The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards delivered a night full of surprises, heartfelt moments, and historic wins inside Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. Hosted for the first time by comedian Nate Bargatze, the ceremony was as much about celebrating television’s best as it was about giving back—thanks to a clever charity stunt that kept stars and viewers on their toes.

Big Winners: Drama, Comedy, and Limited Series

HBO Max’s medical drama “The Pitt” emerged as the night’s biggest winner in the drama category, beating out Apple TV+’s “Severance,” which led the field with the most nominations. Noah Wyle, a familiar face to fans of hospital dramas, took home his first Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama for his role as Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch. Creator R. Scott Gemmill dedicated the win to health care workers everywhere, urging viewers to “respect them, protect them, trust them.”

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On the comedy side, Seth Rogen’s Apple TV+ satire “The Studio” made Emmy history, picking up more awards in a single cycle than any other comedy series. Rogen won for best comedy actor and best writing, while the show itself was honored for best comedy series. The show, a self-aware send-up of Hollywood executives, was celebrated for its sharp wit and ensemble cast. Rogen, visibly moved, thanked his team and Apple CEO Tim Cook, calling the experience “one of the greatest honors of my life.”

Netflix’s “Adolescence” dominated the limited series categories, with Stephen Graham winning his second Emmy of the night for outstanding lead actor. The show, a dark crime drama exploring youth and the dangers of social media, also earned Erin Doherty the award for best supporting actress. Graham’s acceptance speech resonated with viewers, as he reflected on his humble origins and the power of dreams.

Heartfelt Tributes and Memorable Moments

The night was not without its emotional highs. Phylicia Rashad introduced the In Memoriam segment with a loving tribute to her “Cosby Show” son Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who tragically passed away in July. Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson performed “Go Rest High on That Mountain” as images of industry legends lost over the past year were displayed, reminding everyone of television’s enduring legacy.

“Law & Order” celebrated its 35th anniversary with stars Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, and others taking the stage. The iconic “DUN DUN” sound echoed in the room, a testament to the show’s lasting impact.

A Charity Challenge: Speeches on the Clock

Host Nate Bargatze’s unique approach to acceptance speeches added a fun twist—and a charitable mission. Bargatze pledged $100,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of America, but for every second a winner went over the 45-second speech limit, $1,000 was deducted; every second under, $1,000 was added. The playful challenge had stars racing the clock, with John Oliver and “The Studio” writing team helping to boost the total by keeping their remarks brief. After some deficits, Bargatze and CBS upped the final donation to $350,000, ending the night on a high note for charity.

Stephen Colbert Asks for a Job During Emmy's Appearance

Historic Wins and Industry News

Chants of “Stephen, Stephen, Stephen” filled the theater when “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” won its first Emmy for outstanding talk series. The win was bittersweet, as Colbert recently announced his show will end next year after CBS canceled it, citing financial pressures. Colbert reflected on the show’s decade-long run, saying, “Sometimes you only truly know how much you love something when you get a sense that you might be losing it.” He expressed hope that late-night talk shows will continue to thrive.

The Television Academy also addressed the imminent shutdown of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) after Congress cut its funding, drawing boos from the crowd. President Cris Abrego reminded attendees of the importance of storytelling and public media’s vital role in shaping culture.

A Night to Remember

From historic wins to emotional farewells and charity-driven antics, the 2025 Emmy Awards showcased the best of television while shining a light on the industry’s challenges and triumphs. With stars, creators, and fans united in celebration, it was a night that proved TV’s power to entertain, inspire, and bring people together.