Death is often used for dramatic effect on scripted television, but rarely do we see the process and reality of facing death—particularly the decision to die deliberately on one’s own terms. America famously shies away from speaking directly about death while simultaneously wringing it for profit, as documented in Jessica Mitford’s 1963 book The American Way of Death, an inspiration for the Peabody-winning drama Six Feet Under, which was itself a pioneer in unflinching death depiction. But in recent years, other Peabody-recognized series have been tackling end-of-life preparation and decision-making with increasing reality, sophistication, and nuance. (Light spoilers ahead.)Death is often used for dramatic effect on scripted television, but rarely do we see the process and reality of facing death—particularly the decision to die deliberately on one’s own terms. America famously shies away from speaking directly about death while simultaneously wringing it for profit, as documented in Jessica Mitford’s 1963 book The American Way of Death, an inspiration for the Peabody-winning drama Six Feet Under, which was itself a pioneer in unflinching death depiction. But in recent years, other Peabody-recognized series have been tackling end-of-life preparation and decision-making with increasing reality, sophistication, and nuance. (Light spoilers ahead.)

Heated Rivalry blazed into culture this winter and made history as a smash hit centering a romance—and explicit sexual relationship—between two male pro hockey players. The small Canadian production captivated American audiences with its depictions of consent, positive masculinity, and storybook endings for not one, but two, interrelated queer couples in a sport not normally known for its sensitivity and openness. As a result, Connor Storrie, who plays the gruff Russian Ilya Rozanov, and Hudson Williams, who plays the sensitive Shane Hollander, have become international superstars, showing up everywhere from Saturday Night Live to the Met Gala carpet. For Pride month, here’s a closer look at Heated Rivalry and other Peabody-recognized LGBTQ stories.

Music has long served as a tool of rebellion for people of color. Particularly in America, where nearly every music genre originated in Black culture, the entertainment industry insisted on segregation from the start, first giving us minstrelsy and then the false construct of pitting “race records” against “hillbilly music.” But in Africa, too, where many enslaved Americans’ musical traditions originated, music has also often provided a method of joyous response to oppression. Several Peabody-recognized works have explored these intersections, illuminating the work of Sly and the Family Stone, Fela Kuti, Beyoncé, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more.

Since World War II, anti-fascism has permeated many of our mainstream narratives, from the audacity of Charlie Chaplin’s masterpiece The Great Dictator to Cabaret, Casablanca, and The Sound of Music. In the last few years, fighting for freedom from overbearing rulers has powered the plots of not only critically beloved TV series such as Andor (see below), but also glitzy family fare like KPop Demon Hunters and the Wicked films. Here, three of the best recent fiction and nonfiction stories about pushing back against authoritarian forces, all of them Peabody winners this year.

When Barbara Walters was at the peak of her powers, she hosted an annual special called the 10 Most Fascinating People, naming those she felt had most shifted the culture that year, from politicians to royalty, sports figures to authors, tech titans to TV personalities. We no longer have Walters to bring us inside fascinating lives, but last year did bring an exceptional crop of documentaries about people who have shaped culture, including Walters herself, as well as Pee-wee Herman, Martin Scorsese, and more. These documentaries balance access to their subjects with clear-eyed views of their faults, tell difficult histories through their life stories, and show us what it takes to truly change culture.

86TH ANNUAL PEABODY AWARD-WINNERS ANNOUNCED

 

Entertainment and Documentary Titles Lead the Way, with Winners Celebrated at May 31 Ceremony in Beverly Hills

 

ATHENS, GA (April 23, 2026) – The Peabody Awards’ Board of Jurors today announced winners representing the most captivating and inspiring stories released in broadcasting and streaming media in the last year. From compassionate caregivers in an emergency room to professional hockey players living their truths, from a spy-thriller set within the “Star Wars” universe to the adverse effects of social media on young people, this year’s honorees reflect a wide and compelling range of storytelling.  Winners were chosen by a unanimous vote of 28 jurors from over 1,000 entries across television, podcasts/radio and the web in entertainment, news, documentary, arts, children’s/youth, public service, and interactive/immersive programming and media.

The winners of the 2026 Peabody Awards join special honorees, including actor, writer and podcast host Amy Poehler (Career Achievement Award), screenwriter Sterlin Harjo (Trailblazer Award), Academy Award-winner James L. Brooks (Inaugural Industry Icon Award), and historic programmer PBS KIDS (Institutional Award).  This year’s ceremony will take a slightly different form, moving away from a traditional awards show structure and toward a more unified celebration of the winners. Honorees will be grouped around shared thematic categories, creating a narrative arc that carries through the evening.

