The 2026 Daytime Emmy nominations have been unveiled, highlighting the crème de la crème of daytime television. Following the announcement of the Primetime Emmy nominees, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) has revealed the contenders for this year’s prestigious awards. The ceremony will take place on October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium, with a host to be announced later.
This year’s nominations feature a mix of veteran shows and newcomers, with CBS leading the pack among networks. The competition is fierce, with standout performances and productions vying for the coveted Emmy statuette.
The Main Contenders in Daytime Drama
The Outstanding Daytime Drama Series category is where the drama unfolds, quite literally. The nominees include ABC’s General HospitalPeacock’s Days of Our Lives and CBS’s The Young and the Restless. Making its debut in this marquee category is Beyond the Gates which launched too late last year to qualify. General Hospital is aiming for its sixth consecutive win in this category, a testament to its enduring popularity and quality.
NATAS aims for five nominees in each category, but guidelines allow for fewer if there are not enough submissions. Last year, only three shows were nominated in the Daytime Drama category. This year, The Young and the Restless leads all nominees with 18, followed by Beyond the Gates with 15 and General Hospital with 13. CBS is the top network, with PBS and ABC close behind.
Talk Shows and Hosts in the Spotlight
The Outstanding Daytime Talk Series category features some of the most beloved talk shows on television. Nominees include The Drew Barrymore ShowThe Kelly Clarkson ShowLive with Kelly and MarkToday with Jenna & Friends and The View. The Kelly Clarkson Show leads the talk show nominations with 10, a remarkable achievement.
In the Outstanding Daytime Talk Series Host category, the competition is just as intense. Nominees include the hosts of The ViewKelly ClarksonTamron HallJennifer Hudson and Sherri Shepherd. Notably, both Kelly Clarkson and Sherri Shepherd have announced that their shows will not return in the fall, adding a bittersweet note to their nominations.
Notable Performances and Emerging Talent
The Outstanding Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series categories feature some of the most talented actors in daytime television. For actresses, the nominees include Stacy Haiduk, Karla Mosley, Michelle Stafford, Heather Tom, and Tamara Tunie. Among the actors, Eric Braeden, Steve Burton, Scott Clifton, Thorsten Kaye, and Christian Jules LeBlanc are vying for the top spot.
The Outstanding Supporting Performance categories showcase the depth of talent in daytime dramas. Nominees include Linsey Godfrey, Camryn Grimes, Beth Maitland, Trisha Mann-Grant, and Amanda Setton for actresses, and Sean Dominic, Timon Kyle Durrett, Michael Graziadei, Roger Howarth, Mike Manning, and Lawrence Saint-Victor for actors.
The Outstanding Emerging Talent category highlights the future stars of daytime television. Nominees include Braedyn Bruner, Al Calderon, Alice Halsey, Giovanni Mazza, Ambyr Michelle, and Arielle Prepetit. These young actors are making their mark and are ones to watch in the coming years.
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards promise to be a celebration of the best in daytime television. With a diverse range of nominees and categories, the awards showcase the talent and creativity that make daytime TV a beloved part of many viewers’ lives.
