The Academy doesn't always get it right, and in this day and age, it often skips over quality network TV shows like High Potential when determining Emmy nominees. Thankfully, there is still some representation via Abbott Elementary. However, TV series on CBS, NBC, and ABC deserve more love, especially in this year's Emmy Awards ceremony.
The 2025 Emmy Award nominations were unveiled on July 15, and streaming and cable shows (e.g., Severance and The White Lotus) dominated the categories. As mentioned above, Abbott Elementary was recognized in a handful of categories, but that's not nearly enough, as there are plenty of other network series that should be viewed on the same level as other shows like Severance.
12 Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Given that Abbott Elementary has a history with the Emmys, many expected its actors to get nods. However, despite being nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for the sitcom's first three seasons, Tyler James Williams wasn't among those listed in the category in 2025. It's quite surprising, especially because he did such great work in season 4.
Gregory Eddie had to take on a new role in Abbott Elementary season 4, and just like his character, Williams stepped up to the plate. The actor also marvelously played opposite guest star Orlando Jones (who plays Gregory's father, Martin) in the finale. To say that Williams was snubbed at the 2025 Emmys is an understatement.
11 Elsbeth
Outstanding Comedy Series
Perhaps it wasn't all that shocking that Elsbeth didn't receive an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series for its second season, but it's still an oversight by the Academy. The CBS police procedural comedy-drama serves as a spinoff of two critically acclaimed series — The Good Wife and The Good Fight. If those got recognized on TV's biggest night, Elsbeth should've, too.
Elsbeth is unlike anything else on broadcast TV, and that's a good thing. However, even though it stands out from the crowd thanks to its format and unique characters, the show hardly receives any recognition for its hard work. Hopefully, that will change when Elsbeth season 3 premieres, but it's best not to get our hopes up.
10 Matlock
Outstanding Drama Series
Yes, Matlock will get some love at the 2025 Emmys via Kathy Bates' nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama series. But the show itself deserves to be celebrated. Matlock has only released one season, and it's already a triumph, due to its unique take on the original Matlock series and Bates' strong performance as the titular character.
CBS renewed Matlock for a second season just one month after its premiere. Its excellent ratings and reviews pushed it ahead of the crowd, giving the network faith that it would continue to succeed. If audiences and critics alike are acknowledging how good Matlock is, the Academy should, as well.
9 Peter Krause, 9-1-1
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Believing that the Academy would recognize 9-1-1 might be a pipe dream, but that's not due to a lack of talent by the cast. In particular, Peter Krause has dedicated eight years of his career to playing Bobby Nash, and he has always been spectacular. However, Krause's performance in Bobby's final episode of 9-1-1 was his magnum opus.
Krause is an acclaimed actor, and he proved exactly why that is in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 15. Unfortunately, that came at a great cost. No one can deny how brilliant Krause was in Bobby's final moments, though, and his scene opposite Angela Bassett's Athena Grant warrants him an Emmy nomination. But because 9-1-1 is a network TV show, Krause was snubbed.
8 Carrie Preston, Elsbeth
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Elsbeth wouldn't be the success that it is without Carrie Preston, and she deserves more praise for her work on the show. Sadly, that won't happen at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards. She didn't receive a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, even though she has more than earned one.
Episode after episode, Preston consistently gives exceptional performances as Elsbeth's leading character. And yet, the dominance of streaming and cable TV overshadows the actress's talent. If Elsbeth were on Apple TV+ or HBO Max, Preston would undoubtedly get a nod for playing Elsbeth Tascioni in the police procedural comedy-drama.
7 Lisa Ann Walter, Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
2025 should have been Walter's time to shine at the Emmys, given her impressive performance in season 4. More specifically, Walter was fantastic in episode 8. She expertly played a frantic, yet still tough Melissa, trying to ensure that Christmas Eve dinner was perfect for her overly judgmental family. Meanwhile, Walter seamlessly weaved in the subtle, more vulnerable qualities that Melissa possesses.
6 St. Denis Medical
Outstanding Comedy Series
In a perfect world, St. Denis Medical would get the same recognition as Abbott Elementary. Sadly, that's not the world we live in, and the NBC sitcom didn't receive a nod at the 2025 Emmys. Similar to Matlock, St. Denis Medical was relatively quickly renewed for a second season following its premiere and was a hit among critics and audiences alike.
Thanks to Abbott Elementary, mockumentaries are making a comeback, and St. Denis Medical is one of the good, if not great ones. Its entire cast is hilarious, and the show wisely utilizes its setting to distinguish itself from other mockumentaries. Nevertheless, St. Denis Medical's wholly entertaining first season won't be recognized at the 2025 Emmys.
5 Skye P. Marshall, Matlock
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Kathy Bates is obviously Matlock's shining star, but Skye P. Marshall has also made a name for herself via her role as Olympia Lawrence. Marshall is one of the best parts of the CBS legal drama. She's funny, but still a force to be reckoned with, and she brings out the best in Bates.
Some of Matlock's best scenes are between Bates and Marshall's characters. So, if Bates was nominated at the 2025 Emmys, Marshall should have been, too. Overall, Olympia is just a complex character in Matlock, and the Academy should acknowledge Marshall for her work on the series.
4 Angela Bassett, 9-1-1
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Peter Krause was excellent in his final moments as Bobby Nash in 9-1-1, but so was his scene partner, Angela Bassett. To no one's surprise, Bassett gave the performance of a lifetime during that sequence, and she should have been granted an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her work.
Like Krause, though, the Academy overlooked Bassett's performance, likely because 9-1-1 airs on network TV. If any network TV actor could receive an Emmy nod, though, it's Bassett. She is a highly respected actress, having won numerous prestigious awards in the past. However, 2025 won't be Bassett's year at the Primetime Emmy Awards.
3 Ramón Rodríguez, Will Trent
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Will Trent wouldn't be as extraordinary as it is without Ramón Rodríguez. Although the show has various other engaging qualities, Rodríguez, who plays the titular character in Will Trent and is an executive producer, is undoubtedly a highlight. The actor delivers Emmy Award-winning performances every episode, and he was especially remarkable in season 3.
Will has always been quite complex, and he went through many struggles in Will Trent season 3, which opened the door for Rodríguez to soar. He fully embraced his character's trauma, and his pain was always evident, even in subtle moments. Alas, Rodríguez didn't receive a nod for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the 2025 Emmys.
