It will feel like a familiar affair at the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards, with “Game of Thrones,” “Modern Family” and Julia Louis-Dreyfus once again landing nominations on Thursday.

But the occasionally stodgy Emmys, which sometimes latch on to winners (like Ms. Louis-Dreyfus) and stay with them, was also infused with new blood. Popular shows like “The People v. O.J. Simpson,” “Roots’’ and “Fargo” drew attention to the limited series category, James Corden emerged as a force in the late-night competition, and there was recognition in the best drama category for the widely praised but previously overlooked “The Americans.”

“Game of Thrones,” HBO’s fantasy epic, will again be the leader of the pack heading into the awards. The drama, which just completed its sixth season, received 23 nominations, the highest total for any show. The show received 24 nominations last year and won its first best drama Emmy.