Emmys 2025 Recap: 'The Pitt' and 'The Studio' Win Big as Newcomers

Last night, the television industry gathered to celebrate its brightest stars at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, and in a ceremony filled with emotional speeches, shocking upsets, and heartfelt tributes, voters chose to honor a slate of brand-new shows with the industry’s top prizes. While the three-hour broadcast had its share of awkward moments and writing that failed to land, the awards themselves painted a picture of a vibrant and evolving television landscape.

Table of Contents

1.1 The Big Winners: New Shows Ascend to the Throne
1.1.1 ‘The Pitt’s’ Gritty Triumph in the Drama Race
1.1.2 ‘The Studio’ Shines in the Crowded Comedy Field
1.1.3 ‘Adolescence’ and a Historic Win for Owen Cooper
1.2 The Night’s Most Memorable Moments
1.3 77th Emmy Awards: The Complete List of Major Winners

The night’s biggest story was the triumph of new series, with the intense HBO Max hospital drama “The Pitt” winning for Outstanding Drama Series and the star-studded “The Studio” taking home the prize for Outstanding Comedy Series. The powerful Netflix mini-series “Adolescence” also had a massive night, dominating the limited series categories. Hosted with a gentle, observational style by comedian Nate Bargatze, the ceremony ultimately belonged to its first-time winners and sentimental favorites. This is the complete recap of the night’s major winners, most talked-about moments, and the highs and lows of television’s biggest night.

The Big Winners: New Shows Ascend to the Throne

In a powerful statement from the Television Academy, all three top series prizes were awarded to shows in their very first season, signaling a shift toward new voices and fresh stories.

‘The Pitt’s’ Gritty Triumph in the Drama Race

The night’s most coveted award, Outstanding Drama Series, went to the unflinching and critically acclaimed HBO Max series “The Pitt.” The show, which offers a raw and intense look at the lives of doctors and patients in a struggling inner-city hospital, was praised by critics for its powerful writing and stellar ensemble cast. Its victory over established hits marks a significant achievement for a first-season show. The winning streak continued as Hollywood veteran Noah Wyle took home his first-ever Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his complex portrayal of the hospital’s embattled chief of surgery.

‘The Studio’ Shines in the Crowded Comedy Field

In the highly competitive comedy category, the new series “The Studio” emerged victorious, winning Outstanding Comedy Series. The show, which satirizes the chaotic world of a modern film production, was a hit with voters for its sharp writing and incredible ensemble cast. The win was made even sweeter when Seth Rogen also won his first acting Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as an over-the-hill action star trying to mount a comeback.

‘Adolescence’ and a Historic Win for Owen Cooper

Netflix’s gut-wrenching British mini-series “Adolescence” completely dominated the limited series categories, winning a staggering eight of its thirteen nominations, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. The show’s most memorable victory, however, was a historic one. Owen Cooper, at just 15 years old, became the youngest male performer to ever win an acting Emmy, taking home the award for Supporting Actor in a Limited Series for his devastating portrayal of a young boy accused of killing a classmate. His emotional acceptance speech, in which he encouraged others to step out of their comfort zone, was a highlight of the evening.

The Night’s Most Memorable Moments

Beyond the awards themselves, the ceremony was filled with moments that had everyone talking—for better and for worse.

Best: A Sentimental Victory for Stephen Colbert The loudest and most sustained applause of the night was reserved for “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” which won the Emmy for Best Talk Show. The victory was a poignant and powerful moment, coming just a few months after CBS announced its controversial decision to cancel the long-running show. Rather than taking a bitter tone, Colbert delivered a gracious and patriotic speech, ending with the powerful words, “I have never loved my country more desperately.” It was a show of industry-wide solidarity and a fitting tribute to a beloved late-night institution.
Best: Jeff Hiller’s Delightful Upset In one of the night’s most wonderful surprises, Jeff Hiller won for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy for the final season of the beloved HBO series “Somebody Somewhere.” A clear underdog in a category stacked with huge names, Hiller’s victory was a triumph for the critically acclaimed but under-the-radar show. His acceptance speech was pure joy, as he recounted his 25-year journey as a struggling actor, emotionally declaring, “I feel like I’m going to cry!”
Best: Heartfelt Speeches from First-Time Winners It was a night of incredible speeches from first-time winners. Tramell Tillman, who won for his much-expanded role in Season 2 of “Severance,” delivered a tight, precise, and deeply moving speech dedicated entirely to his mother, who was in the audience. In another standout moment, Cristin Milioti, who won for “The Penguin,” gave an unrehearsed and exuberant speech, thanking her family for “supporting your strange kid” and joyfully declaring her love for the craft of acting.
Worst: A Ceremony Hampered by Awkward Humor Unfortunately, the ceremony’s production and writing did not always live up to the quality of its winners. Host Nate Bargatze, a brilliant stand-up comedian, often appeared stiff and uncomfortable with the scripted teleprompter material. A running gag involving a donation meter that deducted money from a charity for long acceptance speeches quickly grew tiresome and distracted from the emotional moments it was meant to curtail. This was further compounded by a long, rambling, and bizarre presenter speech from Jennifer Coolidge and generally cringe-worthy writing for the presenters, which was filled with tired platitudes about the magic of television.

77th Emmy Awards: The Complete List of Major Winners

Outstanding Drama Series: “The Pitt” (HBO Max)
Outstanding Comedy Series: “The Studio”
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: “Adolescence” (Netflix)
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle, “The Pitt”
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Keri Russell, “The Diplomat”
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen, “The Studio”
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart, “Hacks”
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tramell Tillman, “Severance”
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Julianne Nicholson, “Paradise”
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeff Hiller, “Somebody Somewhere”
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Kathryn Hahn, “The Studio”
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series: Stephen Graham, “Adolescence”
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series: Cristin Milioti, “The Penguin”
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series: Owen Cooper, “Adolescence”
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series: Erin Doherty, “Adolescence”
Outstanding Talk Series: “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert”

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Emmys 2025 Recap: ‘The Pitt’ and ‘The Studio’ Win Big as Newcomers