The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations will be announced Wednesday morning, with HBO Max's "The Pitt" and Apple TV+'s "Pluribus" emerging as frontrunners for top honors. The ceremony, hosted by Mariska Hargitay, is scheduled for September 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and will air on NBC.
'The Pitt' Returns for a Strong Sophomore Season
Last year, "The Pitt" dominated the Emmys as a freshman series, winning best drama series, best actor for Noah Wyle, and best supporting actress for Katherine LaNasa. Unlike many prestige dramas that take years between seasons, "The Pitt" returns immediately, blending classic network TV production with modern streaming prestige. Wyle and LaNasa are expected to earn new nominations, and the ensemble cast—including residents, interns, and attending physicians—could dominate supporting acting categories, similar to "The White Lotus" in past years.
'Pluribus' Could Break a 32-Year-Old Record
"Pluribus," the Apple TV+ series from Vince Gilligan, creator of "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul," has a chance to break the record for most Emmy nominations for a debut season, set by "NYPD Blue" with 26 in 1994. The series is a one-woman-against-the-world drama starring Rhea Seehorn, who won a Golden Globe and is expected to be a favorite for best actress. Karolina Wydra, who plays the show's spokeswoman for humanity, is a strong contender for supporting actress. The series could accumulate nominations in technical categories, though its premise may limit its total.
'Hacks' Final Season Poised for Celebration
Emmy voters often favor departing shows, and "Hacks" enters its fifth and final season with strong prospects. Star Jean Smart has won best actress in a comedy for all four previous seasons, and a fifth win would be unsurprising. Her co-star Hannah Einbinder, who won supporting actress last year after four nominations, is expected to receive another nod. Paul W. Downs, co-creator and cast member, is also likely to be nominated. Downs' competition may include Harrison Ford, who could win his first major TV award for his supporting role in "Shrinking." Jason Segel, Ford's castmate, is also a likely nominee.
Apple TV+ Could Dominate Comedy Categories
Despite the absence of last year's rookie juggernaut "The Studio," Apple TV+—which established a strong Emmy comedy presence with "Ted Lasso"—could have three best comedy series nominees: "Shrinking," "Margo's Got Money Troubles," and "Widow's Bay." Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer are likely acting nominees for "Margo's Got Money Troubles," while "Widow's Bay" is an acclaimed horror comedy.
Limited Series and Guest Acting Categories
Netflix's "Beef" is expected to compete strongly in limited or anthology series categories, especially after rival "Task" moved to drama. FX's "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette" could be its main competition. In guest acting categories, potential nominees include the late Rob Reiner for his recurring role on "The Bear" and Michael J. Fox for his three-episode arc as a Parkinson's patient on "Shrinking."
The nominations will be announced by recent winners Liza Colon-Zayas and Jeff Hiller at the Television Academy in Los Angeles. The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will take place on September 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theater, which will soon also host the Oscars.
