As the Emmy Awards slowly creep closer and closer, I’ve been catching up on watching all the nominated TV series.
The 2026 nominations have some predictable patterns, like The Pitt scoring the most nominations across all categories.
But beyond the big shows, some newer series that have only recently started gaining traction are also getting some love.
It’s also great to see returning shows get some recognition, even if they’ve already won once or twice.
Ahead of the Emmys, here are some shows that I will be very happy to see walk away with an award in September!
1. Pluribus
I know Vince Gilligan is already considered an industry legend for creating series like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, but I still want to see Pluribus win in the drama category.
Pluribus has left a long-lasting impact on me in a way that very few drama series have.
Even though the first few episodes might be slow, I appreciate how the show takes time to build its world and develop its emotional themes.
In a world that feels increasingly disconnected despite technological innovation, Pluribus’ portrayal of loneliness and grief is more incredibly relevant than ever.
Also, in a world where series led by lesbian characters are few and far between, it’s exciting to see a show with a sapphic relationship be recognized by awards shows.
On top of all that, I also think that Rhea Seehorn is long overdue for her Emmy win.
If she doesn’t walk away with that Outstanding Lead Actress in Drama award in her hand, I’m going to cause some problems.
2. Abbott Elementary
Call me basic, but I will forever and always root for Abbott Elementary.
I may have had my qualms with some parts of the latest season, but at the end of the day, Abbott Elementary is still one of my favorite shows.
It won a few awards in its early years but hasn’t gotten as much recognition recently.
Still, I firmly believe Abbott Elementary is one of the best sitcoms on TV right now.
The nomination that has caught my eye is Janelle James, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy for her role as Ava Coleman.
Sheryl Lee Ralph has previously won in that category, but it’s time to give the beloved Principal Ava some love.
In Abbott Elementary Season 5, Ava has grown so much as a character.
She learns how to be more empathetic and caring as she navigates her new romantic relationship and the changing landscape of Abbott.
Janelle James’ comedic timing and acting in the role are iconic, even for those who haven’t tuned into the show, and it’s about time she gets awarded for it.
3. Beef
I had my doubts that Beef Season 2 could ever live up to the magic of Season 1, but I was very quickly proven wrong.
True to the spirit of an anthology series, Season 2’s storyline was completely different but still captured the raw antagonism that made the Netflix show so explosive in Season 1.
Compelling story aside, I was also blown away by the performances.
I’ve been an Oscar Isaac fan for seven years and counting, so of course, I’m crossing my fingers that he’ll win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series.
But I was also won over by Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny, as their performances made their characters feel so well-rounded and realistic.
I can only hope that the Emmy voters shared the same awe and disbelief I felt while watching Beef Season 2.
4. Wonder Man
Compared to the other shows on this list, Wonder Man doesn’t have many nominations. However, that doesn’t mean this Marvel show should be overlooked.
Wonder Man’s only nomination is for Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, and it’s more than deserved.
This was the first piece of work that I’ve seen Abdul-Mateen II in, but after seeing how much life he breathed into the character, I’m absolutely invested in watching him in future projects.
Part of why I’m also rooting for him to win is that Disney recently canceled the series despite renewing it for Season 2 earlier this year.
If we can’t get more Wonder Man, then the least we can get now is a rightfully deserved win for Abdul-Mateen II.
5. Shrinking
It has to be a crime that Shrinking has been running for three seasons and hasn’t won a single Emmy despite being nominated every single season.
I’ve previously written about how Shrinking Season 3 deserves an Emmy, but I’ll keep this blurb short.
Many sitcoms, especially those with linear storylines, struggle to maintain consistent quality. Shrinking, on the other hand, has figured out how to deliver consistently powerful storytelling while allowing space for the characters to grow.
I especially enjoyed how this season centered on change, particularly Paul leaving and Alice heading to college.
Shrinking truly feels like a series that will have a long-lasting influence on pop culture, and the way the latest season has continued to champion Parkinson’s disease advocacy and mental health awareness is admirable.
6. Widow’s Bay
In case you couldn’t tell at this point, as TV Fanatic’s comedy correspondent, most of the shows I’m rooting for are in the comedy category.
But Widow’s Bay is a series that, despite qualifying as a horror-comedy, has a dramatic twist in the season finale that had me frantically checking when Season 2 would come out.
Widow’s Bay also deserves recognition for its incredibly creative concept and seamless blend across several genres.
As much as I love TV, it’s a very formulaic medium, and this Apple TV show is one of the few series where it doesn’t feel obviously formulaic.
Matthew Rhys has previously won an Emmy for his role in The Americans, but his performance as Tom is simply too good to deny an award.
7. All Her Fault
I don’t usually like watching mystery limited series, but All Her Fault hooked me from the first episode.
Not only is the storytelling engaging, but the themes it explores, particularly about societal expectations for mothers, are fascinating.
All the actors in the series are incredible, but I’m rooting the most for Sarah Snook.
She previously won an Emmy for her role in Succession, but her acting blows me away, especially in this Peacock series.
In every scene, Marissa’s grief around losing Milo is so palpable.
Even though the show is structured like a traditional thriller, it never loses sight of the true emotional tragedy of a fractured family and a community’s broken trust.
That concludes my list of shows that I’m rooting for this year at the Emmy Awards!
What shows are you rooting for this year at the Emmys? Did we miss any of your favorites on this list?
Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
-
With only one month left before the 2026 Emmys, we need these seven shows to walk away with that golden statue!
-
Industry got completely shut out from the Emmys this year, but this actor deserved to get a shoutout for his role.
-
Who is showing up all the time on your television? Check out our list of the hardest-working actors pulling double duty on our screens.