Television's biggest night could deliver some historic victories-and several major upsets-as established Emmy favorites face a formidable group of breakout hits.
HBO Max medical drama The Pitt enters the ceremony as the program to beat. After collecting a leading 25 nominations, the Noah Wyle-led series is widely predicted to retain Outstanding Drama Series and carry home an impressive collection of additional trophies. Wyle is also considered a strong contender to repeat his victory for lead actor.
However, the evening's real wrecking ball could be Apple TV's Widow's Bay. The horror-comedy arrived with 19 nominations and had already claimed eight Creative Arts Emmys before the main ceremony began. Its early momentum has placed it within striking distance of Hacks in the comedy race-and given it a chance to set a new record for the most Emmy wins by a comedy in a single year.
Matthew Rhys could become one of the night's biggest stars. He is favored by some prognosticators to win lead comedy actor for Widow's Bay and is also nominated in the limited-series category for The Beast in Me. A double victory would give Emmy viewers one of the ceremony's most memorable storylines.
Jean Smart, meanwhile, is chasing television history. The Hacks star is expected to secure another victory for her portrayal of comedian Deborah Vance. It would give Smart an Emmy for every season of the celebrated comedy and bring her career acting total to eight, placing her alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman among television's most decorated performers.
Yet one of the most anticipated victories could belong to Rhea Seehorn. After earning acclaim but never winning for Better Call Saul, Seehorn is predicted to receive her first Emmy for her leading performance in Vince Gilligan's Pluribus. Although the unconventional science-fiction drama may struggle to defeat The Pitt for the top series award, Seehorn appears positioned to receive the individual recognition that eluded her for years.
Another sentimental favorite is The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The program is expected to win the late-night category following an emotional period surrounding its announced ending. A victory would continue the remarkable farewell celebration for Colbert and his team after the show received a thunderous reception for its win last year.
The ceremony has already produced a poignant moment for The Bear. Filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner received a posthumous Creative Arts Emmy for guest actor in a comedy, giving the longtime Emmy favorite its first victory of the year.
With The Pitt seeking another dramatic sweep, Hacks attempting a record-breaking farewell and Widow's Bay threatening to overthrow the comedy establishment, the 2026 Emmys may belong equally to television's reigning champions and its newest sensations.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards air live from Los Angeles on NBC and Peacock.
