The nominations for the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards are out, and Apple TV+’s Severance has emerged as the frontrunner with a total of 27 nominations. The psychological sci-fi drama has returned strong after its first season, earning recognition across major categories, including acting, directing, and writing.
Following closely behind is HBO Max’s crime thriller The Penguin, which scored 24 nominations. Other major contenders include The White Lotus and the new workplace comedy The Studio, both picking up 23 nods each. This year’s Emmy nominations highlight the continued dominance of streaming platforms in high-quality television, with major players like Apple TV+, HBO Max, Netflix, and Disney+ leading the charge.
Top Contenders and Major Surprises in Drama, Comedy, and Limited Series
In the Outstanding Drama Series category, returning hits and a few newcomers made the list. Along with Severance, other nominees include The Last of Us, Andor, The Diplomat, Paradise, Slow Horses, and The Pitt. These shows span a range of genres, from dystopian thrillers to political dramas, showcasing the variety viewers are tuning into across streaming services.
The Outstanding Comedy Series category features a strong mix of returning series and new entries. Nominees include:
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Abbott Elementary
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The Bear
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Hacks
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Nobody Wants This
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Only Murders in the Building
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Shrinking
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The Studio
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What We Do in the Shadows
Apple TV+’s The Studio made an impressive debut, tying the record for most comedy nominations in its first season. It joins the ranks of shows like The Bear, which earned the same number of nods during its Emmy debut in 2023.
For the Limited or Anthology Series category, The Penguin leads the group, followed by nominations for Adolescence, Black Mirror, Dying for Sex, and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. These shows cover everything from true crime to emotional drama and futuristic tech tales.
Noteworthy Performances and First-Time Nominees Draw Attention
Several performances stood out this year, with many actors receiving their first Emmy nominations. Veteran actor Harrison Ford, at age 83, earned his first-ever Emmy nomination for his role in the Apple TV+ comedy Shrinking. Meanwhile, British sci-fi staple Doctor Who picked up its first-ever Emmy nomination in 62 years — this time, in the category of choreography.
In the acting categories:
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Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal were nominated for The Last of Us
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Adam Scott and Britt Lower received nods for Severance
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Gary Oldman scored a nomination for Slow Horses
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Jean Smart (Hacks), Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), and Seth Rogen (The Studio) were nominated in comedy categories
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Cate Blanchett (Disclaimer), Colin Farrell (The Penguin), and Jake Gyllenhaal (Presumed Innocent) were recognized for their work in limited series
Supporting actor categories were also competitive, with multiple cast members from Severance and The White Lotus receiving nominations, including John Turturro, Tramell Tillman, Sam Rockwell, Carrie Coon, and Parker Posey.
