ET.
Who is likely to win Outstanding Drama Series?
The Outstanding Drama Series category is seeing a significant shift as several previous nominees have exited contention. While returning series like The Diplomat, Slow Horses, The Pitt, and Paradise remain in the mix, Apple TV’s Pluribus has emerged as a primary new contender meeting both critical and commercial benchmarks.
HBO is positioned to potentially break a record for the most programs nominated in a single category in one year, with projections suggesting the network could secure five nominations. This includes a choice between the commercial appeal of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and the prestige-driven Task. Additionally, Paramount+ may see its first nomination in this category through Taylor Sheridan’s Landman or The Madison.
Which actors are frontrunners for Supporting Actress in a Drama?
The race for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series is currently dominated by HBO Max’s The Pitt. Katherine LaNasa, a previous winner, is the favorite to secure another nomination and win. The series has enough viable candidates to potentially occupy all seven available nomination slots.
Outside of The Pitt, the most secure bets include Karolina Wydra from Pluribus and Julianne Nicholson from Paradise. Allison Janney remains a possibility for The Diplomat, though she was notably omitted from the nominations for the same role last year.
Who are the top contenders for Guest Actor in a Comedy?
The Guest Actor in a Comedy Series category is marked by several high-profile posthumous contenders. Rob Reiner is a favorite for his appearance in The Bear, while the late James Burrows is in contention for The Comeback.
Other expected nominees include Jeff Daniels and Michael J. Fox for their roles in Shrinking. Connor Storrie is also viewed as a strong candidate for his work on Saturday Night Live, following his rise in Heated Rivalry.
Can ‘Survivor’ win Outstanding Reality Competition Program?
The Outstanding Reality Competition Program category has historically been rigid, with only six different shows winning since its inception in 2003. While The Traitors has dominated the last two seasons, the landmark 50th season of Survivor is positioned as a strong candidate for its first win in this category.
The competition remains tight among food-based programs. Top Chef maintains an advantage over Padma Lakshmi’s new series, America’s Culinary Cup on CBS, due to its established track record. Meanwhile, Dancing With the Stars and Love Island USA are considered dark horses following record-breaking viewership numbers this season.
What to expect from the Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) category?
While often viewed as a venue for stand-up comedy, the Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) ballot is diverse. High-profile comedy specials from Dave Chappelle, Wanda Sykes, and Nikki Glaser compete against non-traditional specials including The Muppet Show, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show, Wicked: One Wonderful Night, and the Las Culturistas Culture Awards.
This category also provides a platform for Saturday Night Live performers who may not fit into the standard Comedy Series categories, specifically Sara Sherman and Marcello Hernández.
- Announcement Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
- Time: 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
- Key Network to Watch: HBO (Potential record for most nominations in one category)
- Major New Contender: Pluribus (Apple TV)
As the July 8 announcement approaches, the industry is watching to see if the Television Academy will break its pattern of nominating repeat winners in favor of the “reality renaissance” and new prestige dramas.