The 2026 Emmy nominations have been unveiled, and this year’s contenders are as star-studded as ever. HBO Max and Apple TV are leading the charge, with standout performances across drama and comedy categories. The nominations reflect a diverse range of shows, from medical dramas to sci-fi series, highlighting the richness of current television.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 8/7c on NBC and will stream on Peacock. Mariska Hargitay, the iconic leading lady of Law & Order: SVU will host the ceremony for the very first time, adding a touch of glamour and excitement to the event.
The Dominance of HBO Max and Apple TV
HBO Max’s The Pitt has emerged as the top contender with an impressive 25 nominations, setting a new benchmark for medical dramas. This follows the success of Apple TV’s Pluribus which secured 18 nominations in its debut season, showcasing the network’s growing influence in the drama genre. Meanwhile, Hacks on HBO Max has made a significant impact in the comedy category with 24 nominations, marking a record for the most nominations in a single year for a comedy series.
Apple TV’s Your Friends & Neighbors also made a notable entry with a Best Drama Series nod, further cementing the network’s presence in the Emmy race. The competition is fierce, with other notable nominees including The Diplomat on Netflix and The Bear on Hulu, each bringing their unique storytelling to the forefront.
Standout Performances in Drama and Comedy
In the drama category, Carrie Coon from The Gilded Age and Keri Russell from The Diplomat are among the nominees for Outstanding Lead Actress. For Outstanding Lead Actor, Noah Wyle from The Pitt and Gary Oldman from Slow Horses are notable contenders. The supporting categories are equally competitive, with standout performances from actors like Taylor Dearden and Fiona Dourif both from The Pitt.
The comedy category is equally impressive, with Jean Smart from Hacks and Quinta Brunson from Abbott Elementary leading the charge for Outstanding Lead Actress. For Outstanding Lead Actor, Steve Carell from Rooster and Jason Segel from Shrinking are among the top nominees. The supporting categories feature a mix of established stars and rising talents, including Hannah Einbinder and Janelle James.
Reality and Limited Series Highlights
The reality and limited series categories are not to be overlooked. RuPaul’s Drag Race and Survivor are leading the pack in the Outstanding Reality Competition Program category. For Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and Welcome to Wrexham are notable contenders. The limited series category features standout performances from Claire Danes in The Beast in Me and Carey Mulligan in Beef.
The 2026 Emmy Awards promise to be a night of celebration and recognition for the best in television. With a diverse range of nominees and a star-studded host, the ceremony is set to be a memorable event for both the Industry and viewers alike.
