The 2025 Emmy nominations, which include several reality TV categories, have finally been revealed, butonePeacockshow that deserved nominations has been snubbed. The Emmys, which have been awarding reality TV shows for their excellence in programming since 2003, don’t always reflect the way viewers feel about the year’s reality offerings.
While there are some shows that find themselves nominated every year, likeThe Amazing Race, others move in and out of the cycle of nominations from year to year. The 2024 Emmys, which sawTAR,RuPaul’s Drag Race, Top Chef, The Voice,andThe Traitorsnominated,awarded cultural phenomenonThe Traitorsfor its second season, while 2023 commendedRuPaul’s Drag Raceseason 15.
Even with some diversity in the award winners, the nominees for the last several years of reality TV Emmys havefeatured shows that are often considered more highbrow than others. Reality TV dating shows are rarely in the mix, despite the fact that they have higher viewership, spark more cultural conversation, and have a lasting impact on their loyal viewers.
Fans Really Enjoyed Love Island USA
It Wasn’t Nominated For A 2025 Emmy
While several dating shows on the air should be considered eligible for an Emmy nomination,Love Island USAis a fan favorite that’s gained a lot of traction in the last year.Love Island USAseason 6, which was decidedly one of the best in the show’s run, garnered attention from fans all over the world.Spurring a spin-off,Love Island USAis beloved.
Although there’s been some negative attention surrounding the cast ofLove Island USAseason 7, the show has been deemed a repeat hit with its most recent season. With the series seeming to continue to grow year after year,Love Island USAhas steered the conversation in new directionsthroughout the last few seasons, making a mark on reality TV.
With fans like Instagram user@str4wberrycottsharing"oh yeah we won big time"with the current season and@dani_greeneyesexplaining"my heart is so happy,“viewers were excited about the recent season. While some had trouble with specific members of the cast,the most recent season was deemed a great one by viewers, who increased in viewershipthis year according to Peacock.
Are The Emmy Nominators Snobs?
They Rarely Include Human Interest Shows
Despite thecategory for reality TV being for competition showsexclusively,the Emmy voters rarely consider reality TV dating shows in the mix of those eligiblefor the category. While dating shows are, in essence, a competition, it can sometimes be difficult for people to feel comfortable categorizing them as such. As human interest shows, reality dating series are seen as less competitive.
Regardless, the Emmy voterschoosing not to recognize the hard work and intensity that goes into reality TV dating shows is a tough blowfor many. Viewers expect to see shows like Love Island USA recognized for their stylistic choices, twists, and casting decisions. Instead, the voters tend to lean toward shows that don’t cater to a seemingly low-brow audience.
Peacock’s Love Island USA Has So Much Potential
It’s One Of The Most Captivating Shows On The Air
As one of the largest reality TV concepts in the world,Love Island USAspecifically has a ton of potential. While it comes from the parent show,Love Island UK,and has sparked spin-offs all over the world,Love Island USAis a specific type of intense. Thoughviewers don’t always notice the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the show, it’s a massive achievement.
With stylistic choices that rival networkreality TV shows likeBig BrotherorThe Bachelor, Love Island USAtends to be one of the most intense shows to work on considering the turnaround time and the dedication required. That hard work paired with the success the series has seen should push Emmy voters to nominate a show likeLove Island USAin the future.
