The 2nd Annual Gotham Television Awards, held on June 2, 2025, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, celebrated groundbreaking achievements in television. Presented by the Gotham Film & Media Institute, the ceremony recognized excellence across various categories, highlighting both emerging talents and established figures in the industry.
Major Series Winners
Breakthrough Comedy Series: The Studio (Apple TV+)
The Studio, a satirical series exploring the inner workings of a Hollywood movie studio, secured the Breakthrough Comedy Series award. Created by Evan Goldberg, Alex Gregory, Peter Huyck, Frida Perez, and Seth Rogen, the show offers a humorous take on the challenges faced by a legacy studio in the modern entertainment landscape.
Breakthrough Drama Series: The Pitt (HBO Max)
The Pitt, a medical drama set in a Pittsburgh hospital, was honored as the Breakthrough Drama Series. Created by R. Scott Gemmill, the series delves into the lives of healthcare professionals navigating personal and professional challenges within the hospital setting.
Breakthrough Limited Series: Adolescence (Netflix)
Netflix’s Adolescence emerged as a standout, winning the Breakthrough Limited Series award. Co-created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, the series explores the aftermath of a 13-year-old boy’s arrest for the murder of a classmate, delving into themes of online radicalization and family dynamics. The show also garnered awards for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Limited Series (Stephen Graham) and Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Limited Series (Owen Cooper).
Breakthrough Nonfiction Series: Social Studies (FX/Hulu)
Social Studies, a documentary series examining the impact of social media on a group of Los Angeles teenagers over a school year, received the Breakthrough Nonfiction Series award. Created by Lauren Greenfield, the series offers an in-depth look at the digital lives of today’s youth.
Outstanding Performances
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Comedy Series: Julio Torres – Fantasmas (HBO Max)
Julio Torres was recognized for his role in Fantasmas, a surrealist comedy series he also created. The show follows Torres’s character on a whimsical journey after losing a golden oyster, blending humor with introspective themes.
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Drama Series: Kathy Bates – Matlock (CBS)
Veteran actress Kathy Bates earned acclaim for her portrayal of Madeline “Matty” Matlock in the CBS reboot of Matlock. The series reimagines the classic legal drama, with Bates’s character returning to the workforce at a prestigious law firm.
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Limited Series: Stephen Graham – Adolescence (Netflix)
Stephen Graham’s compelling performance as Eddie Miller, the father of the accused teenager in Adolescence, garnered him the award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Limited Series. His portrayal captures the emotional turmoil of a parent grappling with an unimaginable situation.
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Comedy Series: Poorna Jagannathan – Deli Boys (Hulu)
Poorna Jagannathan was honored for her role as a crime boss auntie in Deli Boys, bringing depth and humor to the character in this Hulu comedy series.
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Drama Series: Ben Whishaw – Black Doves (Netflix)
Ben Whishaw received recognition for his performance as Sam Young, an assassin for hire, in the Netflix spy thriller Black Doves. His portrayal adds complexity to the narrative of espionage and intrigue.
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Limited Series: Owen Cooper – Adolescence (Netflix) and Jenny Slate – Dying for Sex (FX/Hulu)
In a rare tie, Owen Cooper and Jenny Slate shared the award for Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Limited Series. Cooper, at just 15 years old, delivered a powerful performance as Jamie Miller in Adolescence, while Slate’s role in Dying for Sex showcased her versatility in portraying complex emotional narratives.
Original Film Categories
Outstanding Original Film, Broadcast or Streaming: Pee-wee as Himself (HBO Max)
The documentary Pee-wee as Himself, directed by Matt Wolf, won the award for Outstanding Original Film. The film offers a kaleidoscopic portrait of Paul Reubens, exploring his life and career through a creative lens.
Outstanding Performance in an Original Film: Aaron Pierre – Rebel Ridge (Netflix)
Aaron Pierre was recognized for his role as Terry Richmond, a former Marine entangled in a web of small-town corruption, in the Netflix action thriller Rebel Ridge. His performance brings intensity and depth to the film’s narrative.
Special Tributes
The Gotham Television Awards also presented several special tributes to honor significant contributions to the industry:
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Creator Tribute: Hwang Dong-hyuk, Amy Sherman-Palladino, and Daniel Palladino
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Performer Tribute: Brian Tyree Henry
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Visionary Tribute: David E. Kelley
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Ensemble Tribute: The cast of The Handmaid’s Tale
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Sidney Poitier Icon Tribute: Sheryl Lee Ralph
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Legend Tribute: Parker Posey
Parker Posey, honored with the Legend Tribute, expressed gratitude for her role in The White Lotus and emphasized the importance of inclusive storytelling in her acceptance speech. She thanked creator Mike White for “believing in a middle-aged woman” and called for continued support of the arts.
