Inside Television with Alan Sepinwall

TV Top 20 of 2012: 'New Girl' & 'Boardwalk Empire' lead the best of the rest

An abundance of great comedies and dramas marked the year in television

By Alan Sepinwall Wednesday, Dec 19, 2012 12:30 PM

"Community," "New Girl" and "Boardwalk Empire" all made my top 20 for 2012.

Credit: NBC/FOX/HBO

Last week, I published my 2012 Top 10 list — which became one vote of many in HitFix's First Annual Television Critics' Poll — and noted in the introduction that there was a very clear top six for me, and that, after that, there was a cluster of a dozen-odd shows that I could have put in any order on any given day and felt that those four in particular deserved to be there.

And yet in the days that followed, I’ve been nagged by thoughts of having omitted “New Girl,” or “Boardwalk Empire,” or “Justified” or some others that narrowly missed the cut. In years past, I’ve tried to spread the wealth by doing multiple Top 10 lists — usually one for new shows, and one for returning — but this was a much stronger year for veterans than rookies (even with two first-year shows making the Top 10). So instead, I decided to take a page from Fienberg, who annually does a Second 10 list, and write for a while about the shows that didn’t quite make it into the Top 10, but were awesome nonetheless.

And because I know some of you don’t like to watch video lists, I’m going to present the Top 10 in written form, using a slightly modified version of the script I read for my video narration (though what I have to say about the #10 show is all new). Because the original list is out there, I’m going to start at 1 and count up to 20. Keep in mind that I’m just one man, and don’t have time to watch everything. I’m way behind, for instance, on the latest seasons of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “The League.” And some other shows I simply don't watch at all, or liked but perhaps not enough to consider for such a list. (When you ask "Why wasn't (Show X) on your list?" the answer is "Because I liked these other ones more.")

1. AMC’s “Mad Men” was off the air for 17 months before its most recent season, and the show wasted little time in reminding us of its genius. It was a dark year for Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce that included betrayal, infighting, humiliation, boxing, drug use, prostitution and even suicide taking place in and around the office. But even as Don Draper wasn’t acting anything like himself, week after week, “Mad Men” reminded us of its artistry, its intelligence and its depth. I questioned a character choice here and there, but overall, “Mad Men” was the best TV show I watched in 2012.

2. AMC split the final season of “Breaking Bad” into two eight-episode chunks, and the drama suffered through a few pacing issues this summer as a result. Yet this half-season still astounded as it chronicled Walter White’s ascent to the throne of a drug empire, even as he systematically pushed away everyone who cared about him. We got the usual great work from Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Jonathan Banks and all the rest, the usual gorgeous cinematography and smart storytelling, and one image after another that’s going to haunt my dreams until the next new episode airs sometime next summer.

3. NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” was my favorite show on television a year ago. It was pretty darned terrific in 2012, as well, wrapping up a lengthy arc about Leslie’s campaign for city council in warm and funny fashion, then transitioning into a new season that saw every character struggling to adapt to new roles. Leslie shifted into politics, Tom attempted to become a legitimate businessman, and Ron Effing Swanson even dated a sane single mom. With Amy Poehler, Adam Scott, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt and company on hand, “Parks and Recreation” rarely does anything fancy — other than perhaps this season’s cameo by Vice-President Biden — but simply executes better than any other comedy in the business.

4. NBC’s “30 Rock” is going out with a bang, and a whole lot of laughs. Thus far, this has been one of the best final sitcom seasons ever, and the previous season, which aired entirely in the winter and spring of this year, was jam-packed with highlights, including Liz turning into the Joker, Jon Hamm in blackface in the live episode, and Jack producing the world’s most uncomfortable couches. This latest season has been so good, including the silly and sweet wedding of Liz and Criss, that I don’t want the series to end, even though I respect Tina Fey’s desire to follow the rules of comedy and leave on a high note.

5. Most TV shows take several seasons to go through the usual wave of hype and then backlash. HBO’s “Girls” practically finished the cycle before it premiered, and was divisive throughout its 10 episode run. But I loved the distinctive voice of creator, director and star Lena Dunham, and the way that she and her collaborators were unafraid to make their four young heroines come across as selfish, naïve, foolish, and/or simply unlikable. For all the talk about what the show had to say about all women in their 20s, it was ultimately about these four specific women, and it was sharp, and hilarious, and moving, and incredibly watchable. A superb debut season.

