Emmy Awards 2026: Key Shows and Stars to Watch as ‘The Pitt’ and ‘Widow’s Bay’ Lead the Pack

POLICY WIRE — Los Angeles, United States — The 78th Emmy Awards are set to take place, with ‘The Pitt’ aiming for a historic achievement and ‘Widow’s Bay’ generating significant anticipation ahead of Monday night’s event at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Mariska Hargitay, an accomplished three-time Emmy winner known for her role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, will host the ceremony for NBC. The network is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a special blue carpet event.

The broadcast will also recognize key television milestones, including the 30th anniversary of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the 50th anniversary of Charlie’s Angels, with original cast members participating as presenters. This year’s Emmys will be broadcast live on NBC and stream on Peacock starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

Live coverage from E! will begin at 5 p.m. Eastern time on YouTube and Peacock, showing celebrities arriving at the event. A delayed feed of celebrity arrivals will also be available on YouTube through the Associated Press.

Last year, HBO Max’s ‘The Pitt’ made a strong debut by winning best drama, best actor for Noah Wyle, and best supporting actress for Katherine LaNasa. Now, it is expected to repeat in those categories and could secure three additional awards, with Wyle potentially earning three trophies. The show’s ensemble received four supporting actress and three supporting actor nominations.

Hacks, which concluded its fifth and final season on HBO Max, received the most comedy nominations. Star Jean Smart is considered a near-certain winner for best actress in a comedy, aiming for a perfect five-for-five record.

However, Apple TV’s horror comedy ‘Widow’s Bay’ may challenge this outcome. It has already secured eight wins at earlier ceremonies, with the potential to add up to six more on Monday. If successful, it would surpass the previous comedy record of 13 Emmys set by ‘The Studio’ last year.

Matthew Rhys, star of ‘Widow’s Bay,’ is a top contender for best actor in a comedy, while Kate O’Flynn, the show’s breakout star, is a strong candidate for best supporting actress.

Rhea Seehorn is poised for her first Emmy win for best actress in a drama for her role in Apple TV’s ‘Pluribus.’ She faces competition from Zendaya, who won for the first two seasons of ‘Euphoria’ in 2020 and 2022 and is now nominated for the third and final season.

Monday night could also mark Harrison Ford’s first Emmy and his first major Hollywood award, as he is a favorite for best supporting actor in a comedy for his role as a therapist managing Parkinson’s disease on ‘Shrinking.’

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)