It’s been a long time since the broadcast networks ruled at the Emmys, but this year’s nominations are a reminder of how little they now factor into the race. Among the major drama, comedy and limited/anthology series categories, just one broadcast show earned a nod: ABC’s “Abbott Elementary.”
“Abbott” received noms for outstanding comedy series, lead actress (Quinta Brunson), supporting comedy actress (Janelle James) and supporting comedy actor (Tyler James Williams).
And if you look at the entire list of Emmy nominations, just seven live-action scripted broadcast primetime shows made the cut: “Abbott,” “FBI,” “The Neighborhood,” “The Rookie,” “Shifting Gears,” “Stumble” and “Will Trent.”
The lack of broadcast representation is part of the ongoing conversation the TV Academy is having with outlets as its current “wheel deal” with ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC ends and it looks to strike a new licensing agreement for the Emmy ceremony. (Still pushing for my “road block” simulcast idea, which seems to be gaining traction!) Meanwhile, here are a few more pieces of trivia, oddities and curiosities coming out of the 2026 Emmy nominations.
KEEP IT SHORT: There are several Emmy performance overachievers this year, including Jason Bateman (nominated for “Black Rabbit” and “DTF St. Louis”), Matthew Rhys (“Widow’s Bay” and “The Beast in Me”), Colman Domingo (“The Four Seasons” and “Euphoria”), Laurie Metcalf (“Monster: The Ed Gein Story” and “Hacks”) and Nick Offerman (“Margo’s Got Money Troubles” and “Death by Lightning”). But Martin Short has an even more unusual trifecta: He’s nominated for lead comedy actor (“Only Murders in the Building”) and game show host (“Match Game”), and he’s the subject of the doc “Marty, Life Is Short,” nommed for documentary or nonfiction special.