6. The third season of FX’s “Louie” was less consistently great than its all-time classic second season. Yet it was a season that gave us Parker Posey on the most unsettling, memorable date of Louie’s life. It gave us terrific guest turns from Oscar winners Melissa Leo, F. Murray Abraham and Robin Williams. And it gave us the surprisingly moving three-episode arc where Louie auditioned to succeed David Letterman. Louis C.K. has decided to take an entire year off from the show to avoid feeling burned out, and it’ll be a long wait for more installments of this deeply personal, funny, touching series.

7. In seventh place, another HBO series, the horseracing drama “Luck,” makes its first and only appearance on a top 10 list of mine. The series began in turmoil, as creator David Milch’s working style clashed with director Michael Mann’s. And it ended in tragedy, as three horses died during production. What was on screen, though, was magic, particularly any time we were hanging around the quartet of degenerate gamblers riding the longest winning streak of their lives, or when all the show’s human characters just stopped to watch one of those majestic horses do something amazing on the track. “Luck” was really developing confidence right as the season ended; unfortunately, we won’t get to see what it was capable of becoming.

8. In its third season, HBO’s “Treme” didn’t transform into a different, more plot-driven show than in its first two. But it felt more cohesive than before, bringing more of the characters together, and finding ways to link stories together even when people weren’t meeting up. A season of stories about the struggle between artistic integrity and commercial success isn’t for everyone, but with these characters, this music, and the writing of David Simon, Eric Overmyer and company, it was a treat to spend another year in New Orleans.

9. NBC’s “Parenthood” is a drama I’ve always enjoyed, but this season’s cancer storyline has brought a lot of what the show does well into even sharper focus, raising the stakes of almost every storyline in the process, and delivering fantastic, honestly tear-jerking performances from Monica Potter, Peter Krause, Mae Whitman and the rest of this great cast in the bargain.

10. Okay, this one I’m rewriting from scratch. I said in the video narration that “Homeland” was at number 10 with an asterisk, figuring that if the finale really stuck the landing, I might later move it up a few slots (which I did a year ago), and that if it wasn’t, the good parts of the show — specifically, Patinkin, Danes and Lewis — were enough to consider it one of the best 10 shows on television this year. When the finale aired, I felt that it retroactively improved some of the more implausible moments of previous weeks, but it also let nearly all of the story be geared towards supporting an emotional relationship I’d lost interest in by then. If I had made the top 10 list this week rather than last, I’d probably swap “Homeland” with the next show (if not bump it down one or two past that), but I committed to 10th place, come what may, and the acting and some individual moments and episodes (the bulk of “Q And A,” for instance) were still fantastic.

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Alan Sepinwall
Sr. Editor, What's Alan Watching

Alan Sepinwall has been reviewing television since the mid-'90s, first for Tony Soprano's hometown paper, The Star-Ledger, and now for HitFix. His new book, "The Revolution Was Televised," about the last 15 years of TV drama, is for sale at Amazon. He can be reached at sepinwall@hitfix.com

Related Searches: Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, Girls, Louie, Luck, Treme, Homeland, Parenthood, New Girl, Boardwalk Empire, Community, Justified, Game of Thrones, Cougar Town, Sherlock, Nurse Jackie

Bgklein

I like how something like 3 or 4 episodes of Chuck were enough for the consideration. The final episodes were just that good.
December 19, 2012 at 1:47PM EST Reply to Comment
- chuchundra Seriously? I mean de gustibus non disputandum, but I found the entire final season of Chuck to be a giant pile of excrement.
  December 19, 2012 at 4:18PM EST
- Claudio I agree with bgklein even though IMHO the ending was very sad
  December 19, 2012 at 9:27PM EST
- the minister No need to account for taste. the final episodes of Chuck were objectively good.
  
