Last updated March 2024
Jonesing to watch sensationally awesome Best Tv Shows 2012 ASAP? Dive right into our handpicked collection of 30 marvelous, universally adored Best Tv Shows 2012 available for instant streaming. Hailed as extraordinarily spectacular by revered IMDB critics and our own legion of savvy users, these world-class Best Tv Shows 2012 simply can't be matched. Lend a hand to fellow viewers by voting up the titles you consider keepers. We appreciate your stellar contributions highlighting elite titles!
Gravity Falls (2012)
Plot Summary:
Twin brother and sister Dipper and Mabel Pines are in for an unexpected adventure when they spend the summer helping their great uncle Stan run a tourist trap in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls, Oregon
Duration: 23 min
IMDB Rating: 8.9/10
IMDB Votes: 129000
Genere: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Country: USA
Plot tags: supernatural, friendship, small town, youth, twins, mysterious place, magical, imaginary, monster, good versus evil, summer vacation, summer, family relations, child protagonist, siblings relations, small town life, alternate dimension, creature, diary, children, relatives, escapades, telekinesis, brother sister relationship, fandom
Line of Duty (2012)
Plot Summary:
Steve Arnott is a young officer who’s fallen foul of his superiors for refusing to help in the cover-up of an operation that ended in the shooting of an innocent father. He seems ideal to join AC-12, an anti-corruption police unit, just as it starts to investigate Detective Chief Inspector Tony Gates, the regional force’s Officer of the Year
Duration: 60 min
IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
IMDB Votes: 68000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Country: UK
Plot tags: police corruption, honest law enforcer, corruption, female police detective, dirty cop, police detective, police, british police, policewoman, twists and turns, law enforcement, law enforcer, police procedural, secret, evidence, corrupt law enforcer, right and wrong, interrogation, police officer, officer, dishonesty, squad, investigation, internal affairs, murder mystery
Endeavour (2012)
Plot Summary:
The early days of a young Endeavour Morse, whose experiences as a detective constable with the Oxford City Police will ultimately shape his future
Duration: 89 min
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
IMDB Votes: 32000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Country: UK
Plot tags: police, police detective, investigator, murderer, talented, police investigation, coworker, british, oxford, murder, intelligence, bodies, police procedural, law enforcement, investigation, whodunit, police protagonist, justice, murder mystery, who done it, uncover truth, mafia, pride and honor, boss, victim
The Newsroom (2012)
Plot Summary:
A behind-the-scenes look at the people who make a nightly cable-news program. Focusing on a network anchor, his new executive producer, the newsroom staff and their boss, the series tracks their quixotic mission to do the news well in the face of corporate and commercial obstacles-not to mention their own personal entanglements
Duration: 55 min
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
IMDB Votes: 123000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Plot tags: journalism, journalist, politics, news, workaholic, psychologist, rebellion, ambitious, workplace, power of media, ethics, teamwork, media coverage, idealism, liberal, media, writers, reporter, psychiatrist, intelligence, colleague, rape, relationships, marketing, white house
Call the Midwife (2012)
Plot Summary:
Drama following the lives of a group of midwives working in the poverty-stricken East End of London during the 1950s, based on the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth
Duration: 60 min
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
IMDB Votes: 30000
Genere: Drama, History
Country: UK
Plot tags: midwife, childbirth, pregnancy, convent, nurse, doctor, nursing, friends, medical, family life, hospital, friendship, family relations, nun, women, medicine, home birth, unrequited love, death, strong female lead, woman, lgbtq, pregnant woman, monk, leader
The Eric Andre Show (2012)
Plot Summary:
A comedic talk show from an alternate reality featuring unstable hosts, a variety of celebrities—both real and fake—and unusual studio action
Duration: 11 min
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
IMDB Votes: 21000
Genere: Comedy
Country: USA
Plot tags: stream of consciousness, talk show, comedian, hidden camera, celebrity impersonation, practical joke, disorder, sketch, black cast, lsd, nerd, nihilism, trippy, satire, absurd humor, guest, surrealism, celebrity guests, tv interview, making of, live action, studio, reenactment, stand up, celebrity guest
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (2012)
Plot Summary:
Beginning its tale in 19th century England, young aristocrat Jonathan Joestar finds himself locked in bitter rivalry with Dio Brando, a low-born boy who Jonathan’s father took under his wing after the death of Dio’s father. Discontent with his station in life, Dio’s fathomless drive to reign over all eventually leads him to seek the supernatural powers of an ancient Aztec stone mask in the Joestars' possession – an artifact that will forever change the destiny of Dio and Jonathan for generations to come. Fifty years later, in 1938 New York City, Jonathan’s grandson Joseph Joestar must take up his grandfather’s mission and master the abilities necessary to destroy the stone mask and its immensely powerful creators, the Pillar men, who threaten humanity's very existence
