Widow’s Bay sets record with 14 wins

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Widow’s Bay won a record 14 Emmys at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, including major acting and comedy series honors, surpassing the previous comedy record held by another Apple TV+ show. This achievement underscores Apple TV+’s growing dominance in the comedy genre, while the ceremony also featured milestone wins for Jean Smart and Allison Janney, tying records for most acting Emmys.

Widow’s Bay, the Apple TV+ horror-comedy series set on a haunted New England island, dominated the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards held on September 14 in Los Angeles, securing a record-breaking total of 14 wins. The series surpassed the previous comedy record of 13 awards set by Apple TV+’s Hollywood satire The Studio in 2025.

Matthew Rhys, Kate O’Flynn, and Stephen Root took home acting honors for their roles in Widow’s Bay. Rhys, previously awarded best drama actor for The Americans in 2018, claimed his first Emmy in the comedy category and simultaneously won best lead actor in a limited series for his performance in The Beat In Me (2025). Additionally, Rhys received the best comedy series award as a producer for Widow’s Bay.

Despite its critical acclaim and steady accolades over the years, Hacks (2021–2026) saw limited success this year amid Widow’s Bay’s strong showing. The series, which chronicles the strained relationship between a veteran stand-up comedienne and her millennial assistant, ended the night with its lead star Jean Smart winning best comedy actress for the fifth time in as many seasons. This latest win marked Smart’s eighth acting Emmy, tying her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the most acting Emmys earned by a performer.

In a parallel milestone, Allison Janney matched this record shortly afterward by winning best drama supporting actress for her role in The Diplomat.

The ceremony was hosted by Mariska Hargitay, star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, who opened the event with a musical performance parodying Joan Jett’s 1981 hit “I Love Rock ’N’ Roll,” titled “I Love TV Screens.” Hargitay also featured pre-recorded segments with appearances by NBA player Jalen Brunson and pop icon Taylor Swift, whose humorous sketch riffed on insider industry themes, garnering laughs from the audience.

While Widow’s Bay took home numerous awards, the gritty hospital drama The Pitt continued its successful streak by winning best drama series once again, underscoring its continued critical and industry acclaim. The evening highlighted a blend of emerging talent and established performers, reflecting diverse storytelling across genres in the current television landscape.

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