performance that expertly mines his blend of charm and awkward energy. Seth Rogen is magnetic in The Studio, a role that taps his comedic roots and newfound dramatic range. Jason Segel deepens his character with nuance, Martin Short continues to delight, and Jeremy Allen White remains a critics’ darling. —JPM
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Ike Barinholtz, The Studio
Paul W. Downs, Hacks
Harrison Ford, Shrinking
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear
Michael Urie, Shrinking
Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary
Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live
TCG Prediction: Ike Barinholtz, The Studio
Ike Barinholtz brings the laughs while grounding The Studio in real-world absurdity. Paul W. Downs continues to earn laughs and pathos. Harrison Ford delivers comedic gravitas. Ebon Moss-Bachrach still sears, though he faces tougher competition this year. Michael Urie dazzles, Tyler James Williams charms, and Bowen Yang stays a standout on SNL. —JPM
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Liza Colón-Zayas, The Bear
Hannah Einbinder, Hacks
Kathryn Hahn, The Studio
Janelle James, Abbott Elementary
Catherine O’Hara, The Studio
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Abbott Elementary
Megan Stalter, Hacks
TCG Prediction: Liza Colón-Zayas, The Bear
Liza Colón-Zayas’s “Napkins” remains unforgettable—a showcase of quiet devastation. Hannah Einbinder is sharper than ever. Kathryn Hahn brings delicious chaos to The Studio. Janelle James and Sheryl Lee Ralph are both in top form. Catherine O’Hara makes her long-awaited return. Megan Stalter delivers career-best work, pushing Hacks forward. —JPM
WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
Abbott Elementary, “Back to School”
The Bear, “Napkins”
Hacks, “A Slippery Slope”
Only Murders in the Building, “Once Upon a Time in the West”
The Studio, “The Promotion”
What We Do in the Shadows, “The Finale”
TCG Prediction: The Studio, “The Promotion”
Each nominee showcases a distinct voice, but “The Promotion” from The Studio stands above. It perfectly captures the industry skewering tone with biting humor. The Bear’s “Napkins” is intimate and devastating. Hacks delivers punchy wit, and Abbott continues to blend heart with social satire. Shadows and Only Murders both stay inventive. —JPM
DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
Lucia Aniello, Hacks (“A Slippery Slope”)
Nathan Fielder, The Rehearsal (“Pilot’s Code”)
Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg, The Studio (“The Oner”)
Ayo Edebiri, The Bear (“Napkins”)
Christopher Storer, The Bear (“Tomorrow”)
James Burrows, Mid-Century Modern (“Here’s to You, Mrs. Schneiderman”)
TCG Prediction: Ayo Edebiri, The Bear (“Napkins”)
This year’s directing race is packed with creative vision. Ayo Edebiri stuns with her directorial debut, balancing intimacy and power. Storer crafts another haunting entry, while Rogen and Goldberg’s “Oner” dazzles with ambition. Aniello and Burrows remain pros, but Edebiri owns the moment with “Napkins.” —JPM
DRAMA SERIES
Andor
The Diplomat
The Last of Us
Paradise
The Pitt
Severance
Slow Horses
The White Lotus
TCG Prediction: Severance, The Pitt, or The White Lotus (too close to call)
This category is stacked with returning powerhouses and breakout upstarts. Severance roars back with urgency, The White Lotus remains a prestige juggernaut, and The Pitt rewrites the rules of network drama. Paradise and The Diplomat are dark horses, but it’s a photo finish between the top three. —JPM
ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Kathy Bates, Matlock
Britt Lower, Severance
Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid’s Tale
Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us
Keri Russell, The Diplomat
TCG Prediction: Britt Lower, Severance
Britt Lower anchors Severance with a gravity that few can match. Moss and Russell remain forces of nature. Ramsey continues to prove their range beyond genre constraints. Kathy Bates commands with effortless authority in Matlock. A deeply competitive field with Lower just edging ahead. —JPM
ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Sterling K. Brown, Paradise
Gary Oldman, Slow Horses
Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us
Adam Scott, Severance
Noah Wyle, The Pitt
TCG Prediction: Noah Wyle, The Pitt
Noah Wyle’s comeback is undeniable, bringing both nostalgia and fresh urgency to The Pitt. Sterling K. Brown delivers heart and complexity, while Scott and Pascal deepen already layered roles. Oldman continues to show why he’s one of the greats. Still, this is Wyle’s moment. —JPM
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Walton Goggins, The White Lotus
John Turturro, Severance
Tramell Tillman, Severance
Jason Isaacs, The White Lotus
Sam Rockwell, The White Lotus
Patrick Schwarzenegger, The White Lotus
Jack Lowden, Slow Horses
TCG Prediction: Tramell Tillman, Severance; Walton Goggins or Sam Rockwell, The White Lotus
This could be the most White Lotus-heavy category yet. Rockwell and Goggins are irresistible. Turturro and Tillman anchor Severance with gravitas and edge. Lowden is underrated but brilliant. Ultimately, Tillman’s rise and Goggins’s impact are hard to deny. —JPM
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Carrie Coon, The White Lotus
Taylor Dearden, The Pitt
Allison Janney, The Diplomat
Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt
Parker Posey, The White Lotus
Natasha Rothwell, The White Lotus
Aimee Lou Wood, The White Lotus
TCG Prediction: Aimee Lou Wood or Parker Posey, The White Lotus
Aimee Lou Wood lights up the screen in The White Lotus, while Parker Posey delivers peak meme-worthy brilliance. Carrie Coon and Natasha Rothwell both ground their roles in gravitas. Janney stuns in a limited arc, and The Pitt’s Dearden and LaNasa add fresh dimension. —JPM
WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
Andor (“Welcome to the Rebellion”)
The Diplomat (“Dreadnought”)
The Last of Us (“Through the Valley”)
Severance (“Cold Harbor”)
Slow Horses (“Hello Goodbye”)
The White Lotus (“Full-Moon Party”)
TCG Prediction: Severance (“Cold Harbor”)
Cold and sharp, “Cold Harbor” exemplifies why Severance remains the smartest show on TV. Andor is thoughtful, The Diplomat tight, and The Last of Us heartfelt. The White Lotus and Slow Horses both blend elegance and punch, but Severance leads. —JPM
DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
Andor, Janus Metz (“Who Are You?”)
The Last of Us, Mark Mylod (“Through the Valley”)
The Pitt, John Wells (“7:00 A.M.”)
Severance, Ben Stiller (“Cold Harbor”)
Severance, Jessica Lee Gagné (“Chikhai Bardo”)
Slow Horses, Adam Randall (“Hello Goodbye”)
The White Lotus, Mike White (“Amor Fati”)
TCG Prediction: Severance, Ben Stiller (“Cold Harbor”)
Severance dominates direction, with Stiller as the visionary leading the charge. Jessica Lee Gagné’s episode is a close second. John Wells gives The Pitt an early-morning adrenaline jolt, and Mike White remains meticulous. But “Cold Harbor” reigns supreme. —JPM
LIMITED SERIES
Adolescence
Dying for Sex
Say Nothing
The Penguin
Presumed Innocent
TCG Prediction: Adolescence
Say Nothing Adolescence is the one to beat—visceral, brave, and timely. The Penguin is prestige noir. Dying for Sex balances tone expertly. Presumed Innocent brings courtroom heat, and Say Nothing quietly grows. But Adolescence has the most awards heat behind it. —JPM
ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR TV MOVIE
Michelle Williams, Dying for Sex
Cristin Milioti, The Penguin
Cate Blanchett, Disclaimer
Renée Zellweger, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
Lola Petticrew, Say Nothing
TCG Prediction: Cristin Milioti, The Penguin
Cristin Milioti is overdue, and The Penguin offers a career-defining role. Michelle Williams remains a prestige favorite. Blanchett and Zellweger bring Oscar gravity, while Petticrew is this year’s surprise gem. But Milioti captures the moment. —JPM
ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR TV MOVIE
Colin Farrell, The Penguin
Stephen Graham, Adolescence
Brian Tyree Henry, Dope Thief
Kevin Kline, Disclaimer
Cooper Koch, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
TCG Prediction: Colin Farrell, The Penguin or Stephen Graham, Adolescence
Farrell and Graham are neck-and-neck. Henry shines in a subtle turn, Kline exudes gravitas, and Koch surprises. But between Farrell’s intensity and Graham’s vulnerability, this is a race of titans. —JPM