“The winners of the 86th annual Peabody Awards reflect Peabody’s mission to honor storytelling that has the potential to change culture, whether it’s examining the destructive tactics of ICE, viewing terminal illness through a deeply personal lens, or resisting attempts to stifle free speech, we look forward to recognizing and celebrating these winners,” said Jeffrey P. Jones, executive director of Peabody. ”

Entertainment titles had a strong year, winning 11 awards.  Documentary followed with 10, including two in the arts category, along with five for news, four for interactive/immersive programming and three for radio/podcast. 

Of the 34 total wins, HBO Max received the most awards with 6, followed by Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix and PBS, each with 2 awards. 

The winners of the 86th annual Peabody Awards, produced by Liz Kelly and ROK Productions, will be celebrated on Sunday, May 31, at a ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.  Delta Air Lines is the supporting sponsor of the ceremony.  The Peabody program is based at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia.

Today’s Peabody Award winners, listed by category and in alphabetical order (network/platform in parentheses) are:

NEWS

“Fault Lines: ‘Kids Under Fire’ and ‘The Disappearance of Dr. Abu Safiya’” (Al Jazeera English)

“Fault Lines” presents a harrowing examination of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in the segments “Kids Under Fire” and “The Disappearance of Dr. Abu Safiya,” which document the violence faced by children and healthcare workers. These segments highlight the targeting of vulnerable populations and the challenges healthcare professionals endure, including Dr. Safiya, who remains in Israeli custody.

Al Jazeera English 

“Immigration Crackdown” (PBS News Hour)

PBS News’ “Immigration Crackdown” provides comprehensive coverage of President Trump’s deportation plan, highlighting the fear and anxiety within immigrant communities while also exploring the complex history of immigration in the United States. The series balances on-the-ground reporting with insights from historians and legal experts, fairly presenting various perspectives on this divisive issue.

PBS News Hour

“Los Angeles Burning” (ABC News and KABC, Los Angeles)

The 2025 wildfires in Southern California devastated countless families and highlighted the urgent realities of climate change, prompting extensive coverage from ABC News that treated the crisis with the seriousness it warranted. With contributions from flagship programs such as “Good Morning America” and local affiliate KABC, the reporting showcased both the unfolding disaster and the resilience of the community, demonstrating a commitment to responsible journalism during a critical time.

ABC News and KABC-TV, Los Angeles

“Restrained” (ABC / KMBC 9)

“Restrained” is a powerful documentary by KMBC in Kansas City that exposes the abuse of immobilizing devices like restraint chairs in prisons, revealing a disturbing pattern linked to more than 100 deaths and serious injuries. Through extensive investigation, including surveillance footage and court records, the report highlights severe mistreatment of inmates, which led to significant reforms in practices across Missouri and Kansas in a true example of impactful journalism.

KMBC 9

“The Rise and Fall of Terrorgram” (PBS)

“The Rise and Fall of Terrorgram” explores the connection between a 2022 attack outside a Slovakian gay bar and previous mass shootings in New Zealand and San Diego, revealing how the perpetrators were radicalized online by white supremacists using platforms like Telegram. FRONTLINE correspondents A. C. Thompson and James Bandler uncover the “Terrorgram Collective” and its strategy of “militant accelerationism,” offering a critical examination of gun violence and political extremism in the digital age.

FRONTLINE (PBS), ProPublica

 

PODCAST AND RADIO

“Divine Intervention”

“Divine Intervention” recounts the story of a Catholic anti-war movement in 1971 Boston, where young priests and nuns provided sanctuary to draft resister Paul Couming and engaged in direct actions against the Vietnam War, including break-ins at draft offices and confrontations with the FBI. Hosted by Brendan Patrick Hughes, the podcast weaves together themes of love, generational conflict within the church, and the courage of activists, revealing a significant yet overlooked historical narrative.

Wonder Media Network and iHeartMedia

“Scam Inc”

Hosted by Sue-Lin Wong, this podcast explores the harrowing phenomenon of “pig butchering,” where victims are manipulated into losing significant sums of money to scammers, being bled dry by anonymous chat partners who siphon funds into a shadowy global system. Through empathetic interviews with both victims and perpetrators, Wong reveals the complexities of this financial and humanitarian crisis.

The Economist

“When We All Get to Heaven”

“When We All Get to Heaven” explores the complex relationship between faith and the queer community during the AIDS crisis, focusing on the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco, one of the first gay-positive churches. The audio documentary captures the struggles of LGBTQ Christians navigating illness and death amid rejection from both their faith and the gay rights movement.

