TV’s Biggest Ballot Ever? Emmy Voters Are Gonna Need Snacks

The 2025 Emmy Awards ballots just dropped and, honestly, they’re massive. Like, 846 pages across 35 PDFs massive. That’s the most we’ve ever seen in Emmy history, and it’s kind of wild in the best way. Despite last year’s industry slowdowns (thanks, strikes), TV came back swinging; and the size of these ballots proves it. More shows, more contenders, more chaos? We’re here for it.

We’re here to break down all the details from this year’s ballots covering 118 categories total, which feels both overwhelming and completely on brand for an ultra-competitive TV landscape. So, if you’re a fan of awards-season tea, this is the buffet.

Fewer Entries, Fiercer Fights

Even with the record length, there are actually fewer series submitted in the biggest categories. According to Vulture, the Drama, Comedy, and Limited Series categories clocked in at 228 total entries; down one from 2024 and well below 2023’s 309. In short? It’s a tighter field with a whole lot more pressure. Limited Series took the biggest dip, going from 49 last year to just 33. Translation: less room, tougher cuts, no easy wins.

Acting categories are also trimmed and tense. Lead Actor and Actress races didn’t hit the 80-entry minimum for six nominees, so they’re all capped at five. That means people like Pedro Pascal, Gary Oldman, Zoe Saldaña, and Anna Sawai are about to go head-to-head in one of the most cutthroat years we’ve seen. Over in Supporting? Even more stacked. Nominee counts are now tied to entry volume, so every single slot is make-or-break.

Also, fun twist: a few actors are literally competing against themselves in different roles. Bold move… and we kind of respect it.

This Ballot Is Loud—and It’s Saying a Lot

Beyond just names and titles, there’s so much strategy baked in. Submission episodes are clearly picked to maximize impact, avoid vote-splitting, and make a statement. Some ensemble casts (i.e. “The White Lotus” and “The Pitt”) are notably MIA in certain spots, which is interesting. Still, you can tell who’s coming to play and who’s hoping to sneak through the cracks.

Bottom line? It’s giving “let the games begin.”

Vulture notes that the actual nominations go live July 17, and if this ballot is any hint, that reveal is going to be one for the books. Whether you’re all in on prestige drama or rooting for your underrated fave, buckle up. Emmy season’s officially in overdrive; and it’s only going to crazier as the September 14, air date approaches.