The BuzzMeter panel long advocated for Rhea Seehorn to win for her performance as the sane, professional Kim Wexler, in danger of being dragged into the main character’s vortex in “Better Call Saul.” Now they’re happy to make her the early leader in the 2026 race for drama lead actress as the prickly but sympathetic Carol in “Pluribus.”
“Emmy voters took their sweet time in recognizing the standout work of Rhea Seehorn on ‘Better Call Saul,’ ” writes Glenn Whipp of the reigning CCA, Saturn and Golden Globe winner. “She won’t have to wait that long for her lead turn as the misanthropic romance writer fighting for humanity in ‘Pluribus.’ ”
Keri Russell holds the No. 2 spot, but No. 3 Zendaya gets louder endorsements from the panel: “No matter what you think about the latest season of ‘Euphoria,’ two-time winner Zendaya is one of three locks in this category,” says Tracy Brown. Trey Mangum points out that “as a historic two-time winner, Zendaya could easily repeat again just off principle, and her Season 3 performance pushes this case even further.”
More predictions: drama series | drama actor | drama supp. actor | drama supp. actress
1. Rhea Seehorn, “Pluribus” 2. Keri Russell, “The Diplomat” 3. Zendaya, “Euphoria” 4. Carrie Coon, “The Gilded Age” 5. Michelle Pfeiffer, “The Madison” 6. Kathy Bates, “Matlock” 7. Chase Infiniti, “The Testaments” 8. Nicole Kidman, “Scarpetta”
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