The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards celebrated the best in television, honoring outstanding achievement across drama, comedy, limited series, and variety programming released between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024. Held on September 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the ceremony featured historic sweeps, emotional victories, and competitive upsets across major categories.
Overview of the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards
The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, presented by the Television Academy, marked an extraordinary year for television. Coming on the heels of the 75th Emmy Ceremony held earlier in January 2024—which had been delayed due to the 2023 Hollywood labor strikes—the September 2024 broadcast restored the awards cycle to its traditional autumn schedule. Hosted by the father-and-son duo Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, the ceremony delivered a crisp, celebratory look at a landscape defined by global streaming triumphs, prestigious prestige drama, and evolving comedy standards.
The evening was dominated by several standout productions. FX's historical epic Shōgun shattered all-time records for a single season of television, earning 18 Emmy Awards across both the Primetime ceremony and the Creative Arts Emmys. In the comedy field, Max's Hacks pulled off a high-profile victory by winning Outstanding Comedy Series over the heavily favored The Bear, though The Bear set its own record for the most Emmy wins by a comedy series in a single year with 11 trophies. Meanwhile, Netflix's word-of-mouth phenomenon Baby Reindeer captured the limited series domain, earning major wins for writing, acting, and top honors in its category.
Below is the complete reference guide to the key categories, nominees, and winners from the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards.
Drama Series Categories
The drama field in 2024 was defined by high-concept world-building, grand historical narratives, and sharp psychological tension. FX's adaptation of James Clavell’s Shōgun emerged as the night's undeniable champion, sweeping top acting, directing, and series honors.
Outstanding Drama Series
- WINNER: Shōgun (FX)
- The Crown (Netflix)
- Fallout (Prime Video)
- The Gilded Age (HBO / Max)
- The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
- Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
- Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
- 3 Body Problem (Netflix)
Shōgun secured the top prize after establishing itself as both a critical triumph and a visual masterpiece. It became the first predominantly non-English language series to win Outstanding Drama Series, topping seasoned legacy shows like The Crown and genre newcomers like Fallout.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
- WINNER: Hiroyuki Sanada — Shōgun (FX)
- Idris Elba — Hijack (Apple TV+)
- Donald Glover — Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
- Walton Goggins — Fallout (Prime Video)
- Gary Oldman — Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
- Dominic West — The Crown (Netflix)
Hiroyuki Sanada made history as the first Japanese actor to win Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayals of Lord Yoshii Toranaga, bringing gravitas, political subtlety, and commanding physical presence to the role.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
- WINNER: Anna Sawai — Shōgun (FX)
- Jennifer Aniston — The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
- Carrie Coon — The Gilded Age (HBO / Max)
- Maya Erskine — Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
- Imelda Staunton — The Crown (Netflix)
- Reese Witherspoon — The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
Anna Sawai's moving performance as Lady Toda Mariko earned her the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, making her the first Asian actress to win in this category. Her performance was widely hailed by critics for its understated intensity and emotional power.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
- WINNER: Billy Crudup — The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
- Tadanobu Asano — Shōgun (FX)
- Mark Duplass — The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
- Jon Hamm — The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
- Takehiro Hira — Shōgun (FX)
- Jack Lowden — Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
- Jonathan Pryce — The Crown (Netflix)
Billy Crudup earned his second career Emmy Award for his charismatic portrayal of network executive Cory Ellison in The Morning Show, triumphing over strong competition from Shōgun and Slow Horses.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
- WINNER: Elizabeth Debicki — The Crown (Netflix)
- Christine Baranski — The Gilded Age (HBO / Max)
- Nicole Beharie — The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
- Lesley Manville — The Crown (Netflix)
- Karen Pittman — The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
- Holland Taylor — The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
Elizabeth Debicki brought home her first Emmy for her poignant portrayal of Princess Diana in the final season of The Crown, honoring her faithful depiction of the late royal during her turbulent final months.
