'The Pitt' leads 2026 Emmy nominations as 'Hacks' and 'Widow's Bay' follow close behind

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The race for television's biggest honor is officially underway, and this year's Emmy nominations have produced a fierce contest between returning favorites and breakout newcomers.

Hospital drama 'The Pitt' emerged as the most-nominated series of 2026, while 'Hacks' continued its award-season dominance by setting a new milestone for comedy.

Meanwhile, Apple Inc celebrated its strongest Emmy showing to date thanks to a pair of acclaimed freshman series.

'The Pitt' leads the field with 25 nominations

The second season of 'The Pitt' received 25 Emmy nominations, making it the most recognized program this year.

Close behind was 'Hacks', which secured 24 nominations and became the most-nominated comedy series in a single Emmy season, giving HBO another standout awards campaign.

Apple also enjoyed an exceptional year with horror-comedy 'Widow's Bay' earning 19 nominations and science-fiction drama 'Pluribus' collecting 18.

The competition for Outstanding Drama Series features an impressive lineup that includes 'The Pitt', 'Pluribus', 'The Diplomat', 'The Gilded Age', 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms', 'Paradise', 'Slow Horses', and 'Your Friends & Neighbors'.

Last year's winner, 'The Pitt', will now attempt to defend its title. Its lead star Noah Wyle is once again in contention for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

His challengers include Sterling K Brown (Paradise), Gary Oldman (Slow Horses), Mark Ruffalo (Task) and Rufus Sewell (The Diplomat).

In the lead actress category, Rhea Seehorn (Pluribus) will compete against Carrie Coon, Chase Infiniti, Keri Russell and Zendaya.

Emmy showdown features familiar winners

Veteran actress Jean Smart is once again nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series after winning the category four consecutive times.

Another victory would bring her career Emmy acting total to eight, matching the record held by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman.

Her competition includes Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri, Elle Fanning and Lisa Kudrow.

On the actor side, Matthew Rhys leads the comedy category for 'Widow's Bay', facing Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Steve Carell, Jason Segel and Martin Short.

Matthew Rhys will also compete in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or TV Movie category for his performance in 'The Beast in Me'.

He will be up against Riz Ahmed, Jason Bateman, Charlie Hunnam and Oscar Isaac.

The 2026 Emmy Awards will be presented on September 14, with Mariska Hargitay serving as host.