The Pitt snatches 25 Emmy nods, Hacks nearly follows with 24

The Primetime Emmy nominations announced Wednesday saw *The Pitt* top the list with 25 nods, while the comedy‑series *Hacks* set a new record with 24 – one more than last year’s leaders *The Studio* and *The Bear*.

Both shows are widely praised; *The Pitt*, only in its second season, nearly doubled the total from its first‑season win, and *Hacks* landed its most nominations in a final season.

These tallies highlight a simple truth about the Academy: out of 24,000 voters, roughly ten programs capture the bulk of attention, especially through the actors branch. The heavy concentration on these shows drives impressive acting category totals and dominates the overall nomination landscape.

## Background & Context

The Emmy voting body consists of roughly 24,000 members spread across various branches, but data from this year’s announcements indicate that a handful of programs command most of the viewership. The actors branch, the largest voting group, appears to lean toward shows with sizable ensemble casts.

For *The Pitt*, thirteen actors account for more than half of its drama‑series nominations, while ten actors cover the lion’s share of *Hacks*’ record haul. These numbers illustrate why performers on such shows often see nominations accompany their residuals.

In addition to the drama and comedy streams, the nomination list shows a clear pattern in supporting categories. For example, *Hacks* secured five out of seven Guest Actress spots in Comedy Series, and *The Pitt* earned five Guest Actor/Actress nods along with seven Supporting Actor/Actress awards in Drama Series.

The same trend appears across first‑season series that connect well with voters: Apple’s *Widow’s Bay* captured six acting nominations, *Pluribus* earned five, and *Margo’s Got Money Troubles* added three, all contributing to their respective overall totals.

The platform competition also offers insight.

Apple, although trailing HBO and Netflix in total nominations, achieved its best year with a mix of shows and a strategic focus on campaign exposure. *Widow’s Bay* gathered 19 nominations, *Pluribus* earned 18, and *Margo’s* secured eight, while the newer series *Shrinking* was omnipresent on the campaign trail and ultimately received nine nominations—including a win for Casting.

By contrast, Paramount+’s expansive push for Taylor Sheridan’s universe—covering *Landman* and *The Madison*—resulted in only one stunt nomination, for *Tulsa King*, suggesting that popularity does not always translate into award recognition.

## What People Are Saying

While the data paint a clear picture of voting habits, industry reactions emphasize the role of individual visibility. Standout performers such as Jason Bateman now have four nominations spanning acting, directing, and producing, reinforcing his status as a “sure thing” in this year’s race.

Other consistent nominees—Colman Domingo, Steve Carell, Martin Short, Riz Ahmed, Jamie Lee Curtis, Billy Crudup, Zendaya—often appear on the ballot regardless of their shows’ overall tallies. Short’s dual nods, one from *Only Murders in the Building* and another for the game‑show host role on *Match Game*, underscore this trend.

The documentary field also shows a distinct divide between Oscars and Emmys: while industry‑connected documentaries rarely win Oscars, the Emmys have repeatedly honored them, as seen with recent nominations for works about John Candy, Martin Short, Jayne Mansfield, and Mel Brooks.

Directing voters’ choices reflect peer recognition. Mary Lou Belli, a Television Academy Directing Branch governor, has been nominated four times in five years for her work on *Ms. Pat Show*—a program that otherwise flies under the Emmy radar.

Her repeated nods suggest that directorial acclaim can thrive even when a series lacks broader visibility.

Mariska Hargitay’s appointment as the ceremony host marks a notable shift. She is the first non‑comedian to front the Primetime Emmys since Angela Lansbury in 1993, and she also received two nominations for directing and producing her documentary *My Mom Jayne*.

The decision surprised many observers, but it underscores the Academy’s willingness to experiment with hosts beyond traditional comedic figures.

## What Happens Next

The Emmy awards will unfold over two separate events. The Creative Arts Emmys – covering technical and supporting categories – are scheduled for September 5‑6 at the Peacock Theater, the venue slated to host the Oscars in the future.

The Primetime Emmys, featuring the high‑profile acting, directing, and writing categories, will air on NBC on September 14. As voting concludes and nominations are announced, stakeholders will monitor how these patterns of voter focus influence the final winners.

With *The Pitt*, *Hacks*, and Apple’s *Shrinking* leading nomination counts, industry insiders predict that these shows may dominate the major categories. Yet the presence of new programs, such as *Widow’s Bay* and *Pluribus*, and the continued strength of individual performers suggests that surprises may still emerge in the final tally.

In short, the 2026 Emmy nominees illustrate a predictable yet intriguing dynamic: a handful of high‑profile shows capture most voters’ attention, while strategic campaigning and star power can tip the scales. The upcoming ceremonies will reveal whether these trends hold or if new contenders rise to challenge the established leaders.