?The Pitt’ leads with 25 Emmy nominations and ‘Hacks’ breaks record for …

The landscape for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards took shape on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as the Television Academy announced a field of nominees led by HBO Max’s medical drama “The Pitt” and the comedy “Hacks.”

“The Pitt” secured the highest total of the day, earning 25 nominations during its sophomore run. The series, a day-in-the-life emergency room drama, continued its momentum following a successful debut year in which it won best drama series. Its dominance extended into the acting categories, where lead Noah Wyle earned a nomination for best actor, alongside nominations for his directing and producing work. Cast members Katherine LaNasa, Taylor Dearden, Fiona Dourif, and Sepideh Moafi also earned acting nods. The show also saw three of its actors—Patrick Ball, Shawn Hatosy, and Gerran Howell—nominated for best supporting actor in a drama.

In the comedy field, “Hacks” concluded its five-season run by setting a new record for the most nominations ever received by a comedy series, with 24 nods. According to reports, the previous record of 23 bids was set by FX's “The Bear” in 2024 and matched in 2025 by Apple TV's “The Studio.” The total haul for “Hacks” included a fifth consecutive best actress nomination for Jean Smart, along with recognition for co-creator and actor Paul W. Downs, and supporting actress bids for Hannah Einbinder and Megan Stalter.

HBO Max secured the highest overall nomination count among outlets, totaling 122. Beyond its two frontrunners, the network saw representation in the drama category for “The Gilded Age,” “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” and “The Pitt.”

Apple TV+ also experienced a significant showing, particularly with its new series. The drama “Pluribus,” created by Vince Gilligan, earned 18 nominations, including a lead actress nod for Rhea Seehorn. The horror-comedy “Widow’s Bay” debuted with 19 nominations, including a best actor nod for star Matthew Rhys, who was also nominated for his work in the limited series “The Beast in Me.” Other Apple TV+ comedies, including “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” and “Shrinking,” also received recognition. The “Shrinking” nominations notably included Harrison Ford, who is vying for a supporting actor award, and Jason Segel for lead actor. Additionally, Michael J. Fox received a guest actor nomination for his role in “Shrinking.”

In the limited or anthology series categories, Netflix’s “Beef” led the group with 16 nominations. The anthology series saw nominations for cast members Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, and Charles Melton.

Broadcast networks maintained a presence in the major categories, most notably with ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” which earned seven nominations, including best comedy series and acting nods for creator and star Quinta Brunson.

The nominations also highlighted a range of industry figures. Rob Reiner, who passed away in December, received a guest acting nomination for his role in “The Bear.” The Super Bowl LX halftime show, featuring Bad Bunny, earned nine nominations. Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour – The Final Show” concert special entered the mix with five nominations, including a producing nod for Swift.

Liza Colón-Zayas and Jeff Hiller officially announced the list at the Television Academy in Los Angeles. The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards are scheduled to take place on September 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theater. Mariska Hargitay, the longtime star of NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” will host the event, which is set to be broadcast on NBC.