Emmy Nominations Predictions 2026: Feinberg's Complete Forecast for 63 Categories
The Hollywood Reporter's awards editor breaks down his Emmy nomination predictions across 63 categories, including drama, comedy, and more.
Emmy Nominations 2026: The Feinberg Forecast Revealed
The Hollywood Reporter's executive editor of awards coverage has released his highly anticipated Emmy nomination predictions, covering 63 categories across the television landscape. With the TV Academy's voting window having officially closed on Monday, July 22, the industry now waits until Wednesday, July 8 to find out which shows and performers earned official nods from the organization's more than 27,000 members spanning 31 peer groups.
How the Predictions Were Assembled
This year's forecast wasn't assembled casually. The predictions are the result of a thorough review of official nomination ballots, candid conversations with voters and campaign strategists, and a deep dive into the Emmy Awards' historical patterns. The result is a comprehensive breakdown spanning narrative series, nonfiction programming, variety, reality, animation, game shows, and short-form content — along with categories covering performances, directing, writing, hosting, casting, music, narration, and beyond.
What to Expect in This Year's Forecast
The predictions go beyond a simple list of expected nominees. Each category includes several layers of analysis:
- Projected Nominees — The most likely contenders to secure official nominations
- Alternates — The shows or performers best positioned to step in if a projected pick misses out
- Potential Surprises — Long-shot contenders that shouldn't be counted out
- Shoulda Been a Contenda — Worthy titles that deserve recognition but may fall short of the cut
Drama Series: Projected Nominees
The Drama Series category shapes up to be one of the most competitive and compelling races of the cycle. Here are the eight projected nominees:
- The Pitt (HBO Max, Season 2, 15 episodes, January 8 – April 16, 2026)
- Pluribus (Apple TV+, Season 1, 9 episodes, November 7 – December 24, 2025)
- The Diplomat (Netflix, Season 3, 8 episodes, October 16, 2025)
- Paradise (Hulu, Season 2, 8 episodes, February 23 – March 30, 2026)
- Stranger Things (Netflix, Season 5, 8 episodes, November 26 – December 31, 2025)
- Slow Horses (Apple TV+, Season 5, 6 episodes, September 24 – October 29, 2025)
- Task (HBO, Season 1, 7 episodes, September 7 – October 19, 2025)
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO, Season 1, 6 episodes, January 18 – February 22, 2026)
Alternate
Industry (HBO, Season 4, 8 episodes, January 11 – March 1, 2026) is the top alternate pick, ready to step into contention should any of the projected eight fall out of favor with voters.
Potential Surprise
Landman (Paramount+, Season 2, 10 episodes, November 16, 2025 – January 18, 2026) is the dark horse entry that could turn heads and sneak into the field if momentum builds in the right direction.
Shoulda Been a Contenda
The Testaments (Hulu, Season 1, 10 episodes, April 8 – May 27, 2026) earns a special mention as a series viewed as deserving of a spot in the conversation, even if the odds aren't in its favor.
The Wait Continues
With the voting period now closed, the television industry holds its breath until the official Emmy nominations are announced on July 8. Until then, the Feinberg Forecast remains the most detailed and informed roadmap available for predicting who will be celebrating — and who will be left waiting — when the nominees are finally revealed.
