"Mad Men," the sexy drama set inside a 1960s New York advertising firm, made Emmy history Thursday with its nomination in the drama series category.

AMC's "Mad Men", which airs on CTV in Canada, and FX's "Damages," became the first two basic cable series to ever be nominated in the category.

In total, "Mad Men" received 16 nominations, including one for Jon Hamm -- who plays Don Draper on the show.

The series revolves around Draper -- the biggest ad man, and ladies man, in the business -- and his struggles to stay ahead of the rapidly changing times.

"Mad Men" and "Damages" are up against "Lost," "Boston Legal," "Dexter," and "House," in the best-drama series category.

HBO's historical drama, "John Adams," led all nominees with 23 bids.

The show is based around one of America's founding fathers -- John Adams.

Paul Giamatti, who portrays Adams, received a nomination for best lead-actor.

Meanwhile, "30 Rock," which won the best comedy series in 2007, was the top nominee among sitcoms with 17 bids.

The show will face off against "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Entourage," "The Office" and "Two And a Half Men," for best comedy series.

Shut out

"The Wire," was shut out Thursday in a continuation of its Emmy snubs.

The gritty HBO drama about police and drug dealers in Baltimore will not have another shot at an award since its final season has already wrapped.

"Grey's Anatomy" and "Desperate Housewives," both which air on CTV in Canada, also failed to make the best-series category.

However, Grey's stars Sandra Oh and Chandra Wilson both received nominations.

Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris and TV academy Chairman John Shaffner announced the nominees Thursday at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in Los Angeles.

Shaffner surprised Chenoweth and Harris at the end of the press conference, announcing each had received a supporting-actor nomination.

Chenoweth stars in "Pushing Daisies" and Harris in "How I Met Your Mother."

The final list of nominees was determined with the help of blue-ribbon panels that screen submitted episodes for the top vote-getters.

The 60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be held Sept. 21.

Other Emmy Awards -- including those for technical achievement -- will be handed out at the creative arts ceremony on Sept. 13.

With files from The Associated Press