Game of Thrones leads Emmy race

The list of nominations for the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards was announced in Los Angeles Thursday morning by Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black) and Cat Deeley (So You Think You Can Dance). While some of the usual contenders remain (House of Cards, Mad Men, Downton Abbey), other new and deserving shows (Better Call Saul, Transparent, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) have joined the race.

Game of Thrones, HBO’s epic fantasy drama, dominates with the most nominations (24), including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Supporting Actress (twice, for the brilliant Lena Headey and Emilia Clarke), Outstanding Supporting Actor (the always excellent Peter Dinklage), and Outstanding Guest Actress (the delectably thorny Diana Rigg), as well as nominations for writing and direction. This recognition has put HBO as the top network with a total of 126 nominations, including the third most nominated production: the limited series, Olive Kitteridge, with 13 nominations.

American Horror Story: Freak Show follows Thrones with 19 nominations, including Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie (Jessica Lange). This is also the last chance for Mad Men to be honored for its television legacy with nominations for Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor (Jon Hamm), and Outstanding Lead Actress (Elisabeth Moss).

Much to the delight of her adoring fans, Tatiana Maslany is finally getting some long overdue recognition for her amazing performances on Orphan Black with her nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She had been previously been snubbed in this category, to the outrage of fans everywhere who expressed their indignation on Twitter and other online platforms.

This is also a big year for online streaming services as both Netflix and Amazon scored nominations, the latter for its Golden Globe-winning comedy, Transparent. Two Netflix shows are up for Outstanding Drama Series (House of Cards, Orange is the New Black), while its new, wacky comedy, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, is up for Outstanding Comedy Series.

British drama was likewise recognized, with 15 nominations for BBC Drama (The Honourable Woman, Orphan Black, Wolf Hall), and 8 nominations for ITV’s period hit, Downton Abbey.

While the quest for Emmy domination is not as vicious as that in Westeros, it is no less intriguing. With a diverse array of wonderful shows being recognized this year, the definition of television excellence is broadening.

The 67th Primetime Emmy Awards are scheduled to take place on September 20, hosted by Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Andy Samberg. Click over to the next page for the complete list of nominees.