Emmy Season Is Here: What to Know About the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards Nominations

Hollywood's big TV moment is heating up—yep, it's Emmy season again. And this year’s 77th Primetime Emmy Awards are shaping up to be something truly special. Whether you're a die-hard fan of gritty dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, or reality competitions that keep you glued to your couch, there’s a category with your name on it.

🗓️ When and Where to Watch the Big Reveal

Mark those calendars and set your alarms—Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. ET, the full list of nominations will be dropping like confetti on New Year’s Eve. This year, Brenda Song from Running Point and Harvey Guillén, the fan-favorite from What We Do in the Shadows, are teaming up to announce the nominations. The announcement will be streaming live on both the Emmy Awards website and the Television Academy’s official YouTube channel, so there’s no excuse to miss it.

Let’s be real—if you’ve been obsessing over your favorite shows all year, now's your chance to see if your picks made the cut.

⭐ Two Categories Already Revealed

Before the full nominee list even hits, the Television Academy gave fans a little teaser. Two major categories have already been unveiled:

• Outstanding Talk Series

• Outstanding Reality/Competition Series

And here’s the kicker: several past winners are back in the spotlight, looking to defend their Emmys. If you thought these categories were going to bring surprises—well, stay tuned. The competition is intense, and returnees aren’t letting go of those trophies without a fight.

Who’s Hosting the Big Night?

Get ready for laughs and laid-back charm—comedian Nate Bargatze is hosting the Emmys this year. Known for his clean, relatable humor and Netflix specials that families actually agree on, Nate is expected to bring some southern-flavored wit to the glitzy ceremony. If there’s one thing Emmy night needed, it was a host who can keep it light without losing the magic—and Bargatze might just be the perfect pick.

The Emmy Awards ceremony will air live on Sunday, September 14—so whether you're watching for the fashion, the speeches, or the upsets, it's a night you won’t want to skip.

🔥 Let’s Talk About the Major Categories

Here's a sneak peek at the key categories that always drive buzz, spark debates, and light up social media timelines.

🎭 Outstanding Drama Series

This one’s always a warzone. Expect fan-favorite juggernauts like Succession, The Crown, or The Last of Us to make waves. With high-stakes storylines and cinematic production, it’s no surprise this is one of the most prestigious awards of the night.

😂 Outstanding Comedy Series

TV’s funniest shows go head-to-head here. Will Abbott Elementary keep its roll going? Can Ted Lasso swoop back in for another win? Or will a surprise sleeper like Poker Face or Only Murders in the Building steal the spotlight?

🎯 Outstanding Limited Series

You only get one shot at glory in this category, and the competition is fierce. Expect critically acclaimed mini-series like Beef, Love & Death, or Under the Banner of Heaven to pop up. This award usually brings one of the most emotional wins of the night.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 All Eyes on the Performers

Let’s not forget—the actors are the beating heart of these shows. Here’s a breakdown of the high-stakes categories that recognize the most unforgettable performances of the year.

👑 Lead Actor & Actress in a Drama

This is where legends are made. Who delivered the most commanding performance in a serious role this year? Whether it was Jeremy Strong’s final season in Succession or Bella Ramsey’s breakthrough in The Last of Us, these performances pack some serious emotional punch.

😎 Lead Actor & Actress in a Comedy

Timing, delivery, and charm—it takes a special kind of talent to own this category. Quinta Brunson could keep her winning streak alive, and Jason Sudeikis might be back for another Emmy nod. But newcomers aren’t far behind either.

🎭 Supporting Roles (Drama & Comedy)

These are the unsung heroes of TV—often stealing scenes and sometimes even entire episodes. Don’t be shocked if we see some major love for supporting stars from shows like The Bear, Barry, or Better Call Saul. These performances might not lead the shows, but they elevate them in unforgettable ways.

🎬 Limited Series & TV Movie Performance Gold

When it comes to one-off performances that hit like a punch to the gut or stay with you for weeks, this is the category to watch. From powerhouse lead roles to gripping supporting performances, these actors had a limited run—but they made every second count.

• Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie

• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie

• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie

These categories often include performances that break new ground—socially, politically, or emotionally—and spark major conversations.

🌟 Reality TV and Talk Shows Still Holding Strong

Love it or hate it, reality TV has become a permanent fixture in the Emmy lineup—and competition is fiercer than ever.

Whether it’s the baking brilliance of The Great British Bake Off, the strategy-fueled drama of Survivor, or the dance-floor showdowns on Dancing with the Stars, viewers are still obsessed with the highs and lows of reality competition.

And let’s not forget talk shows. Whether it’s late-night laughs or mid-day debates, this category celebrates the best in unscripted TV commentary. Names like The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert are often top contenders.

📺 Why This Emmy Season Feels Different

The 77th Emmy Awards come at a time when television has never been more diverse, more daring, or more dynamic. Streaming platforms are leveling the playing field, indie creators are breaking in with bold content, and viewers are getting more involved than ever—thanks to social media buzz and cult fandoms.

This year, it's not just about who wins—it’s about how television continues to evolve.

From groundbreaking representation to bold new genres and formats, the 2025 Emmys could reflect a changing tide in how we consume and value TV.

Final Thoughts: Your Emmy Night Checklist

✅ Watch the live nomination announcement on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. ET
✅ Follow the buzz on social media to see who's trending
✅ Tune in Sunday, September 14, to catch the show hosted by Nate Bargatze
✅ Prepare for surprises—because Emmy night always brings them

Whether your favorites get snubbed or sweep the board, one thing's for sure: TV is still the hottest ticket in entertainment, and the Emmys are where it all comes together.