Everything to Know About the 2026 Emmys, From How to Watch to the Nominees
Our take
The annual Emmys, a cornerstone of fall’s cultural calendar, are fast approaching, signaling a moment to pause and reflect on the evolving landscape of television. This year’s ceremony, with its shift in network and the debut of a new host, promises to be particularly noteworthy. While predictions point toward potential wins for series like 'The Pitt,' 'Hacks,' and 'Widow’s Bay,' the broader significance lies in what these nominations – and the show itself – reveal about the current tastes and trends shaping our viewing habits. The buzz surrounding these shows speaks to a desire for narratives that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, a shift from the often-formulaic programming of the past. It’s interesting to note that this year’s awards season coincides with a renewed appreciation for classic, understated elegance, as seen in the recent collaboration between Elie Saab & H&M Deliver Red Carpet Glamour [/post/elie-saab-h-m-deliver-red-carpet-glamour-cmtmjppwi03tdrgedd2cce1t9], echoing a similar sensibility in storytelling. Even something as seemingly minor as styling choices, like Kendall Jenner Gives Her Semi-Sheer Black Dress the Jane Birkin Basket Bag Treatment in Venice [/post/kendall-jenner-gives-her-semi-sheer-black-dress-the-jane-bir-cmtm6w8bd03lzrgedclkft87u], demonstrates a cultural leaning towards timelessness and effortless chic.
The Emmys’ evolution reflects a broader transformation within the entertainment industry. Streaming services have irrevocably altered the way we consume content, fostering a climate of unprecedented choice and demanding higher quality narratives. The nominees this year—while representing diverse genres—share a common thread: a commitment to nuanced character development and sophisticated storytelling. The prominence of shows like 'Hacks,' for example, underscores a growing appetite for shows that explore complex themes of ambition, legacy, and intergenerational relationships. It’s no longer enough to simply entertain; audiences are seeking experiences that provoke thought and spark conversation. This shift also impacts the red carpet itself, moving away from overt displays of extravagance and towards a more considered, almost restrained, aesthetic—a move away from the "look at me" mentality and toward a quiet confidence, a sensibility that aligns with a desire for authenticity and understated luxury. Even the trends in autumnal colors, as explored in "I'm Tired of These "Dated" Autumn Colours, in 2026 I'm Wearing These 6 Trending Shades Instead" [/post/i-m-tired-of-these-dated-autumn-colours-in-2026-i-m-wearing-cmtprikkc05phrged4q0sx2d5], demonstrate a rejection of fleeting trends in favor of enduring style.
Beyond the individual nominees, the Emmys serve as a crucial barometer for the health of the television industry. The choices made by the Academy reflect not only the best of the past year but also foreshadow potential trends for the future. Increased diversity in both nominations and behind-the-scenes roles remains a critical conversation, and the Emmys have a significant platform to champion inclusivity. Furthermore, the changing broadcast landscape – the shift in hosting networks, the continued rise of streaming – necessitates an ongoing evaluation of how awards shows can remain relevant and engaging in a fragmented media environment. The ability of the Emmys to adapt and innovate will be essential to its continued success. It’s a delicate balance: honoring tradition while embracing the new realities of television consumption.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to observe how the Emmys continue to navigate the evolving relationship between traditional television and streaming platforms. Will we see a further blurring of lines between broadcast and subscription content, or will the awards ceremony maintain a distinct identity as a celebration of television in its purest form? The choices made in the coming years—regarding categories, voting processes, and even the format of the show itself—will ultimately determine whether the Emmys remain a vital and influential force in the entertainment world, or become a relic of a bygone era. The quiet confidence and intentionality that define a modern aesthetic will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the future of television’s biggest night.
Fall is here, which means it's time for television's biggest night. The Emmys are a week away, and Hollywood is getting ready to celebrate the past year in TV.
