2025 Emmy Snub Watch: What Past Patterns Say About This Year’s Risks

The nominations for the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards have been announced, and as is tradition, the television industry is abuzz not just with who made the cut, but with who was left out. While new hits like Apple TV+’s The Studio and HBO’s The Penguin racked up impressive nomination counts, a familiar pattern of snubs has once again emerged, leaving many to wonder if the Television Academy’s voting habits are as predictable as a season finale cliffhanger. By examining the ghosts of Emmys past, we can better understand the forces at play that led to this year’s most talked-about omissions.

Sci-Fi and Fantasy on the Outside Looking In

One of the most enduring Emmy traditions is the systemic overlooking of science fiction and fantasy series in major categories. While these shows may garner technical awards, they often face an uphill battle for top honors like Outstanding Drama Series or lead acting nominations. This year, the trend continues with the critically acclaimed Andor on Disney+. Despite earning an impressive 14 nominations in technical categories and a nod for Outstanding Drama Series, its lead actor, Diego Luna, was notably absent from the Lead Actor in a Drama Series category. This is particularly glaring given that the show is, by its very name, centered on his character’s journey. The series’ powerful ensemble cast, including Stellan Skarsgård, was also largely ignored in the acting categories.

This is a familiar story for genre television. For years, shows like Battlestar Galactica and The Expanse were lauded by critics and fans for their complex narratives and compelling performances, only to be met with Emmy silence. While Game of Thrones eventually broke through, it is often seen as the exception that proves the rule, a show so massive in its cultural impact that it became impossible to ignore. The 2025 snubs for Andor’s cast suggest that, despite the high quality of production and storytelling in the genre, a bias against science fiction continues to be a significant barrier to individual recognition. Similarly, Marvel’s Agatha All Along, despite praise for Kathryn Hahn’s layered performance, was shut out of major categories, a fate common for even the most well-regarded superhero-adjacent series.

When Quality Isn’t Enough

Another recurring pattern is the too much good TV problem, where an abundance of high-quality programming leads to inevitable snubs. This was particularly evident in the drama and limited series categories this year. The final season of The Righteous Gemstones was a critical hit, yet it failed to secure major nominations for its ensemble cast, including the consistently praised Walton Goggins. This is often the fate of shows with large, talented ensembles where it becomes difficult for a single performer to stand out to voters.

The limited series categories were also a bloodbath. High-profile actors like Michael Fassbender for The Agency and the ensemble of The White Lotus, with the exception of a few, were overlooked. This phenomenon is not new. In 2024, acclaimed shows like The Curse and actors such as Emma Stone, Kate Winslet, and Nicole Kidman were completely shut out in a similarly packed year. The sheer volume of content from a multitude of streaming platforms means that even shows and performances with significant critical backing can get lost in the shuffle.

The Fickle Nature of Emmy Favoritism

The Television Academy has a reputation for falling in and out of love with shows. A series that is an Emmy darling one year can find itself on the outside looking in the next. This year, Squid Game, which made history with its debut season, was completely shut out for its second installment. Similarly, The Handmaid’s Tale, a former Emmy powerhouse, received a disappointingly quiet farewell for its final season, with star Elisabeth Moss being overlooked.

This pattern of shifting allegiances can be attributed to several factors. The constant influx of new, buzzy shows can draw voters’ attention away from established series. There’s also the possibility of voter fatigue, where a show that has been rewarded in the past is no longer seen as fresh or exciting. The surprise success of new shows often comes at the expense of previous favorites, as seen with the record-breaking nominations for The Studio, which may have drawn attention away from other comedies.

The Network Effect and Underappreciated Comedies

While streaming services and premium cable continue to dominate, network shows face an increasingly difficult path to Emmy recognition. This year, the supporting cast of the acclaimed CBS drama Matlock was snubbed, despite a lead actress nomination for Kathy Bates. This suggests that while a big-name star can break through, it’s harder for the entire ensemble of a network show to get the same level of attention as their streaming or cable counterparts.

In the comedy realm, certain types of humor are consistently undervalued. The quirky and experimental Poker Face was ignored for its second season, despite a strong showing for its first. This highlights a potential bias against more unconventional comedies in favor of more traditional sitcoms or dramedies.

As the television landscape continues to evolve, the Emmy Awards will undoubtedly continue to be a source of both celebration and debate. While the nominations for the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards have recognized many deserving artists and productions, the snubs serve as a reminder of the complex and often frustrating patterns that govern Hollywood’s most prestigious television honor. For the casts and creators of the overlooked shows, the sting of the snub is a harsh reality of an increasingly competitive industry.