Netflix’s “Adolescence” Sweeps 2025 Emmy Awards, Owen Cooper Shines

The 2025 Emmy Awards, held on September 14, recognized outstanding achievements in television, with Netflix’s gripping series, Adolescence, leading the charge. The show took home an impressive eight awards, including Best Limited Series, while The Pitt clinched the award for Best Drama Series.

A Triumph for “Adolescence” and Its Young Star

“We never expected our little program to have such a big impact,”

said co-creator Stephen Graham, who also stars in the series. Adolescence captivated audiences with its harrowing tale of a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a classmate, showcasing the dark realities of toxic masculinity and the negative influences of social media. The series amassed 140 million views within three months of its release, solidifying its place as one of 2025’s most talked-about shows.

The success at the Emmys not only highlighted the show’s excellence in writing and direction but also marked a historic moment for young actor Owen Cooper. At just 15 years old, he became the youngest male actor to win an Emmy for his role as a supporting character. Cooper expressed his disbelief, stating,

“Honestly, when I started these drama classes a couple of years back, I didn’t expect to be even in the United States, never mind here.”

Alongside Cooper, Adolescence took home awards for writing, directing, lead actor, and supporting actress, recognizing the significant contributions of the entire cast and crew.

Strong Competition and Other Winners

In a surprising twist, The Pitt won the coveted Best Drama Series award. This medical drama, reminiscent of classic series like ER, unfolds over a single harrowing shift in a Pittsburgh hospital, tackling pressing social issues such as abortion rights and mass shootings. The series gained traction through word-of-mouth, ultimately leading to its recognition at the Emmys. Veteran actor Noah Wyle was awarded Best Drama Actor for his portrayal of the hospital’s troubled leader, dedicating his award to all those in the demanding healthcare profession.

In the comedy categories, Seth Rogen‘s The Studio shone brightly, winning Best Comedy Series and achieving a record-breaking total of 13 Emmys. Rogen also took home the award for Best Actor, recognizing his role as a beleaguered movie executive. The series was celebrated for its satirical take on Hollywood, managing to blend humor with critical commentary on the industry.

Jean Smart continued her winning streak, earning her fourth Emmy for Best Comedy Actress for her role in Hacks. Meanwhile, Hannah Einbinder was honored with the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance alongside Smart.

The evening also featured a notable moment when The Late Show With Stephen Colbert finally secured the award for Best Variety Talk Series. This award, which marked a significant milestone for the show, was received amidst ongoing speculation regarding its upcoming conclusion in 2026.

Emmy host Nate Bargatze introduced a unique initiative to encourage brevity in acceptance speeches, pledging to donate US$100,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and deducting US$1,000 for every second speeches exceeded the 45-second limit. His humorous approach added a lively element to the ceremony, though the money counter was eventually removed as the night progressed.

The 2025 Emmy Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the evolving landscape of television, where compelling narratives and diverse voices continue to shape the industry. As the evening concluded, the spotlight shone brightly on the significance of storytelling in today’s society, reminding viewers of the power of television to provoke thought and spark discussion.