Emmys 2026 frontrunners emerge as The Pitt and Hacks lead key races

The Emmys 2026 frontrunners are coming into focus, and Variety’s early read points to a race where acting support may matter as much as series strength. Several buzzy shows landed big performer recognition while missing the top series lineups, setting up a less predictable awards night.

In drama, HBO Max’s “The Pitt” is back after winning last year’s drama prize and taking trophies for lead actor, supporting actress and guest actress, according to Variety. Its second season leads all programs with 25 nominations, including 13 for actors.

The drama series field also includes HBO Max’s “The Gilded Age” and “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” Netflix’s “The Diplomat,” Hulu’s “Paradise,” and three Apple TV entries: “Slow Horses,” “Pluribus” and “Your Friends & Neighbors.” Variety notes that “Pluribus” scored 18 nominations for its first season, with Rhea Seehorn positioned as an early lead actress favorite, while “Your Friends & Neighbors” received only one nomination, in drama series.

Who are the Emmys 2026 frontrunners?

Variety identifies “The Pitt” as a key drama contender, “Hacks” as the clear comedy leader on paper, and “Widow’s Bay” as a serious comedy threat. In limited or anthology series, Netflix’s “Beef” remains in the hunt with 16 nominations, though Variety says it has not generated the same level of buzz as its first season.

The drama acting races are crowded with “The Pitt” names. Ernest Harden Jr., Jeff Kober, Brittany Allen, Tal Anderson and Tina Ivlev are all nominated across the guest actor and guest actress drama categories, with Variety reporting that some self-submitted rather than being entered by HBO.

Other guest drama nominees include Colman Domingo for “Euphoria,” Jeff Hiller for “Pluribus,” Bradley Whitford for “The Diplomat” and Jonathan Pryce for “Slow Horses.” On the guest actress side, Variety names Shailene Woodley of “Paradise” as an early favorite, with Miriam Shor for “Pluribus” and Merritt Wever for “The Gilded Age” also in the mix.

Comedy may be the flashiest fight. “Hacks” has 24 nominations, which Variety says makes it the most-nominated comedy series in Emmy history, and its final season status gives it obvious heat. The category also includes FX’s “The Bear,” ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This,” Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building,” Apple TV’s “Shrinking,” Apple TV’s “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” and Apple TV’s “Widow’s Bay.”

“Widow’s Bay” is the fresh troublemaker in that field, with 19 nominations, including six acting nods plus recognition for writing, directing and casting, according to Variety. Matthew Rhys is also nominated for lead actor in comedy for “Widow’s Bay” and in limited series for “The Beast in Me.”

Comedy guest categories bring major names. Variety reports that Rob Reiner received a posthumous nomination for “The Bear,” while Michael J. Fox is nominated for “Shrinking.” Christopher McDonald, Hamish Linklater, Brett Goldstein and Connor Storrie also made the guest actor lineup.

For guest actress in comedy, “Hacks” fills most of the ballot with Cherry Jones, Laurie Metcalf, Leslie Bibb, Lauren Weedman and Kaitlin Olson. Jamie Lee Curtis for “The Bear” and Betty Gilpin for “Widow’s Bay” are the only nominees from other shows, according to Variety.

In limited or anthology series, the nominees are “Beef,” “The Beast in Me,” “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” “All Her Fault” and “DTF St. Louis.” Variety reports that “DTF St. Louis” also landed several acting nominations, including Linda Cardellini, Joy Sunday, Jason Bateman, David Harbour and Richard Jenkins in supporting categories.

The reality competition race has a shake-up of its own. Variety reports that “The Amazing Race” is absent, “Dancing With the Stars” is back after 10 years, and “The Traitors” is seeking a third straight win. “Top Chef” and “Survivor” complete the category, while RuPaul, Jeff Probst, Kristen Kish, Alan Cumming and Ariana Madix are nominated for hosting.

This story draws on original reporting from Variety.