Emmy Nominations 2026 Predicted: The Pitt vs Pluribus, Zendaya's Euphoria Return, and Beef Season 2

2026 Emmy Race Is Heating Up — Here's Who Critics Are Betting On

The 2026 Emmy nominations are just around the corner, and the prediction race already feels like a blockbuster showdown. Between returning juggernauts and ambitious newcomers, this year's TV landscape is deeper than ever. Let's break down the major categories and who's leading the pack.

Drama: The Pitt Defends Its Throne

The Pitt enters as the reigning Best Drama Series winner, and most Emmy pundits expect it to hold that crown. Noah Wyle is projected as the Drama Actor frontrunner for his portrayal of a Pittsburgh ER doctor navigating an impossible healthcare system. The show's blend of urgency, ensemble depth, and real-world stakes has kept it firmly ahead of the competition.

But it's not running unopposed. Pluribus, starring Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul's Kim Wexler), is forecast to make a major first-year splash — Seehorn is tipped as the Drama Actress frontrunner. Also in the mix: The Diplomat with Keri Russell, Slow Horses (Gary Oldman's spy thriller), Paradise, Task, and HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — a Game of Thrones spinoff. Zendaya is also expected to land a nomination for Euphoria's long-awaited return, and Kathy Bates continues to impress in Matlock.

Comedy, Limited Series, and the Wild Cards

In comedy, Hacks remains the safest bet, with Jean Smart once again expected to lead the actress field. The surrounding category is packed: Abbott Elementary, Shrinking (Jason Segel), Only Murders in the Building (Martin Short), The Bear (Jeremy Allen White), and newcomers Margo's Got Money Troubles and Widow's Bay. Comedy Actor looks like a showdown between Jason Segel, Martin Short, Matthew Rhys, Jeremy Allen White, and Steve Carell.

The limited-series race could belong to Beef again. Its second installment is predicted to lead Best Limited Series, with Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Cailee Spaeny, Youn Yuh-jung, and Charles Melton all tipped for acting nods. Competition includes The Beast in Me, Love Story, Half Man, and DTF St. Louis.

In reality/competition, expect RuPaul's Drag Race, The Traitors, Top Chef, Survivor, and The Amazing Race. For Variety Series: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Daily Show, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

If the predictions hold, The Pitt enters as drama powerhouse, Hacks remains the comedy target, and Beef could once again be the limited-series contender everyone else has to chase. But Emmy history loves a surprise — so grab your popcorn and enjoy the chaos.