64th Primetime Emmy Awards
The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards, honoring excellence in American primetime television programming from June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2012, was the annual ceremony presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS) and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).[1] Held on September 23, 2012, at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles, the event was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and broadcast live on ABC from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT.[2][3] The ceremony celebrated standout achievements across drama, comedy, miniseries, variety, and reality genres, with Homeland (Showtime) winning Outstanding Drama Series in a surprise upset over the heavily favored Mad Men (AMC), which received a record-tying 17 nominations but achieved a historic shutout with zero wins.[2][4] Modern Family (ABC) claimed Outstanding Comedy Series for the third consecutive year, while Game Change (HBO) took Outstanding Miniseries or Movie.[2] Other major series winners included The Daily Show with Jon Stewart for Outstanding Variety Series and The Amazing Race for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program.[2] Acting honors highlighted strong performances, with Claire Danes and Damian Lewis both winning Lead Actress and Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Homeland, marking Showtime's first win in the top drama category.[2] In comedy, Julia Louis-Dreyfus earned Lead Actress for Veep (HBO), and Jon Cryer won Lead Actor for Two and a Half Men (CBS).[2] Supporting roles went to Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad, AMC) and Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey, PBS) in drama.[2] HBO led with six Primetime Emmy wins during the main ceremony, contributing to a total of 23 including the Creative Arts Emmys, followed by ABC with five.[2] The event drew 10.15 million viewers, reflecting its status as a key television industry milestone.[5]Overview
Ceremony Details
The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards took place on Sunday, September 23, 2012, at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California.[6] The ceremony honored achievements in prime-time television programming from the eligibility period of June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2012.[7] Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel in his debut as Emmys host, the event was broadcast live on ABC from 8:00 p.m. EDT (5:00 p.m. PDT) and ran for 3 hours.[8][9] Executive producer Don Mischer oversaw the production, with a team including co-executive producer Charlie Haykel, producer Juliane Hare, and director John Dahl.[7] The telecast featured a mix of live presentations and pretaped segments to highlight nominees and winners.[7]Eligibility Period
The eligibility period for the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards covered prime-time programming that originally aired in the United States from June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2012.[10] This timeframe applied specifically to original U.S. network or cable broadcasts during prime time, defined as the hours between 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. local time.[10] Programs had to be submitted by their producers to the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences through an online entry process, with physical media such as DVDs required shortly thereafter; eligibility for major categories was restricted to scripted series, miniseries, television movies, reality competitions, and variety formats.[10] Voting occurred in two phases: preliminary rounds handled by the Academy's approximately 28 specialized peer groups, followed by final ballots cast by the full active membership.[10][11] International co-productions were ineligible unless primarily U.S.-produced, requiring substantial American financial and creative contributions along with a domestic broadcast commitment prior to production.[10]Nominations
Announcement and Process
The nominations for the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced on July 19, 2012, at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre in North Hollywood, California.[12] The event, which began at 5:35 a.m. PT and was streamed live on Emmys.com, featured actress Kerry Washington and comedian Jimmy Kimmel as the presenters; Kimmel filled in for Nick Offerman, who withdrew due to a scheduling conflict the night before.[13][14] The nomination process began with preliminary voting conducted by the Academy's 16 peer groups, or branches, each responsible for evaluating entries in their specific disciplines, such as acting, writing, or directing.[10] Nominating ballots were posted online on June 11, 2012, and had to be returned by June 28, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. PT to ensure only eligible members participated.[12] This branch-specific balloting determined the five nominees (or six in some categories) per award, focusing on programs and performances from the eligibility period of June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2012. The 2012 cycle marked the first expansion of eligibility to include interactive media enhancements tied to traditional television programs, though submissions remained limited to broadcast and cable formats without standalone web series.[15] Following the announcement, the process shifted to selecting winners, with final ballots distributed to the full Academy membership of approximately 14,000 individuals.[16] Ballots for the Creative Arts Emmys were due by August 24, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. PT, while those for the main Primetime telecast categories closed on August 31, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. PT; all were tallied by Ernst & Young.[12] This two-phase structure—branch-voted nominations followed by at-large voting for winners—ensured peer expertise in nominations while allowing broad consensus for final outcomes.Leading Nominees
