The votes are in and the trophies have been handed out. Last night the Critics Choice Association gathered at the Barker Hangar to celebrate a year of television that pushed boundaries in both genre and storytelling. Hosted by Chelsea Handler, the ceremony saw HBO Max’s medical drama The Pitt emerge as the night’s biggest drama victor, while Apple TV+’s The Studio secured its place as the comedy to beat. However, no show was more dominant than Netflix’s Adolescence, which converted four of its six nominations into wins.
(L-R) Shawn Hatosy, Katherine LaNasa, winner of Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, Noah Wyle, winner of Best Actor in a Drama Series, and Patrick Ball, winners of Best Drama Series for “The Pitt” pose in the press room during the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 04, 2026 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)
Below is the complete list of television winners who took home the gold at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards.
Drama Series
- Best Drama Series: The Pitt (HBO Max)
- Best Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle – The Pitt
- Best Actress in a Drama Series: Rhea Seehorn – Pluribus
- Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tramell Tillman – Severance
- Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Katherine LaNasa – The Pitt
Comedy Series
- Best Comedy Series: The Studio (Apple TV+)
- Best Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen – The Studio
- Best Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart – Hacks
- Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Ike Barinholtz – The Studio
- Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Janelle James – Abbott Elementary
Limited Series & TV Movie
- Best Limited Series: Adolescence (Netflix)
- Best Movie Made for Television: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (Peacock)
- Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie: Stephen Graham – Adolescence
- Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Sarah Snook – All Her Fault
- Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie: Owen Cooper – Adolescence
- Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Erin Doherty – Adolescence
Animated, Foreign & Variety
- Best Animated Series: South Park (Comedy Central)
- Best Foreign Language Series: Squid Game (Netflix)
- Best Talk Show: Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC)
- Best Variety Series: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (HBO Max)
- Best Comedy Special: SNL50: The Anniversary Special (NBC)
The 2026 wins highlight a significant shift in critical preference. The sweep by The Pitt signals a return to high-quality, procedural-style drama that prioritizes character over spectacle. Meanwhile, Rhea Seehorn’s long-awaited win for Pluribus was the night’s most emotional moment, finally granting the Better Call Saul alum a major trophy for her leading-lady debut on Apple TV+. On the comedy side, the victory of The Studio proves that Hollywood still loves a show about itself, especially one as sharp and satirical as Seth Rogen’s newest venture.
