Whatever your viewing preferences, this year promises to offer some amazing viewing.  Programmes range from perfect period dramas to suspense-filled soaps and from riotous reality shows to superb sporting showcases.

Here we take a look at some of the top TV picks viewers won’t want to miss in 2012, covering both firm favourites and exciting new offerings.

2012 TV Drama

This year promises some exciting offerings for drama fans.  Some shows not to be missed include:

• Downton Abbey – ITV has confirmed that a third series of the popular period piece is in production and will hit our screens this autumn.  Following on from the success of the Christmas special, fans will be on tenterhooks awaiting the wedding and much more besides.

• Hit and Miss – From the creator of Shameless, this tense drama stars Chloe Sevigny as a pre-op transsexual whose complicated life is as an assassin thrown into chaos when she discovers she fathered a child in her former life.

2012 Reality TV

Reality TV is a favourite family format and 2012 looks set to offer a bumper package of true-life tales.  Ones to watch include

• The Voice – The tried and tested talent show format will return to ‘Auntie’ this spring with the first series of The Voice.  Billed as the channel’s answer to The X Factor, this new series will feature pop queen Jessie J as a judge, alongside the singing legend that is Sir Tom Jones.

• Big Brother – It’s the reality show they couldn’t kill.  Big Brother was famously axed from Channel 4 in 2010 following the win by Bristolian Josie Gibson, but made a triumphant return on rival channel Five, fronted by former winner Brian Dowling.  The series is set to kick off in May and will keep fans glued throughout the summer.

2012 Sports TV

Sports fans will be spoiled for choice in 2012, with all the annual events being aired alongside the excitement of the Olympics.  Sports must-sees include:

• The Olympics – Coming to the UK in 2012 and offering even more of an excuse to follow every event.  The BBC is planning to extend on-air hours for BBC 3 and to launch an extra channel to cover the 20 days of the event, with BBC 5 Live Olympics Extra being available via the digital TV network.

• Formula One – Coverage of the favourite motorsport event will be split between the BBC and Sky for the first time this year.  Petrolheads across the country will be tuning in to see who is on poll position.

2012 Soap TV

Soap fans can look forward to some surprised in 2012, with ongoing offerings and resurrected legends gracing our screens.  Soap selections for this year include:

• EastEnders – Follow the fortunes of Albert Square in the year 2012 PP (that’s Post-Pat).  Some old faces return and new characters are planned – watch this space.

• Dallas – Yes, 2012 is the year of the Ewings.  The ostentatious Texans are back bigger and brasher than ever, and utterly unmissable.  It features the original stars Larry Hagman and Linda Gray.

Olivia Munn: Anti Animal Fur Farms Campaign

Actor Olivia Munn Hosts PETA’s Hard-Hitting Exposé of Chinese Fur Farms

Drivers in Los Angeles have been urged not to become too distracted when they’re driving down Beverly Boulevard this month: actor Olivia Munn – who stars in Steven Soderbergh’s upcoming comedy Magic Mike and Aaron Sorkin’s highly anticipated HBO drama series The Newsroom and can also be seen on The Daily Show With Jon Stewart –  is featured in the buff in a brand-new “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” billboard ad for PETA US. Munn unveiled the billboard in person yesterday in LA. In the ad, which was shot by top celebrity photographer Emily Shur, Munn poses au naturel next to the thought-provoking slogan “Who Needs Fur to Feel Beautiful?” High-resolution photos of Munn at the unveiling are available here and here.

Munn is also working with PETA UK to shed light on the cruelty of fur.  In Munn’s latest PETA campaign, she reveals much more than just her skin by hosting a brand-new video exposé of fur farms in China, the world’s largest fur exporter. “As a proud person of Chinese descent, it broke my heart to learn just how terribly animals suffer and die on Chinese fur farms and that there are no penalties for this abuse”, explains Munn in the video. The exposé reveals shocking cruelty, including raccoon dogs being beaten, rabbits having their heads cut off, and workers ripping the fur off animals’ bodies as the animals writhe in pain.

Munn talked more about fur in an exclusive interview with PETA. “[W]hen you think about even that little tiny trim of fur on your gloves or on your collar, that is still coming from an animal that had to endure so much pain just for you”, she said. “There’s nothing good about pretending like you don’t know.”

Munn joins a host of other celebrities – including Charlize Theron, Eva Mendes, Ricky Gervais, Tim Gunn, Lea Michele, Gillian Anderson and Pink –who have teamed up with PETA and its international affiliates to speak out against fur.

For more information about the suffering of animals killed for fur, please visit PETA.org.uk.

