Television’s biggest night is almost here. The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards are set to take place on Monday, September 14, 2026, honoring the best in television from the past year. And this year’s ceremony promises to be one for the history books.
Leading the pack is HBO Max’s gripping medical drama “The Pitt,” which dominated the nomination announcement with a staggering 25 nods. Close behind is the beloved comedy “Hacks,” which earned 24 nominations for its fifth and final season—a record-breaking number for a comedy series. With Mariska Hargitay hosting and heavy hitters like Widow’s Bay and Pluribus vying for top honors, the 2026 Emmys are shaping up to be a night of celebration, surprises, and television excellence.
When Are the 2026 Emmy Awards?
The 2026 Emmy Awards will take place on Monday, September 14, 2026. The ceremony is being held on a Monday night to avoid a scheduling conflict with NBC’s highly-rated Sunday Night Football. The event will be held at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, a longtime home for the Emmys.
What Time Do the 2026 Emmys Start?
The Primetime Emmys 2026 ceremony will broadcast live coast-to-coast starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. As always, it’s best to check your local listings to confirm the broadcast time in your area.
Who Is Hosting the 2026 Emmy Awards?
In a move that has excited fans and critics alike, Mariska Hargitay will host the 2026 Emmy Awards. The Law & Order: SVU star is an icon of television, and her role as host is particularly notable as it marks the first time a woman has hosted the ceremony in 15 years. Her deep connection to NBC, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, makes her a fitting choice to lead the celebration.
Where Will the 2026 Emmys Be Held?
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The Peacock Theater, located in the L.A. Live entertainment complex, has a long history with the Emmys and will also soon be the future home of the Oscars.
Who Has the Most 2026 Emmy Nominations?
The 2026 Emmy nominations are headlined by several standout shows. HBO Max leads the charge with a powerful slate of nominees.
- The Pitt — 25 nominations. This medical drama, starring Noah Wyle, is the most-nominated show of the year.
- Hacks — 24 nominations. The final season of this comedy series broke the record for the most nominations ever received by a comedy series in a single year.
- Widow’s Bay — 19 nominations. The Apple TV+ series, starring Matthew Rhys, is a breakout hit.
- Pluribus — 18 nominations. This new series, featuring Rhea Seehorn, has established itself as a major drama contender.
- Beef — 16 nominations. The anthology series starring Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan continues to earn acclaim.
2026 Emmy Nominees to Watch
The Emmy nominees 2026 list is packed with talent across all major categories. Here are some of the top contenders to keep an eye on.
The Pitt
This show isn’t just the top nominee; it’s the show to beat. Starring Noah Wyle, The Pitt is nominated for Outstanding Drama Series, and Wyle himself is a frontrunner for Lead Actor in a Drama Series. The show also dominated the supporting acting categories with multiple nods for its cast, including Taylor Dearden, Fiona Dourif, and Shawn Hatosy.
Hacks
The fifth and final season of Hacks has become a record-breaker. Star Jean Smart, who has won the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Comedy for every single season of the show, is expected to take home her fifth trophy. She is joined by nominees Hannah Einbinder, Paul W. Downs, and Megan Stalter in the supporting categories.
Widow’s Bay
This Apple TV+ series earned a strong 19 nominations, making it one of the surprise breakout hits of the year. Matthew Rhys is nominated for Lead Actor in a Comedy, and the show received multiple nominations in the supporting comedy categories.
Pluribus
This new drama series, starring Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul), has earned 18 nominations. Seehorn is up for Lead Actress in a Drama, and the show also landed nominations for supporting acting and directing.
Other Major Contenders
Other notable nominees include returning favorites like The Bear, Abbott Elementary, Only Murders in the Building, The Diplomat, and Slow Horses. The limited series category is also packed, with Beef, DTF St. Louis, and All Her Fault earning multiple nominations.
Biggest Emmy Races to Watch
The 2026 Emmy Awards feature several fiercely competitive categories. Here are some of the most anticipated races.
Outstanding Drama Series
This category is a heavyweight battle. The nominees include:
- The Diplomat
- The Gilded Age
- Paradise
- The Pitt
- Pluribus
- Slow Horses
The Pitt is the frontrunner, but Pluribus and the returning Slow Horses are strong contenders.
Outstanding Comedy Series
This race is just as intense, with a mix of veteran favorites and new hits. Nominees include:
- Abbott Elementary
- The Bear
- Hacks
- Margo’s Got Money Troubles
- Only Murders in the Building
- Shrinking
- Widow’s Bay
While Hacks has the record, Widow’s Bay is a formidable newcomer, and The Bear and Abbott Elementary are always in the mix.
Lead Actress in a Drama Series
This category features a star-studded lineup:
- Carrie Coon, The Gilded Age
- Keri Russell, The Diplomat
- Rhea Seehorn, Pluribus
- Zendaya, Euphoria
This is a tough race, with both Russell and Seehorn receiving strong buzz.
Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Another fiercely competitive category:
- Sterling K. Brown, Paradise
- Gary Oldman, Slow Horses
- Mark Ruffalo, Task
- Noah Wyle, The Pitt
Wyle is a favorite for his role in The Pitt, but Oldman and Brown are always strong contenders.
2026 Emmy Predictions
While the awards are still to come, some patterns have emerged. “The Pitt” appears to have significant momentum and could win several major awards, including Outstanding Drama Series and Lead Actor for Noah Wyle. In comedy, “Hacks” is a sentimental favorite for its final season, and Jean Smart is widely expected to win again. “Widow’s Bay” could be an upset pick, as its 19 nominations have surprised many.
How to Watch the 2026 Emmy Awards
In the United States, the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on NBC and stream live on Peacock. The ceremony will begin at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on September 14, 2026.
What Happened at the 2026 Creative Arts Emmys?
The 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards are a separate ceremony that honors the technical and behind-the-scenes achievements in television. These awards were presented over two nights: Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, 2026. The winners from the Creative Arts ceremonies are often announced before the main Primetime telecast and can be a strong indicator of which shows have the most overall support.
What Makes the 2026 Emmys Different?
The 2026 Emmy Awards are notable for several reasons. First, the ceremony is airing on a Monday for the first time in years to avoid an SNF conflict. Second, Mariska Hargitay is hosting, making her the first solo female host in 15 years. Finally, the strong performance of new shows like The Pitt, Widow’s Bay, and Pluribus alongside veteran favorites makes this year’s ceremony one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the 2026 Emmy Awards?
The 2026 Emmy Awards will take place on Monday, September 14, 2026.
What time are the 2026 Emmys?
The ceremony will air live at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.
Who is hosting the 2026 Emmy Awards?
Mariska Hargitay of Law & Order: SVU will host the ceremony.
Where can I watch the 2026 Emmys?
You can watch the 2026 Emmys on NBC or stream them live on Peacock.
Which show has the most Emmy nominations in 2026?
“The Pitt” leads all shows with 25 nominations.
How many nominations did The Pitt receive?
“The Pitt” received 25 nominations.
How many nominations did Hacks receive?
“Hacks” received 24 nominations.
When were the 2026 Emmy nominations announced?
The nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Conclusion
The Primetime Emmys 2026 are shaping up to be a landmark event in television history. With an unprecedented Monday night broadcast, a beloved host in Mariska Hargitay, and a race dominated by both new powerhouses like The Pitt and legendary series like Hacks, viewers are in for a spectacular show. Tune in on September 14th to see which of your favorite shows and stars take home television’s most coveted prize.