Netflix's Beef and Paramount's DTF St. Louis clash for Emmy glory

**Netflix’s “Beef” and “DTF St. Louis” Neck‑Tie in Tight Limited Series Emmy Race**

The 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards will see a razor‑thin contest for Best Limited or Anthology Series. Netflix’s *Beef* and Paramount’s *DTF St. Louis* are the only shows with more than 12 nominations, and they have taken a combined 29 nods in the field of five nominees.

The category is set to be decided on September 14 after voting closes at 8 p.m. ET.

Both dramas have garnered sweeping recognition across acting categories, with *Beef* leading overall nominations at 16 and *DTF St. Louis* close behind at 13. The nominations include high‑profile performances from Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Jason Bateman, David Harbour, and Claire Danes.

The split reflects a broad spectrum of storytelling styles that appeal to Emmy voters.

An anonymous glimpse into the ballots released this week shows *Beef* and *DTF St. Louis* each receiving three votes in the limited series category, while *The Beast in Me* earned two and *All Her Fault* and *Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette* each got a single vote.

The numbers suggest a very evenly balanced field as the awards night approaches.

## Background & Context

The limited or anthology series category has historically favored shows with strong narrative arcs and stellar performances. Last year’s winners included Netflix’s *Baby Reindeer* and *Adolescence*, both of which also won the award at the ceremony. This trend indicates Netflix’s growing influence in the genre.

*Beef* premiered on Netflix in early 2025, exploring a tense father‑daughter relationship set against the backdrop of a family business takeover. The series has received critical praise for its screenplay and character development. *DTF St.

Louis*, meanwhile, debuted on Paramount+ later in 2025, weaving a darkly comedic tale of friendship and ambition in the echelons of a small-town bank. Each show’s distinct tone showcases the diversity of storytelling that the Emmy voters are evaluating.

Other nominees—*All Her Fault*, *The Beast in Me*, and Ryan Murphy’s *Love Story*—each bring unique elements to the category. *All Her Fault* is a crime drama that premiered on Hulu, while *The Beast in Me* is a crime‑focused series that was also recognized at the Golden Globes. *Love Story* delves into the brief romance of John F.

Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, adding a biographical angle to the mix.

## What Voters Say

When the anonymous ballots were released, one voter expressed surprise at not seeing either of the top contenders: “I did not see ‘Beef’ or ‘DTF St.

Louis’ — I’m rooting for Claire Danes!” Another remarked on the sheer volume of options: “Who has time to watch all this crap?” A third admitted a lack of familiarity with the titles, saying, “I don’t know a single person who watches all the nominees.

Who has time?” These comments reflect the challenges voters face when juggling multiple high‑profile submissions.

Despite varied engagement levels, the voting data shows a nearly even split between *Beef* and *DTF St. Louis*. The three votes each represent 30% of the tally in this category, while the remaining votes are distributed among the other nominees.

This balance underscores how evenly matched the shows are in terms of critical acclaim and voter preference.

The voting community’s mixed enthusiasm may also hint at a broader trend where voters prioritize storytelling quality over brand loyalty. The two shows share strong cast lineups and production values but differ markedly in tone, suggesting that technical merits alone do not sway the final outcome.

## What Happens Next

Voting for the limited or anthology series category will close on Friday, September 14 at 8 p.m. ET. Afterward, the Television Academy will publish the final nominees and award winners on its website and social media channels.

Viewers who want to gauge their own preferences can stream all five nominees in advance of the announcement.

Past Emmy patterns indicate that a show with robust acting nominations often pulls ahead in the awards. *Beef* holds 16 total nominations, including four for acting, while *DTF St. Louis* has 13, with three acting nods.

This distribution may tilt the scales slightly in favor of the Netflix series, though the category’s competitive nature means outcomes remain uncertain until the final vote.

The limited or anthology category is a high‑profile segment that can boost a show’s visibility and the careers of its actors and creators. Whichever series claims the Emmy will receive heightened prestige and likely see increased viewership in the weeks that follow.

The awards night will also set a precedent for how streaming and cable productions compete in this genre moving forward.

The anticipation surrounding the Emmy battle for Best Limited or Anthology Series is high, with both *Beef* and *DTF St. Louis* offering compelling stories that have already captivated critics and audiences alike.

As the voting approaches, fans and industry insiders will be watching closely to see which narrative triumphs in this fiercely contested category.