Eureka Street Productions

 

DOCUMENTARIES

“The Alabama Solution” (HBO Max)

“The Alabama Solution” documents the harrowing realities of Alabama prisons, revealing systemic brutality and corruption through clandestine recordings made by inmates who risked their lives to share their experiences. Filmmakers Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman highlight issues such as overcrowding, violence, and drug overdoses, ultimately prompting legislative hearings aimed at reform.

HBO Documentary Films; Hit The Ground Running

“Come See Me in the Good Light” (Apple TV)

Ryan White’s documentary “Come See Me in the Good Light” chronicles Andrea Gibson’s experiences during their treatment for ovarian cancer in 2024, blending their poignant poetry with the realities of grappling with mortality and the desire to cherish life. Through candid moments of vulnerability and emotional truths, the film offers a heartfelt exploration of love and artistry that resonates deeply, delivering an uplifting portrayal of resilience in the face of hardship.

Apple / Tripod Media / Amplify Pictures / Treat Media / Something Fierce Productions

“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” (BBC Four)

“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” follows Pavel Talankin, a primary school teacher in Russia, as he resists government-imposed indoctrination following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, using unconventional methods like playing a Lady Gaga song to inspire his students. Co-directed by Talankin and David Borenstein, the documentary highlights the personal and political challenges he faces while advocating for truth and resistance, staging an individual protest against authoritarianism.

Made in Copenhagen in co-production with Pink

“No Other Land”

“No Other Land,” co-directed by Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, documents the ongoing destruction of the Masafer Yatta region of the West Bank, highlighting the violence faced by Palestinian inhabitants. The film not only records this injustice but also illustrates the possibility of friendship across divides, delivering a poignant exploration of the occupation.

Antipode Films

“Pee-wee as Himself” (HBO Max)

The two-part HBO docuseries “Pee-wee as Himself” explores the life of Paul Reubens, who, while battling cancer, participated in extensive interviews with filmmaker Matt Wolf without revealing his diagnosis and while often trying to direct questions, raising the issue of who gets to define his narrative. By examining the contradictions in Reubens’ life as a queer performer and the layers of his public persona, the documentary presents a complex portrait that challenges notions of authenticity.

HBO Documentary Films presents an Elara & First Love Films Production

“Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk” (Kino Film Collection)

“Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk” offers a unique perspective on the Israeli war on Gaza by focusing on the resilience and hope of Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona through intimate phone conversations with Iranian director Sepideh Farsi. This documentary captures the challenges of connection amidst conflict, highlighting Fatma’s faith and aspirations while serving as a poignant reminder of the humanity of Palestinians, resulting in an empathetic portrayal of identity and hope.

Rêves d’Eau Productions

“Southpaw—The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott” (ESPN) 

“Southpaw—The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott” chronicles the remarkable journey of baseball player Jim Abbott, who pitched a no-hitter for the Yankees despite being born without a right hand. The documentary combines archival footage and present-day interviews to explore Abbott’s childhood, his rise to fame, and his impact on young athletes with disabilities, culminating in an emotional tribute that highlights his legacy.

ESPN

“Thoughts & Prayers” (HBO Max)

The documentary “Thoughts & Prayers” examines the grim reality of gun violence in U.S. schools, highlighting the 163 incidents and resulting deaths and injuries in 2025, while depicting the absurdity of the $3 billion active shooter preparedness industry. Through poignant testimonials from schoolchildren and sharp social commentary, the film critiques the capitalist exploitation of this crisis and the failure of political responses.

HBO Documentary Films presents a Tony Tina Production

 

ARTS

“Fela Kuti: Fear No Man”  

“Fela Kuti: Fear No Man,” produced by Jad Abumrad for Audible, explores the life of musical genius Fela Kuti, using his story as a lens to examine themes of liberation, civil resistance, and the history of Nigeria. Through more than 200 interviews and a blend of entertainment and education, the podcast highlights Kuti’s impact while incorporating the voices of women in his life and showcasing his musical works as anthems for freedom.

Audible, Higher Ground, Western Sound and Talkhouse

“Sly Lives! (a.k.a. The Burden of Black Genius)” (Hulu, Onyx Collective)

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson explores the life and legacy of Sly and the Family Stone, the multiracial rock, R&B, and funk band, and its eponymic musical genius, Sly Stone.  More than a music documentary or bio-doc of one of the most successful bands of the 1960s and 1970s, the film interrogates the personal and professional costs that artistic success has on groundbreaking Black artists such as Stone, especially when no roadmap exists for how they should navigate the pressures and anxieties of being such artistic firsts. 

