While the 2025 Emmy Awards nominations recognize some of the biggest TV events of the past year, there are some notable snubs in the lineup – including Squid Game Season 2.
It’s been a huge year for the small screen so far, kicking off with the anticipated return of Severance (which was well worth the wait), followed by The White Lotus Season 3 and The Last of Us Season 2.
But there were also some surprise newcomers, including Adolescence, Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne’s masterful Netflix series starring Owen Cooper, who made Emmys history by becoming the youngest supporting actor nominee.
We’ll have to wait until the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14 to see who takes home the gold – but some of this year’s most talked-about series and performances won’t be among the winners.
Biggest Emmys 2025 snubs
Below, you’ll find a list of the TV shows, cast, and crew members who garnered plenty of hype among fans and critics but failed to make the 2025 Emmys nominations list.
Squid Game
Despite falling well within the eligibility window (June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025), Squid Game has precisely zero nominations – not one in any of the categories.
Not only is it one of Netflix’s biggest shows, but Squid Game Season 2 earned 83% from the critics, with standout performances from its cast, led by Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun.
This is especially surprising given Season 1 received 14 Emmy Award nominations and won six, including outstanding drama directing for Hwang Dong-hyuk and lead drama actor for Jung-jae.
Speaking to Variety about the snub, Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria said, “Squid Game had an incredible cultural impact. Biggest show in the world.
“That first season really made Emmy history, and people loved this last season too. I am disappointed for director Hwang and the cast.
“For director Hwang to not be recognized in that way, considering the amount of audiences around the world who loved it so much and that it really resonated with people… I’m disappointed when it doesn’t get recognized in the way that it should have.”
Andor’s Diego Luna
Listen, Andor has in no way been snubbed by the Emmys. The Star Wars series has received 14 nominations, including in the best drama series category. However, its lead actor, Diego Luna, has been completely ignored for his role as Cassian Andor.
Similarly, Genevieve O’Reilly’s turn as Mon Mothma didn’t make the cut. Andor creator Tony Gilroy told Deadline, “There are a lot of performances that I wish were recognized. Diego Luna and Genevieve O’Reilly. There are a dozen performances.”
“These aren’t great moment-to-moment [performances]. These are epic, long-term character studies that they’ve done over 24 episodes,” he added.
“I think the ultimate victory is that these performances will be celebrated and discussed for years to come. I feel confident about that.”
The Handmaid’s Tale
Yes, The Handmaid’s Tale doesn’t quite have the same cultural impact as it did when it first dropped, but the sixth and final season is still outstanding, not least thanks to Elisabeth Moss and Yvonne Strahovski’s incredible performances as June and Serena.
Not only did she not make the cut, but the Hulu series only received one nomination: Cherry Jones is in the running for outstanding guest drama actress thanks to her performance as June’s mom Holly.
In response to the snub, one fan wrote, “Maybe if The White Lotus hadn’t dominated categories for one season and done roles, we could’ve celebrated folks like Yvonne Strahovski over her years playing a layered and transformed character like Serena on The Handmaid’s Tale.”
Yellowjackets
Much like Squid Game, Yellowjackets Season 3 was completely ignored by this year’s Emmys, with not one nomination.
Yes, the hype has dropped slightly, but it’s surprising to see when you consider the performances, costumes, direction, and even lighting design.
The news has left fans upset, with one writing on Reddit, “I was really pulling for Sophie Thatcher to get a best supporting actress Emmy nomination this year.
“The scene of her crying when it started to snow this past season hit me so hard. But when four of the seven nominees are from one show (The White Lotus), it doesn’t leave much room for others. Still disappointed.”
The White Lotus’ Patrick Schwarzenegger
Speaking of The White Lotus, it’s clear to see that Season 3 has received the love it deserves at the 2025 Emmys, with a whopping 23 nominations – but that’s what makes Patrick Schwarzenegger’s omission all the more baffling.
His turn as the detestable Ratliff son Saxon was nothing short of impeccable, so it’s surprising to not see him on the list.
As one put it, “Nominating The White Lotus for a bazillion awards but leaving out Patrick Schwarzenegger is… a choice. Big thumbs down!”
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