  I will admit you had to be a bit of a fanboy to really enjoy the rest of the season.
  December 27, 2012 at 1:41PM EST
Tyler

major props Sepinwall for putting Phineas & Ferb on the other considered list. A show that is wonderful for children, but also for their parents as well.
December 19, 2012 at 2:01PM EST Reply to Comment
- Farrah I'd love to here Alan's views on Phineas & Ferb!
  December 19, 2012 at 2:37PM EST
- Farrah **hear
  December 19, 2012 at 2:37PM EST
- chuchundra Alan first needs to work on his review-inator.
  December 19, 2012 at 4:19PM EST
- zcsilverman I agree, as a parent, I spend almost as much time suffering through my kid's TV as I do watching my own, but I am truly entertained by my daughter's marathon Netflix sessions of Phineas and Ferb. I would love to hear Alan's thoughts.
  December 19, 2012 at 10:20PM EST
- Anthony Foglia I've seen a bunch of "Phineas & Ferb", but every time I do, I'm struck by how formulaic it is. It feels very shallow. It's better than most children's shows by far, but I don't think it would put it my top 40 of all TV. Even among kids shows, I'd rank it below "Gravity Falls" and "Adventure Time."
  
  But I think an article about the best children's TV is a great idea.
  December 20, 2012 at 12:07AM EST
- Farrah Oh a best of children's TV! SECONDED!!
  December 20, 2012 at 12:42PM EST
- Ken Raining Alan talked about P&F on a podcast a while ago; his recommendation is actually what got us to check the show out for our daughter.
  
  @Anthony Foglia: Yes, it's formulaic; THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT.
  December 21, 2012 at 12:26PM EST
Chanter

Nice list!

Bob's Burgers is something like #4 on my list. So funny and heartwarming and totally weird-embracing.
December 19, 2012 at 2:28PM EST Reply to Comment
- nath Yeah, Bob's Burgers has become one of my favorite shows on TV. I'm surprised Alan didn't rate it higher, since he seems to like that blend of heartwarming and character-based comedy.
  
  Also curious, Alan, have you watched the season-to-date of Ben and Kate?
  December 19, 2012 at 2:43PM EST
- compared to Family Guy and even Cleveland Show, Bob's Burgers is awful...probably on par with American Dad
  December 30, 2012 at 7:52AM EST
ahouston32

I would have liked to see Bob's Burgers make the cut, if only because I think a stronger endorsement from Sepinwall may drive more people to watch it. It's rapid-fire comedy is on pace with, if not better than, 30 Rock.
December 19, 2012 at 2:49PM EST Reply to Comment
- sepinwall I'm too far behind to feel comfortable putting it in the top 20 (though have still seen more overall than Sunny, for instance).
  December 19, 2012 at 2:51PM EST
Mulderism

Dexter? The Simpsons?? Did Dexter improve greatly this season?

I decided this year to cue up Dexter and watch them all at once rather than once a week. I've been avoiding spoilers so I don't know what's I store for the season but my expectations are low from the past 3 seasons.
December 19, 2012 at 3:19PM EST Reply to Comment
- Jared K Season 7 of Dexter didn't reinvent the wheel, but it did introduce some new elements that made it far more compelling this year, namely letting Deb in on Dexter's secret (which shouldn't be a spoiler if you've seen Season 6) and mostly ditching the 'Big Bad' structure as the ultimate narrative driving force. Overall, it's by far the best year the show has had since Season 2 (depending on how you feel about just how much John Lithgow elevated Season 4), and one of the better seasons overall. Of course, I don't want to get your expectations up too much.
  
  As for The Simpsons, it's still capable of being remarkably sharp and funny even as it puts minor twists on stories its told several times before. I'm not surprised Alan still considers it one of the best 40 shows on TV.
  December 19, 2012 at 4:02PM EST
- Delta1212 "Did Dexter improve greatly this season?"
  
  Yes, considerably. It still had a lot of the same issues as it always does, but it managed to reign them in a bit and it dealt with certain things significantly better than I expected them to be able to going in to the season.
  
  I wouldn't consider it one of the best shows of the year, but it was improved enough that I'd have at least considered it long enough to dismiss it, which I wouldn't have done for a number of seasons of the show.
  December 24, 2012 at 11:40AM EST
chuchundra

Straight kids' shows are a little outside of this blog's coverage area but, since you mentioned Phineas and Ferb, I wonder if you've had a chance to watch Gravity Falls?
December 19, 2012 at 4:28PM EST Reply to Comment
- sepinwall I have not, no.
  December 19, 2012 at 5:01PM EST
- odessasteps I would have said Legend of Korra was best US Animated Show this year and a worthy successor to Avatar.
  December 19, 2012 at 9:19PM EST
- chuchundra Gravity Falls is a real gem and something I bet you'd like a lot. It's very smart and dark, especially for a Disney show. It has a real Twin Peaks meets the X-Files vibe. In the third episode the characters go to a restaurant that's obviously based on The Black Lodge.
  