Duration: 24 min
IMDB Rating: 8.5/10
IMDB Votes: 32000
Genere: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Country: Japan
Plot tags: boy, friendship between men, fight, gang, murder, martial arts, vampire, violence, rivalry, save the day, artifact, superpower, death of father, death of protagonist, ghost, supernatural horror, meme, master villain, superhero, gore, adoption, supernatural power, teenage love, killer child, female nudity
The Legend of Korra (2012)
Plot Summary:
The Legend of Korra is an American animated television series that premiered on the Nickelodeon television network in 2012. It was created by Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino as a sequel to their series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008. Several people involved with creating Avatar, including designer Joaquim Dos Santos and composers Jeremy Zuckerman and Benjamin Wynn, returned to work on The Legend of Korra. The series is set in a fictional universe where some people can manipulate, or "bend", the elements of water, earth, fire, or air. Only one person, the "Avatar", can bend all four elements, and is responsible for maintaining balance in the world. The series follows Avatar Korra, the successor of Aang from the previous series, as she faces political and spiritual unrest in a modernizing world. The series, whose style is strongly influenced by Japanese animation, has been a critical and commercial success. It obtained the highest audience total for an animated series in the United States in 2012. The series was praised by reviewers for its high production values and for addressing difficult sociopolitical issues such as social unrest and terrorism. It was initially conceived as a miniseries of 12 episodes, but it is now set to run for 52 episodes separated into four seasons, each of which tells a separate story
Duration: 23 min
IMDB Rating: 8.4/10
IMDB Votes: 132000
Genere: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Plot tags: training, supernatural ability, martial arts, danger, youth, friendship, peril, magical, good versus evil, rivalry, female warrior, teenage girl, chosen one, young heroes, journey, rebellion, master warrior, female protagonist, heroes, imaginary kingdom, imaginary, tough girl, coming of age, superheroine, love triangle
Veep (2012)
Plot Summary:
A look into American politics, revolving around former Senator Selina Meyer who finds being Vice President of the United States is nothing like she expected and everything everyone ever warned her about
Duration: 28 min
IMDB Rating: 8.4/10
IMDB Votes: 62000
Genere: Comedy
Country: USA
Plot tags: politics, american politics, vice president, political satire, female protagonist, ambitious woman, mother daughter relationship, white house, politician, usa politics, u.s. president, president, political scandal, presidential election, incompetence, plot twist, boss, reporter, assistant, satire, senator, ambitious, government official, boss and employee, workplace situations
Longmire (2012)
Plot Summary:
A Wyoming sheriff rebuilds his life and career following the death of his wife. Based on the “Walt Longmire” series of mystery novels written by best-selling author Craig Johnson
Duration: 60 min
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
IMDB Votes: 39000
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama, Western
Country: USA
Plot tags: sheriff, police, cowboy, small town, policewoman, machismo, police investigation, small town life, election, law enforcement, fighting crime, social relations, peril, police officer, native american, gunfight, shooting, greed, legal, father daughter relationship, graphic violence, small town sheriff, supernatural, murder, friends
Key & Peele (2012)
Plot Summary:
Key & Peele is an American sketch comedy television show. It stars Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, both former cast members of MADtv. Each episode of the show consists of several pre-taped sketches starring the two actors, introduced by Key and Peele in front of a live studio audience
Duration: 30 min
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
IMDB Votes: 25000
Genere: Comedy
Country: USA
Plot tags: comedian, translator, sketch, african american, black american, sketch show, partner, artists and showbiz, friends, profanity, society, social problems, blacks and whites, racial slur, black, comedy duo, stoner, talk show, stand up comedy, joke, satire, pop culture, storytelling, black history, black sitcom
Psycho-Pass (2012)
Plot Summary:
Psycho-Pass is a Japanese anime television series that takes place in the future where it is possible to instantaneously measure a person's mental state, personality, and the probability that a person will commit crimes with a device installed on each citizen's body called the Psycho-Pass. It follows members of Unit One of the Public Safety Bureau's Criminal Investigation Division and the crimes they investigate
Duration: 25 min
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
IMDB Votes: 22000
Genere: Animation, Action, Crime, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Country: Japan
