AAFCA TV Honors 2026: Paradise and Shrinking win big
The African American Film Critics Association named the winners of its eighth annual AAFCA TV Honors on July 1, 2026, with Hulu's Paradise claiming best drama, Apple TV's Shrinking winning best comedy, and Love Story taking best limited series. Sterling K. Brown repeated as best actor, underscoring the aafca honors 2026 paradise storyline as a major awards-season signal. The critics group unveiled the full slate ahead of an invitation-only celebration on Saturday, Aug. 8, at the City Club Los Angeles.
Key Takeaways
- Paradise won best drama and Sterling K. Brown repeated as best actor for the Hulu thriller's second season.
- Shrinking beat Abbott Elementary for best comedy, though Abbott took best writing and best ensemble.
- Love Story won best limited series and best directing (drama) for Crystle Roberson Dorsey.
- AAFCA introduced inaugural prizes for best reality series and best podcast.
- The ceremony is set for Aug. 8 at the City Club Los Angeles downtown.
Which Shows Won at the AAFCA TV Honors 2026?
Paradise led the drama field, edging HBO Max's The Pitt for the top prize. Shrinking topped the comedy race over Abbott Elementary, while Ryan Murphy's Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette won best limited series.
Abbott Elementary still scored major wins, earning best writing and best ensemble. In directing, Crystle Roberson Dorsey won for Love Story in drama, and Anthony Hemingway took best directing (comedy) for Hulu's All's Fair — one of the night's bigger surprises.
Who Won the Major Acting Categories?
Sterling K. Brown secured his second straight best actor honor for Paradise on Hulu. Jurnee Smollett won best actress for Apple TV's Smoke.
In supporting categories, Erika Alexander won for NBC's The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, and Lamorne Morris took best supporting actor for MGM+'s Spider-Noir. Aaron Moten earned best breakout performance for the second season of Prime Video's Fallout.
What Else Did AAFCA Honor This Year?
The 2026 slate added two new categories. OWN's Love & Marriage: Huntsville won the inaugural best reality series prize, and All the Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson took the first best podcast honor.
Netflix's Sean Combs: The Reckoning won best documentary, and composer Kris Bowers won best music for Spider-Noir. AAFCA also named five special achievement honorees: Tracy Morgan, Kathryn Busby, Celeste Hughey, Lamar Chase, and Felicia Pride.
Why Do the AAFCA TV Honors Matter for Awards Season?
AAFCA's Top 10 television list placed Paradise first, followed by The Pitt, Shrinking, The Madison, Abbott Elementary, The Chi, Matlock, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, Beef, and The 'Burbs. The group positions the honors as a barometer of culturally resonant television ahead of Emmys season.
AAFCA President Gil Robertson said this year's winners represent bold, culturally rich storytelling that redefines what television can do. For more awards and premiere updates, follow our Streaming & TV Alerts coverage. Full winner details are available via Variety.