Emmy Predictions: Comedy Series — ‘The Studio’ Among Competitive Field of Contenders Including ‘Hacks’ and ‘Abbott Elementary’
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Outstanding Comedy Series Commentary (Updated March 27, 2025): The Emmy race for best comedy series is looking to be one of the year’s most competitive categories (at least from the 50,000 feet view of the season).
HBO/Max’s “Hacks” roared back with a buzzy third season, again showcasing Jean Smart’s Emmy-winning turn as Deborah Vance. Now, with the upcoming fourth only weeks away, will the show be able to pull off back-to-back victories?
ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” a previous winner of acting and writing Emmys, has yet to be crowned in the top category, and this season is among its best yet. The network mockumentary continues to blend humor with social commentary, keeping audiences engaged. Two-time Emmy-winning star and writer Quinta Brunson could help carry the show forward again, and can hopefully break the double-digit Emmy nomination number.
But the comedy landscape this year is far from predictable. Apple TV+ has entered the conversation with “The Studio,” a new series created by, produced and starring Seth Rogen. As a fictional look at the inner workings of a Hollywood production company, the show’s sharp writing, incredible ensemble, and visionary style could be the new shiny toy for the Emmys to play with. If momentum holds, it could be the kind of first-season breakout the Emmys love to recognize.
After setting the comedy record last year, FX’s “The Bear” has established itself as a critical darling and an awards juggernaut. Its placement in comedy continues to stir debate, but Emmy voters have shown little concern, focusing instead on its high-caliber storytelling and performances.
Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” ranks in the top tier following an impeccable fourth season, and pulling off an upset win at the SAG Awards for cast ensemble. With its third season introducing new characters and another twisty mystery, the show continues to charm voters and has maintained strong guild support throughout its run.
There’s more to dig into, as the race has only just begun to reveal itself.
(The list of predicted nominees and contenders is incomplete and will be updated every Thursday throughout the TV Awards season.)
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And the Predicted Contenders Are:
Image Credit: Courtesy of Max -
More Information (Comedy Series)
2024 category winner: “Hacks” (HBO/Max) — Season 3 — Jen Statsky, Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, Michael Schur, David Miner and Morgan Sackett, executive producers; Guy Branum, Andrew Law, Carol Leifer, Joe Mande and Aisha Muharrar, co-executive producers; Samantha Riley, supervising producer; Ashley Glazier, producer; Nate Young, produced by Christopher Polk About the Primetime Emmy Awards
The Primetime Emmy Awards, commonly known as the Emmys, are awarded by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS). Established in 1949, these celebrate outstanding achievements in American primetime television. The Emmys are categorized into three divisions: the Primetime Emmy Awards for performance and production excellence; the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, recognizing achievements in artistry and craftsmanship; and the Primetime Engineering Emmy Awards, which honor significant engineering and technological advancements. The eligibility period typically extends from June 1 to May 31 each year. The Television Academy hosts the Emmys and has over 20,000 members across 30 professional peer groups, including performers, directors, producers, art directors, artisans and executives.
