Emmy Nominations 2026: The Pitt Leads with 25 Nods, Hacks Breaks Record

 

Emmy Awards 2026: 'The Pitt' Dominates with 25 Nominations, 'Hacks' Breaks Comedy Record

The HBO medical drama's sophomore surge and a record-breaking final season for 'Hacks' lead the 78th Emmy race, with Apple TV+ newcomers making a strong impression.

Los Angeles, CA — When the Television Academy announced the nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Wednesday morning, it was clear that one show had a pulse on the industry's heartbeat: HBO's "The Pitt." The day-in-the-life emergency room drama, which triumphed last year as a rookie upstart, has returned with a vengeance, leading all programs with a staggering 25 nominations .

However, it wasn't the only headline-grabber. HBO Max’s comedy "Hacks," airing its fifth and final season, secured 24 nominations—a record for a comedy series in a single season . The totals give HBO Max the top spot for both drama and comedy, but they weren't the only streamers celebrating a big morning .

The Newcomers Making Noise

While the heavy hitters dominated, Apple TV+ marked its most successful Emmy year yet, largely fueled by first-year series. The dark comedy "Widow's Bay" earned 19 nominations, making it the third most-nominated show overall . The Matthew Rhys-led series found a passionate audience, and its critical buzz surged at the end of the For Your Consideration season .

Following closely behind was Apple's twisty sci-fi drama "Pluribus," which pulled in 18 nominations, solidifying the tech giant's streaming service as a major prestige player . With "Beef" landing 16 nominations for its second installment and "The Bear" continuing its streak in the comedy categories, the 2026 race is looking incredibly crowded .

Acting Races and Record Breakers

This year’s acting categories tell a story of deep ensemble work. "The Pitt" practically owned the drama acting slots, with star Noah Wyle nabbing a lead actor nomination and the show taking four of the seven spots in the supporting actress category alone .

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Meanwhile, the farewell tour for "Hacks" seems to be a coronation. Jean Smart is up for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series; if she wins, she will tie Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the most acting Emmys ever by a performer .

Over on the limited series side, British talent is well represented. Matthew Rhys made history by earning dual nominations—lead actor for "Widow's Bay" and a nod for the Netflix limited series "The Beast In Me" . He is joined by compatriots Riz Ahmed ("Bait"), Carey Mulligan ("Beef"), and Gary Oldman ("Slow Horses") .

The Full Picture

The 78th Emmy Awards promise to be a night of celebration, farewells, and new beginnings. The ceremony, set to take place on September 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, will be hosted by "Law & Order: SVU" star Mariska Hargitay .

As streaming services continue to battle for dominance, this year's nominations reflect a shift: audiences are rewarding shows that marry the binge-worthy prestige of streaming with the consistency of traditional television. Whether it's the rapid-fire return of "The Pitt" or the emotional send-off for "Hacks," this year's list is a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of television.