Which Shows Will Dominate the Emmys? A Bettor’s Look at the Field

The 2025 Emmy Awards are on the horizon, and with them comes the annual ritual of speculation, prediction, and the eager anticipation of seeing television’s finest recognised. This year, the field is rich with returning champions, critically acclaimed newcomers, and a few dark horses that could shake up the established order. For those looking to place their friendly wagers or simply get a sense of the television landscape, a closer examination of the contenders reveals a particularly heated race in the comedy categories, alongside formidable players in drama and limited series.

The Comedy Contenders: A Hilariously Tight Race

The Best Comedy Series category is shaping up to be a battleground, with several shows vying for the top honour. According to some predictions, a significant number of series—no fewer than 20—received votes in initial polling, indicating a wide-open field. However, a few names consistently rise to the top.

The Studio vs. Hacks: A Hollywood Showdown

Perhaps the most intriguing matchup is between two inside-baseball Hollywood comedies: The Studio and the reigning champion, Hacks. In a surprising turn, The Studio has reportedly edged ahead of Hacks in early polling. Some critics predict these two brilliant showbiz satires…will likely be battling it out.

Abbott Elementary: Consistent Excellence

Not to be overlooked is Abbott Elementary, a show that has captured hearts and critical acclaim for its heartwarming and humorous depiction of public school teachers. It’s been suggested that Abbott Elementary is currently at its best. While it faces stiff competition from the Hollywood-centric comedies, its consistent quality and broad appeal make it a strong contender.

The Bear: Comedy or Not, It’s in the Conversation

FX’s The Bear, a show that has straddled the line between comedy and drama, finds itself on the bubble in some polls. Its category placement and the mixed reception of its third season have sparked debate. One critic cheekily suggests pretending voters gave its slot to an actual comedy, championing Somebody Somewhere instead. However, another staunchly defends The Bear’s comedic credentials, arguing its most recent run dazzled at its best and is, indeed, a comedy.

Other Noteworthy Comedies

Polls also highlight several other series making waves. Poker Face, starring Natasha Lyonne, and the critically lauded Somebody Somewhere are tied for the fourth spot in some overall predictions. Deli Boys, Only Murders in the Building, Shrinking, and Agatha All Along also feature in the top ten, indicating a diverse and competitive slate.

Beyond the Obvious: Gems to Watch For

While the frontrunners in comedy are generating significant buzz, some television critics have curated a list of series they believe deserve the Television Academy’s appreciation, with a particular eye toward underappreciated gems. This selection reminds us that Emmy night can often hold surprises.

Somebody Somewhere: A Critical Darling

Bridget Everett’s Somebody Somewhere appears on multiple prediction lists, underscoring its critical acclaim. Described as a quietly heart-wrenching Peabody Award-winning dramedy, the show recently concluded its three-season run, focusing on themes of grief, friendship, and resilience. It has been specifically trumpeted as a worthy contender.

Standouts in Drama and Limited Series:

While comedy is a key focus, other lists provide a broader view of Emmy contenders across genres.

• Andor
• The Last of Us
• The Rehearsal
• The Righteous Gemstones
• Presumed Innocent
• Say Nothing
• Long Bright River
• The Penguin

Drama and Limited Series: Other Fierce Battlegrounds

Beyond comedy, the drama and limited series categories are also teeming with high-calibre productions. Some prediction lists point to several shows poised to make a significant impact.

The drama series category is considered by some to be this year’s glamour category, with a near-dead heat anticipated between Severance and The Pitt. The Last of Us, The White Lotus, and Andor are also very much in the mix. These series showcase intricate narratives, compelling characters, and high production values, making them strong contenders for multiple nominations.

Shows like Adolescence, A Thousand Blows, The Day of the Jackal, Forever, Industry, Joan, Long Bright River, The Penguin, Presumed Innocent, and Say Nothing, all featured in contender lists, demonstrate the depth and breadth of storytelling in television today. Each brings a unique perspective, whether it’s a gripping crime thriller, a poignant coming-of-age story, or a searing historical drama.

Factors Influencing the Odds: Acclaim, Buzz, and Academy Tastes

Several factors will ultimately influence which shows take home Emmy gold.

• Critical Acclaim: The opinions of critics play a significant role in shaping perceptions and building momentum for contenders. Positive reviews and inclusion in best of lists can sway voters.
• Audience Buzz: While critical acclaim is important, audience reception and the cultural conversation surrounding a show also matter. Series that generate significant online discussion, become social media phenomena, or capture the zeitgeist often gain an edge.
• Academy Preferences: The Television Academy has its own set of preferences and voting patterns that can sometimes be unpredictable. Historical trends might offer some clues, but each year brings the possibility of upsets and new favourites emerging. The sheer number of shows vying for attention means that simply breaking through the noise is a significant achievement.

An Unpredictable but Exciting Emmy Season Ahead

The 2025 Emmy season promises to be a captivating one. In the comedy realm, the race is particularly tight, with established hits like Hacks and Abbott Elementary facing strong challenges from newer critical darlings like The Studio and Somebody Somewhere. The ongoing debate surrounding The Bear adds another layer of intrigue.

Across drama and limited series, powerhouses like The Last of Us, Andor, and Severance are expected to feature prominently, but the field is rich with diverse and compelling narratives that could easily gain traction with voters. As critics continue to weigh in and buzz builds, the picture will become clearer, but one thing is certain: television viewers have been treated to an exceptional year of programming, and the Emmy Awards will have the difficult but exciting task of honouring the very best. While some frontrunners have emerged, the breadth of talent and quality across all categories means that surprises are not only possible but likely, making for an awards night filled with anticipation.