  There are only twelve episodes so far, so it's pretty easy to get caught up. Linda Cardellini does one of the voices. How could you resist?
  December 19, 2012 at 10:44PM EST
Cousin Larry Appleton

Nice to see Suburgatory get a mention. When that show is at its best, it's easily one of my 10 favorite shows on TV. Of course when it's not at its best...it makes sense to slot it into "Others Considered".

The only shows on my personal Top 10 that don't appear anywhere on here would be Veep and Raising Hope. We got Garret Dillahunt resuming his spitting battle with the alpaca. That alone made it a lock.
December 19, 2012 at 7:08PM EST Reply to Comment
Nick

Good list Alan! I would put Homeland much lower than you - I actually gave up on this season about halfway through, and what I've heard has not made me at all interested in returning. And I probably also would've pushed Justified up a few notches. But hey, that sort of thing is what makes these lists fun!

One note: I'd put Archer right up there with 30 Rock and Happy Endings for jokes-per-minute ratio. I really do love that show, so I'm glad to see it get a spot in the honorable mentions list.
December 19, 2012 at 7:37PM EST Reply to Comment
- the minister IMHO Archer is a pretty easy top-10 pick.
  December 27, 2012 at 3:01PM EST
- the minister EDIT: It's a cut above Happy Endings (and I loves me some Happy Endings, if not to excess each and every week.)
  December 27, 2012 at 3:02PM EST
odessasteps

Sorry not to see Doctor Who make the Top 20. Other than the horrible Dinosaurs on a Spaceship, thought most of the this season's shows were in the class of some of the nest ones of the Moffat era.
December 19, 2012 at 9:21PM EST Reply to Comment
Slushy

As far as animated series go, I'm curious if anyone watches Adventure Time. It's probably in my top ten.
December 19, 2012 at 9:57PM EST Reply to Comment
kevin M

Four of the "Others Considered" would've muscled their way into my top 20... Shameless, Sons of Anarchy, Suburgatory, and Wilfred.
December 20, 2012 at 4:23AM EST Reply to Comment
JacopoBelbo

No Lilyhammer? What do you have against Norwegians? Definitely better than some of the network schlock that made your top 20. Disappointing nobody is recognizing this great NetFlix show that debuted in 2012.
December 20, 2012 at 8:20AM EST Reply to Comment
Brian

I actually a little surprised to see 30 Rock so high simply based on your weekly reviews Alan. I know you think this final season has been solid, but I had gotten the feeling that you like a show like New Girl better.
December 20, 2012 at 9:26AM EST Reply to Comment
Brian

This probably doesn't belong here...but Andy Greenwald thought "2012 Presidential Coverage" was the 3rd best TV show of 2012?
December 20, 2012 at 9:30AM EST Reply to Comment
- Ian I'm not surprised. When I saw that placement in his top ten, my reaction was, "Of course he does."
  December 20, 2012 at 2:03PM EST
- Chester When did he say that? His Top 10 on grantland makes no mention of it. It does not surprise me though.
  December 21, 2012 at 12:03PM EST
- Brian Here is his list:
  
  http://www.hitfix.com/news/tvcriticspoll/critic/andy-greenwald
  December 21, 2012 at 12:06PM EST
De Niro

I think Breaking Bad should've been number 1, but other than that, very good list.
December 20, 2012 at 11:08AM EST Reply to Comment
Blake

Thanks for this list, Alan, and I also want to take this moment before the end of the world to thank you for all the good reader service you provide on this blog. I have found several good shows I love through you, so thank you for that.
December 20, 2012 at 11:54AM EST Reply to Comment
That Guy

Who is Ryalan Givens?
December 20, 2012 at 12:43PM EST Reply to Comment
berkowit28

I can only wonder how many episodes Alan has time to watch of shows he has decided not to review regularly. He can't watch everything, he's just one guy, but I think that a few excellent shows can escape serious consideration because he may have only seen a few episodes. Otherwise, I cannot understand how The Good Wife does not make the top 20 while a popular pile of nonsense such as The Walking Dead does. (Though since I've long given up on that one, I suppose the same criticism could be directed at me if I made lists.)
December 20, 2012 at 1:27PM EST Reply to Comment
Ben Kabak

