HBO Max’s “The Pitt” and ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” were the most-watched nominees in their respective major Emmy categories during the Television Academy’s eligibility period, according to a new Nielsen analysis released ahead of the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards.
Nielsen measured total viewing across broadcast, cable and streaming from June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026, comparing nominated programs based on how much time U.S. audiences spent watching them.
“The Pitt” led the Outstanding Drama Series field with nearly 400 million viewing hours. The HBO Max medical drama had ranked fourth in Nielsen’s comparison last year and also finished as the second-most-watched streaming original and third-most-watched streaming series overall during the first half of 2026.
“The Gilded Age” finished second among drama nominees, while “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” gave Warner Bros Discovery three nominated series in the category. Apple TV also had three nominees: “Slow Horses,” “Your Friends and Neighbors” and “Pluribus.”
In comedy, “Abbott Elementary” finished first for the second consecutive year with 181 million viewing hours.
Nielsen pointed to the series’ multi-platform performance, with episodes airing in primetime on ABC while current and library episodes generate additional viewing on Hulu and Disney Plus.
Apple TV’s “Shrinking” ranked second among Outstanding Comedy Series nominees.
Netflix’s “The Beast in Me” led the Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series category after appearing in Nielsen’s Top 10 Originals for eight consecutive weeks in late 2025. Peacock’s “All Her Fault” ranked second.
CBS’s “Survivor” was the most-watched Outstanding Reality Competition Series nominee for the second year in a row. The long-running franchise reached its 50th season and also entered Nielsen’s Streaming Top 10 for the first time. “Dancing with the Stars” finished second and Peacock’s “The Traitors” ranked third.
Prime Video’s “Heads of State” led Outstanding Movie nominees. Netflix’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures” and “People We Meet on Vacation” followed, with each generating around 37 million viewing hours.
Nielsen cautioned that the analysis reflects audience consumption and has no bearing on the eventual Emmy winners. The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards are scheduled to air September 14 at 8 p.m. Eastern on NBC and Peacock.
