Leading this year’s field is ‘The Pitt,’ which emerged as the most-nominated program among the major categories announced, earning 16 nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series and multiple acting, writing and directing nods.
Jason Bateman and David Harbour in ‘DTF St. Louis.’
RHEA Seehorn in ‘Pluribus.’
Matthew Rhys in the ‘Widow’s Bay.’
The 2026 Emmy Awards nominations showcase a mix of returning favorites and ambitious newcomers, with fresh titles challenging long-standing television powerhouses across drama, comedy and limited series. HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix and HBO dominate the major categories, while breakout series such as Pluribus, The Pitt, Widow’s Bay and Margo’s Got Money Troubles made impressive debuts alongside established Emmy magnets like Hacks, The Bear, Abbott Elementary and Slow Horses.
Leading this year’s field is The Pitt, which emerged as the most-nominated program among the major categories announced, earning 16 nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series and multiple acting, writing and directing nods. It is followed by Pluribus with 10 nominations, while DTF St. Louis, Hacks and Widow’s Bay each scored nine. Beef, The Diplomat, Slow Horses and Shrinking also enjoyed strong showings, underscoring a highly competitive race across genres.
The nominations also celebrate a wave of first-time Emmy contenders. Among the notable newcomers are Chase Infiniti (The Testaments), Sarah Pidgeon (Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette), Elle Fanning (Margo’s Got Money Troubles), Patrick Ball, Gerran Howell, Taylor Dearden, Fiona Dourif, Katherine LaNasa and Sepideh Moafi (all The Pitt), as well as Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Wonder Man) and Kristen Kish (Top Chef). Their recognition signals a changing of the guard as fresh talent joins Emmy veterans including Gary Oldman, Jean Smart, Quinta Brunson, Carrie Coon, Keri Russell, Zendaya, Martin Short and Harrison Ford in this year’s race for television’s highest honors.
