The season of finals, snow, seasonal decorations and visiting relatives is upon us once again, which means it's time to reflect on the cultural contributions of 2012. Folks, it has been a good year. From testosterone-ridden blockbusters like "The Avengers" to the heartfelt whimsy of "Moonrise Kingdom," the film industry has outdone itself in all genres. Television's mini golden age continued this past year, with shows like "Girls" and "Louie" breaking new ground and sparking plenty of controversy along the way. Musical debuts from Frank Ocean and Alt-J were particularly strong standouts, while follow-up albums from The xx, Mumford & Sons and Tame Impala proved once and for all that strong beginnings don't necessitate a sophomore slump. Below, find the movies, TV shows and albums that the Daily deems the year's best.
TV
2012 will likely go down as the year of the cable drama. HBO, Showtime and AMC have all stepped up their game and created engrossing shows that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. These cable shows have found new ways to push the narrative boundary, altering how stories can be told and where they can go. They have created programs that are darker and more intense than shows used to be, much to the delight of discerning viewers. Hopefully they can find a way to one-up themselves next year, or at the very least maintain the high level of creative and dramatic tension they so effectively cultivated throughout 2012.
"Mad Men"
With one of the deepest and most brilliant ensembles on television, it's a no brainer that "Mad Men" made the list. With its perfect period design, riveting stories and powerful emotions, "Mad Men" will likely go down as not only one of the best shows of the year, but also one of the best shows of all time.
"Doctor Who"
Continuing the tradition of melding fanciful and quirky childish humor with surprisingly dark plot lines, Doctor Who is still one of the best sci-fi shows. Ever.
"Homeland"
Homeland's second season struck a balance between answering the audience's burning questions and maintaining a looming apprehension about what will happen next. As the audience continues to unlock the psychology of Nicholas Brody, the former marine-turned sleeper cell terrorist, "Homeland" never fails to mix political commentary with fascinating characterizations.
"Breaking Bad"
Hailed by many to be the best show on television, "Breaking Bad" entered its final season this year, and once again Bryan Cranston awed audiences. The story of Walter White may be drawing to a close, but it has never been more thrilling.
"Louie"
Louis CK is one of the most gifted comedians working today. His show, "Louie," is an extension of his standup persona and worldview. It perfectly demonstrates just what a hilarious and insightful performer he is.
"Girls"
Every episode of HBO's "Girls" is like a finely crafted short story. Each is filled with true-to-life characters, hilarious moments and small instances of growth. It's a show that's both immensely enjoyable and touchingly honest.
"Downton Abbey"
What started out as just another period drama quickly gripped the hearts and minds of Americans and Brits alike. "Downton Abbey" is outrageously successful and its extravagant, decadent look at life in the early 19th century continues to entertain.
"Parks and Recreation"
Consistency is key, and while "Parks and Rec" may not be the funniest show on television these days, it provides a half hour of well-written comedy once a week and its cast is almost impossible not to fall in love with. Nick Offerman's Ron Swanson alone makes it worth watching.
"The Walking Dead"
Expectations were high for AMC's apocalyptic zombie series after a slow second season, but the cast and crew certainly delivered, carrying the premiere's momentum through the finale. Violent, action-packed, well written - what more could one ask for from a TV show?
"The Voice"
In a sea of post-"American Idol" singing show spinoffs, "The Voice" stands out above the rest. By pioneering the concept of "blind" auditions where the celebrity panel listens to contestants without looking at them, "The Voice" brings this reality TV genre back to its musical roots, and creates higher stakes and suspense. The all-star group of judges, including Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, also increases the show's credibility and relevance.
Movies
2012 brought every type of film to the big screen, but no matter the genre or audience appeal, emotional, character-driven stories came to the forefront. The blockbusters weren't simply mindless, and the dramas weren't simply sentimental. A slew of films managed to achieve this impressive fusion.
"The Dark Knight Rises"
A stellar achievement as the third installment in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy. Delivering both a darker side of the Dark Knight and a gripping plot, this film deserves to top all cinematic best-of lists of the year.
"The Master"
Love it or hate it, Paul Thomas Anderson's latest will stick in your head for weeks after you watch it. Stellar performances and a taut script that reveals a little more with each viewing make "The Master" as enigmatic as it is affecting - a genuine triumph from a director who is quickly establishing himself as one of the best of his generation.
"Silver Linings Playbook"
Despite his reputation behind the scenes, David O. Russell has consistently produced genre-blending, thought-provoking films. With the faux romantic comedy, "Silver Linings Playbook," he managed to do it yet again, creating a humorous, powerful piece, supported by the acting talent of Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.
"Lincoln"
Humble and honest in the face of the massive moral questions and the gritty political minutiae it depicts, "Lincoln" paints a refreshingly realistic picture of America's most admired president. A soft-spoken and poignant performance from Daniel Day-Lewis perfectly complements the supporting cast in a film that is far more concerned with delving into the complexity of Lincoln's character than glorifying it.
