What should you watch before the 2026 Emmys? Here are 10 you shouldn't miss

The 2026 Emmy Awards nominations have given television fans plenty to add to their watchlists. From intense medical dramas and workplace comedies to post-apocalyptic adventures and Hollywood satire, this year's nominees reflect just how varied TV has become.

Here are 10 Emmy-nominated shows that are worth watching before the winners are announced.

The Pitt

Leading the nominations race with 25 nods, ‘The Pitt’ is set almost entirely inside a busy emergency department. The series follows doctors, nurses and staff through a single chaotic shift, capturing the pressure, exhaustion and unexpected humanity that come with working in a hospital.

Hacks

‘Hacks’ continues to be one of television's sharpest comedies. The show centres on a legendary stand-up comedian and the young writer hired to help refresh her career.

Their relationship swings between rivalry, mentorship and friendship, making the series both funny and surprisingly emotional.

The Bear

‘The Bear’ follows a talented chef who returns home to run his late brother's struggling sandwich shop. The kitchen is chaotic, the staff are unpredictable and emotions often boil over, but the show balances stress and humour with remarkable warmth.

Abbott Elementary

For viewers looking for something lighter, ‘Abbott Elementary’ is an easy recommendation. Shot in a mock-documentary style, it follows a group of teachers trying to make the best of limited resources at a public school in Philadelphia. The humour is gentle, relatable and consistently charming.

Only Murders in the Building

‘Only Murders in the Building’ combines murder mysteries with comedy. Three neighbours in a New York apartment building start a podcast to investigate suspicious deaths around them. The show mixes clever plotting with plenty of laughs and celebrity cameos.

Nobody Wants This

One of the year's biggest romantic comedies, ‘Nobody Wants This’ follows an outspoken podcast host and a newly single rabbi whose unexpected relationship forces them to navigate family expectations, faith and modern dating. Packed with witty dialogue and heartfelt moments, it has become one of the standout feel-good series of the year.

The Diplomat

Political drama meets relationship drama in ‘The Diplomat’. The series follows a seasoned American diplomat who is unexpectedly appointed ambassador to the UK while trying to prevent an international crisis.

Alongside the high-stakes diplomacy, the show explores the complexities of her marriage and life in public service.

Beef

What starts as a minor road rage incident quickly spirals into an all-consuming feud between two strangers. ‘Beef’ blends dark comedy with emotional drama, exploring anger, loneliness and the unexpected ways people's lives can collide. The sharp writing and unpredictable storytelling make it an easy binge.

Pluribus

One of the newest Emmy contenders, ‘Pluribus’ is a mystery drama set in a seemingly ordinary American town where strange events begin disrupting everyday life.

As residents search for answers, the series slowly uncovers a bigger story while keeping viewers guessing with every episode.

Widow's Bay

‘Widow's Bay’ blends mystery, supernatural elements and family drama in a haunting coastal setting. The story follows a family whose return to their hometown reveals long-buried secrets, strange local legends and unsettling events that blur the line between reality and folklore. Its atmospheric storytelling has made it one of this year's surprise Emmy performers.