Ten Favorite Shows of 2012

10. DOWNTON ABBEY

A soap opera dressed up like a prestigious drama. Not a great season, but it's still first-rate entertainment. Favorite moment: the snowy proposal.

9. COUGARTOWN

The only network sitcom that is must-watch for me. Happy it's coming back on TNT. Favorite moments: penny jars, and gang of one.

8. THE HOUR

Like Downton, a good show with great costumes and production design. Favorite moments: any scene with Anna Chancellor.

7. GAME OF THRONES

For Peter Dinklage alone. And the episode with the siege. This is a show that I think will just keep getting better. Favorite moment: Tyrion Lannister becomes a man of action.

6. GIRLS

The most divisive show of 2012. I loved it because it was funny. And I loved it because it was brave, presenting twenty-something Brooklyn females as narcissistic and human. Favorite moment: Lena Dunham with food in her mouth at the very beginning and the very end.

5. FRESH MEAT

This BBC series might have aired prior to 2012 in the UK, but it debuted this year on Hulu. A group of freshman sharing a house at the University of Manchester, this show veers between vulgar comedy and heartfelt drama. It's up and down but very, very funny. Favorite moment: the whole episode with the dead dad and the dead horse. And anything with the comedically talented Kimberley Nixon.

4. MAD MEN

Sports coats have appeared! Another perfect season. Favorite moment: Joan secures the Jaguar deal and loses a little of her soul.

3. THE WALKING DEAD

This finally becomes the show I always wanted it to be. Favorite moment: The governor and Michonne resolve their differences.

2. LOUIE

One of the most innovative shows ever. Each week is like a mini-movie that can do anything it wants. Favorite moments: Parker Posey on the rooftop, and David Lynch as the late-show exec.

1. HOMELAND

I'm always going to pick the thriller, especially if the thriller is this good. Knife-sharp suspense with unlikeable (sometimes) good guys and likeable (sometimes) bad guys. I'm only reviewing the first season here. No Showtime in this house. Favorite moment: the lie detector scene.