Grey's Anatomy was created by Shonda Rhimes (second left)

The US version of The Office received two trophies - best comedy and best person in a comedy for Steve Carell.

British actor Hugh Laurie won the prize for best individual in a drama for his role in another medical series, House.

My Name is Earl, a comedy about a man trying to put right past mistakes, was outstanding new show, while The West Wing was given a long-service honour.

Lifetime achievement

The acclaimed White House drama, which ended earlier this year, received the association's heritage award, which "recognises a long-standing programme that has had a lasting cultural or social impact".

Television network NBC received four awards in total, more than any other channel.

TELEVISION CRITICS ASSOCIATION AWARDS Programme of the year: Grey's Anatomy Outstanding new programme: My Name is Earl Outstanding drama: Lost Outstanding comedy: The Office (US) Outstanding movie or mini-series: No Direction Home - Bob Dylan Individual achievement in comedy: Steve Carell Individual achievement in drama: Hugh Laurie Heritage award: The West Wing Career achievement award: Carol Burnett (above)

The success of Grey's Anatomy - starring Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey - and castaway drama Lost gave ABC two awards.

PBS also collected two, for Martin Scorsese's documentary on Bob Dylan and for its long-running current affairs strand Frontline.

It was the eighth time that Frontline has been recognised in the category for outstanding news and information output.

A lifetime achievement award went to Carol Burnett, whose eponymous entertainment show ran on US television from 1967 to 1978.

The ceremony was hosted by Mary Lynn Rajskub, who plays Chloe O'Brian in real-time drama 24.