Sherlock Named Top Programme Of 2012

BBC One drama Sherlock, penned by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, has been named the top programme of 2012 in a poll by the Radio Times.

The poll, cast be writers for the Radio Times and its website RadioTimes.com, put the modern day adaptation of Sherlock Holmes top of the programmes from 2012. Sherlock‘s second season aired earlier this year to strong ratings and, once again, to critical acclaim. The series stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman and is a hit both sides of the Atlantic. The series has drawn more attention this year in America because of the launch of CBS‘ Elementary (starring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu) which drew some criticism from the producers of Sherlock due to its modern day setting – though Elementary is set in New York and Sherlock in London.

“Sherlock delivered the TV event of the year with three perfect episodes, nothing got people talking more than that cliffhanger series finale – and that was as true here at Radio Times as it was in offices and school playgrounds around the country. Despite being shown 11 months ago, Sherlock won the vote quite easily,”- Tim Glanfield, editor of RadioTimes.com

Showtime‘s critically acclaimed Homeland – shown on Channel Four in the UK – was second on the list; the second series recently aired in the UK and once again starred Damien Lewis and Claire Danes. Olympic themed comedy Twenty Twelve was third on the list; the mockumentary series aired on BBC Two (first series on BBC Four last year) and starred Hugh Bonneville, Jessica Haynes, Olivia Coleman and Morven Christie with David Tennant narrating. Another comedy came fourth; ruthless political satire The Thick Of It while Channel Four‘s university comedy Fresh Meat was fifth in the poll.

Danish political drama Borgen, which airs on BBC Four, came sixth on the poll while Danish/Swedish drama The Bridge came fifth both proving UK audiences appetite for Scandinavian drama. BBC Two’s hugely popular series The Great British Bake Off came in seventh. ITV‘s top-rated drama Downton Abbey was 8th on the list; the third series aired in the Autumn followed by a Christmas Special which saw a beloved character seemingly killed off – we won’t reveal who though for those who have yet to watch the episode. A fourth season will follow in 2013 on ITV1. The 10th place was taken by Girls on Sky One.

Find out which other shows were in the Top 40 by clicking here >>