'The Pitt' Eyes History as 'Widow's Bay' and 'Hacks' Battle for Best Comedy

PUBLISHED Sep 14, 2026, 2:38 AM ET

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards are underway at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, featuring a historic bid by the HBO Max medical drama "The Pitt" and a high-stakes comedy race. Entering the ceremony as the defending champion for best drama series, "The Pitt" seeks to become the first series to capture television's top drama prize for its first two consecutive seasons since "Mad Men" accomplished the feat in 2009. Meanwhile, the best comedy category features a fierce contest between Apple TV's freshman horror-comedy breakout "Widow's Bay" and HBO Max's veteran favorite "Hacks," which enters its fifth and final season leading all comedy contenders with 24 nominations. "Hacks" star Jean Smart is positioned to tie the record for most acting Emmys won by a single performer if she secures another victory for lead actress in a comedy. Mariska Hargitay is hosting the main ceremony, which is broadcast live on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

By Neha R. | JQJO News

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