Emmy Nominations 2013, Four Most Obvious Decisions: 'American Horror Story' Lands 17 Nods, 'Parks & Rec' Gets Snubbed, And More

The nominations for the 2013 Primetime Emmy Awards were announced this morning (July 18) by actors Aaron Paul and Neil Patrick Harris. While there were plenty of surprises in this year’s nominations, including Netflix’s 14 nominations for Arrested Development and House of Cards, the majority of the Emmy nominations were expected fare.

Here are the four least surprising, most obvious Emmy nominations for 2013:

"American Horror Story" Lands the Most Nods

Last year, the Ryan Murphy produced mini-series was nominated for the most awards with Mad Men (tied at 17). This year, the horror-drama also received 17 nods. Though a wonderful feat, the high-quality production was successful in creating a tangled, convoluted story that was frightening and mind-boggling, so it would be more of a surprise if it weren't highly nominated. Strong acting from the veteran cast and gloriously creepy production value and storylines made AHS one of the most original programs on TV this year.

Additionally, considering that American Horror Story is entered in the mini-series or movie category, competition is slightly scarcer. Though HBO's Behind the Candelabra was also given multiple nods, it's arguable that no other mini-series or made-for-TV movie picked up as much attention as AHS this year.

All the "Mad Men" Love

Mad Men has been a critical darling ever since its premiere in 2007, and the scandalous '60s ad men show has been a mainstay at the Emmys since '08, winning Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row (last year was the first Mad Men didn't take home the honor -- it lost to HBO's Homeland).

This year, Mad Men is up for seven awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress (Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss), Outstanding Supporting Actress (Christina Hendricks) and Outstanding Guest Actor and Actress (Harry Hamlin, Robert Morse, Linda Cardellini).

With a more depressing turn in its sixth season and strong, heartbreaking performances, a high number of award nominations was expected for Mad Men this year yet again.

Snubbing "Parks and Recreation"

It seems as though snubbing the Amy Poehler-led Parks and Rec has become common fare for the Emmys. Despite decent ratings, critical enjoyment and strong storylines with original, well-developed characters, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has only given the show an Outstanding Comedy nod once in its second season.

This year, Amy Poehler's portrayal of overly antsy parks department deputy director/city councilwoman Leslie Knope was the only nod given to the NBC sitcom. Perhaps the academy hates small government as much as Nick Swardson's Ron Swanson.

Outstanding Variety Series Nominees

Not like there are a ton of variety shows to delight audiences anymore, but the nominations of The Colbert Report, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Real Time with Bill Maher and Saturday Night Live are dreadfully expected.

The 2013 nominees are exactly identical to last year's list (when The Daily Show took the trophy). SNL in particular was a shoe-in. The show's been nominated consistently since 2001. The Daily Show has won the award consecutively since 2003.