The 2026 awards nominations revealed a significant number of surprising absences from the prestigious competition. While predicted favourites secured their expected recognition with shows like “The Pitt” earning 25 nominations and “Hacks” receiving 24 several fan-favourite series and acclaimed actors were conspicuously left out of the nominations particularly in top-tier categories.The eligibility window for this year’s awards encompasses shows that aired between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025. This timing means that recent major releases including “House of the Dragon” Season 3, “Every Year After,” and “Dutton Ranch” either aired no episodes before the deadline or insufficient episodes to qualify, making them eligible for consideration in the 2027 ceremony instead.According to USA Today, production rules also require that shows be produced at least in part by a U.S. partner. This requirement rendered the cultural phenomenon “Heated Rivalry” ineligible for consideration entirely, as the show was produced and distributed by a Canadian service and only licensed by an American platform.
Jeremy Allen White’s shocking omission
Jeremy Allen White the star of the acclaimed drama series ‘The Bear’ experienced one of the most notable snubs of the nomination cycle. White has received three previous nominations for playing the anxiety-riddled head chef and won the award for lead actor in a comedy series in both 2023 and 2024. His complete absence from the 2026 nominations represents a dramatic reversal of fortune for the actor. However his costar Ayo Edebiri secured a nomination in the same ceremony highlighting the selective nature of the voting body’s choices.
The two-time Emmy winner was left out of the 2026 nominations in one of the ceremony’s biggest surprises.Image credit (X)
Steve Martin and Selena Gomez overlooked for ‘Only Murders in the Building’
The long-running cosy mystery comedy ‘Only Murders in the Building’ saw an unusual voting pattern with costar Martin Short consistently receiving nominations for lead actor in a comedy series every year since the show’s debut in 2021. However, Steve Martin and Selena Gomez have netted only one nomination each over the show’s extended run. In the 2026 nominations, both were left entirely out of the lead actor and lead actress in a comedy categories, respectively, despite the show’s continued popularity and critical acclaim.
The actress was overlooked in the Lead Actress in a Comedy category despite Only Murders in the Building’s continued success.Image credit (X)
Paul Anthony Kelly misses recognition for JFK Jr. portrayal
Sarah Pidgeon who portrayed Carolyn Bessette in the drama about the romance between an American icon and a fashion publicist earned a nomination for her role in the anthology series. However, Paul Anthony Kelly, who received positive reviews from critics for his portrayal of JFK Jr. , failed to secure a nomination in the lead actor category despite the acclaim surrounding his performance.
‘The Comeback’ excluded from comedy series competition
Lisa Kudrow achieved a successful comeback into the lead actress in a comedy series category for her series about a fading actress attempting to regain fame and industry acclaim. However, the show itself could not secure a nomination in the competitive best comedy series category. The nominations in that category went instead to “Abbott Elementary,” “Hacks,” “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” “Nobody Wants This,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “Shrinking,” and “Widow’s Bay,” leaving the show without representation in the top category despite Kudrow’s personal recognition.
‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Euphoria’ fail to crack drama series category
“Stranger Things” and “Euphoria” both returned during the eligibility period for highly anticipated final seasons but failed to secure nominations in the outstanding drama series category, which represents the competition’s most prestigious television award. Both shows received seven nominations overall, with “Euphoria” securing a lead actress in a drama nomination for its star. Despite their cultural significance and dedicated fan bases, neither made the cut for the top category.
Despite returning with its highly anticipated final season, the hit Netflix series failed to crack the Outstanding Drama Series category.Image credit (X)
Kathy Bates left out entirely from drama categories
Legendary actress Kathy Bates, who received a nomination in 2025 for her acclaimed performance in a network drama reboot, was entirely left out of the 2026 nominations despite her role in the show’s second season. The omission represents a stark reversal from her previous year’s recognition in the same series.
‘Death by Lightning’ misses major recognition
The acerbic historical dramedy about President James Garfield and his assassin garnered four nominations overall, including a best supporting actor nomination. However, the show failed to secure recognition in the best limited series category, and neither of its two leads received nominations despite critical acclaim and inclusion on year-end best-of lists from major publications.
Taylor Sheridan shows struggle with the Awards
Power producer Taylor Sheridan, known for creating “Yellowstone” and its various spinoffs as well as other series including “Tulsa King,” “Landman,” and others, has consistently seen his shows perform strongly with audiences but struggle with voters. Despite having multiple shows eligible for the 2026 awards, including several that rank among major networks’ highest-rated programs, only one of his productions secured a nomination, specifically for stunt coordination in comedy programming.
