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With a record-setting freshman outing for Apple TV horror comedy “Widow’s Bay,” the 2026 Emmys offered little in the way of major upsets (congrats, Allison Janney!) but still had plenty of other material for viewers to sink their teeth into. From host Mariska Hargitay, who charmed with try-hard enthusiasm, to Michael J. Fox, who inspired in his speech accepting the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, Times columnists Mary McNamara and Glenn Whipp broke it all down as it happened. Read on for their recap of television’s biggest night.
Here is a list of winners for the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards, which recognize achievement in the television industry.
7:59 p.m. So the show ran ... short? I wonder if Rhea Seehorn was watching that Woody/McConaughey ramble, thinking, “They played me off so they could do ... this?” — G.W.
And as l love “Widow’s Bay” more than I like “The Studio” (we can argue about that if/when the two are Emmy competitors), I leave satisfied. Hargitay was a fine host and brought a very different, if occasionally “what the heck” energy to the show. And if none of the wins were surprising, well, how could they be with such crack prognosticators like yourself, Glenn! — M.M.
“What the heck energy.” That’s such a perfect way of describing Hargitay’s efforts to make the show fun. A pleasure as always, Mary! — G.W.
7:55 p.m. The final award of the night, for comedy series, goes to “Widow’s Bay.” Did they win every award they were nominated for, Glenn? Is that a record? — M.M.
I’m sorry, what? I was pondering vape flavors. Uuuummm ... “Widow’s Bay” just took its 14th Emmy, which breaks the record set by “The Studio” last year. — G.W.
7:48 p.m. One more Emmy: comedy series. A category that, a couple of weeks ago, some thought might offer some suspense. I think we’re well past that point. The night belongs to “Widow’s Bay.” — G.W.
I feel like you just jinxed it. As you said, “Hacks” had a perfect final season, which is fairly miraculous. — M.M.
I was wondering that exact thing as I wrote it. — G.W.
“My two favorite flavors of vape”: Hargitay just keeps delivering the madness. — M.M.
What’s your favorite vape flavor, Mary? — G.W.
McConaughey and Harrelson doing some extended PR for their upcoming series “Brothers.” Wrap it up, guys. — M.M.
7:40 p.m. And now I’m sniffling at the clip from “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” What is happening? — M.M.
“The Pitt” takes the drama series Emmy. Inevitable, also earned. — G.W.
You know I am still team “Slow Horses” but I bow to that inevitability. It’s impossible not to admire the wildly talented cast and street-level social consciousness and humanity of the writing. — M.M.
7:31 p.m. A month after he played the Rose Bowl, Noah Kahan leads the in memoriam with “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” People were going to cry anyway, but this ... And Emmy stats don’t usually pierce your heart, but Jamie Lee Curtis letting us know that Rob Reiner broke a record held by his dad, Carl Reiner, is the exception. — G.W.
I am actually sobbing. — M.M.
Really sensitive, well-produced in memoriam. They’re hard to do. (Ask the Oscars.) This show got it right, even managing to include Bob Mackie, who just died today. — G.W.
I have cried three times during this show, which is a record. Usually I am just swearing by this point. — M.M.
7:27 p.m. I feel like you’d be so privileged to get an email from Catherine O’Hara in the middle of the night with the subject line “some thoughts.” — G.W.
7:18 p.m. They moved four of the limited series Emmys off the show, presenting them last weekend at the Creative Arts Emmys where “DTF St. Louis” won for writing and directing. And Linda Cardellini and David Harbour took supporting honors. So, not a surprise it takes series. Another inevitable and well-deserved win, one of many this evening. And in case anyone is wondering, all of the “DTF” cast submitted themselves in supporting. If the Television Academy keeps those categories off the show, we won’t see too many actors going that route next year. Five minutes of screen time? That’s a lead turn! — G.W.
For those who watched the show but did not keep up with awards season, it feels very weird. — M.M.
It is weird! Blame Jason Bateman, who didn’t want to compete against himself in lead for “Black Rabbit.” — G.W.
7:03 p.m. Vince Gilligan winning for “Pluribus” is such an excellent choice. The strange, unsettling series premiere was the best hour of television this year. — G.W.
First political speech of the night, if calling for kindness and unity and a dismissal of those who deride them as being for “suckers” can be seen as political. Which, alas, it now can. — M.M.
