The Best TV Shows of 2012

14. Dexter

After a dreadful Season 6, the fact that Dexter is on this list is a sign of just what a miraculous turnaround the show had this year. By finally revealing that Dex is a serial killer to his sister Deb (Jennifer Carpenter), the show raised the dramatic stakes, forcing Dexter to deal with consequences rather than endless close calls. The result is more focused storytelling about the sibling relationship at the show's core.