When you don’t see some of your favorite shows and stars among the 2026 Emmy nominees tomorrow (July 8), for a certain selection of shows that came out this year, it’s not a snub
The Emmys eligibility window is not the calendar year like the Golden Globes. Its unique eligibility dates mean that some shows aren’t eligible for nominations until next year’s ceremony
Here, we’ve compiled a list of TV shows that definitely will not be getting Emmy nominations tomorrow, because they can’t until 2027 — or, in one hit show’s case, because it isn’t eligible for Primetime Emmys at all
What is the 2026 Emmys eligibility window?
In order to be considered for nominations for Primetime Emmys, TV shows need to have been made by an American studio and released at least six of the season’s episodes — or all episodes for limited and anthology series — before the cutoff. The 2026 Emmys eligibility window is June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026. If fewer than the required number of episodes are released before the cutoff, then that season of TV becomes eligible the following Emmys year, as the majority of the season’s episodes aired after June 1.
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Any show that premiered its full season after June 1, 2025, and before May 31, 2026, during primetime hours and to at least 50% of the United States is eligible this year
What TV shows aren’t eligible for 2026 Emmys?
Let’s get the biggest show of the year out of the way first: Heated Rivalry is not eligible for Emmy nominations because it wasn’t produced by an American studio. It’s a Canadian production that was licensed to an American streaming service (HBO Max). So you will not see Heated Rivalry among the nominees tomorrow, but Connor Storrie is eligible for a nomination for his hosting gig on Saturday Night Live. Heated Rivalry is eligible for International Emmy consideration. Those nominees will be announced later this year.
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BritBox’s The Other Bennet Sister is not eligible for Primetime Emmys for the same reasons as Heated Rivalry, and it’s also eligible for International Emmy recognition
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The Bear Season 5, the final season, just came out in full on Hulu on June 25, 2026. If The Bear is nominated tomorrow, it will be for Season 4, which came out exactly one year before its final season on June 25, 2025
The Vampire Lestat, aka Interview With the VampireSeason 3, is not eligible for Emmy nominations until 2027 because it didn’t release most of its seven-episode season before the cutoff date. Season 3 started on June 7. The finale is on July 19. House of the Dragon Season 3 also missed the cutoff date (it premiered on June 21) and will be eligible for nominations next year
Dutton Ranch is not eligible for nominations until 2027 because it didn’t air at least six episodes before the cutoff. It premiered on May 15 with two episodes and only aired four episodes by the time of the cutoff date. (Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan recently scoffed at the Emmys, saying he doesn’t care about his shows winning any.)
Apple TV’s Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed missed the cutoff by only having three episodes out by the end of May. Apple TV had a big hit come out right before it, however: Widow’s Bay
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The Matthew Rhys-led horror-comedy made it into the 2026 eligibility window by just a hair. Emmy forecasters predict that the heralded series could cause a major upset in the comedy categories race. Widow’s Bay premiered with three of 10 total episodes on April 29 and released one episode weekly after that until May 27. Had it only premiered with one episode, it wouldn’t have been eligible until next year. The final season of Hacks also made it in just before the cutoff, with its series finale that came out on May 28.
Mariska Hargitay will host the 2026 Emmy Awards this September. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from this year’s live ceremony
2026 Primetime Emmys, Monday, September 14, 8/7c, NBC and streaming live on Peacock
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