As the 2025 Primetime Emmy nominations voting nears its end, some of this year’s contenders are poised to make history in a variety of ways. With groundbreaking representation, unprecedented season hauls, and potential new records, here are 14 significant milestones that could be achieved when the nominations are announced, possibly paving the way for historic wins.
“The Studio” Eyes First-Season Emmy Record
In 2021, “Ted Lasso” set the bar with 20 nominations for its debut season — the highest ever for a comedy in its first year. Now, another Apple series, “The Studio,” could challenge that record. Variety predicts the show is hovering around 19 nominations, but insiders say it could surpass “Ted Lasso” if additional technical or acting nods come through.
Seth Rogen Could Tie Record for Most Individual Wins in One Night
Speaking of “The Studio,” Seth Rogen has four submissions tied to the Apple romp — comedy series, lead actor, writing and directing. If he wins all four, he would tie the record for most Emmys won by a single individual in one night, joining Moira Demos (2016), Amy Sherman-Palladino (2018) and Dan Levy (2020).
No Show in the 20+ Club?
While records could be broken by “The Studio” or “The Penguin,” there’s also a realistic chance that no series cracks the 20-plus nomination threshold — something that hasn’t happened since 2013, when “American Horror Story: Asylum” led with just 17. Granted, that was a time when there were only six series nominees per category, no “Game of Thrones,” and early streaming efforts like “House of Cards” and “Orange Is the New Black.” This year could signal a “spread-the-wealth” type of ceremony.
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Disney
“Abbott Elementary” Enters Emmy Double Digits
After three strong seasons, ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” may finally crack double-digit nominations for the first time. The series scored seven in its first year, which led to a historic win for creator, actress and writer Quinta Brunson. In the following two seasons, each earned nine. A 10-plus showing this time would signal critical consistency and growing Academy support for the beloved workplace mockumentary.
Harrison Ford and Jason Segel in “Shrinking”
Courtesy of Apple TV+
Harrison Ford Breaks New Ground With “Shrinking”
Despite his legendary status, Harrison Ford has never been nominated for an Emmy — until now. The 81-year-old actor is expected to earn his first nomination for Season 2 of “Shrinking,” a nod that many felt was overdue after his omission for Season 1. He’s also in contention as lead drama actor for the Paramount+ western “1923.”
Apple Eyes Another Record-Breaking Year
Apple TV+ earned a record 72 nominations in 2024, its highest total to date. With “Severance” and “The Studio” poised to dominate the drama and comedy categories, Apple could surpass that benchmark — especially if miniseries like “Disclaimer” and “Presumed Innocent” earn deserved recognition.
Colin Farrell as The Penguin
Will “The Penguin” Eclipse Watchmen’s Record?
In 2020, HBO’s “Watchmen” became the first comic book adaptation to win a major Emmy award. The genre has since gained more traction, with “WandaVision” and “The Boys” earning critical acclaim and nods. Now, HBO Max’s “The Penguin,” a spinoff starring Colin Farrell and operating under the DC Studios banner, aims to match or surpass “Watchmen’s” 26 nominations — the most ever for a DC title.
Courtesy of ABC
Latino Representation Makes History in Drama Lead Category
For the first time, two Latino actors could be nominated in the same year for lead drama actor. Diego Luna (“Andor”) and Pedro Pascal (“The Last of Us”) are among the top contenders, signaling progress in a category that has historically lacked representation from Latinos. Ramón Rodriguez also gained momentum for ABC’s procedural “Will Trent” and could earn a surprise inclusion. To date, only two Latinos have ever been nominated in this category: Jimmy Smits for “NYPD Blue” and Pascal for Season 1 of “The Last of Us.”
Bella Ramsey Hits Milestone for LGBTQ+ Community
During a challenging Pride Month for the LGBTQ+ community, Bella Ramsey — who became the fourth-youngest nominee for lead drama actress last year for “The Last of Us” — could make history again. If nominated, Ramsey would be the first openly nonbinary performer recognized in this category. They came out as nonbinary in 2023. (Emma Corrin, who played Princess Diana in Season 4 of “The Crown,” came out as queer and nonbinary in 2021 after their Emmy nomination.)
Kathy Bates Set to Become Oldest Lead Drama Actress Nominee
At 77, Kathy Bates is expected to earn a nomination for her lead role in CBS’s reboot of “Matlock.” If nominated, she would become the oldest actress ever recognized in the lead drama category — a win for age representation at the Emmys.
Elisabeth Moss Eyes Historic Directing Nod
Elisabeth Moss may become the first woman ever to receive both a lead actress and directing nomination for the same drama series. Her performance and direction in the final season of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” particularly the penultimate episode “Execution,” could land her in Emmy history books.
Selena Gomez Extends Her Producing Record
With another likely nomination for Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building,” Selena Gomez is expected to extend her record as the most-nominated Latina producer in Emmy history — a significant but often overlooked milestone for behind-the-scenes inclusion.
Stefano Delia/HBO
“The White Lotus” Could Sweep Supporting Categories
Could HBO’s “The White Lotus” replicate “Hill Street Blues”? In 1982, the latter became the only series to receive nominations in every major acting category. This year, “The White Lotus” could sweep the supporting actor and actress slots thanks to its expansive cast, including Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Sam Rockwell and Natasha Rothwell.
Tramell Tillman Could Make Emmy History
Tramell Tillman’s chilling performance in Season 2 of “Severance” may earn him a historic win. A nomination seems likely, and if he prevails, Tillman would be the first Black actor to win in the supporting actor category for drama.
YouTube Poised for First Major Emmy Nomination With “Hot Ones”
For the first time, YouTube may earn a major Emmy nomination, with “Hot Ones” in contention for Outstanding Talk Series. A nomination would mark a breakthrough for nontraditional platforms in major Emmy categories.
Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in Lucasfilm’s ANDOR Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm. ©2025 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
Lucasfilm Ltd.
“Andor” Could Become Most-Nominated “Star Wars” Series
Disney+’s “Andor” has the critical acclaim, buzz and submission strength to surpass “The Mandalorian,” which earned 24 nominations in its second season. If it does, “Andor” will become the most-nominated “Star Wars” series in Emmy history.
Ryan Murphy Eyes 14th Emmy-Winning Actor
Ryan Murphy has helped 13 actors win Emmys through his projects. He could reach 14 this year with “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” Lead performances by Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, along with supporting turns from Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny, are generating buzz and could garner another significant accolade in the name of the Hollywood creator.
With the official nominations set for July 15, all eyes are on the Television Academy to see if this year’s contenders can turn potential into history. Emmy voting ends Monday, June 23.
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