Emmy Awards 2025: ‘Severance‘ and ‘The Pitt‘ Battle for Drama Series Supremacy
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Los Angeles, CA – August 21, 2025 – the competition for Best Drama Series at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards is shaping up as a tight race between Apple TV+’s psychological thriller Severance and the new medical drama The Pitt, according to industry analysis.The winners will be announced on september 14th.
‘Severance’ Dominates Nominations
Severance, which returned to screens after a production pause due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes, secured a leading 27 nominations a notable increase from the 14 it received for its first season. This impressive tally recognizes the show’s compelling narrative and strong performances.The series explores the concept of work-life balance taken to an extreme, following employees of Lumon Industries who undergo a procedure to sever their work memories from their personal lives.
Key nominations for Severance include lead actor Adam Scott and lead actress Britt Lower, portraying the complex relationship between their “innie” and “outie” selves. Supporting nominations went to Zach Cherry, Tramell Tillman, John Turturro, and Patricia Arquette, highlighting the ensemble’s strength.
Did You Know?
the sheer volume of nominations often correlates with a higher chance of winning, as the actors-the largest voting bloc-tend to support shows that recognize their peers.
‘The Pitt’ Gains Momentum with Industry Experts
While Severance leads in total nominations, The Pitt, a new series reuniting executive producer John Wells and star Noah Wyle, is gaining traction among Emmy experts. The show garnered 13 nominations, tying with The Bear and matching the total for the Limited Series contender Adolescence. The pitt focuses on the demanding world of a major metropolitan hospital, offering a grounded and character-driven narrative.
Noah Wyle received a nomination for Lead Drama Actor, considered a strong contender to win. Supporting nominations were also awarded to Katherine LaNasa for Supporting Drama Actress and Shawn Hatosy for Guest Drama actor,recognizing his performance in the season finale.
Nomination Breakdown: ‘Severance’ vs. ‘The pitt’
| Series | Total Nominations | Lead Actor nomination | lead Actress Nomination | Supporting Nominations | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severance | 27 | Adam Scott | britt Lower | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| The Pitt | 13 | Noah W
“`html The Unraveling of a Fashionable Legacy: Why ‘And Just Like That…’ Didn’t Reignite the ‘Sex and the City’ SparkTable of Contents New York City, August 20, 2025 – The highly anticipated sequel series, And Just Like That…, concluded its run without achieving the critical acclaim or audience engagement of its predecessor, Sex and the City. A recent assessment of the showS trajectory reveals a series of creative decisions and external factors that contributed to its diminished impact, leaving many to question why the reboot couldn’t recapture the original’s cultural resonance. A legacy of Emmy RecognitionSex and the City, which originally aired from 1998 to 2004, garnered significant recognition during its run. The HBO dramedy secured seven Emmy awards, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a comedy for Sarah Jessica Parker and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy for Cynthia Nixon. Series creator Michael Patrick King also received an Emmy for Outstanding Directing, alongside accolades for casting and costume design. Notably, the show’s third season won Outstanding Comedy Series, and every season received an Emmy nomination, totaling 54 nominations from the Television Academy. In stark contrast, And Just Like That…, spanning three seasons, failed to secure any Emmy nominations. This dramatic shift in critical reception underscores the challenges faced by the reboot in replicating the success of the original. The statistical DivideThe disparity in Emmy recognition mirrors a broader trend in viewership. While initial interest in And Just Like That… was ample, numbers dwindled over time. Forbes reported a 50% decline in viewership by the second season , suggesting a growing disconnect between the series and its audience.
