The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards spotlight television excellence. Taking place at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, Mariska Hargitay hosts for the first time. Broadcasting starts at 5 p.m. Pacific on NBC and streams on Peacock. Coverage on E! begins earlier at 2 p.m., showcasing a unique blue carpet, marking NBC’s 100th anniversary.
Among the top nominees is the comedy-horror show “Widow’s Bay,” alongside “The Pitt” and “Hacks.” Zendaya seeks her third win as lead actress for “Euphoria.” Reporters and photographers will capture key moments throughout the event, including after-parties.
How to Watch the 2026 Emmys
With the summer’s heat winding down, viewers settle in for new TV seasons. But first, the Emmy Awards celebrate last year’s standout shows, some returning this fall while others concluded.
Executive team members Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, Dionne Harmon, Jesse Collins, and host Mariska Hargitay, along with NBCUniversal’s Jen Neal and Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego, introduce the blue carpet for the awards.
Rob Reiner Wins Posthumous Emmy
Rob Reiner received a posthumous Emmy for his guest role in “The Bear,” following his December passing. At the second Emmy ceremony night, Reiner won for his portrayal of Albert Schnurr in Season 4, marking his third Emmy win.
2026 Emmy Predictions
Emmy winners often emerge from a few favorites. This year, contenders include “The Studio,” “The Pitt,” “Severance,” and “Adolescence.” In past years, shows like “Beef,” “Succession,” and “The Bear” dominated.
Commentary on “Widow’s Bay”
“Widow’s Bay” heads into Emmys with promising results. The Apple TV horror-comedy nabbed eight awards at the Creative Arts Emmys. It competes strongly alongside “The Pitt” and “Pluribus.”
Mariska Hargitay as Host
Mariska Hargitay, known for her role on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” hosts the Emmys, ensuring winners keep speeches concise. Her preparation and enthusiasm mark significant expectations for the event.
Emmy Nominees to Watch
Before the awards, it’s ideal to catch up on nominated shows like “The Pitt,” “Hacks,” and “Widow’s Bay.” Critics predict that “Widow’s Bay” could win in comedy categories, with “The Pitt” as the top drama contender.
Record-Breaking Nominations for “Hacks”
“Hacks,” with its fifth season, broke the record with 24 nominations, surpassing past high numbers by “The Bear” and “The Studio.” Stars Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart each received personal nominations.
2026 Emmy Nominations List
The nominations for the 78th Emmy Awards were announced, with “The Pitt” leading with 25 nominations. “Hacks” follows with 24, and new entrants “Widow’s Bay” and “Pluribus” also receive significant nods.