It was a beautiful speech, leading seamlessly into a moving tribute to Dolly Parton, who, for those who might be wondering, did a fair amount of television over the years, from variety series to TV movies. Like we need an excuse to love on Dolly Parton. — G.W.
So generous that she even gave us her own musical memorial: “I Will Always Love You.” Because we will. — M.M.
6:56 p.m. This Michael J. Fox speech is remarkable on so many levels. My brother died from Parkinson’s and I just marvel at Fox’s strength and agile mind. I saw him win an honorary Oscar a few years ago, and he’s still so powerful. Truly inspiring. Also, shout-out to Ron Whipp. I miss you, brother. — G.W.
Two decades of covering awards shows and that is the first time I have intentionally stood for any speech. Michael J. Fox remains an amazing performer and an inspirational human being — I had the honor of interviewing Fox at the L.A. Times Festival of Books and the love so many feel for him was a force. Also, I am crying. I am so sorry about your loss, Glenn. — M.M.
6:48 p.m. Hiro Murai, one of the great comedy series directors of the 21st century. “Atlanta,” “Barry,” “The Bear,” “Widow’s Bay.” When you see his name, you know it’s going to be great. — G.W.
Seriously. And he is super nice! Also, is “Widow’s Bay” going to win all the Emmys? — M.M.
6:41 p.m. Colbert! Love the facial hair. Perhaps in time he’ll grow a Letterman beard. — G.W.
Continuing his bittersweet victory lap, Colbert makes the case for late shows being a talent incubator and tells his wife, “You’re the laugh that I want for the rest of my life.” I know he’s got other gigs in the works, but, as a host, we will not see his like again. — M.M.
We’re losing that incubator element in so many ways. Shorter seasons. Smaller staffs. Fewer shows. I worry about the ripple effect. I think we’re already seeing it. — G.W.
6:37 p.m. Happy that “Slow Horses” got a win with director Saul Metzstein, but torn that he won over two women. Female directors need all the wins they can get. — M.M.
Interesting that “Slow Horses” has now taken this drama directing category two years running. Maybe Oldman can really win next year? — G.W.
6:27 p.m. I did not have a Supertramp cover by Mariska Hargitay on my 2026 Emmys bingo card. — M.M.
A little premature showing “The Bear” the door, though. It’ll be eligible next year for its final season! Still, Hargitay is proving she’s game for anything. Try-hard? Sure. But her enthusiasm is kind of winning.— G.W.
6:24 p.m. “No one will step into my home without seeing this thing.” Katie Dippold winning for “Widow’s Bay” is the best Emmy this year. — M.M.
“Hacks” team being incredibly gracious as “Widow’s Bay” sweeps through the comedy categories. It has to be a little tough. “Hacks” delivered a strong sendoff and a near-perfect series finale. — G.W.
I am and will always be a “Hacks” superfan but I am deeply encouraged by so much Emmy love for a new show that took such a huge swing. I do fear the house of a thousand inferior horror-comedy knockoffs we may have to endure, but “Widow’s Bay” is rather miraculous in its execution. — M.M.
6:20 p.m. Matthew Rhys can do it all, and he’s just proved it, winning for “Widow’s Bay” after winning for “The Beast in Me.” And there’s the Welsh! — M.M.
Again, this is Rhys’ second win for “Widow’s Bay.” I have a hard time believing anyone liked “The Beast in Me.” But “Widow’s Bay”? Love, love, love. Enough love to make Emmy history. — G.W.
For a country of around 3 million, Wales produces a lot of really terrific actors. — M.M.
6:12 p.m. The Emmy for lead actress in a limited series or TV movie goes to Sally Field. From “The Flying Nun” to magical octopi in “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” with a few Oscar stops between. We do really, really like her. — M.M.
Sally Field! Bringing the hellfire! It was not a great year for limited series or TV movies, so why not Sally Field? You knew she’d give a great speech! — G.W.
“Blessed Canada, our neighbors, our friends.” I mean, we all want filming to remain in L.A., but she does have a point at the moment. — M.M.
6:07 p.m. All that “Law & Order” bit with Taylor Swift did is remind me that Travis Kelce is playing on “Monday Night Football” on another channel right now. — G.W.
