Apple TV just had the best awards morning in its history. When the Television Academy announced this year’s Emmy nominations, Apple pulled in a record 89 across 15 shows. It was the service’s biggest Emmy haul ever. From breakout comedy Widow’s Bay to Vince Gilligan’s hit drama Pluribus, Apple led the field in both of the top series categories. Want to know which Apple Emmy nominations made the cut and when you can watch the ceremony? Here is the complete, easy breakdown.
| Key Takeaways Here is the news in a nutshell. Apple TV scored a record 89 Emmy nominations for 2026, spread across 15 shows, and led all networks in the top Drama Series and Comedy Series categories. Widow’s Bay is Apple’s most-nominated show with 19 nods, followed closely by Pluribus with 18. Other favorites like Shrinking, Slow Horses, and Margo’s Got Money Troubles also scored big. The winners will be revealed at the Emmy Awards ceremony on September 14, 2026. |
Apple’s Record-Breaking Emmy Morning
Apple has plenty to celebrate. The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations arrived on July 8, 2026. They handed Apple TV a historic 89 nominations across 15 programs. That is a new record for the streaming service. Apple also led every network in the marquee Drama Series and Comedy Series categories. “Great stories have the ability to entertain, surprise, and bring people together,” said Matt Cherniss, Apple TV’s head of programming.
It was a competitive year across the board, and HBO Max’s The Pitt led all individual shows, but Apple’s across-the-board strength stood out. You can read the full announcement on Apple Newsroom, and browse every category on the Television Academy site.
Apple Emmy Nominations 2026: By the Numbers
Here is how Apple’s 89 nominations break down across its biggest shows.
| Show | Type | Nominations |
| Widow’s Bay | Comedy | 19 |
| Pluribus | Drama | 18 |
| Shrinking | Comedy | 10 |
| Slow Horses | Drama | 9 |
| Margo’s Got Money Troubles | Comedy | 8 |
| Palm Royale | Comedy | 8 |
| Murderbot | Sci-fi | 3 |
| Mr. Scorsese | Documentary | 3 |
Single nominations went to Your Friends & Neighbors, The Morning Show, Foundation, Monarch, and Smoke. Two commercial nods bring the total to 89.
Widow’s Bay Leads Apple’s Charge
The night’s biggest Apple story is Widow’s Bay, a genre-blending comedy that mixes small-town horror with sharp humor. In just its first season, it earned 19 nominations, the most of any Apple show and one of the highest counts of the year. Star and executive producer Matthew Rhys earned a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. The show also scored nods for directing, writing, and a string of supporting and guest actors. Not bad for a brand-new series.
Pluribus: Vince Gilligan’s Breakout Drama
Close behind is Pluribus, the latest from Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan, which landed 18 nominations after a hugely popular first season. It landed a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series. Gilligan is nominated for both writing and directing, and star Rhea Seehorn for Outstanding Lead Actress. As CNN reported, Apple was one of the morning’s big winners, and Pluribus, now Apple’s most-viewed drama, was a huge part of that.
The Other Big Contenders
Apple’s success went well beyond its top two shows. The heartfelt comedy Shrinking earned 10 nominations, including a nod for star Jason Segel. The spy thriller Slow Horses scored nine, landing its third straight Outstanding Drama Series nomination for its acclaimed fifth season. Two more shows tied with eight nominations each. They are the family comedy Margo’s Got Money Troubles, a strong Emmy debut, and the glitzy 1960s comedy Palm Royale.
Star-Studded Acting Nominations
The acting categories read like a Hollywood who’s who. Gary Oldman earned a nod for Slow Horses, while Harrison Ford scored one for Shrinking. In a heartwarming moment, screen legend Michael J. Fox landed his first acting nomination in over a decade, also for Shrinking. Margo’s Got Money Troubles brought nominations for Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer. Billy Crudup picked up a nod for The Morning Show. It is a lineup packed with beloved and familiar faces.
Documentaries and Other Standouts
Apple’s strength was not limited to comedy and drama. On the nonfiction side, the documentary event Mr. Scorsese, a rich portrait of the legendary director, scored three nominations, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series. The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy picked up two more, and the natural-history series Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age earned two of its own. Science-fiction titles Foundation and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, plus the Emmy debut of Murderbot, rounded out an impressive haul.
Apple TV’s Growing Awards Legacy
This record builds on a remarkable run for Apple TV. Last year, the service dominated the Emmys. The Studio became the most awarded freshman comedy in Emmy history, and Severance ruled the drama categories. To date, Apple’s films and shows have collected more than 850 wins and over 3,700 nominations, including the Best Picture Oscar winner CODA. For a service that only launched in 2019, that is a stunning rise. It is all part of Apple’s bigger creative push, which you can read about in our look at Apple’s Creator Studio.
When and Where to Watch the 2026 Emmys
Mark your calendar. The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony takes place on Monday, September 14, 2026, live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. In the US, it airs on NBC and streams on Peacock, with Law and Order star Mariska Hargitay hosting. Want to catch the nominated shows first? All of Apple’s Emmy contenders are streaming now on Apple TV. If you are weighing your streaming options, our guide to the best Netflix alternatives can help you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Emmy nominations did Apple get in 2026?
Apple TV received a record 89 Emmy nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, spread across 15 shows. It was Apple’s biggest Emmy haul ever, and the service led all networks in the top Drama Series and Comedy Series categories.
Which Apple show got the most Emmy nominations?
Widow’s Bay led all Apple shows with 19 nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Pluribus followed closely with 18, then Shrinking with 10 and Slow Horses with nine.
When are the 2026 Emmy Awards?
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony is on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It airs live on NBC and streams on Peacock, hosted by Mariska Hargitay.
Where can I watch Apple’s Emmy-nominated shows?
All of Apple’s nominated titles, including Widow’s Bay, Pluribus, Shrinking, and Mr. Scorsese, are streaming now on Apple TV, which is available on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and the web.
What is Widow’s Bay about?
Widow’s Bay is a comedy set in a small island town off the New England coast, where a struggling mayor, played by Matthew Rhys, discovers that the local legends might be real. It blends genuine horror with character-driven comedy.
Did Apple win the most Emmy nominations overall?
Apple set its own record with 89 and led the top series categories, but it was not the single most-nominated show. That title went to HBO Max’s The Pitt with 25 nominations, while Hacks set a comedy record with 24.
