Squid Game fails to secure any Emmy nominations for second season
- Despite critical acclaim and record-breaking viewership, the second season of Squid Game received no Emmy nominations.
- Shows like The Studio and Severance dominated this year's nominations, significantly overshadowing Squid Game.
- The lack of nominations raises questions about the changing taste of Emmy voters and the series' future.
South Korea's popular series Squid Game, which had previously set world records for viewership and garnered multiple Emmy Awards, faced significant disappointment in the recent Emmy nominations. The Television Academy announced the nominations on July 15, 2025, revealing that the show's second season did not receive any nominations, contrasting sharply with its successful debut season that won six awards. The absence of nominations has raised questions among critics and viewers alike, particularly considering it was expected to contend for Outstanding Drama Series and several acting and production categories. Despite the second season of Squid Game receiving positive reviews with a score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, many outlets deemed it less impressive compared to the first season. There was widespread speculation that the show would at least secure nominations for categories like Outstanding Drama Series, visual effects, or stunt performances due to the immense popularity and record-breaking viewership it achieved upon its release. However, the show's absence from this year's nominations highlights a notable shift in audience reception and critic opinions since its initial triumph. In contrast, other series such as The Studio and Severance dominated the nominations, signaling a changing landscape in the Emmy race. The Studio, starring Seth Rogen, set the record for the most nominations for a debut comedy series, receiving 23 nominations and tying with The Bear. Meanwhile, shows like The White Lotus and The Last of Us also garnered notable recognition, leaving many fans bewildered by the snubbing of Squid Game. Moving forward, there is speculation about the implications this year’s nominations could have on future Emmy awards. The third and final season of Squid Game is set to be eligible for the 2026 Emmy nominations, particularly after it shattered Netflix viewership records with 106.3 million views in the first ten days after its premiere. The show's inability to secure any nominations highlights a crucial moment within the awards circuit, as streaming platforms expand their influence in the television industry and reshape traditional Emmy categories.