You can’t deny these 10 new TV shows deserve at least one Emmy 2025 nomination 

TV shows that deserve at least one Emmy 2025 nomination | Images via Prime Video, Max, HBO and Netflix
TV shows that deserve at least one Emmy 2025 nomination | Images via Prime Video, Max, HBO and Netflix

The top US prime-time TV series has been recognized with the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. These awards are presented to identify a TV show's excellence in categories such as screenplay, acting, directing, and production across several genres. This year's scenery was brimming with creativity, emotion, and cultural influence.

The streaming services' new series were distinguished by their bold stories, innovative production approaches, and game-changing moments. The newly released series was a post-apocalyptic drama, aan intense limited crime series, and a Hollywood parody. But these shows were all similar in that they challenged the limits of imagination. The top ten TV shows that captured the interest of both critics and viewers are strong contenders for at least one "Emmy 2025" nomination.

Please note: This article is based solely on the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.


Here is the list of the 10 new TV shows that deserve at least one 2025 Emmy nomination:

10. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024)

Mr. & Mrs. Smith | Image via Prime Video
Mr. & Mrs. Smith | Image via Prime Video

Mr. & Mrs. Smith is a spy-romance TV show that features Donald Glover and Maya Erskine as a couple in a secret organization. The show is streaming on Prime Video. Despite the challenges of everyday married life, the married couple works undercover for a secret agency. We enjoyed their chemistry and their funny banter. As a result, the show has a high Rotten Tomatoes rating of 91%.

In 2024, it received a phenomenal 16 Emmy nominations in categories such as Outstanding Drama Series, Lead Actress (Erskine), and Lead Actor (Glover). The writing, directing, and performances by Disney guests have yet to be identified. Mr. & Mrs. Smith are strong prospects for key positions in the Emmy 2025 campaign. This TV show includes drama, writing, directing, and guest performances.


9. Too Much (2025)

Too Much | Image via Netflix
Too Much | Image via Netflix

In Netflix's romantic comedy, Too Much, Jessica (Megan Stalter), a New Yorker, goes through a difficult breakup, moves to London, and develops a relationship with a musician (Will Sharpe). Critics commend it for its daring fusion of humor and emotional intelligence. The critics also praised Stalter's charm and the strong supporting work of Lena Dunham's writing team.

Despite disputes among observers, many believe Emmy 2025 has enough charm and innovation to attract attention. Stalter deserves to be in the Lead Actress category, and Rhea Perlman received a nomination for Supporting Actress for her ground-breaking performance. It is also a potential contender in the Outstanding Comedy Series category.


8. Shrinking (2023)

Shrinking | Image via Apple TV+
Shrinking | Image via Apple TV+

Harrison Ford plays a senior therapist dealing with Parkinson's disease, while Jason Segel plays a therapist who speaks too candidly in this comedy for Apple TV+. Shrinking received 91% approval ratings from critics, with passionate reviews praising the sharp use of grief and humor. It has already been nominated for an Emmy in 2023 for Segel and Jessica Williams.

The sitcom is projected to win an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2025, with Jason Segel as the lead and Harrison Ford in supporting parts, which will help it gain traction.


7. The Curse (2023)

The Curse | Image via Paramount+
The Curse | Image via Paramount+

Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie are the creators and writers of the American satirical black comedic thriller television series The Curse. The show stars Emma Stone, Fielder, and Safdie. Critics lauded it as the best new show of the season, citing Stone's brilliant lead performance. It was also overlooked at the Emmys.

The Emmy 2025 Awards should focus on recognizing the exceptional work of The Curse. The show received praise from esteemed publications like Entertainment Weekly and The New Yorker. Christopher Nolan also praised the TV show. Stone deserves to win Outstanding Lead Actress, and the drama is in the hunt as a competitor in the writing, directing, and limited series categories.


6. The Studio (2025)

The Studio | Image via Apple TV+
The Studio | Image via Apple TV+

The Studio is an Apple TV+ comedy with its brand's typical sharp edge, as Seth Rogen plays a Hollywood executive who attempts to walk a middle ground between creating successful movies and maintaining artistic integrity. His studio is large, with eccentric employees and unexpected appearances by well-known directors and actors.

Critics hail it as one of the funniest new shows of 2025, praising both the writing and the cast ensemble. It also received a high Rotten Tomatoes rating (93%) and multiple Astra TV Awards, including Best Comedy Series and Best Actor for Rogen. Rogen, Ike Barinholtz, and Catherine O'Hara have all been nominated for acting, as well as directing and writing. It has received numerous awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Actor, Outstanding Supporting Actor, and Outstanding Direction in Comedy. It should get an Emmy nomination in 2025.


