Zendaya & Jean Smart could make Emmy history. Can they win for every season of Euphoria and Hacks? Discover the rare feat they're chasing.
- April 14, 2026
AceShowbiz - HBO is approaching a significant milestone with two of its leading ladies, Zendaya and Jean Smart, both in contention to make television history at the Emmy Awards. With the recent releases of Euphoria season 3 and Hacks season 5, these acclaimed actresses have the chance to achieve a feat never before reached by female performers: winning an Emmy Award for every season of their respective shows, spanning three or more seasons.
In the history of the Emmy Awards, only one actor has accomplished this remarkable streak. Bill Cosby earned Emmys for all three seasons of I Spy, setting a rare precedent that Zendaya and Jean Smart are now positioned to join.
Jean Smart has been an unstoppable force in television, particularly for her role as Deborah Vance on Hacks. Since the show’s debut, Smart has garnered multiple awards, solidifying the HBO comedy’s status as one of the most popular programs on contemporary television. Over the course of five seasons produced across six years, Hacks has continued to strike a chord with both critics and viewers alike, maintaining its relevance and charm well beyond the typical lifespan of TV comedies.
Notably, Smart has won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for every season of Hacks so far. Early reactions from critics about the latest season suggest she may continue this impressive streak. However, the competition is fierce, with fellow nominees including Lisa Kudrow for The Comeback and Quinta Brunson for Abbott Elementary, both of whom remain strong contenders.
Meanwhile, Zendaya has built an equally remarkable Emmy record through her portrayal of Rue Bennett in Euphoria. Created by Sam Levinson, the HBO drama first premiered in June 2019 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The initial season featured eight episodes, followed by two special episodes released in late 2020 and early 2021. While these specials were critically praised, they did not qualify for major acting or series categories as they were not considered full seasons.
Despite ongoing speculation that Euphoria season 3 might be the final chapter of the show, HBO has yet to officially confirm this. In interviews, Zendaya has hinted that the third season could serve as a conclusion. Regardless of the show's future, Zendaya has consistently maintained a winning streak in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category. She made history by becoming the youngest person ever to win this Emmy category in 2020, a record that underscores her exceptional talent and impact on the industry.
The potential Emmy wins for Zendaya and Jean Smart carry significant weight not only for their careers but also for women in television. Achieving Emmy victories for every season of their respective series would place them among an elite group of actors recognized for consistent excellence across all seasons. To date, only 31 performers have ever been nominated for Emmys for every season of their shows, highlighting how rare and prestigious this accomplishment is.
Both Euphoria season 3 and Hacks season 5 are currently available for streaming on HBO Max, offering viewers the chance to catch up on the groundbreaking performances that have earned critical acclaim and awards recognition.
Fans and industry observers alike are eagerly watching the upcoming Emmy nominations and awards to see if Zendaya and Jean Smart will secure their places in television history. Their sustained excellence reflects not only their exceptional talent but also the evolving landscape of television, where female-led shows continue to garner increasing critical and popular attention.
For those interested in following the progression of Emmy milestones and the dynamic awards races shaping the future of television, subscribing to newsletters and updates focused on industry trends is highly recommended. These provide in-depth analysis of how performances and series like Euphoria and Hacks are influencing the cultural conversation and redefining standards for success.
In summary, the upcoming Emmy Awards present a unique opportunity for Zendaya and Jean Smart to make history as the first women to win an Emmy for every season of their shows spanning three or more seasons. Their exceptional runs underscore the power of compelling storytelling and unforgettable performances on HBO’s platform.