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Emmys 2025: ’Severance‘ vs. ‘The Pitt’ Signals a Turning Point for Television
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los Angeles, CA – September 15, 2025 – The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, airing this Sunday, showcase a compelling narrative beyond the statuettes themselves.The competition for Outstanding Drama Series between Apple TV+’s Severance
and FX/Hulu’s The Bear
-often referred to as The Pitt
by those involved-illuminates the shifting dynamics of the television industry, as streamers grapple with profitability and evolving content strategies.
The Emmy race isn’t simply about artistic merit; it’s a barometer of where the television business stands. Both series represent distinct approaches to storytelling and production,mirroring the broader tensions between prestige streaming and more traditional network models.The outcome will signal which path resonates most strongly with both critics and audiences, and potentially influence future investment decisions across the industry.
The Contenders: A Study in Contrasts
Severance
, created by Dan erickson and directed by Ben Stiller, captivated viewers with its surreal premise and meticulous execution. The show explores themes of work-life balance and corporate control, resonating with anxieties in a post-pandemic world. its success on Apple TV+ demonstrates the potential for a streamer to establish itself as a home for high-concept, critically acclaimed dramas.
Conversely, The Bear
, from Christopher Storer, offers a raw and visceral portrayal of the restaurant industry. Its grounded realism and compelling characters have earned it widespread praise and a dedicated following on FX/Hulu. The show’s success highlights the enduring appeal of character-driven narratives and the continued relevance of traditional television platforms.
The television industry is undergoing a significant transition, marked by increased competition, rising production costs, and a growing emphasis on profitability. Streaming services, once focused on subscriber growth at all costs, are now under pressure to demonstrate financial sustainability. This shift has led to cost-cutting measures, including content purges and a renewed focus on proven franchises. The Verge reported in December 2024 on the industry-wide pivot towards profitability.
There’s a real tension right now between wanting to take risks and wanting to play it safe,
one executive involved with The Bear
told John Koblin. Everyone’s trying to figure out what the new rules are.
This sentiment underscores the uncertainty that pervades the industry as companies navigate a new economic reality.
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