Putting Treme in a top 10 is only because one remembers how good the Wire was. Treme is a snoozefest.
December 20, 2012 at 1:37PM EST Reply to Comment
- stephen absolutely! I haven't watched an episode after the first season because it was a snoozefest- and ironically, the music (which I love) ruins the shows narrative
  December 27, 2012 at 3:26PM EST
- I stopped watching this year after the first 2 episodes...the first season was incredible...the second was ok...this year started off terribly...maybe I should finish watching the rest of the episodes that I have on the DVR
  December 30, 2012 at 7:47AM EST
EAS

Glad to see Archer at least get a mention. I think it's such a silly show that most critics are afraid to put it alongside weightier material, but very few shows on television are as pound for pound entertaining as an episode of Archer. I would also argue it's the single most rewatchable show on tv right now. I'll tune in whenever it's on, even if it's an episode I've already seen 2-3 times. It has such a breezy, joke filled pace.
December 20, 2012 at 2:47PM EST Reply to Comment
- Bobby I agree! I know a lot of people who find the show to be hit and miss to them but I've seen almost every episode multiple times with a few exceptions they just never get old to me
  January 27, 2013 at 11:28AM EST
miraclemet

2012 was one word: BANJO!
December 20, 2012 at 5:06PM EST Reply to Comment
- Bobby There's going to be two shots...me shooting you and than me taking this shot of whiskey
  January 27, 2013 at 11:27AM EST
Loz

...and where is Shameless???
December 20, 2012 at 8:09PM EST Reply to Comment
- Dan Obviously, not on the list
  December 24, 2012 at 10:47AM EST
Jahn Ghalt

Bravo for giving posthumous notice to the sleeper of the Season - Luck - a Dark Horse (hah!) if ever the was one.

Many have speculated that poor ratings (only 1/2-million viewers for first showings) was the real killer - not the not horses who died (one of which was cardiac as I recall).
December 21, 2012 at 2:58PM EST Reply to Comment
Mike

American Horror Story and Workaholics should have gotten consideration at the very least, although I don't think Alan watches either of those shows. AHS is much better this season than season 1, and Workaholics is better than a lot of the comedies he picked (seriously....Cougar Town?)
December 26, 2012 at 6:15PM EST Reply to Comment
- ghoti What's wrong with Cougar Town?
  December 27, 2012 at 7:48AM EST
- TT What's wrong with Cougar Town? It's unwatchable crap for one thing.
  December 28, 2012 at 12:07AM EST
- ghoti Well, I find it highly watchable and un-crap-like, so maybe it's... the title?
  December 28, 2012 at 8:39AM EST
- Mike Because it's supposed to be a comedy and it's not funny. The only reason I ever watch is for Courtney's boobs.
  December 30, 2012 at 5:43PM EST
ghoti

Two shows that I don't see on many (any?) lists that I think should at least be considered are Awkward, which has some of the funniest female characters anywhere (especially the brilliant and hilarious Desi Lydic)and Suits, which was compelling and fun viewing until what I thought was one of the worst season finales of the year. I still think it's probably USA's best show.
December 27, 2012 at 7:55AM EST Reply to Comment
Bobby

I really liked this list the shows I've seen I couldn't agree more on here, for my money I would have also included Adventure Time which I thought took huge steps forward in terms of animation and narrative this season, Always Sunny which still manages to be really consistently funny in its 8th Season, Archer which I actually like more than Bob's Burgers at least as a comedy and Portlandia which I sometimes question the quality of since I know a lot of people who don't like it but is my personal favorite sketch comedy on TV right now. I do understand FX has stopped sending advance copies though
January 27, 2013 at 11:25AM EST Reply to Comment

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Comments

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Bgklein I like how something like 3 or 4 episodes of Chuck were enough for the consideration. The final episodes were just that good.

chuchundra Seriously? I mean de gustibus non disputandum, but I found the entire final season of Chuck to be a giant pile of excrement.

Claudio I agree with bgklein even though IMHO the ending was very sad

the minister No need to account for taste. the final episodes of Chuck were objectively good. I will admit you had to be a bit of a fanboy to really enjoy the rest of the season.

Tyler major props Sepinwall for putting Phineas & Ferb on the other considered list. A show that is wonderful for children, but also for their parents as well.

Farrah I'd love to here Alan's views on Phineas & Ferb!

