Emmy Nominations Spotlight ‘Severance,’ ‘White Lotus,’ ‘Adolescence’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ This year’s Emmy nominations showcase streaming hits like “Severance,” “The White Lotus,” and British sensation “Adolescence.” The awards landscape is shifting, with new contenders vying for the top honors once claimed by network television. CBS will broadcast the Emmy Awards on September 14, hosted by Nate Bargatze.
Emmy Awards Quick Looks
- “Severance” poised for big Emmy nods after acclaimed second season
- HBO’s “The White Lotus” remains a perennial awards favorite
- Apple’s “The Studio” could challenge veteran comedies like “Hacks” and “The Bear”
- “Adolescence” expected to dominate limited series categories for Netflix
- Adam Scott, Britt Lower likely lead acting nominees for “Severance”
- Noah Wyle’s “The Pitt” climbs Emmy prediction charts
- Broadcast networks fade except for “Abbott Elementary,” Kathy Bates in “Matlock”
- Emmy Awards air September 14 on CBS, hosted by Nate Bargatze
Deep Look
Emmy Nominations Highlight Streaming Powerhouses “Severance,” “The White Lotus,” and “Adolescence”
LOS ANGELES (AP) — As Hollywood’s awards season heats up, the 77th Primetime Emmy nominations reveal a television landscape increasingly dominated by streaming platforms and new creative forces. Apple TV+’s tense workplace thriller “Severance,” HBO’s dark satire “The White Lotus,” and Netflix’s gripping British crime drama “Adolescence” are among the most buzzed-about contenders as the nominations roll out.
“Severance” Set for Emmy Glory?
Apple TV+’s “Severance” appears poised to step into the spotlight, riding a wave of critical acclaim for its second season. The show blends dystopian suspense with corporate satire, telling the story of employees who surgically separate their work memories from personal life. It’s become a signature series for Apple, which has previously enjoyed Emmy success with comedies like “Ted Lasso” and dramas such as “The Morning Show.”
Adam Scott and Britt Lower are strong favorites for lead acting nominations, thanks to their performances that demand shifting between two distinct personas—their characters’ workplace “innies” and personal “outies.” Tramell Tillman, who plays the unsettling and charismatic supervisor Milchick, is also a strong contender for a supporting actor nod. Ben Stiller, who directed several pivotal episodes, is predicted to earn a directing nomination.
Although “Severance” picked up 14 Emmy nominations for its debut season in 2023, it took home just two awards, for its haunting musical score and visually striking title sequence. This year, industry watchers predict a bigger haul.
HBO Maintains Emmy Dominance
Despite Apple’s momentum, HBO remains an Emmy powerhouse. “The White Lotus,” Mike White’s luxury-resort satire that delves into privilege, power, and dysfunction, continues to captivate audiences and voters alike. The series submits all its ensemble members into supporting categories, increasing its chances of dominating acting awards. The third season, set in Thailand, features standout performances from Walton Goggins, Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, and Sam Rockwell.
Another HBO contender, “The Pitt,” has emerged as a surprise contender in the drama race. Starring Noah Wyle as a dedicated doctor navigating the politics of a high-stakes medical center, the show has drawn comparisons to Wyle’s earlier success on “ER.” Wyle, previously a five-time Emmy nominee without a win, could finally clinch a trophy. Industry experts say he may go head-to-head with Adam Scott for Best Actor in a Drama.
Apple’s “The Studio” Takes Aim at Comedy Categories
On the comedy front, Apple TV+ is eyeing nominations for “The Studio,” a Hollywood satire starring and co-created by Seth Rogen. The show skewers the inner workings of the entertainment industry and could challenge established Emmy veterans like HBO’s “Hacks” and FX’s “The Bear.” Rogen is predicted to appear on nomination lists for acting, writing, and directing. The series also boasts high-profile guest appearances from stars like Zoë Kravitz, Martin Scorsese, and Ron Howard, adding extra sizzle to its Emmy prospects.
“Hacks” remains a formidable competitor. Jean Smart has won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for all three previous seasons and is the favorite to take home a fourth statuette. “The Bear,” which set a record with 23 comedy nominations last year, enters the race with its third season, though critics describe the latest episodes as less universally praised, leaving its prospects more uncertain.
British Drama “Adolescence” Could Steal the Show
Netflix’s “Adolescence,” a harrowing British crime drama, is expected to dominate the limited series categories. The series has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its gritty storytelling and nuanced performances. Central to its success is 15-year-old Owen Cooper, who portrays a 13-year-old boy accused of murder, delivering a performance considered among the most powerful of the year. Many analysts predict multiple acting nominations for the cast and crew, following the surprising sweep of Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” in the same categories last year.
Streaming Reshapes the Emmy Landscape
The new Emmy landscape reflects seismic changes in how audiences consume television. While top nominees today command critical praise, they rarely reach the massive audiences once associated with broadcast TV. “The Pitt,” for instance, averaged about 10 million viewers per episode across platforms—a respectable number in today’s streaming world—but pales in comparison to the 30 million who tuned in to watch Wyle weekly on NBC’s “ER” in the 1990s.
Broadcast networks now find themselves increasingly sidelined during awards season. ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” remains a rare exception, consistently drawing Emmy love for its smart writing and ensemble cast. Meanwhile, CBS’s “Matlock” revival has put Kathy Bates in contention for Best Actress in a Comedy, potentially making her the first network performer nominated in the category since 2019 and the first to win since 2015.
Emmy Night Approaches
The Emmy ceremony is set for September 14 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. CBS will broadcast the event, with comedian Nate Bargatze tapped as host. Fans can catch the live nomination announcements starting at 11:30 a.m. Eastern on Emmys.com/nominations.
As the streaming titans continue to flex their creative muscles, this year’s Emmy race promises surprises, fierce competition, and perhaps some history-making wins.
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