MRC, Network Entertainment Inc., Two One Five Entertainment Inc., RadicalMedia, Stardust Films LLC, ID8 Multimedia, Inc., and Sony Music Entertainment

 

ENTERTAINMENT

“Adolescence” (Netflix)

“Adolescence” is a Netflix limited series that begins with the aftermath of a teenage girl’s murder, focusing not on the crime itself but on the transformation of 13-year-old Jamie Miller into a killer. Through fluid storytelling and character studies, the show examines the impact of Jamie’s actions on those around him and highlights the radicalization of young boys in toxic online spaces.

Warp Films, Matriarch Productions and Plan B for Netflix

“Andor” (Disney+)

Season two of “Andor” explores the rise of fascism through a narrative that highlights the violent suppression of peaceful protests, the fear faced by undocumented immigrants, and the struggle against governmental lies, all while resistance factions navigate complex dynamics. Although not conceived as a direct response to contemporary events, the series’ timely themes resonate powerfully with today’s world and underline a nuanced portrayal of the human costs of rebellion within the “Star Wars” universe.

Lucasfilm Ltd.

“Common Side Effects” (Adult Swim)

“Common Side Effects” explores the challenges of redefining wellness in a capitalist society, where profit often takes precedence over humanity. The animated series follows mycologist Marshall Cuso as he discovers a miraculous mushroom that can heal any ailment, drawing the ire of Big Pharma and the government, in this sharp critique of the healthcare system with stunning visuals.

Green Street Pictures, Bandera Entertainment, and Williams Street

“Dying for Sex” (FX / Hulu)

“Dying for Sex” follows Molly, played by Michelle Williams, as she embraces a journey of sexual self-discovery after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, leaving her husband so she can explore desires she had previously suppressed. Supported by her friend Nikki, portrayed by Jenny Slate, the FX miniseries, based on a podcast of the same name, celebrates female friendship and sexuality while crafting a poignant and daring narrative about living fully in the face of death.

20th Television

“Forever” (Netflix)

Netflix’s “Forever” offers a fresh take on Judy Blume’s 1975 novel, reimagining it as a modern coming-of-age story set in Los Angeles about a relationship between two young Black athletes. The series thoughtfully explores young love and the serious challenges facing today’s teens in a nuanced portrayal of its characters, including mental health struggles, social media pressures, and the expectations placed on young Black athletes.

A Netflix Series

“Heated Rivalry” (HBO Max)

“Heated Rivalry” is a Canadian drama series that explores how two major league hockey players navigate their fears, cultural differences, and burgeoning love amid the pressures of their sport and society. Adapted from Rachel Reid’s novel, the show balances complex themes of sexuality and emotional connection, inspiring fans and promoting non-toxic masculinity, ultimately making what was arguably the biggest cultural impact in television this year.

Accent Aigu Entertainment in association with Bell Media’s Crave

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (ABC)

While ABC’s late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been on the air for 23 years, this season proved unprecedented in American television history as the show found itself “suspended” indefinitely by the network due directly to pressure from the Chairman of the FCC. Kimmel, a persistent critic and scathing ridiculer of President Donald Trump, was taken off the air, then reinstated after public uproar arose from across the ideological spectrum about the comedian’s First Amendment rights. Kimmel’s return to air was a master class in public apology for the comments about Charlie Kirk that supposedly got him suspended while nevertheless, and doggedly, asserting his rights to criticize the president and MAGA movement that sought to silence him. 

20th Television in association with Kimmelot

“Mussolini: Son of the Century” (MUBI)

Joe Wright’s “Mussolini: Son of the Century” revitalizes the biopic genre with a vibrant and immersive approach, blending archival footage, direct-to-camera addresses, and anachronistic elements to portray Benito Mussolini’s rise to power. Featuring Luca Marinelli’s captivating performance, the miniseries examines the allure of authoritarianism and the corrupting nature of absolute power, a timely reflection on political dynamics.

Sky Studios and Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment, a Fremantle group company, in co-production with Pathé, in association with Small Forward Productions, in collaboration with Fremantle, CINECITTÀ S.p.A. and Sky

“The Pitt” (HBO Max)

HBO’s “The Pitt” revitalizes the medical drama genre by setting its 15-episode narrative in an overcrowded Pittsburgh trauma center, centered around supervising physician Michael Rabinovitch, played by Noah Wyle. The series explores contemporary social issues such as opioid addiction and mass violence while showcasing the complexity of its diverse characters and offering a critical look at profit-driven healthcare.

