Pakistan, July 17 -- Apple TV+'s dark sci-fi office drama 'Severance' on Tuesday led the contenders for the Emmy Awards, television's version of the Oscars, with a whopping 27 nominations.

'The Penguin', HBO Max's Batman villain spinoff series, came in second with 24. HBO Max's 'The White Lotus' and Apple's 'The Studio' tied for third with 23 nominations each.

'Hacks' topped the comedy series nominations with 14, with 'The Bear' close behind at 13.

The announcement from the Television Academy was the official start of the race to the 77th Emmy Awards, set for September 14 in Los Angeles.

After last year's record-breaking 18 Emmy Awards for Japan-set historical epic 'Shogun', this year's drama competition looks to be more nuanced.

'Se...