'Shrinking' and 'Paradise' Take Top Honors at 2026 Humanitas Prizes

The Humanitas Prize handed out its 2026 honors on Wednesday, recognizing episodic television projects that center on human connection, empathy, and social issues. Among the top winners were the third season premiere of Apple TV+ comedy "Shrinking" and the sophomore season opener of "Paradise," Variety reported.

"Shrinking" earned recognition for "My Bad," an episode that broadened the show's focus on Parkinson's disease through a high-profile guest appearance by Michael J. Fox. The series, co-created by Jason Segel, Bill Lawrence, and Brett Goldstein, has consistently folded real-world health challenges into its workplace and relationship storylines.

Also taking top honors was the season two premiere of "Paradise," titled "Graceland." The episode framed a narrative of post-apocalyptic survival through a guest turn by Shailene Woodley, expanding the dystopian drama's thematic scope.

Limited series contender "Washington Black" was also named among this year's primary honorees, according to the announcement.

## Industry Context

Founded in 1974, the Humanitas Prize honors film and television writers whose work explores the human condition and promotes dignity. While not a direct predictor for major guild prizes or the Primetime Emmys, the recognition often helps boost prestige profiles for episodic entries during consideration windows.

For streamers like Apple TV+ and rival platforms, Humanitas recognition provides critical narrative support for awards campaigning, validating dramatic and comedic scripts that aim beyond pure commercial entertainment.