the buzz log

How does this look on a TV producer's resume: short-listed for an Emmy, didn't make the nominee cut?

The Academy of Television Arts & Science, still smarting over the leaks that put its 2007 list online ahead of schedule, released this year's top 10 finalists four weeks early. The short list will then be chopped down by half for the formal July 17 announcement.

Is this unprecedented move the savviest political action? Will contenders given this slim sunshine ray of hope feel irked if they don't make the final? Will other shows that didn't even make this list feel doubly snubbed... like "Battlestar Galactica" (SciFi), "Desperate Housewives" (ABC), "Heroes" (NBC) or "How I Met Your Mother" (CBS)? Will the so-called Academy Blue Ribbon panel, whose opinion counts for 50%, look even more out of touch if it cuts out critical favorites?

Critics and fans have sounded a positive note on "The Wire" (HBO) making its last shot after being dissed during its five-season run. The Washington Post says basic cable shows—or a non-HBO cable show—may finally have a shot at winning best series... if either "Mad Men" (AMC), "Damages" (FX), or Showtime's three maybes make it past the voting committee.

Which fan base will be the most outraged come July 17? One clue may lie in a show's Search popularity during the Emmy qualifying period (June 1, 2007-May 31, 2008). Below are the shows ranked thusly. If online interest determined the nomination process, "The Wire" would make a snubs sweep.