The core Issues: A Loss of Key ElementsThe initial concept for And Just Like That… stemmed from ideas originally intended for a third Sex and the City film. When the film was canceled, the storyline was adapted into a miniseries focusing on Carrie Bradshaw‘s life as a widow. Though, several key elements from the original series were missing, contributing to the reboot’s struggles. The absence of Samantha JonesPerhaps the most significant loss was the absence of Samantha Jones, portrayed by Kim Cattrall. Her character’s unapologetic embrace of sexuality and her dynamic with the other women were central to the original series’ appeal. Did You Know? Cattrall’s departure was reportedly linked to a long-standing feud with Sarah Jessica Parker, further complicating the reboot’s narrative. The description for Samantha’s absence – a professional divergence that led her to relocate to London – felt contrived and failed to address the deep-rooted friendship that defined the original quartet. A brief cameo appearance in Season 2 only served to highlight what was missing. The Handling of mr. Big’s DeathThe sudden death of Mr. Big (Chris Noth) in the premiere episode was a jarring narrative choice. While intended to propel Carrie’s character arc, the circumstances surrounding his death – a heart attack after a Peloton workout – and Carrie’s delayed reaction were widely criticized. The Reintroduction of Aidan ShawThe return of Aidan Shaw (John Corbett), Carrie’s former fiancé, felt repetitive and lacked the emotional resonance of their initial relationship. the storyline seemed to revisit familiar territory without offering a fresh outlook. Inconsistent Writing and Character GrowthThe writing in And Just Like That… was frequently enough criticized for its inconsistency and lack of nuance. New characters, such as Che Diaz (Sara Ramirez), were perceived as one-dimensional and served as a focal point for negative feedback. Existing characters, like Miranda Hobbes, experienced jarring shifts in personality and behavior. Pro Tip: Strong character consistency is crucial for maintaining audience investment in a long-running series. The Missing JoyUltimately, And Just Like That… failed to capture the playful spirit and infectious energy of Sex and the City. The reboot lacked the original’s sense of fun,fashion,and genuine connection. the series’ darker tone and inconsistent writing alienated many viewers, resulting in a critical and commercial disappointment. Do you think a reboot could ever truly recapture the magic of the original? What elements do you believe were essential to the success of Sex and the City, and why did And Just Like that… fall short? The challenges faced by And Just Like That… highlight the difficulties of rebooting iconic television series. Successfully reviving a beloved show requires a delicate balance between honoring the original’s legacy and introducing fresh, compelling narratives. The show’s struggles serve as a cautionary tale for future reboots, emphasizing the importance of strong writing, consistent character development, and a clear understanding of what made the original series so special. Frequently Asked Questions
We hope you enjoyed this insightful look into the factors that shaped the fate of And Just Like That…. If you found this article informative, please share it with your friends and colleagues. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more in-depth analysis of the latest entertainment news! Sam Rockwell Found Inspiration in ‘Apocalypse now’ for ’The White Lotus’ RoleLos Angeles, CA – Emmy nominee Sam Rockwell shared a surprising insight into his critically acclaimed performance as Ethan Spiller in the third season of HBO’s the White Lotus. The actor revealed he modeled aspects of his character’s detached demeanor and unsettling presence after Marlon Brando‘s iconic portrayal of Colonel Walter E. Kurtz in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 masterpiece, Apocalypse Now. Drawing Parallels Between Two Complex CharactersRockwell, speaking to IndieWire, explained that he revisited Apocalypse Now while preparing for his role. He was struck by Brando’s ability to convey a sense of profound isolation and moral ambiguity, qualities he sought to incorporate into Ethan Spiller. “There’s a certain… emptiness to Kurtz, and a kind of detached observation of the chaos around him,” Rockwell stated. “I wanted to bring some of that to Ethan, that sense of someone who’s observing everything but not really *in* it.” The actor’s performance has been lauded for its nuanced portrayal of a man grappling with personal demons and a crumbling marriage, all while navigating the opulent and often unsettling world of The White Lotus. Critics have noted the character’s unsettling calm and tendency to deliver cryptic pronouncements, echoing the enigmatic nature of Brando’s Kurtz. Did You Know? Marlon Brando famously improvised much of his dialog in apocalypse Now, contributing to the character’s unpredictable and unsettling presence. The Influence of Cinematic HistoryRockwell’s approach highlights the enduring influence of classic cinema on contemporary acting. By drawing inspiration from a legendary performance like Brando’s,he aimed to add layers of complexity and subtext to his own character. This method reflects a broader trend in acting, where performers frequently enough look to cinematic history for guidance and inspiration. As Stella Adler, a renowned acting coach, emphasized, “The technique is not an end in itself, but a means to an end-to create a living, breathing character” [Stella Adler Studio]. The third season of The White lotus, set in Thailand, has garnered significant attention for its exploration of themes such as wealth, privilege, and the complexities of human relationships.rockwell’s performance has been a central focus of critical acclaim, with many praising his ability to portray a character who is both captivating and deeply unsettling. Pro Tip: When analyzing a character, consider their motivations, flaws, and how they react to external pressures.This can help you understand their actions and create a more compelling performance. Rockwell’s Emmy NominationSam Rockwell has been nominated for an Outstanding Supporting actor in a Drama Series Emmy Award for his role in The White Lotus. The awards ceremony is scheduled for September 2025. His nomination underscores the impact of his performance and its resonance with both critics and audiences.
