Hulu’s “Paradise” and Apple’s “Shrinking” took home the top prizes at the 8th Annual AAFCA TV Honors on Wednesday. Sterling K. Brown secured another Best Actor trophy for his performance in “Paradise,” helping the drama tie for the lead in overall wins.
The African American Film Critics Association revealed its full slate of television champions. “Paradise” won Best Drama. “Shrinking” secured Best Comedy. “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette” claimed Best Limited Series. Those three programs dominated the cultural conversation this year, according to coverage by TheWrap outlining the Top 10 programs list and the introduction of the Best Reality Series and Best Podcast categories.
“Paradise,” “Love Story,” “Abbott Elementary,” and “Spider-Noir” walked away with two prizes each. The organization’s Top 10 Television Programs of 2026 placed “Paradise,” “The Pitt,” and “Shrinking” in the top three slots. The physical awards ceremony is scheduled for August 8 at City Club LA in Downtown Los Angeles.
AAFCA President Gil Robertson praised the winning creators directly. He stated they “represent the incredible depth and creative ambition driving our industry forward.”
The 2026 awards expanded to include new competitive brackets. Best Reality Series went to “Love & Marriage: Huntsville.” Best Podcast was awarded to “All the Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson.”
Comedy legend Tracy Morgan was named the first-ever recipient of the newly created Flip Wilson Award. The honor recognizes artists who blend laughs with authentic cultural commentary, an addition highlighted in a report from EURweb detailing special achievement honors for industry executives like Kathryn Busby and Lamar Chase.