Apple TV dominates HBO Max and Netflix at the 2026 Emmy Awards

Buoyed by the success of Widow’s Bay, the Apple platform finished for the first time at the top of the broadcasters’ rankings with 29 trophies, ahead of historic ones like HBO.

This is a historic first for Apple TV.

The Cupertino giant’s platform dominated the 78th Emmy Awards, with 29 awards in total, including 28 for its programs to which is added a trophy for its “I’m Not Remarkable” advertisement. Apple TV thus doubles HBO, second with 21 trophies, and Netflix, third with 16.

The big star of the evening is called Widow’s Bay. The Apple TV comedy won 14 Emmy Awards, becoming the most awarded program of this edition. Already crowned eight times at the Creative Arts Emmys, the series performed flawlessly during the main ceremony, with six new trophies: best comedy, best actor for Matthew Rhys, best supporting roles for Stephen Root and Kate O’Flynn, best screenplay and best direction for Hiro Murai. With its 14 victories, Widow’s Bay also sets a new record for a comedy series on a single edition of the Emmy Awards.

Another big success for Apple TV: Pluribus leaves with 6 awards, including best actress in a drama series for Rhea Seehorn, the screenplay for Vince Gilligan, editing, sets, credits music and sound mixing. Vince Gilligan’s series shares third place for the most awarded programs of the year with The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

Apple TV also adds 3 trophies for Margo Has Money Problems, 3 for season 2 of Palm Royale, 1 for season 5 of Slow Horses and 1 for Mr. Scorsese, crowned best documentary or non-fiction series.

It must be said that the network received 89 nominations this year, its best ever score.

HBO Max and Netflix go down a level

With 21 Emmy Awards gleaned Monday evening, HBO and its HBO Max version therefore come in second position. The platform was able to count in particular on The Pitt and DTF St. Louis, which each won 7 trophies. The two series are respectively crowned best drama series and best mini-series or anthology.

Netflix completes the podium with 16 awards, distributed between several programs, including Acharnés, or Bridgerton and The Beast in Me.

But HBO and Netflix lost their first place (which they shared last year with 30 awards each). Apple TV becomes number 1, as a striking symbol of changing times. According to Variety, this is only the second time in twenty years that a platform other than HBO Max or Netflix has finished at the top of the Emmy Awards rankings

After being the first platform to win the Oscar for Best Film (with Coda in 2021), Apple TV is now at the top of the major TV players.