The 2026 Primetime Emmy Award nominations landed on Wednesday, and while one show emerged as the clear frontrunner, the morning also delivered a jolt in the form of a major acting snub. Here's a full breakdown of who's in, who's out, and the storylines shaping this year's race.
"The Pitt" Runs Away With the Most Nominations
Not-so-surprisingly, medical drama "The Pitt" emerged as the runaway leader of the morning, earning more nominations than any other show. The series continues to build on the momentum it established in its first season, and one of its standout moments came from actor Shawn Hatosy: after winning best guest actor in a drama for "The Pitt" last year, he's been bumped up to supporting actor status this year and landed a nomination to match.
"Widow's Bay" Makes a Blockbuster Freshman Debut
Apple TV+'s "Widow's Bay," starring Matthew Rhys, had one of the best mornings of any new series, entering the race with 19 nominations for its first season alone — an eye-popping haul for a freshman show and one of the biggest storylines to come out of nomination day.
The Big Snub: Jeremy Allen White Left Off the List
The most talked-about surprise of the morning centers on "The Bear." After winning two consecutive Emmy Awards for best actor in a comedy, star Jeremy Allen White was notably left out of the nominations for the show's final season. If he attends this year's ceremony, it won't be as a nominee. The snub wasn't a total shutout for the show, though — "The Bear" itself picked up a nomination, and co-star Ayo Edebiri was recognized for best comedy actress.
"Hacks" Cleans Up in Its Final Season
It was no surprise to see Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, and Paul W. Downs recognized for the final season of "Hacks," but the list also included a welcome addition: co-star Meg Stalter earned her first-ever Emmy nomination, for best supporting actress.
A Technicality Trips Up a Breakout Star
Connor Storrie landed his first Emmy nomination this year — just not for the show that actually made him a star. Because of a rule that makes shows financed outside the U.S. ineligible for Emmy consideration (along with their cast), Storrie's breakout series couldn't be recognized. Instead, his nomination comes for guest-hosting "Saturday Night Live."
Reality TV's Big Pop-Culture Moments Pay Off
Reality television also had a notable morning, fueled by real-life drama. Ariana Madix, whose 2023 breakup became the Bravo scandal known as "Scandoval," picked up a nomination for outstanding reality TV host for "Love Island USA" after a run that's included a Broadway stint and a turn on "Dancing with the Stars." Meanwhile, "Summer House" earned a surprise nomination for unstructured reality show, driven by its own tabloid-worthy season centered on a cast breakup and a subsequent new relationship among castmates that dominated headlines. "Dancing with the Stars" also picked up a nomination for best reality show following its 34th season.
Music's Crossover Moment
Taylor Swift also found her way onto the list this year: "The Eras Tour: The Final Show," the Disney+ concert film capturing the last date of her historic tour, earned five Emmy nominations.
Why It Matters
Between a dominant leader in "The Pitt," a stunning newcomer in "Widow's Bay," and a headline-grabbing snub for a two-time reigning winner in Jeremy Allen White, this year's nominations set up one of the more unpredictable Emmy races in recent memory. Voters clearly rewarded strong final seasons and breakout freshman shows alike, while reminding everyone that no streak — however dominant — is safe from an upset.