2022 Emmy Predictions: Limited or Anthology Series

Year after year, there are more and more limited series popping up. This isn’t a bad thing at all, as limited series feature powerful storytelling in a one-season format (unless it’s an anthology series) that gives a full story and ends with that season. The limited series over the past decade have become some of the best parts of television, which is why the race for Outstanding Limited Series has become so competitive. This year is no different, with a myriad of limited series having come out over the past year and seeking to be nominated in the category. The downside is that, though there are more limited series than ever before, there are still only five slots in the category. This makes the category even more competitive.

A series that should be considered a frontrunner for this category is Hulu’s Dopesick. The series will likely be receiving acting nominations for Michael Keaton and Kaitlyn Dever, which puts it in a prime position to be nominated for Outstanding Limited Series. The series has only picked up steam since its premiere, grabbing noms for its cast at the Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. Right behind it is last year’s summer hit, HBO’s The White Lotus. The Mike White creation following privileged guests at a Hawaiian resort received much critical acclaim following its premiere, particularly for its writing and Jennifer Coolidge’s incredible performance. The White Lotus will surely be fierce competition in this category since it has such a big following after its first season (with the promise of a second season on the horizon). Hulu’s The Dropout will also likely join these two shows by taking up one of the five spots in the category. Amanda Seyfried’s lead performance in the series sets it apart from other series and, with her likely winning the award in her category, makes this series a frontrunner for this prize.

The other limited series that have come out this year are also competition, as there have been some exceptional ones. Maid seeks to be nominated in this category and could very likely end up being nominated. A series that is likely to gain at least two acting nominations, Maid should be considered competition and has a big chance of finding itself in the pool of nominees when announced in July. Just getting to the race recently is FX on Hulu’s Under the Banner of Heaven, which just premiered in April and finishes its season this Thursday. This could give an edge to the series, as it will remain fresh on voters’ minds when voting opens later this month. HBO’s Station Eleven caused waves (and tears) when it finished earlier this year. A series focused on the aftermath of a global pandemic could resonate heavily with voters as we’re still dealing with the effects that COVID-19 has had all around the world. Pam and Tommy face an uphill battle to be recognized in this category, but with so many people having viewed the show, could that translate to votes from the Television Academy? 

Here are my Emmy predictions for Outstanding Limited Series.

1. Dopesick (Hulu)
2. The White Lotus (HBO)
3. The Dropout (Hulu)
4. Under the Banner of Heaven (FX/Hulu)
5. Maid (Netflix)

Look out for: Station Eleven (HBO); Pam and Tommy (Hulu); The Staircase (HBO Max); Impeachment: American Crime Story (FX)

Photo: Antony Platt/Hulu