Plot tags: cyberpunk, partners against crime, human nature, mastermind, police investigation, society, graphic violence, master criminal, psychopath, investigation, dystopia, psychology, death, chase, criminal, anarchist, dystopian future, distopia, police, violent content, life is a bitch, gore, mature, conspiracy, brutality
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012)
Plot Summary:
Our lady sleuth sashays through the back lanes and jazz clubs of late 1920’s Melbourne, fighting injustice with her pearl handled pistol and her dagger sharp wit. Leaving a trail of admirers in her wake, our thoroughly modern heroine makes sure she enjoys every moment of her lucky life. Based on author Kerry Greenwood's Phryne Fisher Murder Mystery novels
Duration: 60 min
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
IMDB Votes: 17000
Genere: Crime, Drama, History, Mystery
Country: Australia
Plot tags: investigation, private investigator, female detective, murder, private detective, heroine, murderer, riddles and clues, evidence, aristocracy, intelligence agency, female protagonist, feminism, murder investigation, independent woman, jazz, assistant, maid, strong female lead, police procedural, women, love, whodunit, lesbian, fashion
Toast of London (2012)
Plot Summary:
Toast of London is a British comedy series following Steven Toast, an eccentric middle-aged actor with a chequered past who spends more time dealing with his problems off stage than performing on it
Duration: 30 min
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Comedy
Country: UK
Plot tags: actor, unrequited love, agent, celebrity, rivalry, talent agent, ambition, prostitute, bachelor, humour, satire, sex scene, performer, landlord, cuckold, weirdo, recording studio, entertainment industry, female nudity, surrealism, rivals, female full frontal nudity, british humour, rival, cult
Kuroko's Basketball (2012)
Plot Summary:
In the story, Kagami Taiga has just enrolled into Seirin High School when he meets Kuroko Tetsuya of the school's basketball team. Kuroko happens to be the shadowy sixth member of the legendary Generation of Miracles basketball team. Together, Kagami and Kuroko aim to take their team to the inter-high school championship - against Kuroko's former teammates
Duration: 24 min
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Animation, Comedy, Sport
Country: Japan
Plot tags: basketball, youth, contests and competitions, friendship, teenager, rivalry, hopes, ambition, lifestyle, sport competition, champion, adaptation, bromance, dishonesty, flashback, show, teenagers, adventure
Derek (2012)
Plot Summary:
Derek is a loyal nursing home caretaker who sees only the good in his quirky co-workers as they struggle against prejudice and shrinking budgets to care for their elderly residents
Duration: 23 min
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
IMDB Votes: 35000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: UK
Plot tags: retirement home, elderly, satire, socially awkward, workplace, male female relationship, social problems, coworker, social satire, coworker relationship, social issues, workplace situations, friendship, humour, comedian, mental health, sketch, sketch show, alcoholic, old man, kindness, old age, father son relationship, volunteer, interview
Rita (2012)
Plot Summary:
Independent, outspoken and adored by her students, private school teacher Rita fares less well with adults
Duration: 40 min
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: Denmark
Plot tags: school teacher, female protagonist, teacher student relationship, teacher, female teacher, selfish woman, nordic, casual sex, male female relationship, workplace situations, gay teenager, seduction, female friendship, homosexual, director, nerd, mother son relationship, brother sister relationship, drunkenness, social problems, coworker, employer employee relationship, gross out humor, coworker relationship, foul language
Ripper Street (2012)
Plot Summary:
A drama set in the East End of London in 1889, during the aftermath of the "Ripper" murders. The action centres around the notorious H Division – the police precinct from hell – which is charged with keeping order in the chaotic streets of Whitechapel. Ripper Street explores the lives of characters trying to recover from the Ripper's legacy, from crimes that have not only irretrievably altered their lives, but the very fabric of their city. At the drama's heart our detectives try to bring a little light into the dark world they inhabit
Duration: 59 min
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
IMDB Votes: 22000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Country: UK, Ireland
Plot tags: serial killer, danger, killings, victim, police detective, victorian england, investigator, multiple suspects, jack the ripper, notoriety, murder, urban, detective inspector, who done it, responsibility, murderer, murder investigation, police investigation, corpse, evidence, law enforcement, law enforcer, police procedural, killer, spy
The Returned (2012)
Plot Summary:
In the shadow of an enormous hydraulic dam, the lives of the residents of a small French town are changed to their core when hundreds of previously dead relatives all return home on the same day
Duration: 52 min
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
IMDB Votes: 21000
Genere: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
Country: France
Plot tags: afterlife, resurrection, teenage life, supernatural, accident, small town, haunted by the past, dealing with death, small town life, death, living dead, zombie, imaginary, uncover truth, characters in danger, nobody believes, life turned upside down, back from the dead, supernatural power, grief, youth, siblings relations, supernatural horror, lgbt, house
