If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.

The Emmys — an annual celebration of artistic and technical merit in the television industry — is back, taking place Monday, Sept. 14 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. And while the actual awards ceremony, also referred to as the Primetime Emmy Awards, starts at 8 p.m. EST, the arguably more fashion-forward bit of the proceedings (the Emmy Awards red carpet, that is) commences two hours prior, at 6 p.m. EST. It will be broadcast by E! as part of the “Live From E!: 2026 Emmys” programming.

Cable cutters will be happy to know that E!’s pre-show coverage can be streamed online with the help of today’s leading live TV platforms (think DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling).

Here’s how to sign up — and grab those juicy free trials — before the full-fledged arrival of one of television’s biggest nights.

How to Watch the 2026 Emmy Awards Red Carpet Online for Free

E!’s “Live From E!: Countdown to the 2026 Emmys” broadcast begins at 5 p.m. EST, with predictions and style commentary dished out by host Erin Lim Rhodes alongside stars such as Lance Bass, Ciara Miller, and Zanna Roberts Rassi.

The official red carpet portion of the evening, though, will air on E! at 6 p.m., as host Justin Sylvester joins Emmy winners Keltie Knight and Will Marfuggi in interviewing Hollywood’s biggest names — on what will, in reality, be a “peacock blue” rather than traditionally red carpet this year.

Can’t wait to gaze at the A-listers’ head-turning dresses, inventive accessory equations, and soaring footwear choices? This is not only possible but encouraged with the following editor-recommended streaming services, all of which carry E!.

When Are the 2026 Emmy Awards Taking Place? What Time Do the Emmys Start?

The 2026 Emmy Awards are happening Monday, Sept. 14, with the main show kicking off at 8 p.m. EST and E!’s red carpet coverage starting two hours earlier, at 6 p.m. EST. Typically, the Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony lasts for three hours, so it’s set to wrap up at around 11 p.m. EST tonight.

2026 Emmy Awards Nominees

“The Pitt” snagged 25 nominations, “Hacks” got 24, “Widow’s Bay” impressed with 19, “Pluribus” came in hot with 18, and “Beef” clinched 16. Other notable nominees for 2026 include “Hacks’” Jean Smart (in the running for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series); Colombian actor Carlos-Manuel Vesga, who shot to fame in the U.S. thanks to his supporting role in “Pluribus”; Michelle Pfeiffer (nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, in context of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles”); and the now-cancelled “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” competing for the Outstanding Variety Series award.

Who Is Presenting at the 2026 Emmy Awards?

The 78th Emmy Awards’ presenters include but are not limited to Awkwafina, Noah Beck, Jamie Lee Curtis, Julia Garner, Woody Harrelson, Paul Anthony Kelly, Matthew McConaughey, Brooks Nader, Sofía Vergara, Shailene Woodley, Odessa A’zion, Linda Cardellini, Macaulay Culkin, Jon Hamm, Marcello Hernández, Dan Levy, Keke Palmer, Amy Poehler, Florence Pugh, Rachel Sennott, and Zendaya. 

The 2026 Emmys’ In Memoriam segment will feature a performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Noah Kahan and include tributes to the likes of Hayden Panettiere, Gloria Steinem, Dolly Parton, Vincent Pastore, and Tim Curry.

Who Is Hosting the 2026 Emmy Awards?

Mariska Hargitay is the host of the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards (becoming the first woman to helm the event in 15 years). She won four Emmy Awards in her career, supplemented by eight consecutive nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Drama while playing Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” the longest-running character in an American primetime drama. Hargitay has also previously won a Golden Globe.

2026 Emmy Awards Red Carpet Fashion Predictions

As Michael Kors told E! earlier, he anticipates that the 2026 Emmy Awards’ looks du jour will skew more experimental versus cookie-cutter. Kors hopes animal print will pervade the blue carpet, with an emphasis on comfort.

Another hint at the styles you’re about to witness comes in the form of Christian Siriano’s reveal that the gowns he created for a few attendees were “all over the board,” aesthetically speaking. “I had really ethereal to really vampy [dresses],” he shared with E!. “People are going for different things.”

If last year is any indication, get ready for intricate textures, trailing scarves, off-white suits with fine tailoring for the men, and understated jewelry pairings that let the clothes do all the talking.

Don’t miss a second of it, courtesy of top live TV providers like DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling.

Why Trust WWD

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Author

Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on must-stream cultural happenings.