We’re closing in on the final few award posts – TV now and then Games to follow shortly.
My biggest disappointment when compiling the TV Awards this year was the lack of great new shows – I only started watching two new programmes in 2011, which is down quite a bit from recent years.
So let’s get going…
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BEST NEW SHOW
WINNER: Bored To Death
Although there haven’t been many new shows ‘Bored To Death’ is one of the better ones to come along in the last few years. A fresh, natural feeling, semi-dark comedy about a struggling writer who becomes a private detective on the side, this is a show full of laughs and awkward moments. With a fantastic supporting cast, including Zach Galifianakis (of The Hangover fame) and Ted Danson, it’s well worth checking out.
RUNNER UP:
Alphas
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BEST COMEDY SHOW
WINNER: The Middle
Well The Middle takes the title of Best Comedy for the second year in a row. Telling the tales of the Heck family in middle America, this is one of those US imports that presses all the right buttons. As I mentioned last year the chemistry between the actors is great and you could easily believe they are a real family. Great stuff. A mention must also go out to Raising Hope, which continues to improve all the time.
RUNNERS UP:
Bored To Death
Raising Hope
How I Met Your Mother
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BEST FACTUAL SHOW
WINNER: Hairy Biker’s ‘Meals On Wheels’
While this programme might not mean much to folks outside of the UK, The Hairy Bikers mission to get our old people some decent, freshly cooked food was a moving and, at times, hilarious show. As they battled on different fronts to things changed for the better, you couldn’t help but wish that they succeed. Very enjoyable and gave a good insight into the issues the older generations can face.
RUNNERS UP:
The Football League Show
An Idiot Abroad 2
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BEST SOUNDTRACK
WINNER: Castle
This was a tough category to choose a winner for and Glee loses it’s title from last year to Castle. Some great use of music with appropriate lyrics relevent to crimes as well as some cool background stuff sees Castle edge it this year.
RUNNERS UP:
The Middle
Raising Hope
Glee
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ACTOR OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Nathan Fillion – ‘Richard Castle’ (Castle)
This is the first year that Philip Glenister of Ashes To Ashes hasn’t been around to scoop the gong but he might’ve been hard pressed to snatch it from Nathan Fillion in 2011. Fillion’s performance as Richard Castle, whether it’s his easy charm or his vulnerable moments, shone through this season. I have to make a special mention to Bored To Death’s Ted Danson though, he really is truly outstanding as stoner magazine editor George Christopher.
RUNNERS UP:
Eric Balfour – ‘Duke Crocker’ (Haven)
Eddie McClintock – ‘Pete Latimer’ (Warehouse 13)
Ted Danson – ‘George Christopher’ (Bored To Death)
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ACTRESS OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Emily Rose – ‘Audrey Parker’ (Haven)
Unfortunately for Haven it started so late in 2010 that I only got a chance to see 3 or 4 episodes before compiling the awards for the year. If we’d seen the entire season Emily Rose (of Uncharted game fame) might have found herself nominated or winning this category then. Not to worry as her performance as Haven’s Audrey Parker is unmatched in 2011. The twist at the end of season 1 saw some brilliant acting and she’s carried it over into the second season as well. Eden Sher deserves a nod for her fantastic portrayal as Sue Heck, her comic timing and expressive mannerisms feel just right for Sue.
RUNNERS UP:
Eden Sher – ‘Sue Heck’ (The Middle)
Joanne Kelly – ‘Myka Bering’ (Warehouse 13)
Stana Katic – ‘Kate Beckett’ (Castle)
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TV SHOW OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Haven
Wow. This was so difficult to call as all of the nominated shows have been fantastic this year. In the end Haven takes the plaudits but it was extremely close. The closest, in fact, it has ever been for these awards. Both Warehouse 13 and Castle were superb but Haven’s supernatural rollercoaster of a ride kept me glued to the screen and wishing I had more episodes stacked up to watch back to back. I’m very happy that new seasons of all of the nominated shows have been confirmed for next year!
RUNNERS UP:
Warehouse 13
Castle
The Middle
So there we go. There were a few shows that I also enjoyed but didn’t make the cut – True Blood and Bones (Season 2) being the most prominent. Those are definitely worth checking out.
As for 2012, well I’m looking forward to more of the same with the addition of The New Girl in January and the return of The Walking Dead as well. Hopefully some more new great shows will pop up or you guys can suggest some stuff I may have missed.
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