Drama Directing and Writing
- Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Frederick E.O. Toye — Shōgun (Episode: "Anjin")
- Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: Will Smith — Slow Horses (Episode: "Reinventing the Wheel")
Comedy Series Categories
The comedy field produced some of the most discussed moments of the 76th Primetime Emmys, featuring a battle between traditional half-hour comedic storytelling and intense, dramatic-comedy hybrids.
Outstanding Comedy Series
- WINNER: Hacks (Max)
- Abbott Elementary (ABC)
- The Bear (FX / Hulu)
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO / Max)
- Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
- Palm Royale (Apple TV+)
- Reservation Dogs (FX / Hulu)
- What We Do in the Shadows (FX)
In one of the night’s biggest surprises, Hacks reclaimed the top comedy prize for its third season, halting the winning streak of The Bear. Voters recognized Hacks for maintaining sharp, brilliant comedic writing while examining intergenerational mentorship in show business.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
- WINNER: Jeremy Allen White — The Bear (FX / Hulu)
- Matt Berry — What We Do in the Shadows (FX)
- Larry David — Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO / Max)
- Steve Martin — Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
- Martin Short — Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
- D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai — Reservation Dogs (FX / Hulu)
Jeremy Allen White captured his second consecutive Emmy Award for his raw, intense performance as Chef Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto in The Bear.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
- WINNER: Jean Smart — Hacks (Max)
- Quinta Brunson — Abbott Elementary (ABC)
- Ayo Edebiri — The Bear (FX / Hulu)
- Selena Gomez — Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
- Maya Rudolph — Loot (Apple TV+)
- Kristen Wiig — Palm Royale (Apple TV+)
Jean Smart won her third Emmy Award for her role as legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance in Hacks (and her sixth Emmy overall), solidifying her place as one of the most decorated performers in modern television history.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
- WINNER: Ebon Moss-Bachrach — The Bear (FX / Hulu)
- Lionel Boyce — The Bear (FX / Hulu)
- Paul W. Downs — Hacks (Max)
- Paul Rudd — Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
- Tyler James Williams — Abbott Elementary (ABC)
- Bowen Yang — Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Ebon Moss-Bachrach earned his second back-to-back Emmy for his standout role as Richard "Richie" Jerimovich, delivering an emotional character arc throughout the show's second season.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
- WINNER: Liza Colón-Zayas — The Bear (FX / Hulu)
- Carol Burnett — Palm Royale (Apple TV+)
- Hannah Einbinder — Hacks (Max)
- Janelle James — Abbott Elementary (ABC)
- Sheryl Lee Ralph — Abbott Elementary (ABC)
- Meryl Streep — Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
In an emotional breakthrough win, Liza Colón-Zayas won her first Emmy for portraying line cook Tina Marrero in The Bear, becoming the first Latina performer to win Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Comedy Directing and Writing
- Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series: Christopher Storer — The Bear (Episode: "Fishes")
- Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky — Hacks (Episode: "Bulletproof")
Limited or Anthology Series & TV Movie Categories
The Limited or Anthology Series categories showcased dark thrillers, true-crime reimaginings, and deeply personal narratives. Netflix's word-of-mouth hit Baby Reindeer swept the major awards in this category.
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
- WINNER: Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
- Fargo (FX)
- Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+)
- Ripley (Netflix)
- True Detective: Night Country (HBO / Max)
Created by Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer transformed a personal semi-autobiographical one-man stage show into a viral global phenomenon, gaining critical acclaim for its nuanced exploration of trauma, obsession, and accountability.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie
- WINNER: Richard Gadd — Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
- Matt Bomer — Fellow Travelers (Showtime)
- Jon Hamm — Fargo (FX)
- Tom Hollander — Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (FX)
- Andrew Scott — Ripley (Netflix)
Richard Gadd won Lead Actor for playing Donny Dunn in Baby Reindeer, crowning an extraordinary night where he also accepted awards for series writing and overall production.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie
- WINNER: Jodie Foster — True Detective: Night Country (HBO / Max)
- Brie Larson — Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+)
- Juno Temple — Fargo (FX)
- Sofía Vergara — Griselda (Netflix)
- Naomi Watts — Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (FX)
Film icon Jodie Foster won her first career Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Chief Liz Danvers in True Detective: Night Country, adding an Emmy to her two Academy Awards.
