NBC pulls 'Mad Men' spoof after Emmy rivals irked

Exclu: An Emmy promo spoofing AMC’s acclaimed drama "Mad Men" backfired on NBC.

The network aired the first of three "Mad Men"-style promos Wednesday night which featured Emmy host Jimmy Fallon in the role of Don Draper and Christina Hendricks playing her character Joan Harris.

The playful video, intended to drive tune-in to NBC’s Emmy telecast, was also put online and received pickup on some blogs.

But rivals with shows against "Mad Men" in the best drama series category weren’t amused -- especially since NBC had no plans to spoof their shows too.

As one network with a hound in that particular race points out: The TV Academy voting window is still open.

"Are they kidding?" asked a rep. "They’re running basically ads for 'Mad Men' in the middle of the voting process. That’s like having a presidential campaign and running an ad for one candidate. It’s outrageous."

It does seem unlikely NBC would have aired the "Mad Men" spot if "Parenthood" was nominated for best drama too.

An NBC source said the video was aired "prematurely" and that no more of Fallon’s "Mad Men" spoofs will run until until after the voting window closes on Aug. 17. The video will also be likely removed from online.

"This promo was posted prematurely," agreed a TV Academy spokesperson, "and the Television Academy appreciates NBC pulling the content until after the voting window closes."