The 2026 Emmy nominations were announced Wednesday morning at the Television Academy's Saban Media Center by previous winners Liza Colón-Zayas ("The Bear") and Jeff Hiller ("Widow's Bay"). The ceremony, hosted by Mariska Hargitay ("Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"), will air on Sept. 14 on NBC and Peacock, marking the first time a woman has hosted in 15 years.
'The Pitt' and 'Hacks' Dominate
HBO's medical drama "The Pitt," starring Noah Wyle, led all nominees with 25 nominations. The final season of "Hacks," starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, earned 24 nominations, surpassing "Schitt's Creek" to become the most-nominated comedy for its final installment.
Surprises and Snubs
Among the surprises, Emmy winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II received a nomination for "Wonder Man." Notable snubs include the HBO drama "Industry" and the horror prequel "It: Welcome to Derry," which earned zero nominations despite strong viewership and critical praise. "It: Welcome to Derry" scored only two technical nominations, failing to recognize standout performances by Chris Chalk, Taylour Paige, Blake Cameron James, and Bill Skarsgård.
Breakthrough Performance Overlooked
Darrell Britt-Gibson's performance as Bishop in the final season of "Euphoria" was widely praised but did not receive a nomination. The actor portrayed Bishop as a quiet yet calculated figure who poisons drug lord Laurie's bird and becomes instrumental in the finale's twist. According to HuffPost, "Shame on the TV Academy for not recognizing such a talent."
Black-Coded Episode of 'The Bear' Ignored
The fourth season episode "Worms" of "The Bear," directed by Janicza Bravo and written by Ayo Edebiri and Lionel Boyce, was hailed as a standout by Rolling Stone but received no major Emmy love. The episode offers an in-depth look at Sydney's (Edebiri) life outside the restaurant, highlighting Black culture and family, including scenes with Danielle Deadwyler and Arion King.
'Heated Rivalry' Ineligible
The critically acclaimed series "Heated Rivalry," starring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams as closeted gay hockey players, received no Emmy nominations because it was financed by Canadian production company Bell Media and streamer Crave, with only distribution by HBO Max. According to Gold Derby, the series is ineligible for Primetime Emmy Awards due to lack of American involvement. Season 2 is slated for 2027.
