As the 2025 Emmy season draws to a close, Casey Bloys, the content chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max, has much to celebrate. HBO led the pack with an impressive total of 142 nominations, showcasing the platform's strength in delivering quality content. The network's tally of 30 Emmy wins tied with Netflix for the largest haul of the year. Notably, The Pitt emerged victorious in the coveted Best Drama category, while Jean Smart from Hacks achieved her fourth consecutive win as Best Comedy Actress, inching closer to Julia Louis-Dreyfus' historic streak with Veep.
With the spotlight on HBO and HBO Max, Bloys was open to discussing the future of popular series like The White Lotus, Hacks, and Big Little Lies. The conversation turned to the fierce competition in the drama category, particularly between The Pitt and Severance. Bloys reflected, “I never count on anything walking into Emmy night, regardless of what prognosticators say. But Severance is a great show in its second season, and I had resigned myself to their strong chances. So, I was thrilled for The Pitt. For a first-season show to break through enough to be nominated is a significant achievement.”
Bloys emphasized that The Pitt's success represents a throwback to the foundational principles of television, featuring longer orders and the ability to return annually. He praised the creative team's efforts, stating, “What John Wells, Scott Gemmill, and Noah Wyle did with the show proved that compelling storytelling is still possible on a reasonable budget, especially when addressing critical issues like the state of medical care for responders in our country.”
Regarding Hacks, Bloys shared his excitement about the upcoming season, having already seen four cuts. He noted, “They don’t miss a beat. The actors are in their groove, and the producers understand the show's vision. It’s exactly what you want to see with a second-season show.”
As for the future of Hacks, Bloys mentioned, “The creators have indicated they were initially thinking of five seasons, but now it seems they are reevaluating. Ultimately, it’s their choice, and we’re supportive of whatever they decide.”
When discussing The White Lotus, Bloys acknowledged the abundance of talent in the supporting categories and the challenges it presents. “It was an embarrassment of riches and a good problem to have,” he said. “Most importantly, it’s about recognizing deserving actors, and while it’s disappointing that none won, being nominated is an honor.”
Regarding rumors about season four of The White Lotus being set in France, Bloys humorously concurred with Parker Posey's comments, stating, “If she said it, I will have to agree with her. Mike White is working on some exciting ideas, and while we can’t confirm specifics, I believe it’s going to be great.”
The future of late-night programming remains a topic of discussion, particularly following CBS's cancellation of Stephen Colbert. Bloys expressed his satisfaction with HBO's current late-night lineup, stating, “Both Bill Maher and John Oliver have been on air for decades, and as long as they are happy with their shows, I see no changes ahead.” He added that while they have explored new late-night options, it’s challenging to establish a new voice in the crowded market.
Bloys shared his enthusiasm about the initial reception of Task, noting its impressive rating of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and strong performance compared to Mare of Easttown. “The live plus three ratings show a significant increase, and I’m thrilled with how things are progressing,” he remarked.
Addressing potential corporate changes, including the rumored Paramount Skydance bid on Warner Bros., Bloys stated, “That’s far above my pay grade. We focus on doing our jobs and creating the best shows possible.”
Finally, Bloys discussed the potential for a third season of Big Little Lies, mentioning that Francesca Sloane has signed a deal with HBO to write the new season. “The producers are dedicated, and with Liane Moriarty’s new book, there’s plenty of material to explore, especially as the kids from Big Little Lies are now teenagers,” he concluded.
