The 2025 Emmy nominations dropped a bombshell on fans and critics alike with a wave of unexpected snubs and surprises. At the top of the list? The global hit ‘Squid Game’, which made history with its Season 1 wins but was completely shut out this time around. Despite its intense second season released in December, the Korean survival thriller didn’t secure a single major nomination. Its absence in the Outstanding Drama Series category left space for underdog Hulu series Paradise to sneak in.
Similarly, the once-acclaimed dystopian saga ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ failed to grab any attention in its sixth and final season. Neither the show nor Elisabeth Moss, once a fan-favorite and past winner, received recognition. For a series that helped shape the prestige TV landscape, this Emmy snub signals a definitive end of an era.
Another jaw-dropping omission? Alfonso Cuarón. Despite his Oscar pedigree and his chilling limited series Disclaimer on Apple TV+, the director didn’t earn a nomination—nor did the show’s star-studded cast, including Kevin Kline. Only Cate Blanchett managed to break through with a lead-actress nomination.
Uzo Aduba and ‘Common Side Effects’ Surprise Everyone
While big names were left off the list, some lesser-known contenders scored unexpected victories. One of the biggest shocks came from Uzo Aduba, who landed a lead actress in a comedy nod for her role in Netflix’s short-lived series The Residence. Though the political comedy failed to gain a strong following and was canceled after one season, Aduba’s quirky performance as a bird-watching detective earned her a well-deserved spotlight—beating out past nominees like Selena Gomez and Natasha Lyonne.
Another wildcard? ‘Common Side Effects’, an offbeat animated series streaming on HBO Max, earned a nomination for Outstanding Animated Program. This lo-fi conspiracy satire, which mocks Big Pharma, slipped past expected contenders like Big Mouth and Invincible, showing that Emmy voters still have room for bold, alternative storytelling.
Even Jeff Hiller, relatively unknown to mainstream audiences, found his moment in the spotlight. Hiller’s role in Somebody, Somewhere, a touching HBO comedy led by Bridget Everett, earned him a supporting actor in a comedy nomination. The show also grabbed a writing nod—its first major Emmy recognition.
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Mulaney Misses Out (Again) as Variety Talk Slots Shrink
Comedian John Mulaney remains stuck on the outside looking in. Despite his continued efforts to innovate the late-night genre—this time with Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney—the Emmy gatekeepers weren’t impressed. The Variety Talk Series category, which now only includes three slots, left out both Mulaney and Seth Meyers, another consistent contender.
Mulaney’s fans are no strangers to Emmy rejection. Last year’s quirky Everybody’s in L.A. also failed to break through. With heavyweights like Colbert, Kimmel, and Stewart dominating the space, the path for fresh formats remains frustratingly narrow.
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