The 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy nominations, announced in July 2025, featured the usual titans of daytime television, but also revealed a refreshingly unpredictable list of contenders. Overall, this year’s nominations reflect an industry in creative transition. With new categories expanding the Emmy field, it’s all about shows highlighting their adaptability, accessibility, and novelty.
Among the surprises are talk show nominations for first-year hosts, reality personalities entering the instructional category, and guest stars better known for blockbuster films. These shows challenge traditional definitions of “daytime,” while newcomers to dramatic categories prove that fresh talent is being recognized more than ever before.
247 Tempo brings you the most unexpected and unlikely-to-win nominations of the year, detailing what makes each entry stand out. Sources used for this research include the full nomination list published by Deadline, award coverage from Hello Magazine, and background context from our team of media-obsessed editors.
Shark Beach With Anthony Mackie
- Release Year: 2024
- Seasons: 1
- Main Cast: Anthony Mackie
- Nominated For: Outstanding Lifestyle/Host (Anthony Mackie)
- Viewer Buzz: Described as ‘visually stunning and sincere’ by critics; viewers were surprised by Mackie’s calm narration.
- Why Nominated: Wildlife travel show hosted by a Marvel actor; a unique daytime fit.
- Unlikely to Win: Competing against traditional, long-running lifestyle programs.
E! News
- Release Year: 1991
- Seasons: Ongoing
- Main Cast: Anchor team varies
- Nominated For: Outstanding Entertainment News Series
- Viewer Buzz: Considered nostalgic by fans but some label it outdated compared to slicker competitors.
- Why Nominated: Longstanding presence in entertainment journalism.
- Unlikely to Win: Faces modernized rivals like ‘ET’ and ‘Access Hollywood’.
Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse
- Release Year: 2024
- Seasons: 1
- Main Cast: Joanna Gaines, Chip Gaines
- Nominated For: Outstanding How-To/Instructional Program
- Viewer Buzz: Fans on HGTV forums call it ‘peaceful DIY inspiration’; some say it’s ‘more of the same Gaines formula’.
- Why Nominated: High-profile spinoff with consistent production quality.
- Unlikely to Win: Competing against more diverse or fresh instructional series.
The Kelly Clarkson Show
- Release Year: 2019
- Seasons: 6
- Main Cast: Kelly Clarkson
- Nominated For: Outstanding Talk Series Host
- Viewer Buzz: Viewers praise Clarkson’s warmth and music segments; others find pacing hit or miss.
- Why Nominated: Musical blend and authentic hosting elevate the show.
- Unlikely to Win: Faces stiff competition from both new and legacy talk hosts.
JHud & Friends
- Release Year: 2024
- Seasons: 1
- Main Cast: Jennifer Hudson
- Nominated For: Outstanding Talk Series Host
- Viewer Buzz: Fans enjoy Hudson’s charisma but critics say it lacks originality.
- Why Nominated: High-energy debut by a Grammy/Oscar winner.
- Unlikely to Win: Competing with more seasoned and structured hosts.
The Drew Barrymore Show
- Release Year: 2020
- Seasons: 5
- Main Cast: Drew Barrymore
- Nominated For: Outstanding Talk Series Host
- Viewer Buzz: Known for feel-good interviews; some viewers say it’s ‘too saccharine’.
- Why Nominated: Celebrity appeal and emotional engagement.
- Unlikely to Win: Up against fresher formats and newer talent.
Selena + Chef
- Release Year: 2020
- Seasons: 5
- Main Cast: Selena Gomez
- Nominated For: Outstanding Culinary Instructional Series
- Viewer Buzz: 100% Rotten Tomatoes for S1; viewers love its blend of humor and cooking mishaps.
- Why Nominated: Celebrity-hosted instructional cooking with heartfelt tone.
- Unlikely to Win: Faces culinary legends with technical edge.
The Bold and the Beautiful (Clint Howard)
- Release Year: 1987
- Seasons: 37+
- Guest Star: Clint Howard
- Nominated For: Outstanding Guest Performance in a Drama Series
- Viewer Buzz: Fans called his performance ‘strangely perfect’; others saw it as stunt casting.
- Why Nominated: A-list name making a rare soap appearance.
- Unlikely to Win: Less integrated arc than others.
General Hospital Guest Stars
- Release Year: 1963
- Seasons: 61+
- Notable Guests: Jacqueline Lopez, Alley Mills, Jonathan Jackson
- Nominated For: Outstanding Guest Performance (ensemble)
- Viewer Buzz: Soap fans loved the cameos, but critics say the performances varied in impact.
- Why Nominated: Multi-guest showcase of legacy and range.
- Unlikely to Win: Ensemble nod may divide votes.
The Young and the Restless (Linden Ashby)
- Release Year: 1973
- Seasons: 52+
- Guest Star: Linden Ashby
- Nominated For: Outstanding Guest Performance
- Viewer Buzz: Some hailed it a ‘return to classic soap drama’; others saw it as short-lived.
- Why Nominated: Strong arc with a recognizable TV face.
- Unlikely to Win: Short screen time compared to others.
Days of Our Lives (Blake Berris)
- Release Year: 1965
- Seasons: 60+
- Guest Star: Blake Berris
- Nominated For: Outstanding Guest Performance
- Viewer Buzz: His return excited longtime viewers; newer fans were less engaged.
- Why Nominated: Memorable reprisal of a beloved role.
- Unlikely to Win: Limited appeal beyond core fanbase.
Courtney Hope (Young and the Restless)
- First Appeared on Y&R: 2019
- Series Age: Over 50 years
- Role: Sally Spectra
- Nominated For: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
- Viewer Buzz: Social media praises her emotional scenes; some soap forums debate her character’s arc consistency.
- Why Nominated: Strong dramatic delivery in a volatile character arc.
- Unlikely to Win: Faces iconic actresses with longer legacies.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images.