In a night filled with unexpected triumphs and tear-jerking moments, the 2025 Emmy Awards crowned Hacks and Severance as the undisputed kings of television, while Hollywood heavyweights Brad Pitt and Seth Rogen added their own layers of surprise and sentiment to the ceremony. Held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 15, 2025, the 77th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards drew over 10 million viewers worldwide, marking a 15% increase from the previous year, according to Nielsen ratings. The event, hosted by comedian Quinta Brunson, celebrated a diverse slate of programming, but it was the comedy-drama hybrid Hacks and Apple TV+’s mind-bending thriller Severance that dominated the headlines, securing a combined 12 awards and underscoring the shifting tides in prestige TV.
The ceremony kicked off with high energy as Hacks, the Max series following the razor-sharp mentorship between a veteran comedian and her young writer, snagged the Outstanding Comedy Series award for its third season. This victory wasn’t just a win for the show; it represented a broader resurgence of female-led narratives in comedy, with creator Lucia Aniello dedicating the award to “every woman who’s ever been told to tone it down.” Meanwhile, Severance, the dystopian workplace drama that explores the ethical horrors of memory severance, clinched Outstanding Drama Series, beating out perennial favorites like The Crown and Succession spin-offs. The wins highlighted how streaming platforms are increasingly challenging traditional broadcast dominance at the Emmy Awards.
Adding star power to the evening, Brad Pitt, in a rare TV appearance for his role in the limited series Wolfs, won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series, delivering a speech that left the audience in stunned silence. Seth Rogen, known for his comedic chops, surprised many by taking home Supporting Actor in a Comedy for his role in The Boys spin-off Gen V, blending humor with heartfelt gratitude. These victories not only boosted the profiles of their respective projects but also sparked conversations about the blurring lines between film and television stardom.
Hacks’ Razor-Sharp Victory Redefines Comedy Excellence
The triumph of Hacks at the 2025 Emmy Awards was nothing short of a masterclass in comedic evolution. Starring Jean Smart as Deborah Vance, the aging Las Vegas headliner fighting for relevance, and Hannah Einbinder as her millennial writer Ava Daniels, the series has captivated audiences since its 2021 debut on Max (formerly HBO Max). With its third season earning 11 nominations, Hacks ultimately walked away with five statues, including Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series.
Jean Smart’s win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series was a highlight, marking her second consecutive Emmy in the category. During her acceptance speech, Smart, 74, reflected on her career trajectory: “I’ve been in this business for over 40 years, and Hacks reminded me why I love it—because of stories that punch you in the gut and make you laugh through the pain.” The show’s success can be attributed to its unflinching portrayal of generational clashes and the entertainment industry’s underbelly, themes that resonated deeply in a post-pandemic world where remote work and digital fame have upended traditional comedy.
Behind the scenes, the Hacks team faced production hurdles, including a writers’ strike delay that pushed season three into 2024. Yet, these challenges only sharpened the show’s edge. Executive producer Paul W. Downs noted in a post-ceremony interview with Variety, “We poured our souls into making Hacks a love letter to comedy’s survivors. Winning at the Emmy Awards validates that risk.” Statistically, Hacks has maintained a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes across seasons, drawing an average of 2.5 million viewers per episode in its latest run—a 20% uptick from season two.
The impact of Hacks‘ wins extends beyond awards season. It has inspired a wave of similar projects, such as Netflix’s Laugh Lines, and boosted Jean Smart’s profile, leading to rumors of a film adaptation. As streaming metrics show, comedy series like Hacks now account for 35% of Emmy-nominated content, up from 25% a decade ago, signaling a healthy appetite for witty, character-driven escapism.
Severance’s Dystopian Grip Tightens on Drama Crown
Turning the spotlight to drama, Severance emerged as the dark horse of the 2025 Emmy Awards, securing the Outstanding Drama Series award and four additional honors, including Outstanding Supporting Actress for Britt Lower. Created by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller, the Apple TV+ series delves into Lumon Industries, a corporation where employees undergo a procedure to split their work and personal memories, creating “innies” and “outies” in a chilling commentary on corporate exploitation.
Adam Scott, who plays Mark Scout, the everyman unraveling Lumon’s secrets, won Lead Actor in a Drama Series, his first Emmy after three nominations. In his speech, Scott emphasized the show’s prescience: “Severance isn’t just fiction; it’s a mirror to how work invades our lives. Thank you to the fans who made this possible.” The series, which premiered in 2022, saw its second season delayed by strikes but exploded in popularity, amassing 1.2 billion minutes viewed in its debut week on Nielsen charts— a record for Apple TV+.
What sets Severance apart is its meticulous world-building, blending psychological thriller elements with sci-fi horror. Critics praised its exploration of work-life balance, especially relevant amid rising burnout rates; a 2024 Gallup poll indicated 76% of workers feel disengaged, echoing the show’s themes. At the Emmy Awards, the production design team also triumphed, winning for Outstanding Production Design, highlighting the eerie, labyrinthine sets that cost an estimated $150 million to create across both seasons.
