This year brought back some old television shows, but also introduced us to new and exciting ones to which we are now totally addicted! This list was originally twice as long and we had to cut it down to just the 10 very best television shows of 2012.
10. AUSTIN AND ALLY: This quirky show about two mis-matched teens who become musical partners is so clever and hilarious that we’re surprised it took till 2012 to come up with such a winning idea! Living in sunny Florida, Austin Moon, tackles the everyday problems that plague an overnight Internet sensation with the help of his songwriting partner, Ally, and their dysfunctional, but loveable best friends Trish and Dez.
9. FUTURAMA: This show is almost a cult hit that was temporarily cancelled before coming back to life at the fervent request of devout fans and has continued strong. This year the show continued to entertain and amuse us with its family of bizarre characters, headed by slow-witted, former pizza delivery guy, Fry.
8. VAMPIRE DIARIES: Vampires, witches, werewolves, this show has them all! Though this was the fourth year of this series, it continued to be one of the most exciting shows on television. Instead of declining in quality like some shows, this show constantly keeps fresh with new plot lines, twists, characters and events leaving the audience wanting more, more, more!
7. GLEE: We feel like this show doesn’t even need a reason for being on this list considering it has been a non-stop hit since it first started. Gleeks were a little concerned with the direction of the show after some of the characters graduated, but their fears were in vain because the show continues its success with awesome guest-stars and, of course, even more awesome covers of everyone’s favourite songs.
6. MY BABYSITTER’S A VAMPIRE: This breakthrough hit series based on the popular movie of the same name is such an original, creative show that we were totally impressed. It follows Ethan Morgan and his vampire babysitter, Sarah, and spell master best friend, Benny, as they fight supernatural forces while still having to deal with the agonies of high school. Creative, funny and totally addictive, this show is one of Canada’s bests!
5. MODERN FAMILY:Weather you have a huge family, a small family or an nontraditional family, you can probably relate to this show. Chronicling the family life of Jay Prichett and his two kids, Claire and Mitchell, the show touchingly illustrates the trials, tribulations and good times that you can only have with your family. The characters are extremely diverse and the the series shows how easy it is to love someone without getting bogged down with superficiality.
4. PHINEAS AND FERB:This is one of those wonderful cartoons that appeal equally to adults and kids alike. There must be something about the idea of eternal summer that tickles even the most sour soul. Audiences love going the wildly creative and innovative adventures with Phineas and Ferb and seeing what Perry’s next secret mission will be. Plus, we probably have all known a Candace at some point in our lives!
2. DEGRASSI: Always breaking taboos and featuring risque storylines, this show is is constantly applauded for being unafraid to tackle the issues that plague real teens. Recently this show introduced Adam Torres, the first transgender character in television history to much acclaim. The show continues to push boundaries and discuss difficult topics while encouraging its viewers to open their minds.
3. ADVENTURE TIME:It’s rare that a show about a post apocalyptic world could be funny at all, but this show successfully does it! Located in the creepy Land of Ooo, Finn and his faithful shape-shifting dog, Jake, see the bright side of everything as they run around looking for their favourite thing in the world: adventure!
1. GRAVITY FALLS: This show came out of left field and took everyone by storm! It tells the story of 12-year-old twins, Dipper and Mabel, who are sent to live with their “Grunkle” Stan in the town of Gravity Falls where they experience strange and inexplicable events. Voiced by an all-star cast and with just enough weird to constantly keep it interesting, this show is the best thing to happen to television this year!
What were your favourite shows of 2012? Sound off in the comments or tweet us at @TheMagazineHQ!