Daytime Emmy Awards 2025: Who’s Leading This Year’s Daytime Emmy Race?

The Daytime Emmys buzz is back. NATAS just dropped the first round of nominations for the 52nd annual awards. Fans of talk shows and daytime dramas have plenty to talk about already.

This year’s ceremony lands October 17 in Pasadena. And with some new twists to the categories, the competition feels fresh again.

Which Dramas Made The Cut?

Only three daytime dramas made the list this time:

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Nominated Daytime Dramas:

• General Hospital (ABC)
• Days of Our Lives (Peacock)
• The Young and the Restless (CBS)

Normally, up to five can squeeze in. But NATAS follows an old rule — if there are fewer than ten shows entered, only half can get nominated. Keeps the gold special.

If you’re asking why Beyond the Gates is missing — it launched too late. The new soap bowed in February so it missed the window that closed December 31, 2024. It’ll get its chance next year.

Who Else Is Nominated This Year?

Daytime talk shows are locked in a tight race.

Daytime Talk Series Nominees:

• The Kelly Clarkson Show
• The Drew Barrymore Show
• The Jennifer Hudson Show
• Live with Kelly and Mark
• The View

The acting categories pack familiar names.

Outstanding Lead Actress Nominees:

• Sharon Case (The Young and the Restless)
• Eileen Davidson (The Young and the Restless)
• Melissa Claire Egan (The Young and the Restless)
• Nancy Lee Grahn (General Hospital)
• Michelle Stafford (The Young and the Restless)
• Laura Wright (General Hospital)

Outstanding Lead Actor Nominees:

• Peter Bergman (The Young and the Restless)
• Eric Martsolf (Days of Our Lives)
• Greg Rikaart (Days of Our Lives)
• Paul Telfer (Days of Our Lives)
• Dominic Zamprogna (General Hospital)

Food lovers and travel fans have their favorites too.

Outstanding Culinary Series Nominees:

• Be My Guest with Ina Garten
• Delicious Miss Brown
• Emeril Cooks
• Lidia’s Kitchen
• Selena + Restaurant
• Dime Como Hacerlo

Outstanding Travel or Adventure Series Nominees:

• Expedition Unknown
• Field Trip with Curtis Stone
• The Good Road
• How I Got Here
• Joseph Rosendo’s Steppin’ Out
• Mexico Made With Love

This year also brings a new slot — Outstanding Emerging Talent in a Daytime Drama. NATAS axed the Younger Performer award and swapped in this fresh category instead.

And don’t forget — the full list lands Thursday morning at 9 a.m. PT. If your pick’s not up yet, there’s still time. Soaps, talk shows, food, travel — Daytime TV’s biggest night is about to get interesting.