The win for Severance underscores Apple TV+’s growing clout in awards circles. With only 15 original series in 2024, the platform punched above its weight, capturing 20% of drama nominations. Erickson, in a backstage chat with The Hollywood Reporter, shared, “We aimed to provoke thought, not just entertain. These Emmy Awards prove audiences crave substance.” Looking ahead, season three is greenlit, promising deeper dives into the severance procedure’s origins, potentially setting up crossovers with other Apple properties.
Brad Pitt’s Rare TV Foray Earns Tearful Emmy Nod
Brad Pitt‘s venture into television proved triumphant at the 2025 Emmy Awards, where he clinched Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role as a grizzled fixer in Wolfs, the Apple TV+ action-thriller co-starring George Clooney. At 61, Pitt, an Oscar winner for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, has long shied away from the small screen, but Wolfs—a high-octane tale of rival fixers forced to collaborate—changed that, earning critical acclaim for its blend of humor, heart, and explosive set pieces.
Pitt’s win was one of the night’s biggest surprises, edging out heavyweights like Walton Goggins from Fargo. On stage, Pitt’s speech was a raw, emotional reckoning: “Acting in Wolfs reminded me that stories connect us, no matter the screen size. This is for my family, my collaborators, and every fan who’s stuck with me.” The moment went viral, amassing 5 million views on social media within hours, with fans praising Pitt’s vulnerability—a departure from his typically stoic persona.
Produced by Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, Wolfs was shot in just 45 days across New York and Los Angeles, with a budget of $80 million. It drew 8.7 million global viewers in its premiere week, per Apple metrics, and holds an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score. Pitt’s performance, channeling his Fight Club intensity with Ocean’s Eleven charm, has reignited discussions about A-list actors migrating to TV. In a pre-awards interview with Entertainment Weekly, Pitt said, “TV allows for deeper character arcs. Wolfs was a thrill.”
This Emmy adds to Pitt’s storied career, which includes producing Oscar-winners like 12 Years a Slave. Industry analysts predict Wolfs could spawn a franchise, with sequel talks underway. For the Emmy Awards, Pitt’s win highlights the ceremony’s inclusivity toward limited series, which garnered 40% of acting nods this year, up from 30% in 2020.
Seth Rogen’s Comedic Pivot Sparks Emmy Laughter and Applause
No one expected Seth Rogen to pivot from blockbuster comedies to Emmy gold, but his portrayal of a wisecracking professor in Gen V, the satirical spin-off of The Boys on Prime Video, earned him Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 2025 Emmy Awards. Rogen, 43, co-created the series with Evan Goldberg, infusing it with his signature blend of irreverence and social commentary on superhero culture and academia.
Rogen’s acceptance was pure Seth Rogen: a mix of self-deprecating jokes and genuine emotion. “I thought I’d peak with Knocked Up, but here we are,” he quipped, before turning serious: “Gen V tackles privilege and power—thanks to the cast for making it real.” The speech, clocking in at under two minutes, drew laughs and a standing ovation, underscoring Rogen’s enduring appeal.
Gen V, which premiered in 2023, explores Godolkin University, a satirical take on elite colleges training supes. Rogen’s role as a cynical mentor added depth, earning the show nine nominations and three wins total. Viewership hit 1.5 billion minutes in its first season, rivaling parent series The Boys. Rogen’s involvement stems from his production company, Point Grey Pictures, which has a first-look deal with Amazon.
With a career spanning Pineapple Express to voice work in Sausage Party, Rogen’s Emmy marks a maturation. In a Rolling Stone profile, he reflected, “Comedy can critique society—Gen V does that while being fun.” The win boosts the character’s arc in season two, set for 2026, and positions Rogen for more dramatic roles. At the Emmy Awards, supporting categories saw a 25% increase in diverse nominees, with Rogen’s victory exemplifying that trend.
Emmy Buzz Signals Bold Shifts for TV’s Future Landscape
As the confetti settled on the 2025 Emmy Awards, the victories of Hacks, Severance, Brad Pitt, and Seth Rogen pointed to transformative trends in television. Streaming services like Max and Apple TV+ claimed 55% of major awards, a stark rise from 40% in 2023, per Academy data. This shift pressures legacy networks to innovate, with NBCUniversal announcing increased original content budgets in response.
Looking forward, Hacks season four is slated for late 2026, promising guest stars from stand-up royalty. Severance‘s expanded universe could integrate with Apple’s ecosystem, potentially crossing into Ted Lasso territory for lighter fare. Brad Pitt‘s TV success may lure more film icons, with insiders whispering about a Wolfs series. Meanwhile, Seth Rogen is developing a new comedy pilot for Hulu, blending his humor with social issues.
Experts like Nielsen’s Brian Fuhrer predict, “These wins democratize prestige TV, making it more accessible and diverse.” With global viewership up 18%, the Emmy Awards are poised to influence 2026’s pilot season, emphasizing bold storytelling. As creators like Aniello and Erickson gear up for renewals, the industry braces for a renaissance where surprises like these become the norm, ensuring television’s golden age endures.
