Netflix rules the Emmys, topping HBO as winner of most awards for the first time

Netflix and HBO have battled each other for primacy in Emmy nominations for the last five years, with the two trading the title as the most nominated network, studio or streaming service since 2017. But Netflix has never ended the night of the primetime Emmy Awards with the most wins. The closest it came was in 2018, when it tied HBO in the total number of statues.

That changed Sunday. Netflix won 44 Emmy awards this year, combining the primetime awards handed out during Sunday’s ceremony and the creative arts Emmys collected during ceremonies last weekend. It’s the first time Netflix has brought home the most Emmy wins since the company’s programming was first nominated in 2013.

Netflix’s 44 Emmys beat the total number of awards won by the next two companies combined. HBO — which combined its awards for shows both on its traditional network and on its streaming service, HBO Max — won 19 total Emmys, with Mare of Easttown and Hacks standing out with multiple wins.

Disney Plus came next with 14 Emmys altogether, including one statue for Hamilton and many for technical achievement handed out at the creative arts Emmys the previous weekend.

Apple TV Plus also stood out for the success of Ted Lasso, which won four Emmys Sunday and seven total. Besides winning outstanding comedy series, its star, Jason Sudeikis, won the comedic lead actor category, and supporting actors Hannah Waddingham and Brett Goldstein took home statues too — the first Emmys for all three performers. In total, Apple TV Plus earned 11 Emmys this year.

Both Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus, which launched within two weeks of each other in 2019, are only in their second year of contention for Emmys.

Reigning as the most Emmy-awarded network or service doesn’t unlock any particular prize other than bragging rights. But with competition continuing to intensify between media companies, dominating the Emmy awards can be important for marketing one service above the rest as the go-to place for the most decorated programming. Services like Netflix and WarnerMedia’s HBO Max — not to mention Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime and Apple TV Plus too — are all vying for your subscriptions, of course. But commanding the most Emmy wins is alluring to top Hollywood talent too.

Except for the tie with Netflix in 2018, HBO has long been the perennial leader in Emmy wins.