Widow's Bay, Jean Smart and Apple TV Shatter Emmy Records
The 2026 Emmys saw four major records broken, including Jean Smart's fifth consecutive win and Apple TV's historic 29-award sweep.
By Hannah Lindqvist · First published 14 Sept 2026
In brief
- The 2026 Emmy Awards were held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and broadcast live to a global audience.
- Widow's Bay won a record-breaking 14 Emmys, including Best Comedy Series and awards for acting, writing, and directing.
- The Pitt repeated as Best Drama Series and received several other top awards, while Rhea Seehorn won Best Actress in a Drama.
- Jean Smart set an Emmy record with her fifth consecutive Best Actress in a Comedy win, and Matthew Rhys won two lead acting Emmys in one night.
- Apple TV broke the all-time network record with 29 total Emmy wins, surpassing previous records held by HBO and Netflix.
Timeline · 10 moments
Preview of nominees and top contenders released
The New York Times ↗Coverage details for international viewers announced
The Hindu ↗Major nominees and favorites highlighted ahead of ceremony
Arab News ↗Red carpet streaming and viewing information provided
Forbes - Business Business & Economy ↗Mariska Hargitay named as host; NBC to broadcast live
The New York Times ↗Event schedule and start time confirmed
NBC News ↗'Widow's Bay' wins 14 Emmys and breaks record
The New York Times ↗'The Pitt' repeats as Best Drama Series winner
DER SPIEGEL - Schlagzeilen – Tops ↗Matthew Rhys and Jean Smart achieve historic acting wins
Latest news, sport and opinion from the Guardian ↗Rhea Seehorn upsets Zendaya in Best Drama Actress
in.gr ↗Update 15 Sept 2026, 10:17 am UTC
New coverage confirms Jean Smart's record is for her fifth consecutive Emmy for Best Actress in a Comedy, and that Rhea Seehorn won Best Actress in a Drama, upsetting Zendaya. Four major records were broken during the ceremony, and Apple TV achieved a new all-time network record with 29 total Emmy wins.
Update 15 Sept 2026, 5:37 am UTC
'Widow's Bay' set a new record by winning 14 Emmys, including Best Comedy Series, while 'The Pitt' repeated as Best Drama Series. Matthew Rhys and Jean Smart made history with their acting wins, and Apple TV dominated the awards with a large haul.
Update 15 Sept 2026, 2:27 am UTC
The 2026 Emmy Awards ceremony is underway in Los Angeles, with the red carpet arrivals drawing major attention and the first winners being announced live. Major nominees like 'The Pitt', 'Widow's Bay', and 'Hacks' remain in focus, and viewers are following updates as the awards are handed out.
How it started
Excitement for the 2026 Emmy Awards began building as speculation grew around the top contenders. Early coverage identified 'The Pitt', 'Widow's Bay', and 'Hacks' as the shows to watch, with each drawing critical attention for their performances and storytelling.
The ceremony, now in its 78th year, is considered one of the most prestigious nights in television. It brings together stars, creators, and fans to celebrate the best in the industry.
How it unfolded
On September 13, outlets began highlighting what to expect from the ceremony, with predictions that 'The Pitt' could make history and that the comedy race would be particularly competitive. Details about the event's schedule and broadcast were released soon after.
By September 14, more information emerged about how to watch the ceremony and red carpet arrivals, both in the US and internationally. Mariska Hargitay was announced as the host, and NBC was confirmed as the official broadcaster. Streaming options and start times were clarified for viewers around the world.
As anticipation built, coverage emphasized the large number of nominations for 'The Pitt' and the heated competition in the comedy categories. The red carpet event was set to begin ahead of the main ceremony, with fans and media eager to see which stars would attend.
By the afternoon of September 14, the Emmy Awards had become the focal point of the entertainment world, with live updates promised throughout the night.
Where it stands
The 2026 Emmy Awards ceremony is taking place tonight at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event is set to be broadcast live on NBC and available via various streaming platforms. Major nominees like 'The Pitt', 'Widow's Bay', and 'Hacks' are generating significant buzz, and the red carpet arrivals are already drawing attention.
Viewers can expect live announcements of winners, surprises, and memorable moments as television's biggest night unfolds.
What to watch
With several strong contenders and a high number of nominations, the outcome of tonight's Emmy Awards remains unpredictable. Audiences will be watching to see if 'The Pitt' can capitalize on its momentum or if another series will steal the spotlight. The ceremony's host, performances, and acceptance speeches are also expected to generate conversation in the hours ahead.
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