"Skyfall"
In the 23rd film of the Bond franchise, director Sam Mendes harkens back to the more "traditional" bond films of the '60s and '70s. Though many Bond fans were unimpressed by 2008's rather generic "Quantum of Solace," "Skyfall" brings Q, M and gadgets back to the forefront. Daniel Craig is at his sultry, brooding best here, as stories from both Bond's and M's past return to haunt them in what is one of the most personal Bond films yet. Adele's exquisite "Skyfall" theme song isn't half bad, either.
"Moonrise Kingdom"
This quirky film from Wes Anderson is so different from its contemporaries both in style and plot that it would have been impossible to exclude it from this list. The tale of a 12-year-old boy and girl who run away together in 1965 manages to cover heavy themes like teenage loneliness and young love in an endearingly lighthearted manner. The offbeat humor and nostalgic setting are also refreshing, making "Moonrise Kingdom" one of the most delightfully charming movies of the year.
"The Avengers"
Combining the likes of Ironman, Captain America and the Hulk on screen seemed like an obvious formula for cinematic triumph, but with Joss Whedon at the helm, this summer's "The Avengers" proved to be one of the most successful and enjoyable superhero flicks in history.
"Safety Not Guaranteed"
This cute sci-fi-romantic-comedy is filled with enough interesting plot developments and fully realized characters to make even the most cynical viewer smile. It proves that a well-written script, solid directing and a talented cast is all it takes to make a truly excellent movie.
"Cabin in the Woods"
The perfect blend of Whedon's whimsical farce and self-aware horror tropes, this film delivered one of the most awesome scenes in history to involve creatures, elevators and a lot of blood.
"Argo"
The tense, edge-of-your seat thriller about the 1979 Iranian Hostage Crisis had viewers biting their nails and holding their breath the film's two full hours. With a ludicrous plot based entirely upon historical events, actor-director-producer Ben Affleck couldn't have dreamed up a better story, even if he tried. Indeed, when every single audience member lets out a collective sigh of relief during the credits, you know this movie has to be good.
Music
2012 has been a big year for smaller indie bands hitting the big time, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for other genres to make it onto our best albums of the year. Because including ten entries is only a humble attempt to try to cover the incredible music that has been released this year, it is important to remember that, while the obvious choices like Grizzly Bear and Mumford & Sons made it, we must also think of those that have been left out. With music ranging from the awesome thrash metal of Lamb of God, to the wacky absurdity of Grimes and the ethereal pop of Bat for Lashes, this year's list should be endless thanks to the prolific creativity of musicians everywhere.
"Channel Orange" - Frank Ocean
"Channel Orange" feels like a game-changer. Incredible vocals, intelligent productions and intricate lyrics make Ocean's debut not only an amazing album but also the emergence of a true star.
"The Idler Wheel..." - Fiona Apple
After a seven-year hiatus, Apple has returned with an extraordinary record. Her voice is still astounding and her lyrics are as shrewdly astute as ever. Per usual, this makes for one spellbinding album.
"Babel" - Mumford & Sons
The British indie rockers continue to use banjos to great effect. Their 2012 album "Babel" lived up to the incredibly high expectations wrought by their extraordinary debut album "Sigh No More" (2009).
"good Kid, m.A.A.d city" - Kendrick Lamar
With his new release, Kendrick Lamar has crossed over from huge potential to legitimate talent. His dense lyrics and forward-thinking beats make "good Kid, m.A.A.d city" an album worth multiple listens.
"America" - Dan Deacon
Deacon delivers an album as massive and complex as its title, crafting soundscapes that segue from industrial howls to soothing synth balladry with surprising fluidity. The full breadth of Deacon's talent, which dabbles in noise rock and classical composition with equal aplomb, is on full display here.
"Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!" - Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Since its inception in the mid '90s, Godspeed You! Black Emperor has impeccably crafted a genre for itself with its mix of ambiance, unconventional instrumental work and otherworldly spoken word samples. "Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!" proves that, somehow, Godspeed! has only gotten better at miraculously turning so little into so much.
"Coexist" - The xx
Jamie XX's sparse and infectious beats are reason alone to love The xx's sophomore effort. Throw some lovely harmonies and heartrending lyrics on top of them, and it's a record that'll please old and new fans alike.
"Shields" - Grizzly Bear
After the success of its meticulous yet helplessly catchy "Veckatimest" (2009), Grizzly Bear had pretty big shoes to fill. Thankfully, its follow up was just as finely wrought as its predecessor, delivering the same imaginative songwriting and production we've come to expect without any sense of redundancy. "Shields" shows the band at its most mature - assured of its identity, yet never comfortable enough to rely on cliches of its own invention.
"An Awesome Wave" - Alt-J
Only having released its debut album earlier this year, Alt-J is already becoming widely recognized on the British festival circuit and radio waves. With a unique brand of "folktronica," it spans the genre gap of folk and electronic music seamlessly.
"Lonerism" - Tame Impala
At once unabashed pastiche and a forerunner of pop culture, something nostalgic and something groundbreaking, Tame Impala has returned with its second record to the delight of psychedelic fans everywhere. The band has only improved with time -- lush soundscapes wrap around Kevin Parker's vocals, and barreling drums and guitar always manage to pick things up when they inevitably, wonderfully get carried away.
