Mad Men leads Emmy nominations

The advertising drama Mad Men has captured 16 nominations for TV's Emmy awards.

Historical drama John Adams, about one of the United States' founding fathers, tops the shortlist with 23 nominations.

30 Rock, which took best comedy at last year's awards, leads the comedy nominees with 17 nominations.

The Primetime Emmy Awards, now in their 60th year, will be announced at a Los Angeles ceremony on September 21.

Mad Men will compete against previous Emmy winners House and Lost, as well as serial killer drama Dexter, and Damages.

30 Rock, the spoof comedy about life in network television, vies with the US remake of British hit The Office, Two and a Half Men, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage.

However long-running hits Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives failed to make a showing in the best series categories.