The Television Academy unveiled the 2026 Emmy nominations on Wednesday morning, with HBO Max dominating the field as "The Pitt" led all nominees with 25 nominations in its sophomore season and "Hacks" broke the all-time record for comedy series with 24 nominations in its fifth and final season.

The nominations, announced ahead of the September 14 awards ceremony in Los Angeles, showcased HBO Max's continued reign over prestige television, with the streamer earning 122 total nominations across all categories. Netflix followed with strong showings in the limited series category, led by "Beef."

The Pitt Returns to Dominate Drama

"The Pitt," which won big in its first season, returned to the Emmy conversation with 26 total nominations (some sources report 25, others 26), including the prestigious Outstanding Drama Series category. The medical drama faces competition from "The Diplomat," "Slow Horses," "The Gilded Age," "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," "Paradise," "Pluribus," and "Your Friends & Neighbors."

The show's talented cast picked up multiple acting nominations, cementing its status as one of television's most-watched and critically acclaimed dramas. The series' second-season performance suggests viewers have embraced the high-stakes hospital setting and complex character dynamics that define the show.

Hacks Makes History in Final Season

Perhaps the most remarkable story of the 2026 Emmy nominations is "Hacks," which earned 24 nominations for its fifth and final season—the most ever for a comedy series in a single year and in Emmy history for a final season. The HBO Max series, starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, surpassed "Schitt's Creek," which earned 15 nominations for its final season in 2020.

The record-breaking haul represents a graduation party of sorts for the critically acclaimed series, which has chronicled the unlikely mentorship between legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance (Smart) and struggling young comedy writer Ava Daniels (Einbinder). The 24 nominations (25 if counting a nod for short form nonfiction or reality series) span comedy categories and acting honors.

"Hacks" has become a cultural phenomenon since its premiere, earning praise for its sharp writing, nuanced performances, and examination of generational divides in the entertainment industry. The final season's Emmy sweep suggests the Television Academy is sending the series off with the recognition it deserves.

Rob Reiner's Posthumous Nomination

In a bittersweet moment, the late Rob Reiner received a posthumous Emmy nomination for Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his turn as Albert Schnur in season 4 of FX's "The Bear." Reiner, who passed away seven months ago, earned his eighth Emmy nomination spanning five decades of work in television.

Fans and industry colleagues took to social media to celebrate the nomination. On Reddit, one commenter wrote, "This is so worthwhile. I loved the completely side story of him and Ebra." The nomination marks one of Reiner's final acting roles, and the September 15 Emmy ceremony will serve as another opportunity to honor his legacy in television and film.

HBO Max's Continued Dominance

HBO Max's 122 total nominations underscore the streamer's position as the gold standard in prestige television. The platform has consistently produced Emmy contenders across drama, comedy, and limited series categories, attracting top-tier talent and backing ambitious storytelling.

The 2026 nominations also highlighted emerging shows like "Widow's Bay," which surprised observers by sneaking into several categories, and the continued strength of established series navigating competitive fields.

What's Next

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony will be held on September 14, 2026, in Los Angeles. With "The Pitt" and "Hacks" leading their respective categories, the ceremony promises to celebrate both continuing excellence and final farewells to beloved series.

As always, Emmy nomination morning proved to be a mix of celebration and controversy, with fans instantly convinced the Television Academy either has impeccable taste or has never watched television before—with absolutely no middle ground. The next two months will see campaigns intensify as nominees make their cases for television's highest honors.