This year's awards show will have some exciting changes, from a new network hosting the festivities, to one of televisions' biggest icons as a first-time host. The top nominees range from pop culture's buzziest hits, to beloved comedies in their final season, to debut shows that became word-of-mouth sensations. Read on for everything you need to know about the 2025 Emmys, including how to tune into the ceremony, which A-listers are set to walk the red carpet, and which must-see TV shows are expected to win big.
Everything to Know About the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards
When are the 2026 Emmys?
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on NBC on Monday, September 14 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. This year's ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in downtown L.A.
How can I watch the 2026 Emmys?
Viewers with cable can tune into their local NBC channel or use their cable login to watch from a computer or phone via CBS website or app.
The Emmys will also be available to stream on Peacock. However, the ceremony will only stream live for subscribers to one of Peacock's two premium tiers The app's standard Premium tier with ads starts at $13/month, while the ad-free Premium Plus tier starts at $20/month. (Since the Emmys are a live event, it will still air with ads for Premium Plus subscribers.)
The full ceremony will be available to stream on demand the following day for subscribers in the U.S. only, including those at the Peacock Select tier (at $9/month). Though Peacock's official website doesn't offer free trials, Prime Video subscribers can get a seven-day free trial by signing up to the Premium Plus plan through Amazon's streamer.
If you neither have cable nor a Peacock premium subscription, there are still ways to watch the Emmys. Live streaming TV services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV Stream, Fubo, and Sling TV provide access to NBC (and most of them offer free trials).
And viewers who are not in the U.S. can watch the Emmys live through their regional networks, or catch it on-demand on Peacock. If you don't have a VPN, you can use one like Nord VPN.
How can I watch the 2026 Emmys red carpet?
Fashion fans will have multiple options to follow the Emmys red carpet. E!'s annual coverage will start at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT, with the hosts and commentators to be announced. Meanwhile, CNN and Variety will co-host red-carpet coverage, available to watch on the CNN website and streaming app for subscribers.
Who is hosting the 2026 Emmys?
Actress, producer, director, activist, and national treasure Mariska Hargitay will host this year's Emmy awards. The television icon and Emmy winner will be making her awards-hosting debut, ahead of her 28th season playing Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU.
"I’m at a place in my life where I am excited about doing new things. And if not now, when?" she told Deadline in August. "It’s such an extraordinary opportunity and I am excited about it. I’m excited to see all the people. I’m excited to celebrate people’s work. I guess I don’t really see it as about me. I see it about being part of something so historic."
Who is presenting at the 2026 Emmys?
The Television Academy has yet to announce presenters for this year's Primetime Emmys, but we do know one of the stars set to grace the stage. Michael J. Fox is set to receive this year's Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, in honor of his "transformative contributions to Parkinson’s disease research and advocacy," per the Academy. Fox is also a nominee this year, for his guest performance in Shrinking season 3.
Who is nominated at the 2026 Emmys?
We can expect some exciting races this year. The Pitt's second season is both the most-recognized show of the year and the top nominee in the drama category, with 25 nominations overall. Other top drama nominees include Pluribus, with 18 nominations, followed by Fallout (9), A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (9), Slow Horses (9), and The Gilded Age (8).
Meanwhile, the comedy categories are expected to be a showdown between Hacks, which racked up 24 nominations for its final season, and Widow's Bay, the most successful debut series of the year with 19 noms. The rest of the notable comedy nominees include Spider-Noir (11), Shrinking (9), The Bear (8), Margo's Got Money Troubles (8), and Abbott Elementary (7).
In the limited or anthology series category, the second season of Beef leads the pack with 16 noms, followed closely by DTF St. Louis (13), with The Beast in Me (9). Other notable shows include All Her Fault (7), Black Rabbit (7) and Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette (6).
Finally, notable unscripted specials and reality shows include Saturday Night Live (11), The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (9), RuPaul’s Drag Race (9), Jimmy Kimmel Live! (6), The Muppet Show (6), and The Traitors (6).
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