Emmys 2018: Netflix topples HBO in battle for nominations

Streaming services scored a TV coup Thursday as Netflix claimed the most prime-time Emmy nominations, ending HBO's 17-year streak as nominations leader.

Netflix eked out a close victory, picking up 112 nominations vs. HBO's 108. NBC finished third, with 78 nominations. Last year, HBO led the way with 111 nominations, with Netflix picking up 91.

Netflix, which received nominations for 40 of its shows, has become one of the biggest suppliers of programming in recent years, spending $8 billion this year on content including original series and movies. The streaming service, which can release multiple series in a given week, contrasts with HBO, a regular Emmy winner that offers a smaller selection of series, mostly anchored on Sunday nights.

The most nominated Netflix shows were "The Crown" (13 nominations), "Stranger Things" (12), "Godless" (12), and "GLOW" (10).

HBO saw its nominations spread among 23 shows. "Game of Thrones" (22) led the way,  followed by "Westworld" (21), "Barry" (13) and "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" (9).

"Thrones" received more nominations than any show, followed by "Westworld" and NBC's "Saturday Night Live" with 21 each.

In the top Emmy categories, HBO has three nominees for outstanding comedy series ("Barry," "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Silicon Valley") and Netflix has two ("GLOW" and "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt"). For outstanding drama series, HBO will be represented by "Thrones" and "Westworld" and Netflix's hopes rest with "The Crown" and "Stranger Things."

Hulu became the first streaming service to win a best-series Emmy, claiming the top drama prize last year for "The Handmaid's Tale," which is nominated again in that category.

WSBTV