Mumbai: Lionsgate’s AMC drama Mad Men earned 16 Emmy nominations — the most among all drama series — marking the first time a basic cable program has topped that list. Nominations include nods for Outstanding Drama Series, Lead Actor (Jon Hamm), Supporting Actor (John Slattery), Guest Actor (Robert Morse), Writing, Directing and Cinematography.

The Company’s hit comedy Weeds scored three nominations, led by Mary-Louise Parker’s second consecutive Emmy nod for Outstanding Lead Actress for her work in Showtime series.

"This kind of recognition by the industry in our first season of Mad Men and our fourth season of Weeds is enormously gratifying," said Lionsgate’s programming and production president Kevin Beggs. "We’re extremely proud of both series and congratulate all of our Emmy nominees. These nominations underscore our commitment to generate programming that stands apart from the competition, speaks to audiences with a unique and distinctive voice and embodies the Lionsgate brand for original and cutting edge filmed entertainment."

Lionsgate noted that its July 1st DVD release of the first season of Mad Men is selling very strongly and its June DVD release of the third season of Weeds continues to strongly outperform first and second season sales on both DVD and in digital downloads.