What aspects of Sam Rockwell’s performance resonated most with you? Do you see the parallels to Marlon Brando’s work in Apocalypse Now? The Enduring Legacy of ‘Apocalypse Now’francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now remains a landmark achievement in cinematic history. Released in 1979, the film is a loose adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness, set during the Vietnam War. Its groundbreaking visuals, haunting score, and exploration of the psychological toll of war have cemented its place as a classic. The film’s influence can be seen in countless subsequent works, demonstrating its enduring cultural impact. The film’s production was notoriously troubled, plagued by financial difficulties, logistical challenges, and creative conflicts, as detailed in Eleanor Coppola’s documentary, Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse. Frequently Asked Questions about Sam Rockwell and ‘The White Lotus’
‘Last Week Tonight‘ Host John Oliver Reveals Strategy Behind Successful Team Rebrand, Addresses HBO’s YouTube policy Shift and Emmy Reliance
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, John Oliver, host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight with john Oliver, detailed the origins of the show’s unexpectedly popular offer to rebrand a minor league sports team. The initiative, which ultimately led to the rebranding of the Idaho Falls Chukars baseball team as the Idaho Falls Potato Spuds, began as a potential outlet for lighter content amidst the show’s typically heavy investigative reporting. Oliver explained the offer was initially presented with low expectations.”We thought someone might take our offer, but we weren’t sure,” he stated. The team’s keen response prompted a full-scale rebranding effort, providing a welcome “feel-good story” during a period of widespread negativity.
the Potato Spuds rebranding, launched on April 27, 2024, involved a complete overhaul of the team’s branding, including a new logo, uniforms, and stadium aesthetics. The project, costing approximately $300,000, was fully funded by Last Week Tonight and included a commitment to ongoing support for the team. Oliver emphasized the importance of selecting a team that could both benefit from and handle the attention.
The interview also addressed a change in HBO’s distribution strategy for last Week Tonight segments. Earlier in 2024, HBO reversed a previous decision to limit the availability of full segments on YouTube, allowing them to be released the day after airing. Oliver revealed the decision was initially a test to gauge the impact on television ratings. “I think they wanted to see if moving it back on YouTube had an effect on our ratings. I didn’t think it would, which is why I was against moving it in the frist place,” he said.HBO ultimately determined the shift had a negligible negative impact, reinstating the YouTube release schedule.
Despite the show’s success and critical acclaim – having won seven Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Variety Talk series – oliver acknowledged the precarious nature of television production.He jokingly referred to the Emmys as the show’s “golden armor” against cancellation, but clarified that the sentiment wasn’t entirely a joke. “Its not entirely a joke, that’s for sure. I think it is objectively very, very helpful to have won Emmys with the show,” he stated. He expressed gratitude for HBO’s continued support and a desire to maintain the show’s independence, emphasizing the importance of continued Emmy recognition. Last Week Tonight currently airs on sundays at 11 PM ET on HBO and streams on Max. This story appeared in the Aug. 6 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.
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