Chicago Fire (2012)
Plot Summary:
An edge-of-your-seat view into the lives of everyday heroes committed to one of America's noblest professions. For the firefighters, rescue squad and paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51, no occupation is more stressful or dangerous, yet so rewarding and exhilarating. These courageous men and women are among the elite who forge headfirst into danger when everyone else is running the other way and whose actions make the difference between life and death
Duration: 43 min
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
IMDB Votes: 62000
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA
Plot tags: firefighter, rescue, fire brigade, fire department, emergency, paramedic, responsibility, danger, life risking, lifesaver, chief, boyfriend girlfriend relationship, friendship, rescue team, teamwork, crime investigation, lesbian, workplace problem, rookie, characters in danger, fire, police, team, nightshift, lgbtq
Awake (2012)
Plot Summary:
Michael lives in two separate realities after a car accident. In one reality, his wife Hannah survives the accident; in the other reality, his son Rex survives. Michael does not know which reality is "real", and uses the wristbands to differentiate the two. He sees two therapists: Dr. Jonathan Lee in the "red reality" and Dr. Judith Evans in the "green reality". At work, Michael's erratic behavior triggers clashes with his team; they do not know about Michael's uncanny ability to solve crimes using details from both realities
Duration: 43 min
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
IMDB Votes: 21000
Genere: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Country: USA
Plot tags: alternate reality, double life, car accident, grief, police investigation, family problems, loss, therapy, sanity, family relations, accident, insanity, loss of loved one, loss of son, haunted by the past, loss of family member, loss of spouse, parents and children, law enforcement, loss of child, escape from reality, death in the family, dealing with death, supernatural, police
Hatfields & McCoys (2012)
Plot Summary:
Anse Hatfield and Randall McCoy, close friends and comrades until near the end of the Civil War, return to their neighboring homes to increasing tensions, misunderstandings and resentments
Duration: 290 min
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
IMDB Votes: 29000
Genere: Drama, History, Romance, War, Western
Country: USA
Plot tags: civil war, american civil war, old west, gunfight, feud, revenge, violence spree, violence, murder, family relations, rivalry, ethnic conflict, vengeance, organized crime, father son relationship, death of son, uninhibited rivalry, post war, war, modern western, modern west, death, wild west, twists and turns, killings
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012)
Plot Summary:
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Duration: 24 min
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
IMDB Votes: 14000
Genere: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Family, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Country: USA
Plot tags: good versus evil, heroes, martial arts, superhero, mutant animal, ninja, mutant, sewer, enemy, mentor, master villain, teenager, turtle, nunchaku, buddies, genetically altered, ninja turtle, rat, comic book, talking animal, childhood, friends, imaginary, partner, escapades
Elementary (2012)
Plot Summary:
A modern-day drama about a crime-solving duo that cracks the NYPD's most impossible cases. Following his fall from grace in London and a stint in rehab, eccentric Sherlock escapes to Manhattan where his wealthy father forces him to live with his worst nightmare - a sober companion, Dr. Watson
Duration: 60 min
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
IMDB Votes: 117000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Country: USA
Plot tags: investigation, sherlock holmes, private detective, talented, female partner, prodigy, mastermind, mind game, riddles and clues, unconventional method, law enforcement, friendship, resourceful, police detective, police investigation, intelligence, friends, teamwork, whodunit, expert, loyalty, multiple suspects, supportive friend, coworker, hotshot
The Bletchley Circle (2012)
Plot Summary:
The Bletchley Circle follows the journey of four ordinary women with extraordinary skills that helped to end World War II. Set in 1952, Susan, Millie, Lucy and Jean have returned to their normal lives, modestly setting aside the part they played in producing crucial intelligence, which helped the Allies to victory and shortened the war. When Susan discovers a hidden code behind an unsolved murder she is met by skepticism from the police. She quickly realises she can only begin to crack the murders and bring the culprit to justice with her former friends. The Bletchley Circle paints a vivid portrait of post-war Britain in this fictional tale of unsung heroes
Duration: 45 min
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
IMDB Votes: 14000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Country: UK, Canada
Plot tags: crime investigation, investigation, amateur detective, world war two, riddles and clues, code breaking, serial killer, danger, murder, innocence, trial, suspicion, missing person, strong female character, feminist, murder mystery, women, mysticism, espionage, intrigue, strength, woman, resistance, sisterhood, girl power
