Television · 2012
Peak Cable Drama and Global Spectacle
In 2012, television blurred the line between cinematic spectacle and intimate character studies as prestige cable flourished alongside global live events. Network television launched long-running franchises while record-breaking streaming and international hits began shifting viewer habits worldwide.
- BBC / NBC • Live Event
London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony
Danny Boyle's visionary 'Isles of Wonder' spectacle captivated nearly 900 million viewers worldwide in a historic broadcast triumph.
- HBO • Comedy-Drama Premiere
Girls Premiere
Lena Dunham's unapologetic comedy debuted on HBO, sparking intense cultural debate and redefining millennial portrayals on screen.
- ABC • Political Thriller Premiere
Scandal Premiere
Kerry Washington starred as fixer Olivia Pope in Shonda Rhimes' fast-paced drama, kicking off a social-media live-tweeting phenomenon.
- HBO • Drama Episode
Game of Thrones: 'Blackwater'
Written by George R.R. Martin, this spectacular battle episode set a new standard for feature-film-level cinematic action on television.
- Fox • Medical Drama Finale
House Series Finale
Hugh Laurie completed his iconic eight-season run as the misanthropic medical genius Gregory House in an emotional series finale.
- The CW • Superhero Drama Premiere
Arrow Premiere
Stephen Amell debuted as Oliver Queen, founding a gritty superhero TV universe that reshaped network action programming for a decade.
- BBC One • Period Drama Premiere
Call the Midwife Premiere
Adapted from Jennifer Worth's memoirs, this heartfelt drama launched to record-breaking UK ratings and international acclaim.
- Showtime • Emmy Awards Milestone
Homeland Sweeps the Emmys
Showtime's psychological thriller won Outstanding Drama Series at the 64th Primetime Emmys, breaking Mad Men's four-year winning streak.
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