2025 Emmy Nominees for Reality Competition and Talk Series Revealed Early

The Television Academy has announced that two categories for the 2025 Emmy Awards, specifically Best Reality Competition Series and Best Talk Series, will have their nominees revealed earlier than the official announcement. This decision, which has raised eyebrows within the industry, will see the nominations disclosed during the CBS Mornings show on Tuesday, July 14, at 7:47 a.m. ET/4:47 a.m. PT—nearly four hours ahead of the main announcement scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT.

This alteration marks a notable shift in the Academy's traditional timeline. Historically, nominees were officially announced at 5:35 a.m. PT to allow coverage on morning news broadcasts across the Eastern Time Zone. The forthcoming announcement will be made by actors Harvey Guillén and Brenda Song, known for their roles in FX’s "What We Do in the Shadows" and Netflix’s "Running Point," respectively. The 2025 Emmy Awards ceremony is set to take place on September 14, 2025, on CBS and will be streamed live via Paramount+ with comedian Nate Bargatze serving as host.

The decision to announce these nominees earlier has sparked discussions among industry professionals regarding the implications for publicity and viewership. According to Dr. Emily Thompson, a media studies professor at UCLA, the early announcement could serve to boost ratings both for CBS and the Emmy Awards by capturing audience attention before the official livestream. Dr. Thompson stated, "This strategic move may enhance CBS's morning show viewership while also creating an anticipatory buzz leading up to the full nominations reveal."

The decision also reflects a broader trend observed in award ceremonies to adapt to changing media consumption patterns. In recent years, award shows have increasingly sought to leverage social media and morning news segments to maximize engagement. As noted by industry analyst Mark Rogers, CEO of Media Insights Group, "Engagement strategies are evolving, and early reveals could potentially draw more viewers to the primetime event."

Last year's Emmy Awards saw significant shifts in winners, with "The Traitors" dethroning the long-standing champion, "RuPaul’s Drag Race," for Best Reality Competition, and "The Daily Show" taking home the award for Best Talk Series. This year, with heightened competition and new contenders emerging, the early nominee announcements may set the stage for unexpected outcomes and heightened viewer engagement.

As the industry watches closely, the reactions from networks, producers, and audiences alike will likely shape future Emmy announcements and their strategic approaches. The implications of this early reveal extend beyond mere nominations, reflecting a deeper understanding of audience dynamics and the evolving landscape of entertainment consumption.