Emmys 2026 Poll: What Should Win For Outstanding Comedy Series

In the comedy series Emmy race, two former winners are competing to reclaim their crown, while a pair of newcomers are hoping for a bit of beginner's luck. Eight shows are vying for the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series at this year's ceremony (airing Monday, September 14, at 8/7c on NBC), and two of them have made acceptance speeches before: HBO Max's showbiz comedy "Hacks," which won the Emmy in 2024 and is back in the running for its fifth and final season; and Hulu's kitchen dramedy "The Bear," which won in 2023 and is nominated again for Season 4.

(Last year's winner, Apple TV's "The Studio," hasn't returned yet for a second season, so it's ineligible.) The 2026 field also includes four more holdovers from last year's crop, led The three other veterans from last year's comedy series field to return this year are Hulu's perennial favorite "Only Murders in the Building" (also with five straight nominations and no wins), Apple TV's "Shrinking" (which scored its second nod in three seasons), and the Netflix rom-com "Nobody Wants This," back in the mix again for Season 2. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Key Analysis and Detailed Timeline

Emmy voters did find room for two freshmen shows, though, and they both hail from Apple TV: the breakout horror comedy "Widow's Bay," which earned a whopping 19 nominations for its first season ; and "Margo's Got Money Troubles," which also nabbed acting nods for stars Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nick Offerman. ( Check out our chat with Offerman about the series premiere .) So out of these eight comedies, which one would earn your vote as an Emmy voter?

It's time to make your voice heard: Vote for your favorite in the poll below, then hit the comments to defend your pick.

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In the comedy series Emmy race, two former winners are competing to reclaim their crown, while a pair of newcomers are hoping for a bit of beginner's luck.

Broader Impact and Sector Outlook

Eight shows are vying for the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series at this year's ceremony (airing Monday, September 14, at 8/7c on NBC), and two of them have made acceptance speeches before: HBO Max's showbiz comedy "Hacks," which won the Emmy in 2024 and is back in the running for its fifth and final season; and Hulu's kitchen dramedy "The Bear," which won in 2023 and is nominated again for Season 4. (Last year's winner, Apple TV's "The Studio," hasn't returned yet for a second season, so it's ineligible.) The 2026 field also includes four more holdovers from last year's crop, led The three other veterans from last year's comedy series field to return this year are Hulu's perennial favorite "Only Murders in the Building" (also with five straight nominations and no wins), Apple TV's "Shrinking" (which scored its second nod in three seasons), and the Netflix rom-com "Nobody Wants This," back in the mix again for Season 2.

Emmy voters did find room for two freshmen shows, though, and they both hail from Apple TV: the breakout horror comedy "Widow's Bay," which earned a whopping 19 nominations for its first season ; and "Margo's Got Money Troubles," which also nabbed acting nods for stars Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nick Offerman. ( Check out our chat with Offerman about the series premiere .) So out of these eight comedies, which one would earn your vote as an Emmy voter?

It's time to make your voice heard: Vote for your favorite in the poll below, then hit the comments to defend your pick.