Every September, the red carpet rolls out and television’s biggest night takes center stage: the Emmy Awards. But long before the cameras flash and the orchestra cuts off an acceptance speech, an intricate process unfolds behind the scenes—one that decides which stories, performances, and creative visions will be recognized as the best of the small screen. As we head into the 77th Emmy Awards, it’s worth pulling back the curtain. Not just to see who might win, but to understand how they got there, and why this year has been one of the strongest in television history.
The Emmys trace their origins back to 1949, when the first ceremony was held at the Hollywood Athletic Club, honoring local Los Angeles programming. Over the years, the awards have evolved from a regional celebration to a nationally revered institution, mirroring the growth of the TV industry itself. The iconic winged statuette holding an atom, designed by engineer-turned-artist Louis McManus, was meant to symbolize the union of art and science.
Today, the Emmys are divided into various categories. The process of selecting nominees and winners is rigorous, but often very misunderstood. Each spring, producers, networks, and individuals submit eligible shows for consideration. Entries must have aired between June 1 and May 31 and reached at least half of the U.S. audience. A voting process follows in which industry professionals, organized by specific peer groups such as actors, writers, and directors, vote only within their areas of expertise. Finalists are then watched and ranked by a judging panel or broader voting base, with final ballots counted by accounting firm Ernst & Young to ensure integrity.
While the system strives for fairness, it isn’t without critique. Some argue that expanding voting pools in recent years, intended to democratize the process, has led to safer, more populist choices rather than daring or experimental picks. Others highlight how the Emmys, like all awards, remain a reflection not just of quality but of campaigning, visibility, and timing.
That being said, if there was ever a year where quality was impossible to ignore, it’s this one. The 2024 and 2025 television season has been nothing short of excellent. From dark comedies to dystopian thrillers to emotionally raw limited series, the depth and diversity of storytelling have offered something for every kind of viewer. The question for Emmy voters this year isn’t which shows are good, it’s how to choose only one.
In the comedy realm, FX’s The Bear continues its genre-defying dominance. Though some debate whether it even qualifies as a comedy, its sharp writing and emotional depth have made it a near-lock for a nomination. Hacks, Abbott Elementary, and Shrinking are also likely to return, joined by newcomers like The Studio and Nobody Wants This, the latter a breakout for Kristen Bell and Adam Brody that balances deadpan humor with biting industry satire. Even older shows like Only Murders in the Building may sneak into the conversation, thanks to the enduring appeal of its cast and clever structure.
Drama is even more competitive. Apple TV+’s Severance is expected to come back strong, joined by HBO’s The White Lotus and The Last of Us. This is a category where ensemble casts shine, and production design, direction, and world-building are vital to the plot.
Limited series remains an exciting and often unpredictable field. The Penguin is expected to garner both technical and performance awards, while Dying for Sex, based on a hit podcast, has stunned audiences with its mix of humor and devastating honesty.
Acting categories this year are overflowing with talent. In comedy, Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) is a likely winner, as are Jean Smart (Hacks) and Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary). Kristen Bell and Adam Brody are both gaining traction for Nobody Wants This, while Harrison Ford’s turn in Shrinking could finally bring the legendary actor his first Emmy.
On the drama side, Kathy Bates, Bella Ramsey, Adam Scott, and Sterling K. Brown are all favorites, along with some potential first-timers. The supporting fields are full of beloved well-known actors mixed with scene-stealing newcomers.
Yet beyond the names and predictions, what stands out most this year is the overall quality of television. It feels like we’re watching the medium evolve in real time. Streaming has made more experimentation possible, shorter seasons have enabled tighter narratives, and audiences have shown a growing hunger for emotionally demanding work. This year’s potential winners reflect that evolution. They’re not just entertaining, they’re culturally vital, artistically ambitious, and truly, undeniably relatable.
The nominations were announced July 15, and the ceremony will air live on September 14 from L.A.’s Peacock Theater. With comedian Nate Bargatze hosting, the evening should be its usual mix of glamour and celebration. This year showed that television, which has often been dismissed as lesser than film, has become one of the most dynamic storytelling forms of our time. And if this year’s Emmys are any indication, television’s golden era is still very much underway.
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