HBO's seven-part historical saga "John Adams" moved closer to setting a record as the most Emmy-decorated miniseries ever as Laura Linney earned acting honors for her turn as Abigail Adams. "John Adams" went into the evening needing just four prizes to surpass the record 11 won in 2004 by HBO's adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Angels in America."

"John Adams" won eight lesser-category Emmys last Saturday during the presentation of the so-called creative arts awards.

Another period drama set roughly 200 years further in the future is also making a run at the Emmy record books.

"Mad Men," the critically acclaimed new AMC series set in New York's advertising industry at the cusp of the 1960s social revolution, is heavily favored to become the first show from a cable network other than HBO to win an Emmy for best drama.

Actor Alec Baldwin accepts the Emmy for Best Actor, Comedy for "30 Rock" onstage during the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre on September 21, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Emmy voters already have made some history by bestowing a record 17 nominations on NBC's self-parody of network TV, "30 Rock," the most for a comedy series in single year.

And they are widely expected to repeat history by crowning "30 Rock" TV's best comedy for a second straight year.

The difference this year is that "30 Rock" may bring its two stars, Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin, along for the ride. Baldwin is regarded a virtual shoo-in as best comedy actor for his role as a venal, egotistical network executive.

Actress Tina Fey (C) and the cast and crew from "30 Rock" accept the Outstanding Comedy Series award onstage during the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre on September 21, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

Fey, who created, produces and stars in the series as a harried TV show-runner, faces stiff competition from "Samantha Who" star Christina Applegate, as well as last year's winner, America Ferrera from "Ugly Betty." But Fey did pick up the Emmy for best writing on a comedy series.

Not to be counted out in the race for best comedy actress is "Seinfeld" veteran Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who is making a run for her second Emmy as a lovelorn single mom on the CBS sitcom "The New Adventures of Old Christine."