Emmys 2026 Voters’ Guide: Breaking Down the Early Frontrunners
Get the Culture newsletter
Daily culture — film, music, books, the trends and ideas worth your attention. Free.
- 'The Pitt' leads the 2026 drama race with 25 nominations — 13 of them acting — facing fellow HBO Max entries 'The Gilded Age' and 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,' plus Netflix's 'The Diplomat,' Hulu's 'Paradise' and Apple TV's 'Slow Horses,' 'Pluribus' and 'Your Friends & Neighbors.'
- 'Hacks' broke the record for most-nominated comedy series with 24 nods heading into its final season, while Apple TV newcomer 'Widow's Bay' scored 19 nominations including six acting nods plus recognition for writing, directing and casting.
- 'Pluribus' earned 18 nominations in its first season with Rhea Seehorn positioned as the lead actress frontrunner, and Apple TV's 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' added eight more nods to the platform's comedy haul.
- Rob Reiner earned a posthumous guest comedy actor nomination for 'The Bear,' competing against Michael J. Fox for 'Shrinking,' Hamish Linklater for 'Widow's Bay' and four 'Hacks' cast members, while 'Hacks' swept guest actress with five nominees.
- 'Beef' landed 16 limited series nominations for its second season despite the source noting reduced buzz, while Sarah Snook brought a Critics' Choice win and two Golden Globe noms to early-dropped contender 'All Her Fault.'
- 'Dancing With the Stars' returned to the reality competition category for the first time in 10 years after its 'massive' 34th season, replacing 'The Amazing Race' in a lineup that also includes 'Top Chef,' 'Survivor' (50th season) and two-time defending winner 'The Traitors.'
Why it matters: HBO Max holds the top three drama contenders — 'The Pitt,' 'The Gilded Age' and 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' — while Apple TV fields serious nominees across comedy, drama and limited series, marking the platform's broadest Emmy footprint yet. With 'Hacks' heading toward its final-season coronation and 'Widow's Bay' threatening to spoil it, Apple TV is positioned for its best comedy outcome in years.
