When Sherlock co-creator/co-writer, Steven Moffat, recently heard the news that his co-creation with Mark Gatiss had topped the Radio Times critics poll of the best TV of 2012, he was at the top of his game, as usual.

A very grateful Moffat promised to reward Radio Times for the prestigious honor by revealing the solution to the mystery which has obsessed fans since the cliffhanger final episode of series two – how Sherlock made his death-defying leap from the roof of St Bart’s hospital. Responding via email, Moffat wrote: “I’ve just had a word with all the others, and we’re so pleased by this latest accolade from the Radio Times, we’ve decided to tell you how Sherlock survived the fall – oops, we’re out of space!”
 

 
Sherlock withstood the challenge of American drama Homeland and the Olympic-themed British comedy Twenty Twelve to top the list. The top honor, which last year went to the Danish drama, The Killing, is compiled from votes cast by the writing teams at RadioTimes.com and Radio Times magazine.

In addition to naming the top three of Sherlock, Homeland and Twenty Twelve, the critics’ top-40 shows of 2012 can be found here. Would be interesting to know how many you agree with, disagree with or might add to the mix. For me, Sherlock is definitely #1. Not much to argue with on their #1-40 list. I may have juggled some things around a bit. The thought that Being Human was #36 out of 40 is a bit unsettling and no mention of Upstairs Downstairs either.

Personally, the biggest omission and most glaring overall was the fact that Scott and Bailey, the superb ITV1 drama starring Suranne Jones, Lesley Sharp and Amelia Bulmore was not anywhere to be seen. Lets hope it’s because the first set actually premiered in 2011 with series two airing in 2012.
 

 
On the list or not, American audiences will get the opportunity to judge for themselves beginning next month when a number of public television stations across the U.S. will begin airing the series. UK audiences should be on the lookout this Spring for the third set which began shooting in November of 2012. As I keep saying, 2013 is going to be a really good year…

Now, discuss amongst yourselves….