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie
- WINNER: Lamorne Morris — Fargo (FX)
- Jonathan Bailey — Fellow Travelers (Showtime)
- Robert Downey Jr. — The Sympathizer (HBO / Max)
- John Hawkes — True Detective: Night Country (HBO / Max)
- Lewis Pullman — Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+)
- Treat Williams — Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (FX)
Lamorne Morris took home the Emmy for his charming performance as North Dakota State Trooper Whitley Witt in the fifth installment of Fargo.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie
- WINNER: Jessica Gunning — Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
- Dakota Fanning — Ripley (Netflix)
- Lily Gladstone — Under the Bridge (Hulu)
- Diane Lane — Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (FX)
- Nava Mau — Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
- Kali Reis — True Detective: Night Country (HBO / Max)
Jessica Gunning delivered an unforgettable performance as Martha Scott in Baby Reindeer, earning widespread critical praise and securing her first Emmy win.
Limited Series Directing and Writing
- Outstanding Directing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Steven Zaillian — Ripley (Netflix)
- Outstanding Writing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Richard Gadd — Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
Variety, Reality, and Competition Categories
Late-night format realignments and unscripted competitions offered compelling viewing throughout the 2023-2024 television cycle.
- Outstanding Talk Series: The Daily Show (Comedy Central) — Recognized following its rotating guest-host season and the high-profile return of Jon Stewart on Mondays.
- Outstanding Scripted Variety Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) — Continued its dominance after transitioning to the Scripted Variety category.
- Outstanding Reality Competition Program: The Traitors (Peacock) — Ended the long-standing category dominance of RuPaul's Drag Race and The Amazing Race with its deceit-driven social strategy format hosted by Alan Cumming.
2024 Primetime Emmy Award Winners Summary Table
| Category | Winner | Title / Network |
|---|---|---|
| Drama Series | Shōgun | FX |
| Comedy Series | Hacks | Max |
| Limited / Anthology Series | Baby Reindeer | Netflix |
| Lead Actor - Drama | Hiroyuki Sanada | Shōgun (FX) |
| Lead Actress - Drama | Anna Sawai | Shōgun (FX) |
| Lead Actor - Comedy | Jeremy Allen White | The Bear (FX / Hulu) |
| Lead Actress - Comedy | Jean Smart | Hacks (Max) |
| Lead Actor - Limited Series/Movie | Richard Gadd | Baby Reindeer (Netflix) |
| Lead Actress - Limited Series/Movie | Jodie Foster | True Detective: Night Country (HBO / Max) |
| Supporting Actor - Drama | Billy Crudup | The Morning Show (Apple TV+) |
| Supporting Actress - Drama | Elizabeth Debicki | The Crown (Netflix) |
| Supporting Actor - Comedy | Ebon Moss-Bachrach | The Bear (FX / Hulu) |
| Supporting Actress - Comedy | Liza Colón-Zayas | The Bear (FX / Hulu) |
| Supporting Actor - Limited Series | Lamorne Morris | Fargo (FX) |
| Supporting Actress - Limited Series | Jessica Gunning | Baby Reindeer (Netflix) |
| Directing - Drama | Frederick E.O. Toye | Shōgun ("Anjin") |
| Writing - Drama | Will Smith | Slow Horses ("Reinventing the Wheel") |
| Directing - Comedy | Christopher Storer | The Bear ("Fishes") |
| Writing - Comedy | Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky | Hacks ("Bulletproof") |
| Directing - Limited Series | Steven Zaillian | Ripley (Netflix) |
| Writing - Limited Series | Richard Gadd | Baby Reindeer (Netflix) |
| Talk Series | The Daily Show | Comedy Central |
| Reality Competition | The Traitors | Peacock |
Cultural Impact and Key Takeaways from the 2024 Emmys
The Historic Triumph of Shōgun
Shōgun entered the 76th Emmy ceremony with 25 total nominations—the highest for any show during the eligibility period—and converted those nominations into a groundbreaking victory. By taking home 18 total awards (including 14 Creative Arts Emmys), the show set a record for the highest number of Emmy Awards won by a single series season in television history, surpassing the previous record of 12 held by Game of Thrones.
