After this year’s nominations, many industry professionals are speculating about the 2026 Emmy Awards. A roundtable discussion featuring critics and analysts dissects the winners, surprising snubs and unexpected standouts from the year’s biggest television contenders.According to a roundtable discussion shown on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, the medical series ‘The Pitt’ leads all programs with an unprecedented 25 nominations, including Outstanding Drama and 13 acting nominations. Its star, Noah Wyle, is positioned as a leading actor contender. Comedy series ‘Hacks’ received 24 nominations for its fifth season, setting a new record for the most nominations received by a comedy program. Star Jean Smart is now positioned to potentially win her fifth Emmy for the show, tying her for the actress with the most Emmy acting wins in history.
Pitt leads the 2026 Emmy nominations with 25 nods, emerging as the most nominated series of the year. Image credit (Instagram).
Surprising contenders and newcomers
Two first-year programs emerged as significant contenders this year. The horror comedy ‘Widow’s Bay’ earned 19 nominations after generating considerable attention during the Emmy consideration season. Drama series ‘Pluribus’ also made a strong showing with 18 nominations in its debut year. A limited series from a rival streaming platform led the category with 16 nominations.Michael Schneider, Emily Longeretta and Jazz Tangcay, who participated in the roundtable discussion, highlighted some notable moments from the nominations. Longeretta expressed disappointment about a notable loss. “I’m so sad that ‘Half Man’ didn’t get more love. I’d say that one for me is the big one. Which while an actor is amazing at this, not recognizing Jamie Bell surprised me. And not recognizing the show as a whole because the writing is crazy,” he said.The surprising success of ‘Widow’s Bay’ has drawn particular praise, as shows that top out late in the Emmy consideration cycle often struggle to gain attention. “I know for the longest time, talking to a lot of people, they feel like they don’t have time for another show. But the buzz on ‘Widow’s Bay’ was so relentless that I think a lot of people checked it out and said, ‘Oh, it’s good,'” Schneider explained.
Mariska Hargitay’s incredible year and hosting duties
The group also discussed the amazing year experienced by actress Mariska Hargitay, who will host this year’s Emmy Awards ceremony. She represents the first woman to host the ceremony in 15 years. Beyond his hosting role, Hargitay has experienced an incredibly busy season, which includes a professional sports team victory, a Broadway theater performance, his documentary receiving two Emmy nominations, his long-running drama series reaching a milestone episode count, and his hosting duties for the awards program.
Strange losses and pleasant surprises
Programs and talent from a particular creative producer’s universe failed to get nominations despite significant star power, with some high-profile series missing from consideration entirely. However, the show starring a veteran actress in a supporting role generated enthusiasm among the panellists. “I would love to have Sally Field come in for ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures.’ I mean, Sally is just a legend. It’s great to see him doing that,” Tangcay said.The roundtable discussion hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta and Michael Schneider, examines the year’s major Emmy contenders and provides analysis of the upcoming awards ceremony.