Emmys’ Limited Series Race: Book Adaptations Face True Crime

Variety TV editors Emily Longeretta and Michael Schneider discuss their predictions for the upcoming Emmys’ outstanding limited and anthology series category for Variety‘s Awards Circuit, presented by Showtime.

With adaptations on the rise, Schneider and Longeretta note how this year’s selection is dominated by book-to-screen adaptations, as well as series based on true crime stories.

Ryan Murphy’s latest true crime adaption, “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” the second retelling of the murder of Betty Gore in “Love and Death” and the true story behind Jimmy Keene and Larry Hall in “Black Bird” are all up for possible contention this year. “What’s a show without a murder? Every show needs a murder,” joked Schneider.

In addition to vying for awards contention, Schneider and Longeretta noted how the success from “Dahmer” has garnered Murphy an additional Netflix anthology franchise, following his work on “American Horror Story” and “American Crime Story.”

While true crime could occupy half of the category, book-to-screen adaptations, including “Daisy Jones and the Six” and “Fleishman Is in Trouble,” are also up for consideration. Each series follows the highs and lows of marriage, but Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “Daisy Jones and the Six” drives inspiration from the music of 1970s Southern California, while Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s “Fleishman Is in Trouble” comments on the Manhattan elite in the 21st century.

“Lizzy Caplan blew my mind, but Claire Danes, of course, also really really crushed it,” said Longeretta of the “Fleishman” actors. “The story was intense. It made me a little anxious. I laughed. I cried. I think that it had the full spectrum of emotions.”

Netflix’s “Beef” stands as the only original concept, and follows two aggressive drivers, Ali Wong (Amy Lau) and Steven Yeun (Danny Cho), who develop a contentious cat-and-mouse game in pursuit of each other’s demise.

In addition to these limited series, Variety‘s editors hope to see a few more garner awards recognition. Schneider is rooting for Peacock’s “Mrs. Davis,” while Longeretta wants another true crime story to take the stage, “A Friend of the Family,” which stars Jake Lacy and Mckenna Grace.

Variety‘s Awards Circuit is presented by Showtime FYC.