The TV Performances I Can't Stop Thinking About
Award season is one of my favorite times of the year, and before the official Emmy nominations are announced, I thought it’d be fun to share my completely subjective, totally vibe-based dream ballot.
These aren’t predictions…at least not entirely. They’re simply the performances, series, and creative teams that have stuck with me throughout the past television season. Some are likely Emmy contenders, while others are the long shots I’m rooting for simply because they genuinely impressed me.
It's also impossible to ignore the buzz surrounding Pluribus, along with last year's big Emmy winner, The Pitt. While I don't think The Pitt Season 2 reached the same heights as its phenomenal first season, I'd still be surprised if it didn't take home multiple Emmys.
Meanwhile, I'll continue my annual campaign against The Bear competing as a comedy. Sorry, but I still consider it category fraud.
That's why you'll see plenty of love for Widow's Bay throughout my ballot. The horror-comedy genre bender genuinely made me laugh more than The Bear, and I wouldn't be shocked if it ends up being this year's spoiler—the show that crashes the party and upends everyone's predictions.
Before the nominations drop on July 8, here's my dream Emmy ballot featuring the shows, performances, and creative teams I'd love to see take home the gold on September 14.
My Dream 2026 Emmy Winners
Best Drama Series
🏆 Drama Series: Paradise (Hulu)
Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Sterling K. Brown (Paradise)
Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Keri Russell (The Diplomat)
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tom Pelphrey (Task)
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Clara Stack (IT: Welcome to Derry)
Guest Actor in a Drama Series: Eric Stonestreet (Dexter: Resurrection)
Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Shailene Woodley (Paradise)
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Salli Richardson-Whitfield (Task)
⸻
Best Comedy Series
🏆 Comedy Series: Shrinking (Apple TV+)
Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Matthew Rhys (Widow’s Bay)
Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Taylor Ortega (Big Mistakes)
Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Colman Domingo (The Four Seasons)
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Kate O’Flynn (Widow’s Bay) or Jessica Williams (Shrinking)
I genuinely can’t choose between these two. Both delivered standout performances, and I’d be thrilled to see either take home the Emmy.
Guest Actor in a Comedy Series: Michael J. Fox (Shrinking)
Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: Betty Gilpin (Widow’s Bay)
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series: Hiro Murai (Widow’s Bay)
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Best Limited or Anthology Series / TV Movie
🏆 Limited Series: DTF St. Louis
Lead Actor in a Limited Series: Charlie Hunnam (Monster: The Ed Gein Story)
Lead Actress in a Limited Series: Claire Danes (The Beast in Me)
Supporting Actor in a Limited Series: David Harbour (DTF St. Louis)
Supporting Actress in a Limited Series: Cailee Spaeny (Beef)
Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series: Alexandra Brodski (Half Man)
⸻
Bonus Emmy Predictions
Most Emmy Wins by a Streamer: HBO
Most Emmy Wins by a Series: Task
These are my dream winners before the nominations are even announced, so I’m sure this list will evolve once the official nominees are revealed. Still, these are the performances, creators, and series that left the biggest impression on me this television season.
When Are the 2026 Emmy Nominations?
Mark your calendars: The 2026 Emmy nominations will be announced on July 8, with final-round voting taking place August 17–26. The Creative Arts Emmy Awards and Governors Gala will follow on September 5–6, before the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards air live on NBC on September 14.