The 2026 Emmy Awards are set to take place on September 14, and this year the prestigious ceremony will be hosted by Mariska Hargitay, renowned for her role in *Law & Order: SVU*. This occasion marks a significant milestone, as Hargitay is the first woman to host the Emmy Awards in 15 years—since Jane Lynch held the position in 2011.
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Scheduled to air on NBC at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, the event will also be accessible for streaming on Peacock. As the anticipation builds for this annual celebration of outstanding television, Hargitay expressed her excitement in a recent statement, highlighting her deep appreciation for storytelling in her career. “Bringing important stories into the light has been the heartbeat of my career. It’s my great honour to host the 78th Emmy Awards — in the 100th birthday year of my beloved NBC — and celebrate this extraordinary community of storytellers,” she said.
Hargitay received her own Emmy Award in 2006 for her role as Olivia Benson in *Law & Order: SVU*, and has since garnered further accolades, including two Creative Arts Emmys for her documentary *My Mom Jayne*, which delves into the life of her mother, actress Jayne Mansfield.
The 2026 Emmy Awards not only celebrate extraordinary talent but also stand out due to the remarkable achievements recognised this year. HBO’s acclaimed comedy *Hacks* has set a new record with an astonishing 24 nominations for its fifth and final season. Additionally, drama series *The Pitt* leads this year’s nominations with 25, while other notable shows include *Widow’s Bay* with 19 nominations, *Pluribus* at 18, and *Beef* with 16 nods from the Television Academy.
In terms of logistics, the ceremony will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where a total of 19 awards will be presented during the telecast. This marks a reduction from last year’s ceremony, which featured 26 awards. The decision to abbreviate the awards presentation was made by the Television Academy, which has chosen to move five categories to the Creative Arts Emmys, held on September 5 and 6. Television Academy chair Cris Abrego noted the intent behind this change, stating, “We’re really excited to flex more creativity into the show.”
As we look forward to this prestigious event, it is clear that the Emmys continue to evolve, not only in their format but also in their ability to spotlight diverse voices and stories. Hargitay’s role as host is emblematic of this progress, representing a significant shift in the representation of women in prominent roles within the industry.
Viewers can tune in to the 2026 Emmy Awards live on NBC or stream the event on Peacock, promising an evening filled with celebration, recognition, and the celebration of excellence in television programming. With the star-studded line-up of nominees and the esteemed hosting by Hargitay, the awards night promises to be a memorable one for both creators and audiences alike.
In summary, the 2026 Emmys not only highlight the achievements of television’s finest but also carry a sense of historic significance, paving the way for future generations in the storytelling industry. As Hargitay prepares to take the stage, fans of television cannot help but look forward to an unforgettable night of entertainment.