On Christmas Day evening the whole family enjoyed Lapland, a play that followed a dysfunctional family from Liverpool as they attempted to enjoy Christmas together in the land of Santa Claus, following a death in the family.  The dry, black comedy was brilliantly executed as a family who don’t quite see eye-to-eye  gradually falls apart under the strain of having to spend Christmas together.

Then, between Christmas and New Year there was, what is now, the ubiquitous year in review as Charlie Brooker put his normal sarcastic spin on the 2011 news stories in another edition of his Screen Wipe.  And that was it!

My son is one of many going loopy over the US sitcom, The Big Bang Theory.  He received a DVD and two t shirts for Christmas, and was very happy.  But I’m afraid it doesn’t do anything for me.
So, was 2012 going to be any better?

Fortunately the second series of Sherlock began on New Year’s Day.  Three more episodes written by the likes of Steven Moffat, Steve Thompson and Mark Gatiss – one third of The League Of Gentlemen & writer and presenter of the fabulous A History of Horror which was screened last year on BBC4.

I am loving the second series of Sherlock, the 21st century re-interpreting of Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. The writing and acting is sublime, witty and truly original, as such.  The idea of bringing the most famous Victorian detective, who first appeared in 1887, into the present as Holmes and his fabulous sidekick Dr Watson use text messages & a blog to help advertise their services and solve detective mysteries.  With the drug-addicted Holmes preferring nicotine patches over opium pipes.

I’ve just watched the second of three episodes, a reworking of the most famous of Conan Doyle’s stories, The Hound of Baskerville (based on The Hound of the Baskervilles) which was written by Mark Gatiss. I don’t want to give the story away, and only urge you to watch it on Catch-Up TV or the iPlayer if you have so far given the series a swerve.

Sherlock stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Doctor John Watson; and there is support from the wonderful Una Stubbs as their mothering landlady.
I’m hoping there is something else to look forward to after next Sunday’s final episode. Any ideas?

The Reichenbach Fall, the final episode of the current series of Sherlock is on Sunday 15th January on BBC1.  Sherlock -the second series is scheduled to be released on DVD and Blu-ray on 23 January 2012.

New Crime Drama - Body of Proof

There is a new nine part crime drama series starting on UKTV’s Alibi (Sky 132, Virgin Media 130) on Tuesday 19th July at 9pm.

The hit US crime drama Body of Proof stars Dana Delany (Desperate Housewives) as Dr Megan Hunt and Jeri Ryan (Star Trek: Voyager) as Dr Hunt’s sidekick, Kate Murphey.

UKTV have already begun promoting the show via Facebook and YouTube.

Being Human Series 3 on DVD

Once upon a time a vampire, a werewolf and a ghost became room mates.

During their friendship they battled to save the world from errant vampires hellbent on causing widespread death and destruction to create a world of bloodsuckers and a  human “supermarket,” while drinking Annie the ghost’s endless cups of tea against the backdrop of coming to terms with who they were and their immortality.

The BBC’s Being Human was must-watch Sunday night television and Toby Whithouse’s cleverly scripted comedy had the right amount of shade and dark. Two brilliant series and three years later, where can our moralistic crime capers go next? A bed and breakfast in Barry Island it seems.

Despite the move Mitchell, the resident brooding vampire in torment, played by the superb Aidan Turner, is still trying to come to terms with the guilt of his blood hungry past, which isn’t made any easier with the arrival of Lia (EastEnders’ Lacey Turner), a mysterious and secretive character from his past who puts Mitchell on a journey of self destruction.

After being flung into purgatory at the end of season 2, Annie (Lenora Crichlow) spends her time waiting to hear her fate while still communicating to her friends through television broadcasts. It’s Mitchell’s quest to rescue Annie that leads him to Lia and the unpicking of the dark secret of Box Tunnel 21 that threatens to tear everything he holds dear apart.

Werewolf couple Nina (Sinead Keenan) and George (Russell Tovey) spent the best part of the first two series working out what their relationship means and how Nina’s transformation to a werewolf will affect their future. Series 3 sees them grappling with the idea of becoming parents and, like most expectant parents, they wonder what their unborn child will be like. In this case, if it will also be a werewolf. Answers may be held by werewolf Mcnair, one of several new characters this season, who is reluctant to impart anything he knows with them.

Series three is a bit of a slow burner and left me feeling a little disinterested with the introduction of too many new characters, particularly Adam, the blood thirsty teenager vampire who George and Nina think Mitchell can help save. When Mitchell turns his back on the potential protégé, Adam skulks off to front the new spin off series Becoming Human. His character seemed superfluous and really only there to signpost to Becoming Human.

