Emmy Nominations 2026: Full Highlights, Top Nominees & Biggest Surprises
The 2026 Emmy nominations are here. Discover the biggest nominees, standout TV series, major surprises, and everything you need to know about the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards.
The television industry’s biggest celebration has officially begun as the 2026 Primetime Emmy Award nominations have been announced, setting the stage for one of the most competitive awards seasons in recent years. Featuring a mix of acclaimed returning favorites, breakout dramas, fresh comedies, and celebrated performers, this year’s nominations reflect another outstanding year of television storytelling.
Scheduled to culminate with the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026, the ceremony will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock. This year’s event will also mark a historic moment with acclaimed actress Mariska Hargitay hosting the ceremony, becoming the first woman in 15 years to lead television’s biggest awards night.
The eligibility period covered television programs released between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026, allowing audiences to enjoy one of the most diverse years in recent television history. Streaming platforms once again dominate the nominations, while broadcast television continues to earn recognition through several fan-favorite series. Industry experts describe the 2026 Emmy race as one of the deepest in recent memory, with competition spread across dramas, comedies, limited series, reality programming, and variety entertainment.
Several critically acclaimed productions have emerged as the year’s strongest contenders. The Pitt Hacks Abbott Elementary Beef (Season 2) Shrinking Stranger Things Pluribus Widow’s Bay Many of these shows entered nomination day with strong momentum following success during critics’ awards and industry guild ceremonies.
Comedy remains one of the most competitive Emmy categories. Abbott Elementary The Bear Hacks Margo’s Got Money Troubles Nobody Wants This Only Murders in the Building Shrinking Widow’s Bay Television critics expect an intense race between several returning favorites and first-time nominees.
Late-night television and comedy remain well represented. The Daily Show Jimmy Kimmel Live! Last Week Tonight with John Oliver The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Saturday Night Live This year also reflects the Television Academy’s updated variety category structure, combining traditional talk and scripted variety programming.
Reality television continues to attract strong audiences, and this year’s nominees include: Dancing With the Stars RuPaul’s Drag Race Survivor Top Chef The Traitors One notable storyline is the return of Dancing With the Stars, earning its first Emmy nomination in nearly a decade.
Several established stars return to Emmy contention alongside exciting newcomers. Lead Actress Quinta Brunson Ayo Edebiri Elle Fanning Lisa Kudrow Jean Smart Lead Actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Steve Carell Matthew Rhys Jason Segel Martin Short The limited series acting categories also feature acclaimed performers including Claire Danes, Carey Mulligan, Sarah Snook, Riz Ahmed, Jason Bateman, Charlie Hunnam, and Oscar Isaac.
This year’s nominations highlight several industry trends: Streaming services continue to dominate premium television. New original dramas are competing strongly with established franchises. Comedy remains one of the most competitive Emmy categories. Limited series continue attracting major Hollywood talent. Veteran actors share nomination lists with emerging stars. These trends demonstrate television’s continued evolution as one of entertainment’s most innovative creative platforms.
Awards analysts pointed to several interesting developments during nomination morning. Fresh original series earned recognition alongside established Emmy favorites. Returning anthology series remain popular with Television Academy voters. Some highly anticipated productions missed eligibility due to release schedules. International productions without qualifying U.S. co-production arrangements remained ineligible under Emmy rules.
Following today’s nominations, final voting will take place in August before winners are announced. Nominations Announced: July 8, 2026 Final Voting: August 17–26, 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards: September 5–6, 2026 78th Primetime Emmy Awards: September 14, 2026 The 2026 Emmy nominations showcase an exceptional year of television, celebrating bold storytelling, remarkable performances, and innovative productions across every genre. From acclaimed dramas and beloved comedies to reality competitions and variety programming, this year’s nominees reflect the growing diversity and quality of modern television.
