As always, there’s too much good TV to watch, let alone wedge into a top-ten list. So for this, the revered yearly pantheon of television shows selected by America’s most cherished TV critic — ha! — I’m also noting a few honorable mentions, as well as recognizing the shows that might have elbowed their way onto this ranking had I actually had time to watch them in 2012. I can only imagine the heart-wrenching cuts I’ll have to make for the 2013 Primies if I manage to watch them all this year — and who knows what awesome series are just around the corner. Good luck, future Dan!
- American Horror Story (2011: #1)
- Breaking Bad
- Damages
- Homeland
- Dexter (2011: #1)
- Community (2011: #7)
- The Good Wife (2011: #2)
- Parks and Recreation (2011: #8)
- Mad Men
- Modern Family (2011: #3)
Honorable mentions: The New Normal, Girls, Nashville
Possible contenders (had I seen them!): Fringe, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Louie, Justified, Boardwalk Empire