From Drama to Comedy: Netflix and Apple TV+ Lead the Pack at Emmy Awards

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Netflix’s drama Adolescence was the big winner at the Emmy Awards 2025, claiming six awards. The series, now the streamer’s second most-watched show ever, earned accolades for best limited series, directing, writing, and three acting awards. Owen Cooper took the award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Limited Series and became the youngest winner. Erin Doherty won Best Supporting Actress. Meanwhile, Stephen Graham secured awards for the Writing and Lead Actor categories, competing against some pretty heavyweights like Colin Farrell and Jake Gyllenhaal, and he won.

The Studio Breaks Records

Apple TV+ made history by becoming the most awarded comedy in a single Emmy year with its comedy series The Studio. The first season, including wins at the Creative Arts Emmys, broke the record for most trophies in a debut season with 13 awards. 

Seth Rogen received the best actor, writer, and director in a comedy series. “I’m legitimately embarrassed by how happy this makes me,” Rogen said, highlighting the show’s widespread acclaim.

Pitt Shines Bright

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The Pitt also made an impact, winning three awards, including best drama series. Noah Wyle secured his first Emmy as lead actor in a drama, dedicating the win to hospital workers. 

Katherine LaNasa surprised many by taking the supporting actress in a drama award, beating strong contenders from The White Lotus. Jean Smart won best comedy actress for Hacks for the fourth time, while her co-star Hannah Einbinder took the supporting comedy award for the first time.

Severance and Surprises

Apple’s second season of Severance earned two awards, with Britt Lower winning best actress in a drama series and Tramell Tillman taking supporting actor. Tillman became the first Black winner in that category. 

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Notable upsets included Jeff Hiller winning supporting actor in a comedy for HBO’s Somebody Somewhere and Cristin Milioti claiming lead actress in a limited series for The Penguin.

Conclusion: Performance and Records in Context

The Emmy Awards 2025 represented the fold for new talent and record-breaking shows. Netflix's Adolescence secured its position as a must-watch drama, while The Studio set a new record for comedy success on Apple TV+. 

The diverse set of winners, including Tillman and Hiller for the first time in their careers, indicates the shift towards recognizing fresh talent and storytelling. 

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These wins also show another facet of an evolving streaming landscape, with Netflix and Apple TV+ being the last two in terms of quality and impact on the audience level.