The Peabody Awards have officially unveiled the nominees for the Documentary, News, Public Service, and Radio/Podcast categories for its 86th annual ceremony, recognizing some of the most impactful and compelling stories released across television, streaming, radio, and digital platforms in 2025.
Selected by a unanimous vote of 28 jurors from more than 1,000 submissions, this year’s nominees reflect a wide-ranging body of work that spans investigative journalism, long-form documentary storytelling, and audio programming.
The remaining categories, including Arts, Children’s/Youth, Entertainment, and Interactive & Immersive, will be announced on April 9. Winners will be revealed on April 23 and honored at a ceremony on May 31 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.
In addition to the competitive categories, several special honors will be presented this year. Amy Poehler will receive the Peabody Career Achievement Award, while Sterlin Harjo will be recognized with the Peabody Trailblazer Award. James L. Brooks will be honored with the Peabody Industry Icon Award, and PBS KIDS will receive the Peabody Institutional Award.
“Whether it’s America’s culture of gun violence, the generational effects of social media and big tech, inequities in governmental systems, or exploring mortality through an incurable ovarian cancer diagnosis, these nominees cut straight to the heart of the moment—fearless, unflinching reporting and storytelling that exposes injustice, amplifies unheard voices, and reflects exactly why the Peabody Awards exist: to honor work that informs, challenges, and drives meaningful change,” said executive director Jeffrey Jones.
News Nominees
The News category highlights reporting that blends investigative rigor with on-the-ground storytelling and global perspective. Among the nominees is “Blood Parliament” (BBC iPlayer), which reconstructs extrajudicial killings in Kenya using more than 5,000 photos and videos, sparking widespread engagement and calls for accountability. Al Jazeera English’s “Fault Lines: ‘Kids Under Fire’ and ‘The Disappearance of Dr. Abu Safiya’” documents the humanitarian crisis in Gaza through the experiences of medical professionals working under extreme conditions. NBC News’ “Filmed in Gaza” offers a rare, extended look at life inside the conflict zone, following journalists who served as the network’s only on-the-ground presence for nearly two years. Other nominees include “Immigration Crackdown” (PBS News Hour), “Los Angeles Burning” (ABC News and KABC), “Restrained” (KMBC 9), “The Rise and Fall of Terrorgram” (PBS), “Syria’s Detainee Files” (PBS), and “Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller” (National Geographic), each examining systemic issues ranging from immigration policy to online extremism and law enforcement practices.
Podcast and Radio Nominees
This year’s podcast and radio nominees showcase in-depth storytelling across history, technology, and social justice. “Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer” explores the 2001 anthrax attacks and their lasting impact through interviews, archival material, and investigative reporting. “Divine Intervention” examines the role of radical Catholic activists during the Vietnam War, while “The Hand that Rocks the Gavel,” an episode of “This American Life,” investigates immigration court practices and due process concerns. Additional nominees include “Scam Inc,” which investigates the global online fraud economy; “A Tiny Plot,” which documents an unhoused community in Oakland; and “When We All Get to Heaven,” which revisits a queer church’s archives during the AIDS crisis.
Public Service Nominees
The Public Service category focuses on programming that drives awareness, education, and systemic change. “Critical Condition: Health in Black America” (PBS) explores longstanding health disparities and the impact of systemic racism on medical outcomes. “Left To Their Own Devices” investigates the effects of social media on Gen Z, while “Neither Male Nor Female: Intersex” examines the consequences of federal policy changes on intersex individuals. “Trump’s Power & the Rule of Law” (PBS) rounds out the category, offering an in-depth look at executive authority and its implications for democratic institutions.
Documentary Nominees
The Documentary category features a wide-ranging slate of films and series that explore global conflict, cultural identity, social justice, and personal storytelling. Among the nominees are “2000 Meters to Andriivka” (PBS), which captures the realities of modern warfare in Ukraine, and “The Alabama Solution” (HBO Max), a years-long investigation into prison conditions in the state. Other notable titles include “Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything” (Hulu), “Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media,” “Come See Me in the Good Light” (Apple TV), and “Critical Incident: Death at the Border” (HBO Max). The category also includes “Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time” (National Geographic), “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” (BBC Four), “Pee-wee as Himself” (HBO Max), “The Perfect Neighbor” (Netflix), and “The White House Effect” (Netflix), among many others addressing urgent cultural and political issues.
About the Peabody Awards
Founded in 1940 and based at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia, the Peabody Awards have spent more than eight decades honoring stories that inform, challenge, and inspire. Recognized for their integrity and high standards, the awards span categories including entertainment, documentary, news, podcast/radio, arts, children’s programming, and interactive media. The 86th annual ceremony will take place on May 31 in Beverly Hills, celebrating a year of storytelling that reflects the most pressing issues and voices of our time.