The Emmy Awards, the glittering heart of television’s awards calendar, are once again centre stage as the full list of 2025 nominations was revealed this week. The anticipation has been electric, not just in the United States but across the UK, where several homegrown stars and productions are making waves. For UK viewers, the Emmy nominations are more than a celebration of television—they are a reminder of the global reach British talent has achieved in the industry. This year, surprise inclusions, historic milestones, and fierce competition are making headlines.
The Race for the Top: Severance Leads a Packed Field
It is difficult to ignore the noise around Apple TV+ drama Severance, which tops the leaderboard with an astonishing 27 nominations. The show’s dystopian take on work culture struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. Lead actors Adam Scott and Britt Lower both received nominations for their performances, with the series also picking up nods for writing and direction in its tense, twist-laden second season. This record-setting nomination tally marks Severance as the one to beat at this year’s awards.
Hot on its heels is The Penguin, HBO’s brooding Batman spin-off starring Colin Farrell, which amassed 24 nominations. Critics praise its noir atmosphere and complex character work, and its dominance in the Limited Series categories cannot be overstated. Other notables include Apple TV+’s new comedy The Studio, pulling in 23 nominations and breaking the record for a comedy’s debut season, previously held by Ted Lasso. HBO’s The White Lotus matches that achievement with 23 nominations, reflecting the series’ ongoing popularity and critical approval.
Drama and Comedy: The Standout Series
The Best Drama Series category showcases a blend of returning champions and new contenders. Alongside Severance and The White Lotus, shows like Andor, The Diplomat, The Pitt, and Slow Horses (starring Gary Oldman) have all received nods. Importantly for UK fans, Apple TV+’s Slow Horses features a strong British cast and narrative steeped in London intrigue, further illustrating the UK’s influence on global television.
Comedy this year is dominated by inventive newcomers and fan favourites. The Studio, The Bear, and Abbott Elementary are each in contention for Outstanding Comedy Series, with Shrinking and Nobody Wants This rounding out a robust line-up. The mixture of established hits and refreshingly daring formats signals that the genre is evolving rapidly—and British wit is never far from the action.
British Talent Shines on the International Stage
This year’s nominations are especially sweet for UK fans, as British talent features prominently. Netflix’s searing crime drama Adolescence has picked up 13 nominations. The show, created by Jack Thorne and starring Stephen Graham, has been praised for its powerful storytelling and technical innovation—each episode was filmed as one continuous shot. Teen actor Owen Cooper, just 15 years old, has set a new Emmys record as the youngest nominee for Supporting Actor in a Limited Series, recognised for his gripping portrayal of schoolboy Jamie Miller. Stephen Graham also received a Lead Actor nomination for his heart-wrenching performance as Eddie, Jamie’s father.
Veteran British actor Gary Oldman has once again been recognised for his role in the espionage thriller Slow Horses, and Sharon Horgan is nominated for her commanding lead in Bad Sisters. These nominations come as no surprise, considering both have delivered acclaimed performances in their respective genres.
Black Mirror, created by Britain’s Charlie Brooker, was awarded a nod in the Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series category, whilst Irish actor Colin Farrell is up for his transformation in The Penguin. For UK viewers, these nominations highlight the strength and variety of British (and Irish) creative output on the world’s most-watched screens.
Standout Moments and Historic Milestones
2025’s Emmy list is not without its milestones and surprises. Kathy Bates, at 77, becomes the oldest ever nominee for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Matlock. Meanwhile, Harrison Ford, a legend of both cinema and television, receives his first Emmy nomination for Shrinking, marking a new chapter in a storied career.
There is also cause for celebration in the comedy realm. Kristen Bell knocked out her first ever Emmy nomination for Netflix’s Nobody Wants This, allowing a new generation of comedic talent to shine. The show’s clever reworking of the rom-com formula, paired with Bell’s effortless charm, has captured both critical and audience acclaim.
UK Programmes and Themes Resonating Abroad
It is telling that this year’s British favourites extend beyond traditional genres. Adolescence sparked widespread discussion about online safety and toxic masculinity following its March debut, prompting debate in schools across the UK and France. British series and talent continue not only to entertain but to provoke and engage, making a meaningful impact on societal conversations.
Meanwhile, Black Mirror’s continued presence reflects the international appetite for UK-written dystopian dramas—stories that question emerging technologies and their effect on everyday life. The show remains a touchstone for social commentary and dark humour, both qualities quintessential to British television.
Reality and Variety: The Changing Face of Awards
This year sees a reshuffling of familiar faces in the reality categories. The Voice, a mainstay since 2012, missed out on a nomination, while Survivor returned to contend for Best Reality Competition. Beyoncé Bowl garnered a variety special nomination, reaffirming the category’s draw for big names and high-profile productions.
Conclusion
The Emmy nominations for 2025 offer a vivid snapshot of where television stands—restless, boundary-pushing, and international in outlook. The strong showing for British actors and series underlines the UK’s continuing role at the forefront of global entertainment. From the critically acclaimed Severance to the heartfelt and topical Adolescence, this year’s nominations promise a show that mirrors the complex, interconnected world we all watch unfold, one episode at a time. As the countdown to September’s ceremony begins, the excitement on both sides of the Atlantic is tangible, and UK television lovers will be watching with pride and anticipation.
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