Thanks to jaw-dropping twists on the biggest dramas, hilarious bits on the funniest comedies and crazy moments on reality shows, 2012 was an unforgettable year for television.
From the greatest U.S. president to the girl who was on fire to a child of the Southern wild, we rate the year's very best performances. Plus: the movies you should've seen, but didn't.
Chin jokes aside, Claire Danes was incredible on Homeland, while Jake Johnson, Lucy Liu, Charlie Hunnam, Monica Potter, Darren Criss and more took their shows to the next level.
Comments