The big winners from last year's Emmy Awards are looking set to repeat as champs in 2009. "30 Rock," which took home outstanding comedy series at the last show, and "Mad Men," the outstanding drama victor, led the way in total nominations when the list was announced on Thursday morning (July 16). The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards will air live from Los Angeles on Sunday, September 20.

"30 Rock," Tina Fey's NBC comedy about life at an "SNL"-like late-night sketch show, secured 22 nominations this year, including outstanding comedy series, lead actor in a comedy series (Alec Baldwin) and lead actress in a comedy series (Fey). Both Fey and Baldwin triumphed in these categories last year, two of a total of seven wins.

"Mad Men," the retro drama following a '60s-era Madison Avenue ad agency and its scotch-swilling employees, garnered 16 nominations. In addition to its outstanding drama nod, the show's cast was recognized for lead actor in a drama (Jon Hamm) and lead actress in a drama (Elisabeth Moss). The series won six awards in 2008.

"American Idol" was honored with eight nominations, including reality competition and host for a reality or reality-competition show (Ryan Seacrest). That total is up from nods in five categories last year, one of which the program won.

"How I Met Your Mother" actor Neil Patrick Harris will host the show, following on the success of his emcee job for the Tony Awards in June. He was also nominated in the outstanding supporting actor in a comedy category for his work in "HIMYM."

A recent rule change increased the total number of nominees in the major categories. Joining "30 Rock" in the best comedy series category are "Entourage," "Family Guy," "Flight of the Conchords," "HIMYM," "The Office" and "Weeds." Competing with "Mad Men" in the best drama series are "Big Love," "Breaking Bad," "Damages," "Dexter," "House" and "Lost."

"The Colbert Report" and "The Daily Show" will do battle for outstanding variety, music or comedy Series, as will "Late Show With David Letterman," "Real Time With Bill Maher" and "Saturday Night Live."

Justin Timberlake was nominated for guest actor for his work on "Saturday Night Live." (He and Andy Samberg won an Emmy in 2007 for "D--- in a Box.")

As well as "Idol," the contestants for best reality competition are "The Amazing Race," "Dancing With the Stars," "Project Runway" and "Top Chef."