The Wire Gets a Final Shot at an Emmy

Critically acclaimed street drama The Wire is among the top 10 finalists for the 2008 Emmy Awards, AP News reported Thursday. FX's Damages, Grey's Anatomy, and Friday Night Lights are also semifinalists in the outstanding drama series category.

Although never earning coveted awards, The Wire eventually garnered a cult-like following of viewers over its 5-season run. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter was such a fan of the gritty drama that he hosted a special screening of the series finale at Philadelphia's City Hall earlier this year.

According to the TV Academy's Web site, the semifinalists for both outstanding drama and outstanding comedy represent the top 10 vote-getters as voted by the entire academy. After another round of screenings on June 28 and 29, the TV Academy will determine the five finalists for each category.

Semifinalists for outstanding comedy as listed on the TV Academy Web site are: Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage, Family Guy, Flight of the Conchords, The Office, Pushing Daisies, 30 Rock, Two and a Half Men, Ugly Betty and Weeds.

The top 10 drama semifinalists are: Boston Legal, Damages, Dexter, Friday Night Lights, Grey's Anatomy, House, Lost, Mad Men, The Tudors and The Wire.

Set in Baltimore, MD, The Wire began by chronicling the lives of the city's drug dealers and the detectives that pursued them. By the fifth season, the show had expanded to include an often critical look at the media, school system and government of the city as well.

The five nominees for both comedy and drama series will be announced on Thursday, July 17.