Dropout Submits Two Series for 2026 Emmy Consideration Across 11 Categories

" Important People" will compete in the outstanding variety series category, a newly merged classification that combines former talk series and scripted variety series categories. The show features comedians in elaborate makeup and costumes who create original characters for interviews with a fictionalized version of Michaelis' host persona. The series is currently in its third season and has featured guests including "Scam Goddess" podcast host Laci Mosley and "SNL" cast member Jeremy Culhane.

Michaelis, who uses they/them pronouns, is being submitted for lead comedy actress for their work on " Important People"—marking the first time Dropout has entered a performer in an acting race. Michaelis will also appear on the Emmy ballot for supporting comedy actress work on Peacock's spy series "Ponies" and potentially in guest drama actress for ABC's "The Rookie."

Context

The merger of talk series and scripted variety categories reflects a broader contraction in late-night television. The Television Academy's Board of Governors voted to combine the categories as the number of eligible late-night talk shows and sketch series declined. A similar consolidation was attempted in December 2020 but faced significant backlash from industry figures and was abandoned. The 2025 Emmy Awards saw "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" win the scripted variety category and "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" win talk series, with nominees including "Saturday Night Live," "The Daily Show," and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

Variety programs have a history of entering performers in acting categories. "Saturday Night Live" has earned multiple nominations and wins for cast members and guest performers in acting races over decades of Emmy competition.

What's Next

Episode submissions for both series will be announced at a later date, with final Emmy nominations expected in the coming months. The shift to an "area" award structure for variety series could expand nomination opportunities for independent streamers like Dropout that operate outside traditional broadcast and cable networks. Michaelis' entry in the lead comedy actress race represents a potential breakthrough for Dropout as a platform capable of competing in individual performance categories alongside established networks.