TV fans are criticizing the Television Academy after several major Emmy acting categories were handed out during the early Emmy ceremonies instead of the main primetime broadcast.
The decision has drawn fresh attention online, especially after Linda Cardellini, David Harbour, Betty Gilpin, Rob Reiner, Shailene Woodley and Ernest Harden Jr. collected major awards during the September 5 and 6 ceremonies.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | Several major Emmy categories were presented during the early Emmy ceremonies instead of the main primetime broadcast. |
| Where | Peacock Theater, Los Angeles |
| When | September 5 and 6, 2026 |
| Notable winners | Linda Cardellini, David Harbour, Betty Gilpin, Rob Reiner, Shailene Woodley and Ernest Harden Jr. |
| Main ceremony | September 14, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET |
| Broadcast | NBC and Peacock |
| Why it matters | Fans and entertainment industry groups have questioned why several major acting categories were removed from the main broadcast. |
Major Emmy Categories Spark Fan Backlash
The backlash grew after fans realized that several high profile acting categories would not appear during the main Emmy telecast.
Linda Cardellini won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for DTF St. Louis. David Harbour won the matching supporting actor category for the same series. Both actors earned their first Emmy wins.
Fans also reacted to several guest acting wins. Betty Gilpin won Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for Widow’s Bay. Rob Reiner won Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for The Bear. Ernest Harden Jr. won Guest Actor in a Drama Series for The Pitt. Shailene Woodley won Guest Actress in a Drama Series for Paradise.
Why Fans Are Upset
The Television Academy decided in July to move five categories away from the main NBC ceremony. Those categories included supporting actor and supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie, directing and writing for a limited series or movie, and writing for a variety series.
The change created more room in the main show for entertainment segments, comedy and longer acceptance speeches.
However, some viewers believe the change takes attention away from performers whose work deserves a primetime moment.
Hollywood Guilds Also Objected
The Directors Guild of America, SAG AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America criticized the decision in July.
The three organizations said removing categories from the live broadcast reduced recognition for the people the Emmys were created to honor.
Their response added weight to the debate surrounding the Academy’s decision.
2026 Emmys Set for Primetime Ceremony
The Television Academy will air an edited version of the first two Emmy nights on FXX on September 12 at 8 p.m. Hulu will stream the program the following day.
The 2026 Emmy schedule has sparked a wider debate about which awards deserve a place on television’s biggest awards broadcast.
With major winners already announced, attention now turns to the September 14 primetime ceremony. Fans will see whether the main show can deliver the big moments they expect from the Emmys.
