The television industry’s biggest stars are preparing for the 78th Emmy Awards. The event takes place Monday night with Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay serving as host.
The ceremony will recognize some of the year’s most acclaimed television programs, actors and creative talent. In addition, awards will span comedy, drama and other major categories.
The Television Academy has already begun this year’s celebrations with an expanded two-night event. The event recognizes casting directors, guest performers, game shows, documentaries and the many professionals who work behind the scenes.
When Are the 2026 Emmy Awards?
The main Emmy ceremony will air live Monday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.
Viewers can also watch E!’s red-carpet coverage and pre-show beginning at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.
The main ceremony will feature 19 awards. These include the night’s most anticipated honors for outstanding comedy and drama series, as well as lead acting categories.
Mariska Hargitay Takes the Stage
Hargitay will host the ceremony after an especially notable year of her own.
The longtime Law & Order: SVU star previously received two Emmy awards for her documentary My Mom Jayne. This adds another dimension to her connection with this year’s ceremony.
Her role as host comes as the Television Academy continues to broaden its celebration of television. This now extends beyond the most visible on-screen performances.
Which Shows Are Nominated?
Several familiar television favorites are competing for the top comedy prize.
Hacks, Abbott Elementary and The Bear are among the nominees. They are joined by newer contenders including Widow’s Bay and Margo’s Got Money Troubles.
The drama category features last year’s winner, The Pitt, competing against productions including Pluribus and Slow Horses, among other nominees.
This year’s acting categories also feature several first-time nominees, including multiple performers from The Pitt.
New Faces and Returning Favorites
The 2026 nominations combine established television stars with performers receiving their first Emmy recognition.
Several members of The Pitt ensemble earned their first nominations. Meanwhile, Dale Dickey and Kate O’Flynn were also recognized for their work on Widow’s Bay.
The mix reflects the changing television landscape. Moreover, established hits are competing alongside newer productions that have quickly attracted critical attention.
Noah Kahan to Perform During In Memoriam
Music will play an important role during one of the ceremony’s most emotional moments.
Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan is scheduled to perform “Bridge Over Troubled Water” during the In Memoriam segment. This segment honors members of the television community who died during the past year.
The ceremony will also feature a wide range of presenters. These include Alan Cumming, Sally Field, Jon Hamm, Keke Palmer, Amy Poehler, Florence Pugh, Rachel Sennott and Zendaya.
What to Expect From the 2026 Emmys
With major television productions competing across comedy and drama categories, the 78th Emmy Awards are expected to deliver a mix of familiar winners, new contenders and memorable moments.
From the red carpet to the final awards of the night, the ceremony will provide a snapshot of the programs and performers shaping television in 2026.
For viewers planning to watch, the schedule is straightforward: the pre-show begins on E! at 5 p.m. ET, followed by the main ceremony on NBC and Peacock at 8 p.m. ET.