Thankfully Robson Green has put aside his singing career and puts in a guest appearance as McNair, along with Paul Kaye who plays a crazed werewolf baiter with a not too dissimilar Johnny Rotten wild stare. A great and unexpected double act and two of the stronger and more interesting characters who are introduced this series.

Things pick up a pace with the shock and most interesting storyline with the return of the super bad leader of the vampires Herrick (Jason Watkins), who was mauled to death by George at the end of season one. Unbeknown to George, Herrick, who turned Mitchell during the First World War, was resurrected in series two. The two mortal enemies come face-to-face again in a hospital ward where George is working and soon ends up living in the bed and breakfast attic while Mitchell decides what part he plays in his future. By the time Herrick’s memory returns, you know it’s not going to be pretty and clean and is going to have life-long repercussions for the four friends.

Mitchell’s torment and brooding looks into the camera dominate most of the beginning of the series but, with the return of Herrick, everything changes and becomes much darker than the previous two effervescent series. It’s this that makes Being Human a more interesting series once you cut past the chaff of the insignificant characters – like the S&M vampires – who hold back the pace of the series.

The ensemble of quirky and complex characters undergo various traumas on journeys of self discovery, with atonement, punishment and forgiveness a central theme throughout the series.

The shocking finale will have you wondering where they can go next with the already commissioned series four.

Game of Thrones is set in the fictional land of Westeros, which is divided into seven kingdoms governed by several noble families and depicts the power struggle that erupts for the right to sit on the realm’s Iron Throne.

King Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy)currently occupies that position, but his right hand man has been murdered and he senses the unrest that he is sure will bring a war for his position.

He rides to the North Territory to enlist the help of his good friend Eddard Stark (Sean Bean) who reluctantly agrees to travel south with the King to become his new right hand man.

Episode two sees the pain that Stark’s decision to leave his wife and family to fight for the King brings to his household and those around him. His youngest son Bran is in a coma having been pushed from the tower of Winterfell after witnessing a dangerous secret at the end of episode one.

With Stark preparing to leave with the King, his bastard son Jon Snow is also heading away to fight on the Wall. Hated by Catelyn but loved by his father and half brothers and sisters, Snow is determined to make something of himself.

Once at the Wall, Snow soon discovers the cold reality of life away from the comforts of home and you can feel his uneasiness with the company that he will keep for his duration in this strange place.

Game of Thrones is fantastic drama, utterly absorbing and by the end of this episode the viewer will already be aware of who some of the good guys are, although it has to be said that even the good guys are bad!

Sexual content and vulgar language were a surprise to see and hear and make this an adult only fantasy, but the author of the original books defends its inclusion by saying:

“Sexuality is an important part of the books, and the violence is uncompromising because the Middle Ages on which these were based were violent and brutal.”

Game of Thrones Game

It’s a bit late now, but you can take part in the Game of Thrones game on Sky Atlantic’s Facebook page, with the chance to win great prizes. The bad news is the game closes tomorrow April 26th!

Watch Game of Thrones on Sky Atlantic HD Monday nights at 9pm

Based on the first of George RR Martin’s bestselling A Song of Ice and Fire novels, Game of Thrones is set in the fictional land of Westeros and its expansive Seven Kingdoms and follows the power struggle that erupts between several noble families fighting for the right to sit on the realm’s Iron Throne.

Eddard Stark (Sean Bean) is the hard but fair Warden of the North who is requested to move south to become the current reigning monarch’s right hand man, following the death of his previous keeper.

Reluctantly Stark accepts the King’s wish ever aware that he is walking into a vipers nest of political in-fighting and treachery.

The spellbinding first episode introduces the Stark family in an uncertain, violent and ruthless world where sex can be as powerful as the sword and fantasy and supernatural evil lurk in the forest.

A world away from traditional fantasy, Game of Thrones dispenses with typical good versus evil morality to deliver a more adult take on the genre, with multi layered characters whose motivations are deeply complex and compelling.

Featuring a galaxy of top actors Game of Thrones will enthral the casual viewer as well as the author’s legion of die hard fans with a masterful adaption that explores the intricacies of human nature with sensational twists and turns in the plot.

The unmissable new series of Game of Thrones will premiere on Sky Atlantic HD tonight April 18th at 9pm in the UK, don’t miss the superb opening sequence that will have you hooked in no time and an ending that will leave you hungry for the next episode!

The Kennedy family celebrates in oval office

“The Kennedys” is a stunning new 8 hour epic TV movie made by the History Channel that will be shown in four two hour chunks throughout April, reflecting on the drama behind one of America’s most beloved dynasties.

The series begins on the night of the election of arguably the most charismatic US President in recent history, John F Kennedy, focusing on the powerful legacy that was created during his one thousand days in office.