Beyond the raw numbers, Shōgun demonstrated that mainstream global audiences and Western award bodies are eager to embrace subtitled non-English programming when produced with historical accuracy, uncompromising production design, and world-class performances.
Hacks vs. The Bear: Rethinking Comedy Genre Boundaries
One of the central stories of the night was the rivalry between Max's Hacks and FX's The Bear. The Bear dominated the acting subcategories, picking up major hardware for Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Liza Colón-Zayas, alongside a directing win for Christopher Storer. However, when the final envelope for Outstanding Comedy Series was opened, Hacks achieved a notable upset.
Industry analysts noted that voters likely gravitated toward Hacks as a traditional narrative comedy driven by joke density and character dynamics, while ongoing debates persist over whether The Bear fits the conventional definition of a comedy series or operates primarily as a high-stress drama.
The Rise of Creator-Driven Limited Series
Netflix's success with Baby Reindeer underscored an industry trend toward personal, auteur-driven limited series. Written by and starring Scottish comedian Richard Gadd, the series was produced on a modest budget compared to mega-productions like True Detective: Night Country or Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. Its sweeping wins across writing, acting, and best limited series demonstrated that distinct creative voices can capture global attention and critical recognition.
Where to Watch the 2024 Emmy-Winning Shows
For viewers looking to catch up on the winning productions, all major series are available across primary streaming services:
- Shōgun: Streaming on Hulu and Disney+ (via FX).
- Hacks: Streaming on Max.
- The Bear: Streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
- Baby Reindeer: Streaming on Netflix.
- True Detective: Night Country: Streaming on Max.
- Slow Horses: Streaming on Apple TV+.
- The Crown: Streaming on Netflix.
- The Traitors: Streaming on Peacock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which show won the most Emmys at the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards?
FX's Shōgun won the most overall Emmys at the 76th Emmy Awards, setting a single-season record with 18 total wins across the Primetime and Creative Arts ceremonies. In the comedy field, The Bear secured the most wins for a single comedy season in Emmy history, taking home 11 trophies.
Why were there two Emmy Award ceremonies held in 2024?
Due to the dual Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes (WGA and SAG-AFTRA) in 2023, the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards—originally scheduled for September 2023—were postponed to January 15, 2024. The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards took place on their normal schedule on September 15, 2024, honoring television programs broadcast between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024.
Did The Bear win Best Comedy Series at the 76th Emmy Awards?
No. While The Bear swept the main comedy acting categories and won Best Directing for a Comedy Series, Max's Hacks won the award for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Who hosted the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards?
The ceremony was co-hosted by actors Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, best known for creating and starring in the Emmy-winning comedy series Schitt's Creek. They were the first father-and-son duo to host the broadcast together.
How are Emmy Award winners selected?
Emmy winners are determined by peer voting members of the Television Academy, which consists of over 20,000 industry professionals divided into specialized branches (such as actors, directors, writers, and sound engineers). Active members vote within their specific fields for individual nominations, while the entire voting membership participates in selecting top program awards like Outstanding Drama or Comedy Series.
Recommended Next Steps
To explore the performances and series honored at the 76th Emmy Awards, start by streaming the top program winners—Shōgun, Hacks, and Baby Reindeer—on their respective platforms. Viewers interested in television craftsmanship can also review the full listing of technical, sound, costume, and guest actor winners on the official Television Academy website.
