2026 Emmy Nominations: HBO Max Dominates with 122 Nods — Here Are the 5 Most-Nominated Shows

2026 Emmy Nominations: HBO Max Dominates with 122 Nods — Here Are the 5 Most-Nominated Shows

The 2026 Emmy nominations dropped on July 8, and honestly? HBO Max just showed everyone how it's done. With a staggering 122 nominations, the streaming giant crushed the competition, leaving Netflix (111 nods) and Apple TV (87 nods) playing catch-up. For traditional network TV, ABC led with 38 nominations, followed by CBS (32) and NBC (30) — but the gap between streaming and cable has never been wider.

Hosted by the legendary Mariska Hargitay (yes, the Olivia Benson herself), the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony is set for September 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. But before the trophies are handed out, let's break down the five shows that absolutely dominated this year's nominations list.

#1. The Pitt — 25 Nominations (HBO Max)

No surprises here. The Pitt, HBO Max's gritty medical drama, leads the pack with a whopping 25 nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series. After winning that same category in 2025, the show's second season (which premiered this January) has only cemented its legacy. Noah Wyle returns as Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch, earning another acting nod alongside co-stars Katherine LaNasa, Sepideh Moafi, Shawn Hatosy, Fiona Dourif, Gerran Howell, Taylor Dearden, and Patrick Ball. That's eight acting nominations from one show — absolutely wild.

#2. Hacks — 24 Nominations (HBO Max)

The fifth and final season of Hacks is going out with a bang. Premiering in April, the dark comedy scored 24 nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Jean Smart (Deborah Vance) and Hannah Einbinder (Ava Daniels) are both back in the acting categories, joined by Paul W. Downs and Megan Stalter. With 12 Emmy wins already under its belt, this final season could push Hacks into legendary status. If you haven't watched this show yet — what are you even doing?

#3. Widow's Bay — 19 Nominations (Apple TV+)

Now this is the one everyone's talking about. Widow's Bay, Apple TV's comedy-horror series that premiered in April, is a first-time Emmy contender and already racked up 19 nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Matthew Rhys (The Americans alum) leads the cast as Tom Loftis, with Kate O'Flynn, Dale Dickey, and Stephen Root all earning acting nods. A horror-comedy about a small island town with a dark secret? Yeah, this is definitely going on the watchlist.

#4. Pluribus — 18 Nominations (Apple TV+)

Apple TV is having a moment. Pluribus, the sci-fi series created by Vince Gilligan (the genius behind Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul), landed 18 nominations including Outstanding Drama Series. Premiering in November 2025, the show stars Rhea Seehorn — who already won a Golden Globe for her role as Carol Sturka — alongside Karolina Wydra and Carlos Manuel Vesga. If Gilligan's track record is anything to go by, Pluribus is going to be an Emmy heavyweight for years to come.

#5. Beef Season 2 — 16 Nominations (Netflix)

Netflix's Beef returned for its second season in April with a completely new cast and a fresh story — and it delivered. With 16 nominations including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, the anthology format is clearly working. Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Charles Melton, and Youn Yuh-jung all earned acting nods. Season 1 (starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong) won eight Emmys in 2023, so expectations are sky-high for this season.

What This Means for Streaming

The 2026 Emmy nominations tell a clear story: streaming is king, and HBO Max is sitting on the throne. But Apple TV's monster year — fueled by Widow's Bay and Pluribus — proves the competition is heating up fast. Netflix, with 111 nominations and strong showings from Beef and returning favorites, isn't going anywhere either.

The 78th Emmys air September 14. Will The Pitt repeat its dominance? Can Hacks end its run with a trophy sweep? And will Widow's Bay shock everyone as the dark horse winner? Grab your popcorn — awards season just got interesting.