From The Comic's Comic

Voting for potential nominees in the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards remains open until 10pm tonight (presumably 10pm Pacific). So if you’re in the Television Academy with voting privileges, please stay in line (get online!) and help ensure that this year’s nominees aren’t just last year’s nominees rubber-stamped once more.

We’ll find out who earned Emmy nominee next to their biographies come July 8 (with final-round voting from Aug. 17-26). But you cannot win an Emmy without at least putting your name on the ballot. So let’s take a look at the ballots, with respect to our friends in comedy, and see how things may or may not shake out this summer.

Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) (66 ENTRIES)

Although stand-ups dominate programming in this category, they often come up short in winning when compared to themed specials. Over the past five years, Hamilton (2021) — beat out Bo Burnham, David Byrne, Dave Chappelle, a Friends reunion, and a West Wing special; Adele (2022) — beat out Chappelle, a Harry Potter reunion, Norm Macdonald’s posthumous effort, and Tony Bennett duet with Lady Gaga; Carol Burnett’s 90th (2023) — beat out John Mulaney, Lizzo, Norman Lear’s 100th, Trevor Noah, and Wanda Sykes; Dick Van Dyke’s 98th (2024) — beat out Billy Joel, Chappelle, Nikki Glaser, and Noah; and last year, Conan’s Mark Twain Prize (2025) — beat out Adam Sandler, Ali Wong, Bill Burr, Sarah Silverman, and Nate Bargatze. Chappelle’s Sticks & Stones was the most recent comedy special to win the Emmy for variety special, in 2020.

In the Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special category, however, the stand-ups typically win out. We’ll get to that in a minute.

This year’s variety series For Your Consideration include the AFI Tribute to Eddie Murphy (released on Netflix on the last day of consideration, May 31), an Everybody Loves Raymond 30th reunion, the Grammys celebrating Earth, Wind & Fire on the 21st night of September, the tongues-firmly-in-cheek Las Culturistas Culture Awards hosted by Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, and the final night of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

I’d give the edge to the return of The Muppet Show!

Despite hundreds of stand-ups releasing new hours, only 45 of them submitting themselves for Emmy consideration.

1. Ali Siddiq: Mondays 
2. Andrew Santino: White Noise 
3. Atsuko Okatsuka: Father 
4. Caleb Hearon: Model Comedian
5. Chris Fleming: Live At The Palace
6. Color Theories By Julio Torres 
7. Cristela Alonzo: Upper Classy 
8. Dave Chappelle: The Unstoppable… 
9. David Cross: The End Of The Beginning Of The End 
10. Earthquake: Joke Telling Business 
11. Frankie Quiñones: Damn That’s Crazy 
12. An Intimate Evening With Adam Pally 
13. Jeff Ross: Take A Banana For The Ride 
14. Jim Gaffigan: Live From Old Forester – The Bourbon Set 
15. Josh Johnson: Symphony 
16. Kathleen Madigan: The Family Thread 
17. Katt Williams: The Last Report 
18. Kevin Hart: Acting My Age 
19. Kountry Wayne: Nostalgia
20. Kumail Nanjiani: Night Thoughts 
21. Larry The Cable Guy: It’s A Gift 
22. Leanne Morgan: Unspeakable Things
23. Leslie Jones: Life Part 2 
24. Lisa Ann Walter: It Was An Accident 
25. Marc Maron: Panicked 
26. Marcello Hernández: American Boy 
27. Michael Cruz Kayne: Sorry For Your Loss 
28. Mike Epps: Delusional 
29. Mo Amer: Wild World 
30. Nate Jackson: Super Funny 
31. Nikki Glaser: Good Girl 
32. Patton Oswalt: Tea & Scotch 
33. Ralph Barbosa: Planet Bosa 
34. Ramy Youssef: In Love 
35. Ricky Gervais: Mortality 
36. Robby Hoffman: Wake Up 
37. Sarah Squirm: Live + In The Flesh 
38. Sebastian Maniscalco: It Ain’t Right
39. Sheng Wang: Purple 
40. Sommore: Chandelier Fly 
41. Taylor Tomlinson: Prodigal Daughter 
42. Tom Segura: Teacher 
43. Trevor Noah: Joy In The Trenches 
44. Wanda Sykes: Legacy 
45. Zarna Garg: Practical People Win 

Typically Emmy voters (problematically similar to other industry awards) only let the big names break through, often rewarding the same names over and over again. So don’t be surprised to see Chappelle, Glaser, and Noah’s names read aloud again next month.

But if you actually watched most or all of these specials, then I hope you’d agree with me to support one or more of these comedians who made the best specials of the eligibility year — Atsuko Okatsuka, Chris Fleming, Josh Johnson, Julio Torres, Kumail Nanjiani, Marc Maron, Michael Cruz Kayne, and Ramy Youssef.

Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special (49 ENTRIES)

Recent winners in this category? 2020: Chappelle, 2021: Bo Burnham, 2022: Jerrod Carmichael, 2023: John Mulaney, 2024: Alex Edelman, 2025: SNL50 

This is where the names I just mentioned in bold stand a much better chance of Emmy recognition.

1. Academy Of Country Music Awards 
2. The 32nd Annual Actor Awards Presented By SAG-AFTRA 
3. The 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To Eddie Murphy
4. AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To Francis Ford Coppola 
5. Ali Siddiq: Mondays
6. Andrew Santino: White Noise 
7. Atsuko Okatsuka: Father
8. Caleb Hearon: Model Comedian
9. Chris Fleming: Live At The Palace 
10. Color Theories By Julio Torres 
11. Cristela Alonzo: Upper Classy 
12. Dave Chappelle: The Unstoppable…
13. Earthquake: Joke Telling Business 
14. Frankie Quiñones: Damn That’s Crazy 
15. 83rd Annual Golden Globes 
16. 68th Annual Grammy Awards 
17. An Intimate Evening With Adam Pally 
18. Jeff Ross: Take A Banana For The Ride 
19. Josh Johnson: Symphony
20. Katt Williams: The Last Report 
21. Kevin Hart: Acting My Age 
22. Kumail Nanjiani: Night Thoughts 
23. Leanne Morgan: Unspeakable Things 
24. Leslie Jones: Life Part 2 
25. Lisa Ann Walter: It Was An Accident 
26. Marc Maron: Panicked 
27. Marcello Hernández: American Boy 
28. Michael Cruz Kayne: Sorry For Your Loss  
29. Mike Epps: Delusional 
30. Mo Amer: Wild World 
31. The Muppet Show 
32. Nikki Glaser: Good Girl 
33. The Oscars 
34. Ralph Barbosa: Planet Bosa
35. Ramy Youssef: In Love
36. Ricky Gervais: Mortality 
37. The Roast Of Kevin Hart 
38. Robby Hoffman: Wake Up
39. Sarah Squirm: Live + In The Flesh 
40. Sebastian Maniscalco: It Ain’t Right 
41. Sheng Wang: Purple
42. Sommore: Chandelier 
43. Songs & Stories
44. Taylor Tomlinson: Prodigal Daughter
45. Tom Segura: Teacher 
46. 78th Annual Tony Awards 
47. Trevor Noah: Joy In The Trenches 
48. Wanda Sykes: Legacy,
49. Zarna Garg: Practical People Win

The Variety Series categories provide wilder scenarios.

Outstanding Variety Series (18 ENTRIES)

You’d think the big news is forcing perennial winners The Daily News, Last Week Tonight, and Saturday Night Live to face-off in the same category, since talk, sketch and variety are no longer separate considerations. And yet. All of them can still walk away winners. How? By reclassifying the category as an area award, nominees no longer compete against each other; instead, any nominee achieving 90 percent “Yes” votes wins! If somehow no nominees reach 90 percent, the best vote-getter still wins. Five of these 18 shows will make the cut.

1. Comics Unleashed 
2. The Daily Show 
3. Have I Got News For You 
4. Hot Ones 
5. It’s Florida, Man. 
6. Jimmy Kimmel Live! 
7. Last Week Tonight With John Oliver 
8. Late Night With Seth Meyers 
9. The Late Show With Stephen Colbert 
10. Real Time With Bill Maher 
11. Royal Court 
12. Saturday Night Live 
13. Studio C 
14. TBPN 
15. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon 
16. Very Important People 
17. Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen 
18. Ziwe: You’d Be An Iconic Guest  

Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series (11 ENTRIES)

In this case, sentimental voting may rule the night even more than it had last September, when Colbert and Kimmel earned ovations even before envelopes were opened and read.

1. The Daily Show 
2. Have I Got News For You 
3. Hot Ones 
4. Jimmy Kimmel Live! 
5. Last Week Tonight With John Oliver 
6. Late Night With Seth Meyers 
7. The Late Show With Stephen Colbert 
8. Real Time With Bill Maher 
9. Saturday Night Live 
10. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon 
11. The Traitors 

Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Special (38 ENTRIES)

Another big year for documentaries about legendary comedians, both living and dead. Eight of them are listed in bold italics, plus one adventure featuring a comedian.

