Which Series Will Win and/or Should Win at the 2026 Primetime Emmys

Key Points:

• IndieWire’s Awards Editor Marcus Jones and TV Critic Ben Travers offer Emmy predictions and recommendations ahead of the 78th Emmy Awards airing September 14, 2026.
• For Outstanding Comedy Series, Jones predicts “Hacks” will win due to strong campaign momentum and star Jean Smart’s acclaim, while Travers favors “Widow’s Bay” for originality.
• In Outstanding Drama Series, “The Pitt” is the frontrunner and likely winner, though Travers supports “Pluribus” as a deserving but overlooked nominee.
• For Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, “DTF St. Louis” is praised for originality and emotional impact, but “Beef” Season 2 may win due to voter familiarity and Netflix’s recent success.
• In Outstanding Variety Series, “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” are highlighted as strong contenders, with a suggestion that multiple shows could win given the voting format.
• For Outstanding Reality Competition Program, “The Traitors” is favored to win due to its popular cast, though Travers prefers “Top Chef” to recognize a less-honored show over longtime winners like “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”