PGA Awards 2026 Reveals Key Nominees in Sports and Children’s Programming

The Producers Guild of America announced its 2026 nominees this week. The awards highlight excellence in sports, children’s, and shortform television programming. Notable contenders include HBO’s “Hard Knocks” and the iconic “Sesame Street.”

This annual recognition from the PGA is a major industry honor. It signals top-tier production quality and storytelling. The winners will be celebrated at events in February.

Top Contenders for Outstanding Sports Program

The sports category features five diverse nominees. HBO’s “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Buffalo Bills” is a standout. It is joined by Netflix‘s popular “Formula 1: Drive to Survive.”

Other nominees include HBO’s “100 Foot Wave” and “Surf Girls: International.” The final spot goes to “Big Dreams: The Little League World Series 2024.” According to the Producers Guild announcement, these series represent the best in sports documentary filmmaking.

They capture high-stakes drama and personal journeys. The award celebrates producers who elevate the sports narrative beyond the game itself.

Beloved Series Dominate Children’s Program Category

The children’s programming category is filled with household names. Long-running favorite “Sesame Street” earned a nomination. It competes with Nickelodeon’s evergreen “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

Animated hits “Phineas and Ferb” and “Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical” are also contenders. The list is rounded out by “LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past.” This category honors shows that successfully engage and educate young audiences.

Producers must balance entertainment with meaningful content. The nominees have all demonstrated significant cultural impact and longevity.

The PGA Awards 2026 nominees list sets the stage for a competitive ceremony next February. It highlights the ongoing strength and creativity across these vital television genres. The final winners will be revealed at the end of the month.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

Q1: When are the 2026 PGA Awards winners announced?

The winners will be announced at the PGA Awards ceremony on February 28, 2026. Nominees will be celebrated at separate events earlier in February.

Q2: What shows are nominated for Outstanding Shortform Program?

Shortform nominees include “The Daily Show: Desi Lydic Foxsplains” and “Hacks: Bit By Bit.” Also nominated are “Overtime with Bill Maher” and behind-the-scenes specials for “The White Lotus” and “Adolescence.”

Q3: Has “Hard Knocks” won PGA Awards before?

Yes, the “Hard Knocks” series has been a previous winner and frequent nominee in this category. Its intimate access to NFL teams consistently resonates with the Producers Guild voters.

Q4: Why is the PGA Award significant for producers?

A PGA Award is a peer-reviewed honor from fellow producers. It recognizes the complex logistical and creative work behind the scenes that makes television successful.

Q5: Is “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” a first-time nominee?

No, the popular Netflix docuseries has been nominated in this category in previous years. Its success has helped spark a wider trend in sports documentary series.