HBO Max in association with John Wells Productions, R. Scott Gemmill Productions, and Warner Bros. Television

“Pluribus” (Apple TV)

Vince Gilligan’s series “Pluribus” presents a thought-provoking narrative: An alien virus infects the world, creating a hive-mind, while a romantasy author in Albuquerque, one of the few unaffected, grapples with her newfound isolation and the pressure to conform. Through the character of Carol, the show explores complex themes of agency, free will, and individualism in a nuanced take on a dystopian invasion narrative that resists easy answers.

Sony Pictures Television in association with Apple

“The Rehearsal” (HBO Max)

In its second season, “The Rehearsal” demonstrates Nathan Fielder’s ability to effect real change, using a unique approach to enhance airline safety by encouraging open communication among pilots and copilots. Through a blend of creativity and offbeat humor (which includes a singing competition and a re-enactment of Chesley Sullenberger’s life), the season sparked a national dialogue about pilot training while also exploring deeper questions of solitude and distraction, using innovative storytelling unlike anything ever seen on television.

HBO in association with Blow Out Productions

 

CHILDREN’S / YOUTH

“Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” (Disney+)

“Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” adapts the comic series into a vibrant animated show centered on Lunella, a young African-American girl on the Lower East Side who uses her scientific skills, alongside a red Tyrannosaurus, to combat local villains. With a talented voice cast and a focus on STEM, the series offers a fresh and heartwarming take on the superhero origin story in a celebration of individuality and bravery.

Flying Bark Productions, Disney Television Animation, Disney Branded Television

 

INTERACTIVE & IMMERSIVE

“Cleared by Fire”

The interactive documentary “Cleared by Fire” revisits the tragic killings of 25 Iraqi civilians by U.S. Marines in Haditha, exploring the search for accountability through the eyes of Khalid Jamal, who lost family members in the attack. Combining detailed 3D recreations, testimonies, and extensive reporting, the film highlights the importance of remembering the human stories behind war.

The New Yorker

“ICE Sweeps Georgia”

“ICE Sweeps Georgia” is a groundbreaking social video series by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that intimately captures the human impact of immigration enforcement through innovative storytelling techniques like vertical video and body camera footage. By focusing on personal stories and perspectives, the series highlights the intersection of federal power and local lives, achieving significant engagement with its effective blend of traditional reporting and modern social media strategies.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Investigating War Crimes in Gaza”

This documentary by the Al Jazeera Investigative Unit reveals the devastating impact of the ongoing war in Gaza, where more than 51,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have been killed, and many more are missing under rubble. Through a detailed examination of footage posted by Israeli soldiers themselves, the film documents potential war crimes, including civilian casualties, torture, and destruction of infrastructure, delivering unprecedented accountability and real-time evidence.

Al Jazeera English

“South of Midnight”

“South of Midnight” is an interactive folktale that invites players to join protagonist Hazel Flood in confronting grief and mending past wounds, all while immersing them in the rich traditions of Southern Gothic and Afro-Southern folklore. With its handmade stop-motion art style and heartfelt storytelling, the game honors cultural memory and centers a Black woman’s healing journey with exceptional craft in this meaningful exploration of personal and collective weight.

Compulsion Games

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ABOUT THE PEABODY AWARDS

The Peabody Awards is celebrating 86 years of honoring stories that defend public interest, encourage empathy and expand our understanding of the world. Respected for its integrity and revered for its standards of excellence, the Peabody is an honor like no other for television, podcast/radio, and immersive and interactive media. Chosen each year by a diverse Board of Jurors through unanimous vote, Peabody Awards are given in the categories of entertainment, documentary, news, podcast/radio, arts, children’s and youth, and public service programming. The annual Peabody winners are a collection of stories that powerfully reflect the pressing social issues and the vibrant emerging voices of our day. From major productions to local journalism, the Peabody Awards shine a light on the Stories That Matter and are a testament to the power of art and reportage in the push for truth, social justice, and equity. The Peabody Awards were founded in 1940 at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia and remain there today. The Peabody Awards also produces the award-winning podcast “We Disrupt This Broadcast,” available on all major podcast platforms. For more information, visit peabodyawards.com to sign up for our newsletter. 

 

For more information, please contact:

Michael Donkis

E-mail: mdonkis@aloftpr.com

Mobile: 310-387-0220

 

Rebecca Taylor

E-mail: rtaylor@aloftpr.com

Mobile: 310-447-4831

Surprising ways that Christian faith have led to anti-war and AIDS activism, the consequences of deception, and the complications of justice define this year’s class of Peabody podcast nominees. All of these themes are explored through specific, human stories that will change the way you see the world and stay with you longer than mere facts. Here, the best podcasts of last year, handpicked by our jurors unanimously.