Lilyhammer (2012)
Plot Summary:
Frank Tagliano (Steven Van Zandt), is a former member of the New York mob. After testifying in a trial in the United States, Tagliano is relocated to Lillehammer in Norway through the FBI's witness protection program. Frank Tagliano was intrigued by Lillehammer when he saw television images of the Winter Olympics in 1994, and therefore chooses to start his new life there. The transition from being a feared and respected gangster in New York, to become an unemployed immigrant in Norway, is not simple. Frank discovers that to get up and in the Norwegian rural society, he must resort to the old, ruthless methods. The spelling of the series title alludes to Tagliano's dog Lily, and the way that Frank and some other anglophones pronounce the town's name
Duration: 45 min
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
IMDB Votes: 32000
Genere: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Country: Norway, USA
Plot tags: mafia, culture clash, dark humor, blackmail, lifestyle change, starting over, middle aged, business venture, businessman, small town life, fish out of water, gangster, shooting, snitch, criminal heroes, fbi, misfit, prejudice, social relations, immigrant, nordic, witness protection, nypd, judiciary, lawyer
DreamWorks Dragons (2012)
Plot Summary:
DreamWorks Dragons is an American computer-animated television series airing on Cartoon Network based on the 2010 film How to Train Your Dragon. The series serves as a bridge between the first film and its 2014 sequel. Riders of Berk follows Hiccup as he tries to keep balance within the new cohabitation of Dragons and Vikings. Alongside keeping up with Berk's newest installment — A Dragon Training Academy — Hiccup, Toothless, and the rest of the Viking Teens are put to the test when they are faced with new worlds harsher than Berk, new dragons that can't all be trained, and new enemies who are looking for every reason to destroy the harmony between Vikings and Dragons all together
Duration: 22 min
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
IMDB Votes: 13000
Genere: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Country: USA
Plot tags: dragon, viking, young kid, enemy, animal training, friends, imaginary kingdom, imaginary, young heroes, training, creature, heroes, island, escapades, village, youth, teen superhero, friendship, warrior, legends and myths, kids and family, family relations, courage, teamwork, danger
A Young Doctor's Notebook (2012)
Plot Summary:
A young doctor who has graduated at the top of his class from the Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry is thrust out into an isolated and impoverished country side as the village's only doctor. As he learns to adapt to his new lifestyle, he develops a morphine addiction to stay his sanity while realizing what being a doctor in the real world means
Duration: 23 min
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
IMDB Votes: 16000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, History
Country: UK
Plot tags: doctors and patients, dark humor, hospital, doctor, medical, self destructing, drug addict, morphine, diary, surgery, society, doubts and hesitations, health situation, traditional versus modern, medicine, social relations, nurse, addiction, winter, drug addiction, historical event, satire, storytelling, workplace, cognitive science
Major Crimes (2012)
Plot Summary:
Major Crimes explores how the American justice system approaches the art of the deals as law enforcement officers and prosecutors work together to score a conviction. Los Angeles Police Captain Sharon Raydor heads up a special squad within the LAPD that deals with high-profile or particularly sensitive crimes
Duration: 43 min
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
IMDB Votes: 16000
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery
Country: USA
Plot tags: female detective, female protagonist, homicide detective, policewoman, police detective, law enforcement, lapd, murder investigation, murder, fighting crime, investigator, interrogation, police, crime investigation, police lieutenant, dead body, homicide, police investigation, coworker, swat team, murder mystery, police procedural, police station, investigation, legal
Nashville (2012)
Plot Summary:
Rayna Jaymes and Juliette Barnes face personal and professional challenges as they navigate their paths as artists and individuals. Surrounding them, and often complicating their lives, are their family, friends and, in some cases, lovers, as well as the up-and-coming performers and songwriters trying to get ahead in the business. In Nashville, musicians and songwriters are at the heart of the storm driven by their own ambitions. Some are fueled by their creativity and passion for fame. Others struggle to cope with the pressures of success and are doing everything in their power to stay on top
Duration: 43 min
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
IMDB Votes: 27000
Genere: Drama, Music, Romance
Country: USA
Plot tags: country music, music, fame, musician, rivalry, music industry, family relations, celebrity, lifestyle, desire for fame, success, career, parents and children, showbiz, popularity, power struggle, ambitious, musician's life, talented, artists and showbiz, hopes, ambition, friendship, women, strong female lead