Farrah **hear

chuchundra Alan first needs to work on his review-inator.

zcsilverman I agree, as a parent, I spend almost as much time suffering through my kid's TV as I do watching my own, but I am truly entertained by my daughter's marathon Netflix sessions of Phineas and Ferb. I would love to hear Alan's thoughts.

Farrah Oh a best of children's TV! SECONDED!!

Ken Raining Alan talked about P&F on a podcast a while ago; his recommendation is actually what got us to check the show out for our daughter.@Anthony Foglia: Yes, it's formulaic; THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT.

Chanter Nice list!Bob's Burgers is something like #4 on my list. So funny and heartwarming and totally weird-embracing.

nath Yeah, Bob's Burgers has become one of my favorite shows on TV. I'm surprised Alan didn't rate it higher, since he seems to like that blend of heartwarming and character-based comedy.Also curious, Alan, have you watched the season-to-date of Ben and Kate?

compared to Family Guy and even Cleveland Show, Bob's Burgers is awful...probably on par with American Dad

ahouston32 I would have liked to see Bob's Burgers make the cut, if only because I think a stronger endorsement from Sepinwall may drive more people to watch it. It's rapid-fire comedy is on pace with, if not better than, 30 Rock.

sepinwall I'm too far behind to feel comfortable putting it in the top 20 (though have still seen more overall than Sunny, for instance).

Mulderism Dexter? The Simpsons?? Did Dexter improve greatly this season?I decided this year to cue up Dexter and watch them all at once rather than once a week. I've been avoiding spoilers so I don't know what's I store for the season but my expectations are low from the past 3 seasons.

chuchundra Straight kids' shows are a little outside of this blog's coverage area but, since you mentioned Phineas and Ferb, I wonder if you've had a chance to watch Gravity Falls?

sepinwall I have not, no.

odessasteps I would have said Legend of Korra was best US Animated Show this year and a worthy successor to Avatar.

the minister IMHO Archer is a pretty easy top-10 pick.

the minister EDIT: It's a cut above Happy Endings (and I loves me some Happy Endings, if not to excess each and every week.)

odessasteps Sorry not to see Doctor Who make the Top 20. Other than the horrible Dinosaurs on a Spaceship, thought most of the this season's shows were in the class of some of the nest ones of the Moffat era.

Slushy As far as animated series go, I'm curious if anyone watches Adventure Time. It's probably in my top ten.

kevin M Four of the "Others Considered" would've muscled their way into my top 20... Shameless, Sons of Anarchy, Suburgatory, and Wilfred.

JacopoBelbo No Lilyhammer? What do you have against Norwegians? Definitely better than some of the network schlock that made your top 20. Disappointing nobody is recognizing this great NetFlix show that debuted in 2012.

Brian I actually a little surprised to see 30 Rock so high simply based on your weekly reviews Alan. I know you think this final season has been solid, but I had gotten the feeling that you like a show like New Girl better.

Brian This probably doesn't belong here...but Andy Greenwald thought "2012 Presidential Coverage" was the 3rd best TV show of 2012?

Ian I'm not surprised. When I saw that placement in his top ten, my reaction was, "Of course he does."

Chester When did he say that? His Top 10 on grantland makes no mention of it. It does not surprise me though.

Brian Here is his list: http://www.hitfix.com/news/tvcriticspoll/critic/andy-greenwald

De Niro I think Breaking Bad should've been number 1, but other than that, very good list.

Blake Thanks for this list, Alan, and I also want to take this moment before the end of the world to thank you for all the good reader service you provide on this blog. I have found several good shows I love through you, so thank you for that.

That Guy Who is Ryalan Givens?

Ben Kabak Putting Treme in a top 10 is only because one remembers how good the Wire was. Treme is a snoozefest.

stephen absolutely! I haven't watched an episode after the first season because it was a snoozefest- and ironically, the music (which I love) ruins the shows narrative

I stopped watching this year after the first 2 episodes...the first season was incredible...the second was ok...this year started off terribly...maybe I should finish watching the rest of the episodes that I have on the DVR

Bobby I agree! I know a lot of people who find the show to be hit and miss to them but I've seen almost every episode multiple times with a few exceptions they just never get old to me

miraclemet 2012 was one word: BANJO!

Bobby There's going to be two shots...me shooting you and than me taking this shot of whiskey

Loz ...and where is Shameless???

