Emmys 2025: Emotional Farewells and Surprise Nods for Final Seasons and Canceled Series
As the 2025 Emmy nominations roll in, several recently ended or canceled series are receiving meaningful recognition for their final outings—some going out in style with multiple nominations, others with just a whisper. The Emmy spotlight this year highlights the industry’s fondness for saying goodbye, whether to beloved long-running shows or ambitious one-season wonders.
Big Finish: Andor Goes Out on a High Note
Disney+’s Andor, the gritty and critically acclaimed Star Wars prequel, ended its run with a spectacular 14 Emmy nominations for Season 2—nearly doubling the eight it earned for Season 1.
Notable nominations include:
- Outstanding Drama Series
- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
This strong showing not only confirms Andor as one of the most respected Star Wars entries in recent memory but also as a rare sci-fi series able to dominate major Emmy categories. The increase in nominations from Season 1 suggests the show’s storytelling, performances, and production value left a lasting impact as it wrapped up.
Animation Powerhouse: Arcane’s Modest Goodbye
Netflix’s animated hit Arcane, based on Riot Games’ League of Legends, also ended with its second and final season. While it saw a dip in overall nominations—from five for Season 1 to two for Season 2—it still secured a major one:
- Outstanding Animated Program
Arcane made history in 2022 by becoming the first streaming show to win in this top animation category, and it’s once again competing there. Though its final season didn’t quite match the buzz of its debut, the show’s place in animation history is cemented, with four previous Emmy wins to its name.
Comedy with Bite: What We Do In The Shadows Ends Its Run
FX’s cult vampire comedy What We Do In The Shadows also wrapped up after six seasons. For its final bow, it received six nominations, bringing its overall Emmy total to 35.
Key highlights:
- Four-time nominee for Outstanding Comedy Series (Seasons 2, 3, 5, and 6)
- Seven nominations for Writing for a Comedy Series
- One Emmy win to date—for Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes
The show’s blend of horror, deadpan humor, and mockumentary style carved out a unique space in television comedy, and the Emmys honored its consistent excellence even if major wins remained elusive.
Quiet Gem Shines: Somebody Somewhere Gets First Nods
HBO’s critically acclaimed dramedy Somebody Somewhere, starring Bridget Everett, concluded with its third season—and finally got Emmy recognition.
Its first-ever nominations include:
- Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actor (Jeff Hiller)
Though it never garnered mass attention, the show has been hailed for its tender, deeply human storytelling. These nominations feel like a fitting reward for its heartfelt farewell.
End of a Legacy: The Handmaid’s Tale Bows Out Softly
Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, which made history in 2017 as the first streaming series to win Outstanding Drama Series, ends its run with a quiet exit—just one nomination for its sixth and final season.
- Cherry Jones received a nod for her recurring role, previously earning an Emmy win for the same character in 2019.
This matches its 2023 performance when Elisabeth Moss was the only nominee from the series. Despite the underwhelming final season showing, the series ends its legacy with:
- 77 Emmy nominations
- 15 total wins, including for Writing, Directing, and multiple acting awards.
Canceled but Not Forgotten: The Residence and Étoile Get Recognized
Two Netflix shows that were canceled after just one season surprised Emmy watchers by scoring nominations:
The Residence
This comedic murder mystery, starring Uzo Aduba, landed:
- Three Emmy nominations
- Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Aduba, her sixth career Emmy nomination
Aduba previously won for Mrs. America and twice for Orange Is the New Black. Her nomination elevates The Residence from an overlooked show to an Emmy-recognized series.
Étoile
Created by Gilmore Girls duo Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, this ballet drama also ended abruptly but still managed:
- Two Emmy nominations
- Notably, Outstanding Choreography
Even in cancellation, the series stood out for its high-level dance performances and production quality.
Conclusion: A Year of Endings and Echoes
This year’s Emmy nominations are not just a celebration of the year’s best—they’re a tribute to the series that have wrapped their stories, some with standing ovations, others with quiet applause. From the explosive farewell of Andor to the graceful final act of Somebody Somewhere, and even the bittersweet nods for one-and-done shows like Étoile, the 2025 Emmys tell a powerful story of closure, creativity, and how some series make their greatest impact right at the end.