5. Squid Game Season 2 (2024)

Squid Game Season 2 | Image via Netflix
Squid Game Season 2 | Image via Netflix

The international blockbuster returns, with Gi-hun leading a mission to eliminate the fatal games' hidden handlers. Season 2 focuses on his trauma, guilt, and moral ambivalence in the aftermath of the first season.

Squid Game Season 2 is the most popular program on Netflix worldwide, receiving critical and popular acclaim. Despite the mixed reception, people frequently discuss how ambitious the show is. Since it is a qualifying season, it can be nominated for an Emmy in 2025 for Outstanding Drama Series and Lead Actor. Lee Jung-jae's representation isn't quite haunting in terms of character development. Furthermore, the show's massive cultural impact increases its chances of being nominated.


4. Fallout (2024)

Fallout | Image via JustWatch
Fallout | Image via JustWatch

Fallout is a television series based on a popular video game, depicting an exciting post-apocalyptic journey that is both dark and humorous. Walter Goggins plays a complicated survivor in a story about mutants, ethical dilemmas, and hidden vaults. Fallout should grab a nomination at the Emmys 2025.

Fallout has reached over 100 million viewers since April 2024. Critics praised it as one of the best game-to-television adaptations ever, citing its visuals and cast as its strongest points. It received 16 nominations for the 2024 Emmy Awards, the majority of which were in major categories like Outstanding Drama Series. Despite its earlier premiere, the show's candidacy in some categories, such as technical work, acting, or writing, may carry over into the following Emmy season.


3. The Penguin (2024)

The Penguin | Image via HBO
The Penguin | Image via HBO

The Penguin is a limited series on HBO that follows Oswald Cobblepot's rise from criminal to Gotham's crime lord. This TV show centers on his family, treachery, power dynamics, and survival in the dark city. It was criticized as one of the best shows of 2024, although Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti delivered outstanding performances. According to early Emmy chatter, it is the front-runner in the limited series category.

The show should grab a nomination in the acting categories at the 2025 Emmy Awards. The show has already received awards such as the AFI Top 10 TV Shows, and the industry forecast predicts nominations in categories such as Outstanding Limited Series, Lead Actor (Farrell), and Outstanding Lead Actress (Milioti), as well as technical categories such as supporting roles and crafts such as editing and cinematography.


2. Adolescence (2025)

Adolescence | Image via Netflix
Adolescence | Image via Netflix

The Netflix British crime drama Adolescence is a four-part compact thriller. The show tracks down 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested on suspicion of killing a classmate. Each episode features a long-shot situation with great tension and real-time drama. Critics commended the show's immersive director, well-written narrative, and vividly depicted characters. The show received a Metacritic score of 91 out of 100. The series is also the first to break streaming records, as it was the first Netflix series to reach the top of the Barb viewership ratings in the UK, garnering nearly 97 million views in just three weeks.

It has already ranked on short-term prediction lists and received attention from well-known publications such as AwardsWatch. Adolescence must be nominated for an Emmy Award in the Outstanding Limited Series category before 2025. The show also made the list for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie, which went to Owen Cooper, who received a Gotham TV Award and critical acclaim.


1. The Pitt (2025)

The Pitt | Image via Max
The Pitt | Image via Max

Max has unveiled a new medical drama, The Pitt, starring Noah Wyle. Ginger is on a 15-hour shift at the same Pittsburgh trauma hospital. Critics and doctors alike praise the film's raw realism, deep characterization, and true feel of life after COVID-19. The show won three Astra TV Awards: Best Cast Ensemble, Best Actor (Noah Wyle), and Best Writing (Noah Wyle). According to Vulture, it has been named one of the leading candidates for the 2025 drama and is listed on another show.

The show could be nominated for Outstanding Drama Series at the 2025 Emmy Awards, with Wyle having a decent chance of winning for Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Its narrowly scripted realism and emotional impact have also earned it consideration in the writing, directing, and supporting performance categories.


These ten shows are considered new and have caused a stir among viewers and critics alike during their eligibility year for the 2025 Emmy Awards. They demonstrated how television standards had shifted, whether through compelling images, passionate performances, or clear speech. Each of those series introduced something new, whether it was The Pitt's haunting verisimilitude, the Penguin's stylization, or Too Much's stratification of relationships.

Everyone made an important contribution to the medium, even if not everyone earned an award. They were only considered for the "Emmy 2025" debate in drama, comedy, limited series, and performer categories due to their artistic worth, audience numbers, and media response.

Edited by Zainab Shaikh