Dan Obviously, not on the list

Jahn Ghalt Bravo for giving posthumous notice to the sleeper of the Season - Luck - a Dark Horse (hah!) if ever the was one. Many have speculated that poor ratings (only 1/2-million viewers for first showings) was the real killer - not the not horses who died (one of which was cardiac as I recall).

Mike American Horror Story and Workaholics should have gotten consideration at the very least, although I don't think Alan watches either of those shows. AHS is much better this season than season 1, and Workaholics is better than a lot of the comedies he picked (seriously....Cougar Town?)

ghoti What's wrong with Cougar Town?

TT What's wrong with Cougar Town? It's unwatchable crap for one thing.

ghoti Well, I find it highly watchable and un-crap-like, so maybe it's... the title?

Mike Because it's supposed to be a comedy and it's not funny. The only reason I ever watch is for Courtney's boobs.

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Bgklein

I like how something like 3 or 4 episodes of Chuck were enough for the consideration. The final episodes were just that good.

the minister No need to account for taste. the final episodes of Chuck were objectively good.

I will admit you had to be a bit of a fanboy to really enjoy the rest of the season.

Tyler

major props Sepinwall for putting Phineas & Ferb on the other considered list. A show that is wonderful for children, but also for their parents as well.

Ken Raining Alan talked about P&F on a podcast a while ago; his recommendation is actually what got us to check the show out for our daughter.

@Anthony Foglia: Yes, it's formulaic; THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT.

Chanter

Nice list!

Bob's Burgers is something like #4 on my list. So funny and heartwarming and totally weird-embracing.

nath Yeah, Bob's Burgers has become one of my favorite shows on TV. I'm surprised Alan didn't rate it higher, since he seems to like that blend of heartwarming and character-based comedy.

Also curious, Alan, have you watched the season-to-date of Ben and Kate?

ahouston32

I would have liked to see Bob's Burgers make the cut, if only because I think a stronger endorsement from Sepinwall may drive more people to watch it. It's rapid-fire comedy is on pace with, if not better than, 30 Rock.

Mulderism

Dexter? The Simpsons?? Did Dexter improve greatly this season?

I decided this year to cue up Dexter and watch them all at once rather than once a week. I've been avoiding spoilers so I don't know what's I store for the season but my expectations are low from the past 3 seasons.

chuchundra

Straight kids' shows are a little outside of this blog's coverage area but, since you mentioned Phineas and Ferb, I wonder if you've had a chance to watch Gravity Falls?

odessasteps

Sorry not to see Doctor Who make the Top 20. Other than the horrible Dinosaurs on a Spaceship, thought most of the this season's shows were in the class of some of the nest ones of the Moffat era.

Slushy

As far as animated series go, I'm curious if anyone watches Adventure Time. It's probably in my top ten.

kevin M

Four of the "Others Considered" would've muscled their way into my top 20... Shameless, Sons of Anarchy, Suburgatory, and Wilfred.

JacopoBelbo

No Lilyhammer? What do you have against Norwegians? Definitely better than some of the network schlock that made your top 20. Disappointing nobody is recognizing this great NetFlix show that debuted in 2012.

Brian

I actually a little surprised to see 30 Rock so high simply based on your weekly reviews Alan. I know you think this final season has been solid, but I had gotten the feeling that you like a show like New Girl better.

Brian

This probably doesn't belong here...but Andy Greenwald thought "2012 Presidential Coverage" was the 3rd best TV show of 2012?

Brian Here is his list:

http://www.hitfix.com/news/tvcriticspoll/critic/andy-greenwald

De Niro

I think Breaking Bad should've been number 1, but other than that, very good list.

Blake

Thanks for this list, Alan, and I also want to take this moment before the end of the world to thank you for all the good reader service you provide on this blog. I have found several good shows I love through you, so thank you for that.

That Guy

Who is Ryalan Givens?

Ben Kabak

Putting Treme in a top 10 is only because one remembers how good the Wire was. Treme is a snoozefest.

miraclemet

2012 was one word: BANJO!

Loz

...and where is Shameless???

Mike

American Horror Story and Workaholics should have gotten consideration at the very least, although I don't think Alan watches either of those shows. AHS is much better this season than season 1, and Workaholics is better than a lot of the comedies he picked (seriously....Cougar Town?)

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