Apple TV+ Shines with 27 Emmy Nominations for Severance and More!

The series Severance distinguished itself with an impressive 27 Emmy nominations announced on July 15. Meanwhile, the comedy The Studio dominated with a record-equalling 23 nominations, showcasing a strong performance for Apple TV+ this year.

No other show in the drama category matched Severance’s acclaim. The buzz surrounding its second season contributed significantly to its impressive Emmy tally.

Apple TV+ head of programming, Matt Cherniss, expressed his excitement to The Associated Press, stating, “It’s been the best kind of morning.”

Notable nominations for Severance included lead acting roles for stars Adam Scott and Britt Lower, portraying their characters in different facets of life. Tramell Tillman received a nod for his supportive role, while Patricia Arquette was acknowledged for her performance as an ousted member of a sinister family business. Additionally, Ben Stiller got recognition for directing the thrilling Season 2 finale.

This image released by Apple TV+ shows Ike Barinholtz, from left, Kathryn Hahn, Chase Sui Wonders, and Seth Rogen in a scene from “The Studio.” (Apple TV+ via AP)

Apple’s satirical show, The Studio, made a remarkable impact in its inaugural season, surpassing established competitors like Hacks with 14 nominations and The Bear with 13. The Studio matched a record set by The Bear last year for the highest number of comedy nominations, totaling 23.

Seth Rogen, the co-creator of The Studio, received three nominations in acting, writing, and directing categories. He remarked to the AP, “My ego is in shock,” highlighting the emotional weight of the recognition.

The series garnered attention for its impressive lineup of featured stars, leading to nominations for icons like Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, and Bryan Cranston.

In the limited series category, HBO’s The Penguin also made a striking showing with 24 nominations, recognizing lead actors Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti.

Colin Farrell in The Penguin — This image released by HBO shows Colin Farrell in a scene from the series “Penguin.” (HBO via AP)

Mark Stanley and others in Adolescence — This image released by Netflix shows Mark Stanley, from left, Owen Cooper, and Stephen Graham in a scene from “Adolescence.” (Netflix via AP)

Netflix’s powerful series, Adolescence, received 13 limited series nominations, including one for 15-year-old Owen Cooper, who portrays a teenager embroiled in a murder investigation. Many believe Cooper could become the youngest Emmy winner in decades, especially after a groundbreaking episode filmed in a single continuous shot.

His co-star, Erin Doherty, was also nominated, emphasizing the beauty of listening as a therapeutic act. “If you just sit and listen, and let someone talk, that is such a gorgeous offering,” she shared.

Notable Acting Nominations from The White Lotus and Others

The White Lotus, HBO’s luxury drama, received several acting nominations for its third season set in Thailand. Carrie Coon and Walton Goggins were amongst those recognized. The series came second to Severance in overall drama nominations with 23.

The Pitt, another HBO Max offering, secured 13 nominations, including best drama and a nod for Noah Wyle, known from ER. Wyle aims to secure his first Emmy after five previous nominations without a win.

Noah Wyle in The Pitt — This image released by Max shows Noah Wyle in a scene from “The Pitt.” (Warrick Page/MAX via AP)

With a compelling narrative, Wyle and Scott are frontrunners for best actor in a drama, both seeking their first win. Traditional broadcast networks faced challenges, with CBS’ Kathy Bates gaining recognition for her role in Matlock, making her the first network representative in this category since 2019.

ABC’s Abbott Elementary has held hope for broadcast networks, earning six nominations, including acting and writing acknowledgments for creator Quinta Brunson.

HBO Remains a Dominant Force in Emmy Nominations

The Last Of Us brought in 16 nominations for HBO, contributing to a total of 142 nominations for the network—its highest ever, thanks to The White Lotus, The Pitt, and The Penguin. Bella Ramsey received a nod for best actress in a drama, while Pedro Pascal was nominated for lead actor despite a reduced screen presence.

Netflix followed closely with 120 nominations, highlighted by 11 for Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story and 10 for Black Mirror. Apple TV+ secured 79 nominations overall, while its show Shrinking garnered recognition in comedy categories, including acting nods for Harrison Ford and Jason Segel.

Disney+ represented with Andor, which received 14 nominations, and showcases acclaimed performances. However, some shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and Squid Game missed out on nominations entirely.

The nominations were proudly announced by actors Harvey Guillén and Brenda Song, marking a noteworthy moment in the awards season.

Severance Shines Bright for Apple TV+

Severance has established itself as a defining series for Apple TV+. Despite strong contenders like The Morning Show and Ted Lasso, Severance has emerged as its most-nominated series to date. This achievement positions it among the prestigious ranks of shows like Succession and Shogun, paving the way for potential success at the upcoming Emmy Awards.

Cherniss commented on the recognition Apple TV+ received for its bold storytelling. “Severance is such an ambitious show,” he stated, emphasizing that taking creative risks has paid off.

The Evolving Landscape of TV and the Emmys

The rise of streaming platforms has reshaped the television and awards landscape. While viewership numbers have declined, some acclaimed shows maintain sizable audiences. As the Emmys prepare to air on CBS from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 14, with Nate Bargatze set to host, the anticipation builds.

What are your thoughts on the Emmy nominations this year? Do you have any favorites you’re rooting for?