The 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards began on Monday evening, presided over by host Mariska Hargitay of Law & Order: SVU. The ceremony, broadcast on NBC and Peacock, commenced at 5 p.m. ET to honor television programs that aired between June 2025 and May 2026.
The night’s most anticipated competition in the comedy series category features a clash between new entrants and established favorites. Apple TV+ newcomers Widow’s Bay and Margo’s Got Money Troubles are contending against returning hits, including Hacks for its fifth and final season and The Bear for its fourth installment.
Other nominees for Outstanding Comedy Series include Abbott Elementary, Nobody Wants This, Only Murders in the Building, and Shrinking.
In the acting categories, Quinta Brunson and Ayo Edebiri lead the race for Outstanding Lead Actress, joining nominees Elle Fanning, Lisa Kudrow for her return in The Comeback, and Jean Smart. The lead actor category sees nominations for Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in Wonder Man, Steve Carell in Rooster, Matthew Rhys, Jason Segel, and Martin Short.
Supporting acting honors feature a diverse group of nominees, including Colman Domingo, Paul W. Downs, Nick Offerman, Stephen Root, Michael Urie, Tyler James Williams, Dale Dickey, Hannah Einbinder, Janelle James, Kate O’Flynn, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Jessica Williams.
The broadcast is expected to include a performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Noah Kahan during the In Memoriam segment. Updates on the full list of winners will follow as they are announced throughout the evening.
Mariska Hargitay hosting seems like a solid choice. Hope the ceremony stays under three hours!
Is anyone else surprised by Martin Short’s nomination? He’s been killing it lately.
Can’t believe The Bear is up for comedy again! It feels so intense for the genre.