While The Pitt and Hacks led the 2026 Emmy nominations, breakout series Widow’s Bay and Pluribus emerged as the biggest surprise contenders.​Image credit (Instagram)
Following this year’s nominations, many industry professionals have been speculating about the 2026 Emmy Awards. A roundtable discussion featuring critics and analysts dissected the winners, surprising snubs and unexpected standouts from the year’s major television contenders.According to a roundtable discussion featured on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, the medical series ‘The Pitt’ led all programs with an unprecedented 25 nominations, including Outstanding Drama and 13 acting nominations. Its star, Noah Wyle, is positioned as a lead actor contender. The comedy series ‘Hacks’ earned 24 nominations for its fifth season, setting a new record for the most nominations ever received by a comedy programme. Star Jean Smart is now positioned to potentially win her fifth Emmy for the show, which would tie her for the actress with the most Emmy acting wins in history.
