Limited Series Slump: Beef, Love Story, and DTF St. Louis Vie for Emmys

The 2026 Emmys limited series category sees a dramatic drop in contenders, from 61 in 2022 to 31 this year. Despite the decline, shows like Beef (season 2), Love Story, and DTF St. Louis are vying for top honors. Critics note that limited series no longer dominate the cultural zeitgeist as they once did. Beef's second season, starring Charles Melton, Oscar Isaac, and Carey Mulligan, is considered a frontrunner but failed to generate the same buzz as its first season. Love Story, a Ryan Murphy production about JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, sparked nostalgia and strong aesthetic responses, with Sarah Pidgeon earning praise. DTF St. Louis, featuring David Harbour, Jason Bateman, and Linda Cardellini, won two Gotham Awards and has become a surprise awards magnet. Other contenders include Half Man, The Beast in Me, All Her Fault, and Death by Lightning. Critics express mixed opinions, with some favoring All Her Fault's 'baby-brain madness' and others praising Matthew Rhys's performances across multiple shows. The Emmys nomination round has closed, with anonymous voters showing support for Industry and Widow's Bay, though the latter may suffer from late-breaking status. The category remains highly competitive, with potential upsets from Love Story or DTF St. Louis.