Emmy Nominations 2026: The Complete List: The Pitt Dominates as Hacks Makes History

By Buzz Capitol Team

The wait is finally over! On Wednesday, the Television Academy dropped the much-anticipated Emmy Nominations 2026, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive years in recent memory.

Medical drama The Pitt stormed ahead with a massive 25 nominations, making it the most-nominated show overall. On the comedy side, the final season of Hacks shattered records with 24 nominations the highest single-season total for any comedy series ever.

Apple TV+ also had a huge morning, with Widow’s Bay earning 19 nods and Pluribus close behind with 18. Netflix’s Beef picked up 16 nominations, proving the streamer is still a major awards player.

This year’s Emmy race feels fresh, emotional, and full of surprises from big returns to bold newcomers. Here’s everything you need to know about the Emmy Nominations 2026.

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Biggest Winners of the Morning

The Pitt (HBO Max): 25 nominations This intense hospital drama starring Noah Wyle has captured everyone’s attention with its realistic portrayal of life in the ER.

Hacks (HBO Max): 24 nominations Jean Smart and the team are going out with a bang in the final season. This record-breaking haul puts it in legendary territory.

Widow’s Bay (Apple TV+): 19 nominations Katie Dippold’s dark comedy is the breakout hit of the year.

Pluribus (Apple TV+): 18 nominations Vince Gilligan’s latest project is getting major love.

Beef (Netflix): 16 nominations The limited series continues to impress awards voters.

Other strong contenders include DTF St. Louis (13), Saturday Night Live (11), and Spider-Noir (11).

Platform Power Rankings

HBO Max took the crown with 122 nominations, narrowly beating Netflix’s 111. Apple TV+ had its best showing ever with 87 nods, proving the streaming wars are far from over.

ABC, CBS, and NBC still held their own in traditional categories, while Prime Video, Hulu, and others rounded out the field.

Standout Performances & Acting Nominees

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

• Carrie Coon (The Gilded Age)
• Keri Russell (The Diplomat)
• Zendaya (Euphoria)
• Rhea Seehorn (Pluribus)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

• Sterling K. Brown (Paradise)
• Gary Oldman (Slow Horses)
• Noah Wyle (The Pitt)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

• Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary)
• Jean Smart (Hacks)
• Elle Fanning (Margo’s Got Money Troubles)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

• Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building)
• Jason Segel (Shrinking)

The limited series categories are stacked with heavy hitters like Claire Danes, Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, and Riz Ahmed.

Surprise Snubs & Shocks

While favorites like The Pitt and Hacks cleaned up, some big names were noticeably missing. Taylor Sheridan projects, Half Man, and even Hot Ones were shut out. Fans are already buzzing about who got overlooked this year.

When & How to Watch the 2026 Emmys

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will air on Monday, September 14, 2026 (moved from Sunday due to an NFL conflict). Mariska Hargitay, beloved star of Law & Order: SVU, will host the ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Full List of Major Category Nominees

Outstanding Drama Series

• The Diplomat (Netflix)
• The Gilded Age (HBO Max)
• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO Max)
• Paradise (Hulu)
• The Pitt (HBO Max)
• Pluribus (Apple TV+)
• Slow Horses (Apple TV+)

Outstanding Comedy Series

• Abbott Elementary (ABC)
• The Bear (FX/Hulu)
• Hacks (HBO Max)
• Margo’s Got Money Troubles (Apple TV+)
• Nobody Wants This (Netflix)
• Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
• Shrinking (Apple TV+)
• Widow’s Bay (Apple TV+)

Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series

• All Her Fault (Peacock)
• The Beast in Me (Netflix)
• Beef (Netflix)
• DTF St. Louis (HBO Max)
• Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette (FX/Hulu)

The Creative Arts Emmys also recognized excellence in animation, production design, costumes, choreography, and more. Standouts include stunning work on Fallout, Bridgerton, The Gilded Age, and Spider-Noir.

Why This Year Feels Different

With so many beloved shows reaching their final seasons and exciting new voices breaking through, Emmy Nominations 2026 reflect a television landscape that’s evolving rapidly. Streaming giants are battling it out, but traditional networks are still delivering strong contenders in variety, reality, and late-night categories.

Fans are particularly excited about potential wins for longtime favorites like Jean Smart, Noah Wyle, and Zendaya, while newcomers like the cast of The Pitt bring fresh energy to the awards conversation.

Who are you rooting for this year? Drop your predictions in the comments!