This year’s Emmy nominations are full of surprises—from under-the-radar, low-budget shows breaking into the spotlight to legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese finally scoring his first-ever Emmy nod. The author’s reaction? Pure delight. Whether it’s unexpected snubs or breakthrough recognition, the 2025 nominations are anything but predictable.

Editor’s Note: Award shows often feel like they play it safe, but this year’s Emmy nods shake things up. It’s refreshing to see fresh talent and unconventional picks get their due—plus, Scorsese’s first Emmy nomination is a fun little piece of pop culture history. For fans, it’s a sign that the industry might finally be widening its lens.

Disney’s TV empire had a banner year at the Emmys, with hits like Andor, The Bear, and Only Murders in the Building racking up nominations—137 in total across its platforms. Craig Erwich, Disney’s TV boss, also teased big things ahead, from the "breathtaking" second season of Paradise to Only Murders already planning Season 5. Even Abbott Elementary and the mysterious Mid-Century project got shoutouts, signaling Disney’s not slowing down.

Editor’s Note: Awards buzz isn’t just about trophies—it’s a sign of which shows (and studios) are dominating the cultural conversation. Disney’s Emmy haul proves its streaming and cable arms are firing on all cylinders, while Erwich’s teases suggest even more must-watch TV is coming. For viewers, that means more high-quality options; for Hollywood, it’s a reminder that Disney remains a heavyweight in the streaming wars.

The Emmy nominations are in, and while the initial buzz is about who made the cut, the real battle is just beginning. "The Studio" is leading the pack with a record-breaking 23 nods, while heavyweights like "Severance" (27 nominations) and "The Pitt" are gearing up for fierce showdowns in drama and limited series categories. But nomination counts don’t always predict winners—this is where the real strategy begins.

Editor’s Note: The Emmys aren’t just a popularity contest—they’re a high-stakes chess match for studios. Frontrunners like "The Studio" may have momentum, but surprises happen, and campaigns will shift into overdrive now. For fans, it’s a chance to debate favorites, but for Hollywood, it’s about prestige (and maybe a ratings bump). Buckle up—the real drama starts now.

Apple TV+ is having a major moment at the 2025 Emmys, with Severance leading the drama pack (27 nominations for its second season) and The Studio smashing records in comedy (23 noms)—even outpacing Ted Lasso’s debut success. Meanwhile, Pachinko’s future and Ted Lasso’s return hint at more buzz for the streamer.

Editor’s Note: Apple’s betting big on prestige TV is paying off. With critical darlings and awards momentum, they’re proving they can hang with legacy studios—and that their shows aren’t just flashy, they’re sticky. For subscribers, it’s a sign the platform’s worth the hype (and the monthly fee).

The Emmy nominations are out, and HBO Max, Netflix, and Apple TV+ came out on top after months of intense campaigning and speculation. Variety’s new podcast, Daily Variety, dives into the nominations with their awards experts and also takes a nostalgic look back at Robert Altman’s classic film Nashville with critic Owen Gleiberman.

Editor’s Note: The Emmys are a big deal in Hollywood—they shape careers, fuel bragging rights, and often reflect what’s resonating with audiences. This story isn’t just about who got nominated; it’s a peek behind the curtain at how the industry celebrates (and strategizes) its best work. Plus, the Nashville throwback adds a fun dose of film history for movie buffs.

Colin Farrell, fresh off his first Emmy nomination for playing Oswald Cobblepot in The Penguin, teased fans about the upcoming Batman II script. While he hasn’t read it yet, he’s clearly excited—saying he’s "very close to it" and can’t wait to dive in. The actor’s playful tone suggests big things are coming for Gotham’s sleaziest crime boss.

Editor’s Note: Farrell’s enthusiasm hints at juicy developments for The Batman sequel, and his Emmy nod proves the spinoff series is already making waves. For fans, it’s a double win: a beloved actor thriving in the role and a tease of more gritty, grimy Gotham stories ahead.

At 84 years old, legendary sitcom director James Burrows just snagged his 28th Emmy nomination—this time for directing an episode of Hulu’s Mid-Century Modern. With a career spanning over five decades (and five previous wins), Burrows proves he’s still got the comedic chops to make awards voters take notice.

Editor’s Note: Burrows is a titan of TV comedy—think Cheers, Friends, and Will & Grace—so another nomination isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a nod to his enduring influence on the genre. At an age when most would’ve retired, he’s still setting the bar. That’s worth a slow clap.

The Emmy nominations this year show a noticeable backslide in on-screen diversity, with only 28 actors and hosts from diverse backgrounds making the cut—down 18% from last year’s 34 and barely above 2019’s low of 26. This marks a stark contrast to recent highs in representation, raising questions about whether progress is stalling.

Editor’s Note: Awards shows like the Emmys often reflect broader industry trends—so when diversity in nominations drops, it’s not just about trophies. It signals whether underrepresented voices are getting fewer opportunities or being overlooked, which can ripple through casting decisions and storytelling in Hollywood. Fans and creators alike are left wondering if the push for inclusion is losing steam.

The article celebrates the under-the-radar shows and performances that scored surprise Emmy nominations this year—like the quirky documentary "Ren Faire" and the gothic drama "Interview With the Vampire." While big awards like the Golden Globes chase flashy headlines, the Emmys’ sprawling categories often spotlight hidden brilliance that might otherwise go unnoticed.