The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has announced the nominees for the fourth annual Children's & Family Emmy Awards, with popular YouTube host Ms. Rachel earning her first two nominations. The ceremony will take place for the first time in New York City on March 1 and 2, 2026. Highlights include nods for series like Heartstopper and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, as well as a viral clip featuring Andrew Garfield and Elmo.
Announcement Details
The nominations for the 2026 Children's & Family Emmy Awards were revealed on November 19, 2025, via NATAS social media and a membership event with the Children's Media Association New York chapter. This marks the fourth year of the standalone awards honoring creativity in children's and family programming. Categories cover live-action series, animated programs, performances, writing, directing, and technical achievements.
Key Nominees and Highlights
Ms. Rachel's YouTube channel, 'Ms. Rachel – Toddler Learning Videos,' received nominations in Outstanding Preschool, Children’s or Family Viewing Series for 'Ms. Rachel' and Outstanding Writing for a Preschool or Children’s Series for 'Potty Training with Ms. Rachel.' At 96, June Squibb earned her first nod in Outstanding Children’s Personality for 'Storyline Online.'
In the Outstanding Lead Performer in a Preschool, Children’s or Young Teen Program category, Lisa Kudrow ('Time Bandits') and David Schwimmer ('Goosebumps: The Vanishing') face off against Kit Connor and Joe Locke ('Heartstopper'), Jude Law ('Star Wars: Skeleton Crew'), and others. The short-form live-action nod went to 'Andrew Garfield and Elmo Explain Grief' from Sesame Workshop's YouTube channel.
Other prominent nominees include 'Sesame Street' (HBO Max), 'Sweet Tooth' (Netflix), and 'Descendants: The Rise of Red' (Disney+). Changes this year include merged categories for voice performances and directing/editing in live-action.
'We’re excited to honor the extraordinary individuals and teams who bring children’s and family television to life every day,' said Rachel Schwartz, Head of the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards. 'As the landscape continues to grow—and as studies highlight the positive impact educational programming has on young children—we look forward to coming together to celebrate this meaningful and inspiring work.'
Winners in juried animation categories, the Lifetime Achievement honoree, host, and presenters will be announced early next year. The event will be held at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall.
