Earlier this month, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced this year’s nominees for the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards. HBO Max and Netflix led the field with over 100 nominations each. Farther down the list, you’ll find Peacock, which landed 18 Emmy nominations.
Peacock is only available in the United States and select U.S. territories, so it can’t compete with the global spending from huge powers like Netflix. Peacock has increasingly prioritized live sports over scripted and unscripted TV shows. Therefore, it feels like some of its Emmy-nominated shows are trapped on the service. Luckily, Peacock is less expensive compared to many of its streaming competitors, so you can watch these shows at an affordable price point.
If you do make the jump to Peacock, start your streaming journey with these four Emmy-nominated shows. These shows have all received Emmy nods within the past few years and represent some of the best programming Peacock has to offer.
All Her Fault
What happened to Milo Irvine?
All Her Fault leads Peacock’s scripted drama lineup this awards season, garnering seven Emmy nominations for the 2026 ceremony. The series adapts Andrea Mara’s 2021 novel, delivering a tense crime thriller that appeals to a wide audience.
Sarah Snook, known for her role in Succession, plays Marissa Irvine, whose world shatters when her young son Milo disappears. Initial suspicions of a ransom‑driven kidnapping give way to a twisting investigation that keeps viewers guessing until the final moments. The brisk pacing makes it perfect for a weekend binge.
The show has secured key Emmy nods, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Snook.
The Traitors
A psychological party game played on a grand stage
The Traitors, also known as The Traitors US abroad, has become a runaway hit for Peacock, winning the past two Emmys for Outstanding Reality Competition Program and aiming for a third consecutive win in September. Host Alan Cumming, a two‑time Emmy winner for his hosting work, guides contestants through a psychological game that feels like a murder‑mystery party.
Contestants—often reality‑TV personalities—are ushered into a Scottish castle with a cash prize at stake. Most are “Faithful,” while a minority are “Traitors.” The Faithful must collaborate to eliminate the Traitors; if they succeed, the remaining contestants split the prize. Conversely, a Traitor who reaches the finale can claim the entire amount.
As in typical reality formats, deception, lies, and betrayal are rampant. Viewers report that a single episode is enough to become hooked, and the series is quickly emerging as one of the top reality shows on television.
Poker Face
The case-of-the-week format rules
Rian Johnson, celebrated for his Knives Out films, brings his whodunit expertise to television with Poker Face, a crime dramedy starring Natasha Lyonne. Lyonne’s character, Charlie Cale, possesses a unique talent: she can instantly detect when someone is lying.
Charlie roams the United States, stumbling into dangerous situations where her lie‑detecting skill becomes essential to solving crimes. The series employs a “howcatchem” structure, revealing the culprit and victim at the start, then following Charlie’s deduction process throughout each episode. Its case‑of‑the‑week format lets viewers watch episodes in any order, though starting with the pilot helps establish the premise.
The show earned seven Emmy nominations over two seasons, with Judith Light taking home the award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.
The Day of the Jackal
A deadly game of cat-and-mouse breaks out
Casting Oscar‑winner Eddie Redmayne as the titular assassin was a strategic move for The Day of the Jackal, an adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 novel. Redmayne portrays a meticulous British hitman who charges exorbitant fees for his precise, disciplined killings.
The Jackal’s latest contract draws the attention of Bianca Pullman, a sharp British intelligence officer played by Lashana Lynch, who begins probing his identity and whereabouts. Complicating matters, the Jackal discovers his mysterious employer has no intention of honoring the agreement, adding layers of tension.
The series captures the sleek, globe‑spanning vibe of 1970s political thrillers, delivering high‑octane action as it jumps across continents. While it earned a single Emmy nod for cinematography, Redmayne and the ensemble also garnered Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations.
More award-winning movies and shows to check out
If you enjoy Emmy‑nominated programming before the fall ceremony, Netflix offers several strong choices this year, such as The Diplomat and the second season of Beef. For award‑winning film lovers, the classics Fargo (1996) and Ali are also available on the platform.
Subscription with ads: Yes, $8 per month.
Simultaneous streams: Up to 3 streams can be viewed at the same time.
Peacock’s affordable pricing and curated selection of Emmy‑nominated titles make it a compelling option for viewers seeking quality entertainment without a hefty subscription fee.
