
The 2025 Emmy Awards are set to celebrate the best of television, with a close race for Best Drama and other highly anticipated categories. The ceremony will be held Sunday night at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles. Here is a comprehensive guide on what to expect, who the favorites are, and how to tune in.
A Showdown for Television’s Top Prize
The competition for Best Drama is a thrilling showdown between two critically acclaimed series: Apple TV+’s “Severance” and HBO Max’s medical drama “The Pitt.” The entertainment industry is closely watching this race, as the two shows represent starkly different approaches to television production and storytelling. While “Severance” is known for its unique, stylized, and high-concept narrative, “The Pitt” has garnered praise for its realistic and grounded portrayal of the medical field.
Key Details and How to Watch
- Date: Sunday, [Insert Date of Ceremony]
- Time: 8 p.m. Eastern / 5 p.m. Pacific
- Broadcast: CBS
- Streaming: Live on Paramount+ (with the premium plan)
Red Carpet Coverage
Get an early look at the stars arriving with pre-show coverage:
- E!: Red carpet coverage begins at 6 p.m. Eastern.
- CBS: A red carpet show will air at 7 p.m. Eastern.
The Host: Nate Bargatze
Stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze, known for his clean and family-friendly humor, will host the ceremony. Bargatze’s rise in comedy has been swift, with two successful hosting stints on “Saturday Night Live” under his belt. His G-rated style is expected to bring a lighthearted and safe tone to the evening.
Top Contenders and Predictions
Best Comedy Series:
Apple TV+’s “The Studio,” a satirical take on modern Hollywood, is the front-runner. However, it faces strong competition from last year’s winner, “Hacks,” which continues to be a critical darling.
Best Limited Series:
Netflix’s surprise hit “Adolescence” is in a strong position to win. The dark horse in this category is HBO Max’s “The Penguin,” which could pull off an upset.
Anticipated Races to Watch:
- Best Actor in a Drama Series: A tight race between Noah Wyle for “The Pitt” and Adam Scott for “Severance.”
- Best Actress in a Drama Series: Kathy Bates, at 77, is the favorite for her role in “Matlock.” A win would make her the oldest woman to ever win in this category.
- Best Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart is nominated for her seventh Emmy for “Hacks.” A win would place her among an elite group of only five actresses with seven or more acting Emmys.
Other Notable Storylines:
- Stephen Colbert is vying for his first-ever win for Best Talk Show for “The Late Show,” following the recent news of the show’s cancellation from CBS.
- Producers are hopeful for a special appearance from Beyoncé, who is nominated for Best Live Variety Special for her Netflix halftime show, “The Beyoncé Bowl.”
Special Tributes and Honors
The ceremony will include special tributes to classic series that have left a lasting impact on television, including “Law & Order,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “The Golden Girls.” Additionally, veteran actors Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen will be honored with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, a prestigious and rarely bestowed honor.