What’s Getting Nominated (and What Should Be Nominated) for Animated Series at the 2026 Emmy Awards
Get the Culture newsletter
Daily culture — film, music, books, the trends and ideas worth your attention. Free.
- Eligibility cutoff: The Emmy eligibility deadline for the 78th Primetime and Creative Arts Emmy Awards is May 31 2026, with voting opening June 11 2026.
- The Simpsons and Bob's Burgers: Both shows have been nominated for Best Animated Series every year since 2015, with The Simpsons winning twice and Bob’s Burgers once during that span.
- Blue Eyed Samurai and Arcane: These series have earned recent wins in the Animated Series category, showing occasional fluidity amid the dominance of long‑running sitcoms.
- South Park: The series returned with two five‑episode seasons in July and is viewed by the author as the odds‑on favorite for a nomination this year.
- Television Academy: Critics argue that the Academy’s repeated nominations of legacy shows block newer animated series from recognition, urging a more diverse slate.
Why it matters: With the May 31 eligibility deadline looming, newer animated series risk being eclipsed by long‑running nominees, costing creators and networks potential prestige and ad revenue while the Television Academy faces pressure to diversify its slate.
Ask SkimNews