Swift making the case for the glories of broadcast television! If only it were better represented in the nominees. How are you doing with predictions vs. reality, Glenn? — M.M.
Allison Janney is the only miss so far. Some folks at Netflix were trying to convince me that was going to happen and they were right! — G.W.
6:02 p.m. Great and deserved win for Tom Pelphrey. Again, a case of too many actors from “The Pitt” crowding the category. And unlike Katherine LaNasa in supporting actress, it was hard to pick a favorite. — G.W.
Pelphrey, winning for “Task,” has best speech so far, thanking God and his sobriety before praising fiancée Kaley Cuoco. — M.M.
5:51 p.m. “Some of the men in this category do Method acting and some do less annoying acting.” — M.M.
When will someone ask John Mulaney to host a ceremony? Always a highlight. — G.W.
I pity the drama actor winner who has to follow that. Who is, of course, Noah Wyle. — M.M.
And he saluted Gary Oldman! Happy now, Mary? — G.W.
“Prick Up Your Ears” and “Sid and Nancy” — was Wyle even old enough to see them when they came out? Someone please fact-check. — M.M.
I feel like next year could be Oldman’s year. “Slow Horses” consistently delivers. Feels like at some point, Emmy voters give it to him by acclaim. — G.W.
5:47 p.m. “Baywatch” is back, Mary. Did you hear? — G.W.
I am too busy admiring Alan Cumming’s wardrobe change between presenting and accepting award for “The Traitors.” Also, his voter registration shout-out. — M.M.
5:41 p.m. I am so happy that Stephen Root just won for “Widow’s Bay.” He is such a terrific actor. And he is amazing in that show. — M.M.
Root could well have won for “Barry,” and probably should have. And yes, he’s amazing in “Widow’s Bay.” I’d have liked to see Harrison Ford holding an Emmy, but I feel like he’s perfectly OK without one. He’s Harrison Ford! — G.W.
5:38 p.m. Book Soup callout — Mariska Hargitay’s first job! — M.M.
A clean-shaven Nick Offerman is even stranger than the erotic house painter thing he’s describing. — G.W.
Not the best use of Offerman. — M.M.
5:29 p.m. And I was right! Rhea Seehorn wins lead actress in a drama for “Pluribus” and cheers ring out across the land. Even you must be smiling, Glenn! — M.M.
I’m thrilled for her. The lead performance of the TV year. — G.W.
In her speech, Seehorn mentioned Gloria Steinem — Keri Russell sent her a card quoting the late feminist leader saying “we are linked, not ranked.” Which is honestly just so lovely. Lest we forget, Steinem is one of the reasons we have so many strong female characters/stories/performances on TV. — M.M.
But ... Hargitay is the first woman to host the Emmys in 15 years. So, work to be done. (Just calling back your comment “even you must be smiling.” Gotta throw a little Eeyore into the chat.) — G.W.
5:24 p.m. Allison Janney stares deep into “The Pitt” and triumphs for “The Diplomat”! — M.M.
I guess too many women from “The Pitt” and voters couldn’t decide. But Katherine LaNasa was brilliant in the second season. Really a co-lead with Noah Wyle. — G.W.
That’s what happens sometimes when you all but lock the category — split the vote. Also, Allison Janney is an icon. — M.M.
She’s an icon, but that show. Meh. And her win doesn’t bode well for Rhea Seehorn. Another reason not to like it. — G.W.
Wait, why are you jumping to pessimistic conclusions? — M.M.
Well, if Janney wins supporting for “The Diplomat,” why not Keri Russell for lead? Certainly shows there’s some support for the show. I don’t know. If you admire Seehorn, you are used to Emmy disappointment. — G.W.
I still believe in Seehorn. — M.M.
5:20 p.m. Matthew Rhys wins actor in limited series for “The Beast in Me.” Will he achieve the trifecta tonight, Glenn? — M.M.
I like Matthew Rhys. But “The Beast in Me” was truly terrible. I’m just going to think this is the first of two Emmys he’s winning for “Widow’s Bay.” And, yeah, by the end of the night, he’ll have won for comedy, limited and drama ... the last going back to “The Americans.” I’d kinda hope Keri Russell would win now, so she’ll have something to put on the mantle too. But rooting for Rhea Seehorn in that category. — G.W.
