HBO has not taken kindly to claims that it was "gaming the system" by entering "Big Little Lies" for Golden Globe consideration as a limited series.

With the hit drama receiving multiple Golden Globe nominations in the miniseries category just days after being renewed for a second season, some apparently felt the premium network had acted badly. HBO fired back on Wednesday, calling the criticism "irresponsible and uninformed" as well as "baseless and undeserved."

"'Big Little Lies' was conceived, produced, and aired as a limited series," said the network's statement (via Variety). "The implication of impropriety regarding HBO's awards submission of 'Big Little Lies' in the Limited Series category is irresponsible and uninformed."

The network went on with its defense, pointing out several facts that prove plans for Season 2 came about only after the completion -- and wild success -- of the original run.

"The idea to continue the story came about only after the show aired," the statement continued. "None of the cast or filmmakers had holdover contracts. Each deal had to be renegotiated, which is proof that no ongoing series was contemplated. Additionally, no source material beyond Liane Moriarty's novel existed. The accusation that HBO was 'gaming the system' is baseless and undeserved."

It looks like the naysayers hit a sore spot for HBO. We'll have to see who feels vindicated after the Golden Globes ceremony is held on Jan. 7 at 5 p.m. PT. That said, our money is on the network given how we've seen "Big Little Lies" clean up at award shows so far.