The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on NBC on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live. The date avoids a conflict with NBC's Sunday Night Football broadcast, marking the final Emmys under the current network rotation deal. Additional details, including nominees and host, will be announced later.
Event Details
The Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony is set for Monday, September 14, 2026, starting at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT), with live coverage on NBC and streaming on Peacock. The event will take place at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, continuing the venue's recent role as host for the awards. Preceding the main show, the Creative Arts Emmy Awards are scheduled for the weekend of September 5 and 6, 2026.
Background and Context
This scheduling aligns with NBC's rotation in the Television Academy's current 'wheel deal,' which cycles broadcast rights among major networks. When NBC airs the Emmys, the event typically shifts to Monday to sidestep its high-profile Sunday Night Football programming. Historical precedents include the 2022 Emmys on September 12, hosted by Kenan Thompson, and the 2017 ceremony on September 17, led by Colin Jost and Michael Che. Earlier NBC-hosted Emmys in the 2000s were held in August, but that timing was adjusted as too early for the fall TV season.
The 2026 Emmys represent the last under the existing eight-year agreement, signed in 2018 for about $8.25 million annually. The Television Academy can now negotiate a new deal, potentially renewing the rotation, adding streamers like Netflix, or pursuing an exclusive partner—though the latter risks alienating industry supporters. For reference, the 2025 Emmys on CBS, hosted by Nate Bargatze, drew 7.4 million viewers, an 8% increase from 2024, with top wins for 'The Studio' in comedy, 'The Pitt' in drama, and 'Adolescence' in limited series.
No producers or host have been confirmed yet for 2026, but updates on nominations and other dates are expected soon.