Apple TV's Emmy Success
Apple TV's 'Widow's Bay' Dominates 2026 Emmy Nominations Among New Series
Key Points
Among streaming platforms, HBO Max led nominations with 122, Netflix had 111, and Apple was third with 87, illustrating broad competition across services beyond individual Apple titles.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II earned a surprise nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Wonder Man, demonstrating cross-genre recognition beyond Widow's Bay.
Hamish Linklater was also nominated for Comedy Guest Actor for Widow's Bay, expanding the show's Emmy footprint beyond the core lead and supporting categories highlighted in some coverage.
The Emmy ceremony is set for September 14, with live coverage on NBC and streaming on Peacock; the winners will be announced in a 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time slot on the day.
Apple TV+'s new comedy series Widow's Bay earned 19 Emmy nominations, the most of any new show at the 2026 Primetime Emmys, according to Hollywood Reporter. The show helped push Apple's total to 87 nominations — a new record for the streamer, up from 81 the year before.
Apple's haul puts it third among streaming platforms. HBO Max led all services with 122 nominations, followed by Netflix with 111, per Head Top Asia. Apple's Pluribus was right behind Widow's Bay with 18 nominations, making Apple the story of this year's nomination morning.
Widow's Bay Earns 19 Nominations Across Every Category
Widow's Bay picked up nods in acting, writing, and directing. Matthew Rhys earned a Lead Actor in Comedy nomination. Kate O'Flynn and Dale Dickey both got Supporting Actress nods. Stephen Root landed a Supporting Actor nomination. Betty Gilpin was recognized in the Guest Actress category, and Hamish Linklater earned a Guest Actor nod, according to Hollywood Reporter.
Behind the camera, writer Katie Dippold and director Hiro Murai were both cited in their respective categories. Head Top Asia noted the show has already been renewed for a second season. The nominations span craft categories too, including music, sound, and editing.
Apple TV+ Sets a New Emmy Record With 87 Nominations
Apple TV+ head of programming Matt Cherniss said the service has "broken its own record" for Emmy nominations, reaching 87 total this year. That beats the previous Apple high of 81. Beyond Widow's Bay and Pluribus, Apple titles Shrinking, Slow Horses, and Margo's Got Money Troubles also received nominations, per Hollywood Reporter.
The breadth shows Apple's push into genre programming. Series like For All Mankind and Silo have built the streamer's reputation for ambitious storytelling. Widow's Bay now adds comedy to that list.
The Pitt and Hacks Still Dominate the Overall Race
Apple's big morning does not change who leads overall. HBO Max's medical drama The Pitt scored 25 nominations, the most of any show, according to Yahoo News. Stars Noah Wyle, Katherine LaNasa, and Shawn Hatosy all earned acting nods. The Pitt more than doubled its 13 nominations from the previous year.
Hacks holds the record for most nominations in a comedy category. Elsewhere, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II earned a surprise Lead Actor in Comedy nomination for Wonder Man, showing the Emmy race extends well beyond Apple's new hits, per 107 The Bull.
Emmy Ceremony Set for September 14 on NBC and Peacock
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will air on September 14. NBC will carry the live broadcast. Peacock will stream it at the same time. Winners will be announced starting at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Mariska Hargitay is set to host the ceremony, according to 107 The Bull.
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