This year brought back beloved TV favorites and welcomed bold new shows that drew audiences across Canada and the United States. The following list narrows the year’s programming to ten standout series that stood out for their creativity, humor, and storytelling from 2012.
10. AUSTIN AND ALLY: The series follows two mismatched teens who partner to make music, delivering clever humor and catchy tunes that made the concept feel fresh in 2012. Set in sunny Florida, Austin Moon navigates the challenges of overnight fame with his songwriting partner Ally, while their loyal friends Trish and Dez add warmth and chaos to the mix.
9. FUTURAMA: A cult favorite that briefly vanished, then returned at the insistence of devoted fans, Futurama continued to blend sci‑fi satire with heart. The adventures orbit Fry, the well‑meaning yet often bumbling pizza delivery guy, his quirky friends, and the bizarre world they inhabit, delivering clever jokes and occasional poignant moments that earned new fans while pleasing longtime watchers.
8. VAMPIRE DIARIES: A supernatural blend of vampires, witches, and werewolves, this series kept expanding its mythos beyond expectations. Even in its fourth season, it managed to introduce new plotlines and characters that kept the drama fresh, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting the next twist and the next emotional turn.
7. GLEE: A mainstay since its premiere, the show continued to draw fans with big musical numbers and high‑energy performances. Fans breathed a sigh of relief as the storyline steered through graduation shifts and kept delivering memorable guest stars and energetic covers of popular songs that defined the year for many viewers.
6. MY BABYSITTER’S A VAMPIRE: Based on the popular film, this Canadian series follows Ethan Morgan, his vampire babysitter Sarah, and their spell‑casting friend Benny as they balance high school drama with battling supernatural threats. It bursts with creativity, humor, and a distinctly Canadian voice that stood out on the map.
5. MODERN FAMILY: A warm, funny look at modern kinships, this show follows Jay Pritchett and his children through the quirks, joys, and challenges of family life. The ensemble brings a broad range of characters, and the episodes celebrate connection, resilience, and the messy realness of loved ones without losing heart.
4. PHINEAS AND FERB: A remarkable cartoon that resonates with kids and adults alike, it celebrates endless summer ideas and wild projects. Each episode features Phineas and Ferb crafting adventures while Perry the Platypus quietly saves the day, and Candace provides a relatable counterpoint with her constant, humorous attempts to expose their schemes.
2. DEGRASSI: Known for boundary‑pushing teen storylines, this long‑running series continues to tackle real life issues with candor and urgency. The show kept innovating, recently introducing Adam Torres as one of television’s first transgender characters, a move that sparked conversation and broadened perspectives across its audience.
3. ADVENTURE TIME: In a world post‑apocalypse, Finn and his shape‑shifting dog Jake explore the Land of Ooo with optimism and humor. The series blends whimsy and wit, turning every quest into a chance to learn, laugh, and wonder about friendship, courage, and imagination.
1. GRAVITY FALLS: An out‑of‑the‑box hit, the show follows twelve‑year‑old twins Dipper and Mabel as they live with their Grunkle Stan in Gravity Falls, a town full of oddities. With a stellar ensemble voice cast and just enough mystery to keep fans hooked, it became the standout program of the year.