The 2025 Emmy Awards, broadcast on Sunday, saw a significant uptick in viewership, drawing approximately 7.4 million viewers across CBS and the Paramount+ streaming platform, according to CBS.
This marks a nearly 8% increase from the 6.9 million viewers who tuned into last year’s ceremony on Walt Disney’s ABC (DIS.N), making it the largest audience for the television industry’s top honors in four years.
Hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze in his first stint as Emmys host, the live telecast celebrated standout performances in television, with the emergency room drama The Pitt taking home the award for Outstanding Drama Series and the sharp Hollywood satire The Studio earning the Outstanding Comedy Series title.
The ceremony, which aired live on CBS and was simulcast on Paramount+, showcased a mix of critical darlings and fan favorites, contributing to its robust viewership.
In addition to the CBS and Paramount+ viewership, the ceremony’s reach was amplified through social media engagement and streaming replays, though specific figures for these platforms were not disclosed.
The success of this year’s Emmys comes amid a competitive awards season, with The Pitt—a gritty drama centered on the high-stakes world of an urban hospital’s emergency room—resonating with audiences and critics alike for its intense storytelling and stellar ensemble cast. Similarly, The Studio, a biting comedy that skewers the entertainment industry, has been praised for its sharp writing and timely humor, making it a standout in the comedy category. The wins for both series highlight the industry’s ongoing appreciation for diverse narratives that blend emotional depth with cultural commentary.