'The Wire' among Emmy Award semifinalist nominees (AP)

LOS ANGELES - The Emmy nominations could mark a breakthrough for shows as varied as "The Wire," "Mad Men" and "Family Guy." The programs are among the 10 drama series and 10 comedies that emerged as the semifinalists in balloting by Academy of Television Arts "Damages"; "Dexter"; "Friday Night Lights"; "Grey's Anatomy"; "House"; "Lost"; "Mad Men"; "The Tudors" and "The Wire."

Among the snubbed series were "Desperate Housewives" and "Heroes," a nominee last year that failed to make even the top 10 cut this time around.

Semifinalists for best comedy are "Curb Your Enthusiasm"; "Entourage"; "Family Guy"; "Flight of the Conchords"; "The Office"; "Pushing Daisies"; "30 Rock"; "Two and a Half Men"; "Ugly Betty" and "Weeds."

Last year's group of nominees was dominated by network series, although "The Sopranos" went out with a blaze of glory and claimed the best drama trophy.

The nominees for the 60th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced by Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris and TV academy Chairman John Shaffner in July's predawn ceremony.

The ceremony will be held Sept. 21 and broadcast on ABC.

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