Cable cleaned up in the 2008 Emmy nominations, with 85 nominations for HBO (but none for Best drama series) and nominations for Best Drama landing in Mad Men’s and Damages‘ lap — marking the first time two basic cable series competed in the category.
Despite ABC nabbing 76 nominations – the most of any of the broadcast nets – its trio of Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, and Ugly Betty were all snubbed (and with good reason.)
HBO’s John Adams had 23 nominations; NBC’s 30 Rock had 17 (17 too many.)
In the Outstanding Animated Program category (one hour or more), hated rivals Family Guy and South Park have one program each nominated: Blue Harvest and Imaginationland, respectively, joined by Warner Bros.’ Justice League: The New Frontier.
Here’s one that’s eye-popping: Deal or No Deal’s Howie Mandel was nominated for best reality/competition host.
To see the complete list of Emmy nominations, click here.