5 Things to Watch Tonight: Thursday Picks for July 9

Thursday Evening Is Made for Great TV

Thursday evening is winding down, and the Emmy nominations dropped yesterday with some genuinely exciting surprises. The best part? Most of the nominated shows are available to stream right now. Whether you're in the mood for a gripping medical drama, a record-breaking comedy, or something completely original, tonight's picks cover every platform and every mood.

Headliner: The Pitt on HBO Max

If you watch one thing tonight, make it The Pitt. The HBO Max medical drama starring Noah Wyle leads all Emmy nominees this year with 25 nominations — the most of any show in 2026. It already won Outstanding Drama Series and Lead Actor for Wyle at last year's ceremony, and this season's haul confirms it wasn't a fluke. The show follows Dr. Robby and his team through real-time shifts at a Pittsburgh trauma center. Wyle shadowed real ER staff to prepare, and that authenticity cuts through every scene. If you haven't started yet, the entire series is streaming now on HBO Max.

The Diplomat Returns on Netflix

Netflix's The Diplomat is back with a third season and an Outstanding Drama Series Emmy nomination to its name. Keri Russell stars as Kate Wyler, a US diplomat navigating international crises while managing a strained marriage to a fellow political star played by Rufus Sewell. Allison Janney joins the cast this season as President Grace Penn, alongside Bradley Whitford. It's sharp, tense, and rewards close attention — the kind of political thriller that hooks you from the first scene. All eight episodes of season 3 are streaming now.

Hacks Just Made Emmy History

Over on HBO Max, Hacks is going out on top. The comedy's fifth and final season earned 24 Emmy nominations — the most ever for a comedy series in a single year, breaking records held by The Bear and Schitt's Creek. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder's chemistry has never been better, and the entire series is available to binge. If sharp, heartfelt comedy is your thing, this is the pick.

Pluribus: Vince Gilligan's Latest Is a Must-Watch

From the creator of Breaking Bad comes Pluribus, an Apple TV+ sci-fi drama starring Rhea Seehorn as a grumpy romance novelist who finds herself immune to an alien virus that puts everyone else in a happy hive mind. It holds a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and earned an Outstanding Drama Series nomination at this year's Emmys, standing alongside heavyweights like Slow Horses and The Diplomat. For something truly original that rewards discussion, this is your hidden gem of the night.

ICYMI: Emmy Nominations 2026

HBO Max dominated this year's Emmy nominations with 122 total across all categories. The Pitt (25) and Hacks (24, a comedy record) lead their genres. Newcomers like Pluribus and Widow's Bay emerged as dark horses in drama and limited series, while Slow Horses, The Diplomat, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms round out a stacked Drama Series field. Jimmy Tatro is also in talks to join the upcoming DC Crime Superman spinoff series as Gorilla Grodd — early casting news worth tracking if you're a DC fan.

Quick Picks by Mood

Appointment TV: The Pitt — start from episode one and you'll be caught up before you know it.

Something thoughtful: Pluribus — Vince Gilligan's latest is made for post-viewing discussion.

Political drama fix: The Diplomat — Keri Russell and Allison Janney make for a stellar combo.

Light and fun: Hacks — Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder at their absolute peak.

Hidden gem: Pluribus — still flying under the mainstream radar despite the Emmy love.

Whatever you're in the mood for, there's something here worth your time. Happy watching.