Featuring incredible performances from celebrated stars and with writing from Stephen Kronish, producer of the heart-stopping 24, this April will see the premiere of an unforgettable tale of power, pride and scandal.

“The Kennedys” all-star cast is led by Academy Award nominee Greg Kinnear, who steps into the shoes of JFK alongside Katie Holmes’ stunning Jackie Kennedy in their story of epic achievements and private failures.

This unique dramatisation looks beneath the veneer of the ‘perfect family’ that was portrayed to their adoring public and uncovers the flawed President struggling to control his drug use and infidelity in a side of the Kennedy family that the public never saw.

Through incredible attention to detail and striking performances, The Kennedys lets us step back into the glamour of the 1960s. Set against a backdrop that reminds us of the style and beauty of that era, we see the pressure that came from the Kennedy patriarch, Joseph, following the death of his favourite son during World War II.

“The Kennedys” reveals the struggle of one man to manage his family life while in charge of an entire nation. Premiering on the History Channel Thursday April 7th at 9pm

Eric & Ernie - TV Film on DVD

Eric and Ernie is a television film produced by BBC Wales. It premiered on BBC Two on 1 January 2011. It lovingly tells the story of how one of Britain’s most loved comedy double-acts, Morecambe & Wise, first met and began working together.

A chance meeting between precocious child-star Ernie Wiseman (Wise) and reluctant performer Eric Bartholomew (Morecambe) on the children’s variety circuit during the war saw the start of an unlikely friendship. ‘Big head, short legs’ is Eric Bartholomew’s first impression of Ernie Wiseman, but their friendship endured for several decades to come.

Victoria Wood was an Executive Producer for the drama, having first thought of telling the story of the double-act before they were famous over ten years ago. Victoria Wood also stars as Eric’s mother alongside Daniel Rigby as Eric Morecambe and Bryan Dick as Ernie Wise. Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves) plays George Bartholomew, Reece Shearsmith is Harry Wiseman, Ernie’s dad; Emer Kenny is Joan, Eric’s wife and Hannah Steele stars as Doreen, Ernie’s wife.

The drama also highlights Morecambe’s mother as being the driving force, not only behind Eric, but for the comedians to remain as a double-act when Ernie was offered a solo career.

Encouraged by his well-meaning but determined mother Sadie, because, “You aren’t good at anything else,” Eric became the funny man to Ernie’s “feed”. After the successful stint in children’s variety, they worked their way up the ladder of live performance. But, after a disastrous television debut in the series Running Wild, which nearly caused their professional demise, Morecambe and Wise learned to trust their own instincts and just make people laugh – and laugh they did.

Eric & Ernie is full of great performances especially Daniel Rigby as Eric Morecambe and Victoria Wood as his pushy mother.  The drama perfectly captures the humour, mannerisms and friendship of Morecambe & Wise.

Eric & Ernie is released on BBC DVD on 28th March 2011 priced £10.20

Outcasts out on BBC DVD & Blu-ray

Following a successful run earlier this year on BBC, Outcasts, a well made British sci-fi drama mini-series receives a DVD & Blu-ray release on 4th April.

A fleet of anti-matter transporters leave planet Earth amidst growing fears for the dying planet and seek out a new life-supporting planet.  Some arrive safely on the planet Carpathia and begin a new life based on a society free from war.  The new settlers build the town of Forthaven and begin their new life full of optimism and hope but there is trouble ahead.  They soon find out there is more to Carpathia than they can understand and the strange ‘happenings’ begin to threaten their peace and faith.

A diverse group of individuals led by President Tate (Liam Cunningham – Harry Brown) and his core team of Stella (Hermione Norris-Spooks), Cass (Daniel Mays-Ashes To Ashes) and Fleur (Amy Mason-Being Human) left their old lives behind in extraordinary circumstances. Promised a second chance at life, the group settled alongside expeditionaries Mitchell (Jamie Bamber-Law and Order) and Jack (Ashley Waters-Bullet Boy) creating a society, far away from Earth… and their pasts.

The arrival of the last known transporter signals fresh hopes and dreams. Will Stella’s husband and daughter be on board? Why does Tate seem anxious about one particular passenger, Julius Berger? And will the transporter land safely and bring a fresh hope or will it bring another threat?

Outcasts features a cast of established actors and dynamic young stars and seeks an answer to the critical question: how do you create a new and better world?

Outcasts is released on April 4th 2011 by BBC on 3 disc DVD & Blu-ray (aprox.450 minutes).
The DVD includes bonus material: Reaching out to the stars: Hear from the creator, producer, director and cast from the series, Forthaven – Set Tour.