1. aka Charlie Sheen  
2. American Soldier: 250 Years Of Service 
3. Being Bublé
4. Being Eddie From stand-up prodigy and Saturday Night Live phenom to beloved Hollywood icon, Being Eddie chronicles the extraordinary life and legacy of the genre-defying star through exclusive interviews with Murphy himself and his comedy peers, offering an intimate portrait of this once-in-a-generation talent. 
5. Billy Joel: And So It Goes 
6. BTS: The Return 
7. Building Joy: A Movement To Reimagine Oakland’s Schoolyards 
8. The Crash 
9. Devo 
10. Disneyland Handcrafted 
11. Downey Wrote That Exploring the sketches, contributions and influence of Jim Downey, one of the most impactful comedy writers in the history of “Saturday Night Live.” 
12. Dreamers 
13. Edge Of Daybreak 
14. Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision
15. Grandma Stand 
16. I’m Chevy Chase And You’re Not I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not is the bold, deeply human portrait of one of Hollywood’s great enigmas. The film charts Chevy Chase’s rise from breakout Saturday Night Live phenomenon to box-office royalty and his equally spectacular fall from grace. 
17. I’m Your Venus 
18. John Candy: I Like Me John Candy: I Like Me is an exploration of the life of the Canadian comedic icon. The film documents his on-and off-camera existence, featuring never-before-seen home videos, intimate access to his family and candid recollections from collaborators. 
19. Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool 
20. The Lama’s Prophecy In Bhutan’s remote mountains, a comedian set out to find a sacred relic—and the elusive lama guarding it —at an ancient monastery untouched by the digital world. 
21. Lilith Fair: Building A Mystery – The Untold Story 
22. Making Of Lord Of The Flies 
23. Martha Graham Dance Company: We Are Our Time 
24. Marty, Life Is Short Martin Short looks back on a life fueled by joy in this documentary with classic clips, fresh interviews and star-studded, never-before-seen home movies. 
25. Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! explores the life, career, friendships, and loves of the legendary Mel Brooks. One of Hollywood’s most daring satirists, Brooks has held a funhouse mirror up to the human condition using laughter as a path to resilience, connection, and joy for nearly a century. 
26. My Mom Jayne: A Film By Mariska Hargitay 
27. Noah Kahan: Out Of Body 
28. Ocean With David Attenborough 
29. One Last Adventure: The Making Of Stranger Things 
30. Orangutan 
31. The Rise Of The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel 
32. Satisfied 
33. The Secrets We Bury 
34. Selena Y Los Dinos 
35. Shari & Lamb Chop This documentary traces the triumphs, loves, and challenges of Shari Lewis, the unstoppable woman who captivated and connected with children worldwide. “Shari & Lamb Chop” is a tale of resilience and legacy, reminding us that befriending ourselves is the key to weathering life’s storms. 
36. #Skyking 
37. Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost Ben Stiller tells the story of his parents—comedy icons Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara—exploring their impact on popular culture and at home, where the lines between creativity, family, life, and art often blurred. 
38. Unknown Number: The High School Catfish

Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series Or Special (23 ENTRIES)

Here are the comedy-related ones…

1. Behind The Scenes Of Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat
2. The Daily Show Presents: Jordan Klepper Fingers The Pulse: Give The Man A Prize 
3. My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman 
4. The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy 
5. Somebody Feed Phil 
6. Tiffany Haddish Goes Off 

Outstanding Game Show (24 ENTRIES)

Noted because most feature stand-ups or comedic actors as host.

1. America Says John Michael Higgins 
2. Celebrity Family Feud with host Steve Harvey,
3. Celebrity Weakest Link hosted by Jane Lynch
4. Flip Side Host Jaleel White 
5. The Floor Hosted by Rob Lowe
6. Funny You Should Ask  host Jon Kelley and six brilliant comedy superstars. 
7. Game Changer 
8. The Greatest Average American Nate Bargatze 
9. Hollywood Squares stars actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore as the center square and is hosted by Nate Burleson. 
10. Jeopardy! hosted by Ken Jennings. 
11. Let’s Make A Deal  host Wayne Brady
12. Match Game Hosted by Martin Short
13. Name That Tune Hosted by Jane Krakowski, 
14. The 1% Club Hosted by Joel McHale
15. The Perfect Line Hosted by Deborah Norville
16. Press Your Luck, hosted by Elizabeth Banks
17. The Price Is Right hosted by Drew Carey
18. Scrabble Craig Ferguson
19. Trivial Pursuit LeVar Burton returns to host 
20. 25 Words Or Less 
21. The Wall Hosted by Chris Hardwick
22. What’s In The Box?
23. Wheel Of Fortune Hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White
24. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel

Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama Or Variety Series (18 ENTRIES)

1. Bad Thoughts
2. Big Law 
3. Cabin Pressure 
4. Colbert Before Air 
5. Colbert Questionert Extraordinert G
6. The Daily Show: Desi Lydic Foxsplains 
7. Fallout Fake Talkshow 
8. For All Mankind: The Next Giant Leap 
9. Frederick Douglass Boulevard 
10. Imposter – The Series
11. Jokes With Joysauce 
12. Late Night With Seth Meyers Corrections 
13. Life After Life 
14. Onyx 
15. Overtime With Bill Maher 
16. The Randy Rainbow Show 
17. Subway Takes 
18. The Tonight Show: During Commercial Break 

If you’re an Emmy voter, VOTE HERE!