The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences removed some awards from the main Emmy Awards 2026 ceremony to make room for more sketches, musical performances, and other entertainment moments in the broadcast. However, this strategy raised questions after the outcome of the night.
The star of "Law & Order: SVU," Mariska Hargitay, was surprisingly chosen as the host of the event. She showed energy and enthusiasm, but the material the writers overloaded her with was considered dull and, at some moments, terribly awkward.
The actual award presentations were more enjoyable. Beloved artists like Jean Smart, Allison Janney, and Matthew Rhys made Emmy history, while Stephen Colbert bid farewell with elegance. The shows "The Pitt" and "The Widow's Bay Secret" were among the big winners of the night.
