Emmy Nominations Showcase Surge of Original Concepts Over Franchise Fare
This year's Emmy nominations feature a strong presence of original series rather than adaptations or sequels. Shows like "The Pitt," "Pluribus," "Widow's Bay," "Hacks," "DTF St. Louis," and "Beef" are all fresh concepts. The trend challenges the notion that Hollywood relies heavily on existing intellectual property.
Variety editor Michael Schneider published this analysis on September 11, 2026, asserting that the comedy, drama, and limited series categories are largely populated by original concepts. He specifically highlights shows like "The Pitt," "Pluribus," and "Widow's Bay" as evidence of this shift.
The piece also notes an adjacent exclusive about a Snoop Dogg biopic casting SwayvoTwain as Biggie, indicating ongoing coverage of entertainment news. The overarching claim directly counters the frequent assumption that Hollywood depends heavily on pre-existing intellectual property.
This trend could influence studio executives to allocate more resources toward unproven narratives, potentially benefiting emerging writers and showrunners. For audiences, it may signal a broader variety of viewing options beyond familiar franchises. However, the success of these originals might also raise the bar for marketing, as fresh concepts often lack built-in fanbases, possibly affecting how networks promote their slates.