Television's biggest week is already underway. Before the glamour of the main Emmy Awards telecast, an early ceremony is set to hand out trophies — and if expectations hold, three shows could walk away with armfuls: 'The Pitt,' 'Hacks' and 'Pluribus.'

Key facts

  • An early Emmys ceremony takes place ahead of the main primetime telecast.
  • 'The Pitt,' 'Hacks' and 'Pluribus' are tipped to collect multiple trophies.
  • Early results often set the tone — and the narrative — for the main Emmy Awards show.

What the early ceremony actually is

The Emmys don't hand out everything on one night. Ahead of the star-studded primetime broadcast, earlier ceremonies — commonly known as the Creative Arts Emmys — honor the crafts that power the medium: editing, cinematography, sound, costumes, makeup, casting and more. For series with deep technical benches, these nights can quietly stack up wins long before the cameras roll on the main stage.

The shows in the spotlight

'The Pitt' arrives with the kind of momentum awards voters notice — a hospital drama that has drawn attention for its intensity and ensemble work. 'Hacks,' the sharp comedy built around the uneasy partnership between a veteran stand-up and her young writer, has been an Emmys favorite in recent years. And 'Pluribus,' the much-discussed new series from 'Breaking Bad' creator Vince Gilligan, has quickly become one of the most talked-about shows on television.

Why the early wins matter

Trophies collected before the primetime telecast count exactly the same — and they shape the story of the night. A show that dominates the early ceremony heads into the main broadcast with visible momentum, while a quiet evening can hint at a long night ahead. For 'The Pitt,' 'Hacks' and 'Pluribus,' this is the first real test of how the television academy feels about them this year.

Whatever unfolds, the early ceremony will offer the clearest read yet on whether these three series can convert buzz into Emmy gold.