2026 Emmy predictions: Our expert picks the winner in 13 key categories

This is read by an automated voice.Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.

See more from the L.A.Times in Google Search.

Set us as preferred The Emmy Awards have become a streamlined affair in recent years, as voters, sifting through a fragmented TV landscape, inevitably land on a small set of favorite programs.Last year, it was “The Studio,” “The Pitt,” “Severance” and “Adolescence.” The year before that, “Hacks,” “The Bear,” “Shōgun” and “Baby Reindeer” dominated.

The year before that, it was “Beef,” “The Bear” and “Succession.”I could keep going, but you get the idea.While voters’ choices have been, more often than not, defensible, the unanimity betrays a lack of imagination and drains any hint of drama from the ceremony.The nadir came in 2020 when “Schitt’s Creek” won every comedy category, becoming the first program in television history to pull off such a feat.

It felt like a little much.But we were in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, so, in retrospect, who cares? “Schitt’s Creek” brought joy into people’s lives when they needed it, and it gave us a chance to celebrate the greatness of Catherine O’Hara.

When it comes to a fixed focus, this year’s Emmys won’t be any different, and, given the underwhelming shows that streamers and networks gave us in the last 12 months, you can’t blame voters for zeroing in on the few great series presented to them.Hopefully then, you’ve watched “The Pitt,” “Widow’s Bay” and “Hacks,” “DTF St.

Louis” and “Beef.” Otherwise, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about when the envelopes are opened.Here’s how the races for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards should shake out when the trophies are presented Monday at 5 p.m.

PDT on NBC and Peacock.“Abbott Elementary”“The Bear”“Hacks”“Margo’s Got Money Troubles”“Nobody Wants This”“Only Murders in the Building”“Shrinking”“Widow’s...