The Emmys are getting down to basics -- basic cable, that is, as AMC's "Mad Men" and FX's "Damages" became the first shows outside network TV and pay cable to be nominated as the year's outstanding drama series -- a feat that past critics' darlings on basic cable, including FX's "The Shield" and "Rescue Me" and TNT's "The Closer," have failed to accomplish. They will compete with ABC's "Boston Legal" and "Lost," Showtime's "Dexter" and Fox's "House."

"Men" was the Cinderella story, garnering 17 nominations Thursday morning, including nods for actors Jon Hamm and John Slattery. This was AMC's first attempt at a dramatic series and its second, "Breaking Bad," earned a nomination for its star, Bryan Cranston.

"Damages," also qualifying in its rookie season, racked up seven nominations, three for the unforgettable performances of Glenn Close, Ted Danson and Zeljko Ivanek.

This breakthrough counters the academy's somewhat unfair reputation as an institution slow to welcome newcomers, a stereotype further discounted by the embrace of ABC's quirky "Pushing Daisies." While it failed to land a spot in the comedy category, it did earn 12 nominations, second only to last year's big winner, NBC's "30 Rock," among network shows. "Rock" earned 17 nominations, the most ever by a comedy series, and will compete for best comedy with HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Entourage," NBC's "The Office" and CBS's "Two and a Half Men," leaving no room for past nominees "Ugly Betty" or "Desperate Housewives." In fact, "Housewives" had a particularly bad day with only four nominations, and no love for any of the show's actresses.

HBO certainly had to feel giddy about its whopping 85 nominations, including 23 for its miniseries "John Adams" and 22 for the movies "Recount" and "Bernard and Doris." But "The Wire"was recognized in just one category, outstanding writing, a disappointment for loyal fans who felt the show would finally get recognition in its final season. Minnesotans also failed to make much of a splash, although former Guthrie actor Rainn Wilson was honored for his shenanigans on "The Office" and the Minneapolis-based Fallon ad agency made the cut for outstanding commercial for its work for Travelers Insurance.

The most heated (and star-studded) races are among series actresses. All of the comedic lead nominees -- Christina Applegate ("Samantha Who?"), America Ferrera ("Ugly Betty"), Tiny Fey ("30 Rock"), Julia Louis-Dreyfus ("Old Christine") and Mary-Louise Parker ("Weeds") -- are past winners. In the drama department, contenders Close ("Damages"), Sally Field ("Brothers & Sisters"), Mariska Hargitay ("Law & Order: SVU"), Holly Hunter ("Saving Grace") and Kyra Sedgwick ("The Closer") have had a combined 33 nominations, and all are previous champs with the exception of Sedgwick.

The rivals for reality-show host have a long way to go before racking up those kinds of numbers, but that's largely because this is the category's first year. The lucky pioneers: Tom Bergeron ("Dancing With the Stars"), Heidi Klum ("Project Runway"), Howie Mandel ("Deal or No Deal"), Jeff Probst ("Survivor") and Ryan Seacrest ("American Idol").

njustin@startribune.com • 612-673-7431