The Pitt leads 2026 Emmy nominations with 25 nods, Hacks close behind with 24

The Television Academy announced the nominees for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. HBO Max's medical drama The Pitt topped the list with 25 nominations, followed by the comedy Hacks with 24. Two new series, the horror comedy The Curse of Widow's Bay and the sci-fi drama Pluribus, emerged as strong contenders with 19 and 18 nominations respectively.

Top contenders

The Pitt, now in its second season, already won best drama last year. Its 25 nominations include best drama series, best actor for Noah Wyle, and seven supporting actor and actress nods. The series follows emergency room staff in Pittsburgh and this season addresses budget cuts under the Trump administration. Hacks, in its fifth and final season, earned 24 nominations, including best comedy series and best actress for Jean Smart. Both series air on HBO Max.

Newcomers and surprises

Pluribus, created by Vince Gilligan of Breaking Bad fame, garnered 18 nominations for its first season. The dystopian drama stars Rhea Seehorn as a novelist immune to a virus that makes humanity blissful. The Curse of Widow's Bay, a horror comedy on Apple TV, surprised with 19 nominations. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, set in the Game of Thrones universe, earned 9 nominations including best drama series, a notable achievement for a first season of only six half-hour episodes.

Acting races

Noah Wyle (The Pitt) and Gary Oldman (Slow Horses) are among the best actor in a drama nominees. Rhea Seehorn (Pluribus) and Zendaya (Euphoria) compete for best actress in a drama. In comedy, Jean Smart (Hacks) faces Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary) and Ayo Edebiri (The Bear). Steve Carell (Rooster) and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Wonder Man) are up for best actor in a comedy.

Platform battle

HBO Max leads all platforms with 122 nominations, followed by Netflix with 111 and Apple TV with a record 87. Apple TV's strong showing includes many major category nods, reflecting its growing influence.

Ceremony details

The 78th Emmy Awards will take place on Sunday, September 14, 2026, hosted by actress Mariska Hargitay. The miniseries Beef leads that category with 16 nominations.