History's Best Selling TV Shows of 2012

Revisiting 2012 presents a grand parade of tv history, marked by Y2K fever and early digital revolution and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Girls, Veep, and essential classics took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Lena Dunham and Armando Iannucci led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Girls

   Released in 2012 by Lena Dunham, HBO

   On April 15, 2012, HBO premiered "Girls," a series that immediately became a cultural lightning rod. Arriving in the wake of prestige male-centric dramas that defined the network, Lena Dunham's creation was a sharp, provocative departure. Billed as a voice of its generation, the show's debut introduced viewers to the messy, privileged, and often cringe-worthy world of four young women in Brooklyn. Backed by executive producer Judd Apatow, the premiere didn't just launch a TV show; it ignited a sprawling, years-long debate about millennial identity, female friendship, nepotism, and the portrayal of modern life on screen, cementing its place as a landmark television event of the 2010s.

2. Veep

   Released in 2012 by Armando Iannucci, HBO

   On April 22, 2012, during a heated U.S. presidential election year, HBO premiered "Veep," a show that would redefine political satire for a generation. The series debuted at a time of growing political cynicism and media saturation, offering a brutally hilarious and profane look behind the curtain of American power. The premiere introduced audiences to Vice President Selina Meyer and her chaotic, ambitious staff, immediately establishing the show's signature tone of sharp-witted insults and farcical situations. Its arrival marked a significant addition to HBO's prestige comedy lineup, promising a sophisticated, adult-oriented takedown of Washington D.C. that was less about specific policies and more about the absurd, ego-driven pursuit of power itself.