5:17 p.m. Circling back to Kate O’Flynn, just a heads up that there’s a Mike Leigh movie coming out in December, “Tender Loving Care” and O’Flynn is so, so good in it. She stars with Alice Bailey Johnson and they are delightful together. It’s a Leigh movie, so it’s tough. But God are they wonderful as BFFs. — G.W.
I am still not over the whole “We love TV screens” madness. — M.M.
Maybe you’re not ready for the Mike Leigh movie about mortality then ... — G.W.
5:13 p.m. The producers knew what they were doing with the running order of this show. Kate O’Flynn and Jean Smart is a great way to kick things off! — G.W.
Jean Smart worried about time, as if anyone would dare play Jean Smart off. — M.M.
Proof that no matter how many times you win, it’s always overwhelming when you’re up there on stage. — G.W.
There had better be a “Hacks” movie or a “Mare of Easttown” sequel or a “Designing Women” remake because I am not ready to let her go. — M.M.
5:11 p.m. “Soon there will be so many losers that [the winners] will seem like the weird ones,” says the night’s first presenter, Amy Poehler. But not Kate O’Flynn of “Widow’s Bay,” who wins the first Emmy of the night for supporting actress in a comedy. Oh right, and she’s British. “A Lancashire lass,” no less. If you didn’t love her before... — M.M.
Just the best. That fourth episode of “Widow’s Bay” was such a showcase. Sunset cocktails for everyone! — G.W.
If Rhys wins, I hope he speaks Welsh. — M.M.
5:07 p.m. Love the running jokes about how long “SVU” has been on. The penis jokes, less so. And I wondered why Nicole Kidman was in the house. — G.W.
Seriously. I am loving this send-up of the Kidman AMC ad. “Zip it, Movie Lady, it’s TV’s turn tonight.” — M.M.
Good bit to end the monologue. It was a little rough. But again ... better than last year! — G.W.
5:03 p.m. “Next I’m eating beef and watching ‘Beef.’” What is happening? “I love TV screens” has to be the weirdest Emmys opening ever. Though I totally think Jennifer Coolidge should be on the next season of “Widow’s Bay,” as sea hag or otherwise. — M.M.
Is there really a Martin Short “SVU” episode? That I would watch. — G.W.
4:45 p.m. Hello, Mary! Here we are, back again for television’s biggest night. The first week of “Monday Night Football,” you say? No, it’s Monday Night Emmys, which is where we’ve landed this year because NBC has “Sunday Night Football” and, these days, television revolves around the one thing viewers still watch. Of course, there’s room for the Emmys too. And it will indeed be a big night, particularly if you are Jean Smart or a cast member of “The Pitt” and “Widow’s Bay.” What are you most excited for, Mary, besides watching your favorite actor, Noah Wyle, get all the love he deserves? — G.W.
Oh, Glenn. A year later and you’re still trying to cast me as anti-Noah when all I want is for Gary Oldman to get a bit of statuary for his phenomenal performance in “Slow Horses.” (Though Oldman’s clearly having too good a time playing Jackson Lamb to care as much as I do.) You have convinced me that there is little to no suspense regarding the big winners, but there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamed of in your Emmy predictions, so I am taking this time to mutter a few prayers for first-time host Mariska Hargitay. Her beloved (and Emmy-winning) Olivia Benson on “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” is the longest-running character in American prime-time drama, which certainly entitles her to step in as the Face of NBC. But the Emmys have not been hosted by a non-comedian since 2008, when five reality hosts landed the gig with disastrous results. Still, Hargitay just wrapped up a one-woman show on Broadway and recently bagged two Emmys for her documentary “My Mom Jayne” all while still working on “Law and Order.” So the Emmys will likely be a walk in the park for her. And I’m sure someone has told her not to resurrect Nate Bargatze’s bizarre charity scheme to keep acceptance speeches short. — M.M.
It’d be impossible to be a more awkward host than Bargatze, so there’s nowhere to go but up. I think we’re in for a good time, particularly if Megan Stalter comes on stage every time an Emmy is presented. I’d like to think her gold Emmy outfit is a tribute to the late, great costume designer and Awards Show Cher collaborator Bob Mackie, who passed today. — G.W.
