Apple's 'Widow's Bay' Leads New Series with 19 Emmy Nominations
'Widow's Bay' received 19 nominations at the 2026 Emmy Awards, the most for any new series, including best comedy series and lead actor Matthew Rhys.
Apple's horror-comedy series "Widow's Bay" topped the 2026 Emmy nominations for new programs, earning 19 nods that include best comedy series, lead actor Matthew Rhys, and awards for writing by creator Katie Dippold and directing by Hiro Murai. The tally surpasses other newcomers such as the network's own "Pluribus" and is the most recognized comedy by the Television Academy aside from returning series "Hacks".
The show follows Tom Loftis, the mayor of a fictional New England island, as he attempts to market the town to tourists despite its haunted reputation. Across its ten-episode debut season, the series blends standalone stories with flashbacks that explore the island's mythic origins. Critics praised the series early on, noting its five Television Critics Association nominations, the most for any comedy, and its growing word-of-mouth as episodes aired.
"The heart of the show, as I look at it, is: I think life is a nightmare. It's just an absolute nightmare," creator Katie Dippold said in an interview last month. "The reason I am a comedy writer is because I feel that way... when someone makes a risky joke that makes me laugh, that is my favorite feeling in the world. That's what the show is to me."
The ensemble cast, which includes Stephen Root, Dale Dickey, Kate O’Flynn and guest stars Betty Gilpin and Hamish Linklater, also received acting nominations. Production categories such as design, cinematography, editing and sound mixing recognized the series' technical achievements. Rhys, a previous Emmy winner for drama, is considered a strong contender in the lead-acting category, while also holding a nomination for a limited-series role on Netflix's "The Beast in Me".