"The Big Bang Theory,""American Horror Story: Asylum" dominate U.S. TV awards nominations LOS ANGELES, May 22 (Xinhua) -- The hit CBS sitcom "The Big Bang Theory" and FX's horror-drama series "American Horror Story: Asylum" led the nominations as the organizers named contenders for the 3rd annual Critics' Choice Television Awards Wednesday. "The Big Bang Theory" collected 19 nominations, which tied with "The America Horror Story: Asylum" for the most nominated series on television. HBO dominated all networks with 21 nominations, followed by FX with 19. Other major contenders including "The Americans,""Breaking Bad,""Game of Thrones,""The Good Wife,""Louie," "New Girl" and "Political Animals," which earned four nominations apiece. In contention for best comedy series, "The Big Bang Theory," "Louie,""New Girl,""Parks and Recreation,""The Middle" and "Veep" all earned their respective slot into the race. Repeat Emmy winner "Modern Family" were conspicuously shut out of one of the most contested race. The nomination for best drama series saw "The Americans," "Breaking Bad,""Downtown Abbey,""Game of Thrones,""The Good Wife" and "Homeland" cruise along the trail safely. The top contender in the race for best movie or mini-series was "American Horror Story: Asylum" which pitted itself against a pack which also include "Behind the Candelabra" and "The Crimson Petal and the White," along with "The Hour," "Political Animals" and "Top of the Lake." "This year's nominations reflect the expanding definition of television, with nominated programs and performances representing new platforms as well as broadcast and cable," said Joey Berlin, president of the Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA). "As evidenced by nominations for the third annual Critics' Choice Television Awards, television continues to be a rich and diverse source of high-quality entertainment," he said. The awards event, which is handled by BTJA, will be held on June 10 at the Beverly Hilton in an event to be hosted by "Parks and Recreation" actress and stand-up comedian Retta.