Emmy Awards Make History with Basic-Cable Nods

This year's Emmy Awards mark the first time that two basic-cable shows have been nominated for a best drama award, the Los Angeles Times reports.

FX's Damages and AMC's Mad Men beat out popular programs like Grey's Anatomy for the best drama nod, making history by being the first basic-cable series to earn best drama Emmy nominations. The shows were recognized in other categories as well, with Mad Men receiving 16 nominations overall, including one for lead actor Jon Hamm. Damages was awarded seven Emmy nods and its lead actress, Glenn Close, was also given a nomination for best actress.

The two programs are joined in the best drama category by Boston Legal, Dexter, House, and Lost. The basic-cable shows and other nominees managed to beat out fan favorites such as Sci-Fi's Battlestar Galactica and NBC's Friday Night Lights. Also noticeably absent are past favorites such as Grey's Anatomy, and The Wire, in its last season of eligibility.

While basic-cable programs are just beginning to be recognized by Emmy voters, cable channels like HBO continue their domination of the awards. The cable network received 85 nominations this year, 23 alone devoted to its mini-series based on the life of U.S. President John Adams.

This year's Emmy awards will be broadcast September 21 on ABC from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.