The nominations for the 2026 Emmy Awards, television's biggest prizes, were announced on Wednesday, led by the hospital drama The Pitt and the comedy Hacks, with a first-time contender and a few pointed omissions shaping the early conversation.
Who led the field
The Pitt topped the nominations, followed closely by the final season of Hacks, according to the published nominations list. Apple TV's Widow's Bay, a breakout hit, emerged as a surprise heavyweight with one of the larger hauls of the year, and the drama Pluribus also featured prominently. The strong showing for streaming and premium-cable series continued a now-familiar pattern in which those platforms dominate the major categories.
Michael J. Fox returns
One of the day's most-noted storylines was the return of Michael J. Fox, who earned a nomination for a guest role on the Apple TV comedy Shrinking, his first Emmy nod in about a decade, Deadline reported. Fox, who has scaled back his acting in recent years while living with Parkinson's disease, was widely cheered by peers, and Shrinking picked up nominations of its own.
Snubs and surprises
As ever, the omissions drew as much attention as the nominations. The final season of Netflix's Stranger Things was largely passed over in the major acting and drama races, despite recognition in technical categories, Variety reported. Among performers, Sydney Sweeney missed out for the final run of Euphoria, with Zendaya the main cast member to be recognized. Such snubs are a staple of nominations day, a reminder that a crowded field leaves little room even for past favorites.
What comes next
Voting by the television academy's members follows over the coming weeks, ahead of the ceremony later in the year, when the nominations turn into winners. For now, the list sets the season's terms: a two-way lead at the top, a surprise contender in Widow's Bay, a welcome return for a beloved actor, and the usual debate over who was left out.