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR TV MOVIE
Javier Bardem, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Owen Cooper, Adolescence
Rob Delaney, Dying for Sex
Rhenzy Feliz, The Penguin
Peter Sarsgaard, Presumed Innocent
Ashley Walters, Adolescence
TCG Prediction: Owen Cooper, Adolescence
Owen Cooper emerges as the Emmy breakout of the year. Bardem brings heavyweight presence, Delaney finds depth in comedy, and Sarsgaard leans into his villainy. Feliz and Walters add humanity. But Cooper owns this moment. —JPM
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR TV MOVIE
Erin Doherty, Adolescence
Cristin Milioti, Black Mirror
Deirdre O’Connell, The Penguin
Jenny Slate, Dying for Sex
Chloë Sevigny, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Christine Tremarco, Adolescence
TCG Prediction: Erin Doherty, Adolescence
Erin Doherty and Christine Tremarco turn Adolescence into an acting clinic. Milioti and Slate are both scene-stealers. O’Connell is grounded and sincere. Sevigny elevates her material. But Doherty captures raw teenage turmoil like no one else. —JPM
WRITING FOR A LIMITED SERIES OR TV MOVIE
Adolescence
Dying for Sex (“Good Value Diet Soda”)
The Penguin (“A Great or Little Thing”)
Presumed Innocent (“Bases Loaded”)
Say Nothing (“The People in the Dirt”)
TCG Prediction: Adolescence
Adolescence is fully authored in voice and vision, and it shows. The Penguin is sharp. Say Nothing gains momentum from WGA love. Dying for Sex is moving and unconventional. But Adolescence is the whole package. —JPM
DIRECTING FOR A LIMITED SERIES OR TV MOVIE
Adolescence, Philip Barantini
Disclaimer, Alfonso Cuarón
Dying for Sex (“It’s Not That Serious”), Shannon Murphy
Mountainhead, Jesse Armstrong
The Penguin (“After Hours”), Craig Zobel
TCG Prediction: Adolescence, Philip Barantini
Barantini’s handheld chaos is the perfect frame for Adolescence. Cuarón and Armstrong are both precision craftsmen. Murphy strikes a tone few could manage, and Zobel remains underrated. But Barantini makes his mark. —JPM
COMPETITION PROGRAM
The Amazing Race
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Survivor
Top Chef
The Traitors
TCG Prediction: The Traitors
The Traitors redefined reality this year, with cinematic tension and a fresh take on format. Survivor roared back. Drag Race and Top Chef are icons. But The Traitors is undeniable. —JPM
REALITY HOST
RuPaul Charles, RuPaul’s Drag Race
Alan Cumming, The Traitors
Kristen Kish, Top Chef
Jeff Probst, Survivor
The Sharks, Shark Tank
TCG Prediction: Alan Cumming, The Traitors or The Sharks, Shark Tank (Mark Cuban)
Alan Cumming is this year’s MVP—dramatic, stylish, and delightfully extra. Mark Cuban’s exit gives the Sharks a farewell boost. RuPaul still commands, but Cumming edges ahead. —JPM
SCRIPTED VARIETY SERIES
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Saturday Night Live
TCG Prediction: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
There’s simply no competition. John Oliver’s weekly essays continue to influence discourse. SNL gets the nomination, but Oliver gets the win. —JPM
VARIETY TALK SERIES
The Daily Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
TCG Prediction: The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
The Daily Show still leads with insight and versatility, but Colbert is the one show that blends comedy, class, and consistency at the highest level. —JPM
If the 2025 Emmys prove anything, it’s that television is undergoing a seismic shift. No longer defined solely by legacy titles or platform prestige, this year’s contenders reflect a more diverse, risk-taking, and creatively ambitious industry. Shows like The Pitt, Adolescence, and The Studio aren’t just filling out nomination lists—they’re actively redefining what modern prestige TV looks like.
With returning giants like The White Lotus, Severance, and The Bear still in the mix, we’re entering an awards race that feels both familiar and completely new. Whether the Television Academy chooses to reward innovation, nostalgia, or cultural impact, one thing is clear: the era of predictable winners is over.
We’ll be watching closely on Emmy night—not just to see who wins, but to see what it says about the future of the medium.