HBO topped all networks in total nominations for the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards, receiving 81 across its programming.[17] Among individual programs, AMC's Mad Men and FX's American Horror Story tied for the most with 17 nominations each, positioning them as frontrunners in their respective drama categories.[18] Mad Men, entering as the most nominated drama series, ultimately secured zero wins despite its haul, establishing a record for the largest shutout in Emmy history.[19] In the comedy field, ABC's Modern Family led with 14 nominations, continuing its streak as a dominant force following back-to-back wins in the category.[18] PBS's Downton Abbey followed closely with 16 nominations overall, marking a strong U.S. debut for the British import in the drama race.[20] HBO's Game Change earned 12 nominations, primarily in the limited series or movie categories, highlighting its prominence as a political biopic.[17] Acting frontrunners included Claire Danes for her portrayal of Carrie Mathison in Showtime's Homeland, earning a nod for outstanding lead actress in a drama series.[21] Julianne Moore drew significant attention for her role as Sarah Palin in Game Change, securing a high-profile nomination for lead actress in a miniseries or movie.[22] The nominations also featured a historic milestone: for the first time, no major broadcast network (ABC, CBS, NBC, or Fox) received nods in the outstanding drama series category or for outstanding lead actor in a drama series.[23]Winners and Nominees
Programs
The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards recognized excellence in major program categories, honoring scripted series, limited series, reality competitions, and variety formats that defined television in the eligibility period from June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2012. These awards highlighted innovative storytelling and production across genres, with Showtime, ABC, HBO, CBS, and Comedy Central emerging as key players through their winning entries. Outstanding Drama SeriesThe winner was Homeland (Showtime), a tense political thriller centered on a CIA officer's pursuit of a Marine returned from captivity, suspected of terrorist ties in a post-9/11 world; this marked Showtime's first victory in the category, ending AMC's Mad Men streak.[2][24]
The nominees were:
- Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
- Breaking Bad (AMC)
- Downton Abbey (PBS)
- Game of Thrones (HBO)
- Mad Men (AMC)
- Homeland (Showtime)
[25]
Modern Family (ABC) claimed its third consecutive win, celebrated for its mockumentary-style portrayal of a diverse, multigenerational family navigating modern life with humor and heart.[2][26]
The nominees were:
- 30 Rock (NBC)
- The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)
- Girls (HBO)
- Modern Family (ABC)
- Veep (HBO)
[27][26]
HBO's Game Change took the award, a biographical drama depicting the 2008 Republican vice presidential campaign and Sarah Palin's selection, lauded for its sharp political insight and performances.[2][28]
The nominees were:
- American Horror Story (FX)
- Game Change (HBO)
- Hatfields & McCoys (History)
- Hemingway & Gellhorn (HBO)
- The Hour (BBC America)
- Sherlock: A Study in Pink (PBS)
[29][30]
The Amazing Race 20 (CBS) won, praised for its global adventure format that tested teams' endurance and strategy in high-stakes challenges around the world. (Note: Used for confirmation; primary citation from aggregated news reports)[26]
The nominees were:
- The Amazing Race (CBS)
- The Bachelor (ABC)
- Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
- Project Runway (Lifetime)
- So You Think You Can Dance (Fox)
- Top Chef (Bravo)
[30]
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central) secured the win, recognized for its satirical take on news and politics through sharp writing and Stewart's incisive hosting.[26][29]
The nominees were:
- The Colbert Report (Comedy Central)
- The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central)
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC)
- Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC)
- Saturday Night Live (NBC)
[26]
Acting
The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards honored exceptional acting performances in lead and supporting roles within drama series, comedy series, and miniseries or movies, highlighting nuanced portrayals that drove narrative depth and emotional resonance. Winners were announced during the ceremony on September 23, 2012, with nominations reflecting the diverse landscape of television storytelling from the eligibility period of June 1, 2011, to May 31, 2012.[31][28] In the drama series categories, Homeland dominated the lead acting awards, with Damian Lewis winning Outstanding Lead Actor for his portrayal of CIA officer Nicholas Brody, a complex character entangled in espionage and moral ambiguity. Claire Danes secured Outstanding Lead Actress for her riveting depiction of Carrie Mathison, a bipolar CIA operative whose intense vulnerability anchored the series' tension.[31][21][28] Supporting roles celebrated ensemble contributions, as Aaron Paul won Outstanding Supporting Actor for Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad, capturing the character's tormented evolution amid criminal undertakings, while Maggie Smith earned Outstanding Supporting Actress for her sharp-witted Dowager Countess in Downton Abbey.[32][33][28]| Category | Winner | Nominees |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | Damian Lewis (Homeland) | Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Jon Hamm (Mad Men)[31] |
| Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series | Claire Danes (Homeland) | Glenn Close (Damages), Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey), Kathy Bates (Harry's Law), Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men), Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife)[21] |
| Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) | Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), Brendan Coyle (Downton Abbey), Jim Carter (Downton Abbey), Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), Alan Cumming (The Good Wife)[32] |
| Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey) | Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad), Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife), Christine Baranski (The Good Wife)[33] |
| Category | Winner | Nominees |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men) | Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Don Cheadle (House of Lies), Louis C.K. (Louie), Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)[34] |
| Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep) | Tina Fey (30 Rock), Lena Dunham (Girls), Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly), Zooey Deschanel (New Girl), Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation)[35] |
| Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) | Ty Burrell (Modern Family), Ed O'Neill (Modern Family), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family), Max Greenfield (New Girl), Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live)[36] |
| Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series | Julie Bowen (Modern Family) | Kathryn Joosten (Desperate Housewives), Sofia Vergara (Modern Family), Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory), Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live), Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie)[37] |
| Category | Winner | Nominees |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie | Kevin Costner (Hatfields & McCoys) | Woody Harrelson (Game Change), Bill Paxton (Hatfields & McCoys), Clive Owen (The Promise), Idris Elba (Luther), Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock)[38] |
| Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie | Julianne Moore (Game Change) | Connie Britton (American Horror Story), Nicole Kidman (Hemingway & Gellhorn), Ashley Judd (Missing), Emma Thompson (The Song of Lunch)[39] |
| Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie | Tom Berenger (Hatfields & McCoys) | Denis O'Hare (American Horror Story), Ed Harris (Game Change), David Strathairn (Hemingway & Gellhorn), Martin Freeman (Sherlock)[40] |
| Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie | Jessica Lange (American Horror Story) | Frances Conroy (American Horror Story), Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story), Mare Winningham (Mildred Pierce), Judy Davis (Page Eight)[41] |
Directing and Writing
The Primetime Emmy Awards recognized excellence in directing and writing across drama, comedy, and limited series categories at the 64th ceremony, honoring specific episodes that showcased innovative storytelling and visual execution. These awards highlighted the creative vision behind standout installments from acclaimed series, emphasizing how directors and writers shaped narrative tension, character development, and thematic depth within the constraints of television formats.[42]Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Tim Van Patten won for directing the "To the Lost" episode of Boardwalk Empire, praised for its elegant exploration of loss and redemption in a Prohibition-era backdrop, using fluid tracking shots and atmospheric lighting to depict gang violence, personal reckonings, and cultural rituals.[43][28] The nominees included:| Nominee | Episode | Series |
|---|---|---|
| Alan Taylor | "The North Remembers" | Game of Thrones (HBO) |
| Michael Cuesta | "Pilot" | Homeland (Showtime) |
| Tim Van Patten | "To the Lost" | Boardwalk Empire (HBO) |
| Vince Gilligan | "Face Off" | Breaking Bad (AMC) |
| Phil Abraham | "The Other Woman" | Mad Men (AMC) |
| Brian Percival | "Episode 7" | Downton Abbey (PBS) |
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
Steven Levitan directed the winning episode "Baby on Board" from Modern Family, lauded for its seamless orchestration of multiple family storylines converging on a chaotic airport reunion, blending heartfelt humor with visual gags that captured the show's mockumentary style. The direction highlighted ensemble dynamics through quick cuts and overlapping dialogues, emphasizing themes of familial imperfection.[43][28] The nominees were:| Nominee | Episode | Series |
|---|---|---|
| Louis C.K. | "Duckling" | Louie (FX) |
| Lena Dunham | "She Did" | Girls (HBO) |
| Jake Kasdan | "Pilot" | New Girl (Fox) |
| Robert B. Weide | "Palestinian Chicken" | Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO) |
Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special
Jay Roach earned the award for Game Change, a HBO film depicting Sarah Palin's 2008 vice presidential campaign, noted for its kinetic energy and intimate portrayals of political pressure through rapid cuts and expressive close-ups that conveyed the chaos of high-stakes elections. The direction effectively blended dramatic reenactments with a sense of urgency, drawing from real events to explore ambition and media scrutiny.[43][28] Nominees included:| Nominee | Title |
|---|---|
| Kevin Reynolds | Hatfields & McCoys (History) |
| Philip Kaufman | Hemingway & Gellhorn (HBO) |
| Sam Miller | Luther (BBC America) |
| Paul McGuigan | Sherlock: A Scandal in Belgravia (BBC/PBS) |
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
The award went to Alex Gansa, Howard Gordon, and Gideon Raff for the "Pilot" of Homeland, which ingeniously set up a conspiracy thriller by intertwining personal paranoia with national security threats, introducing CIA operative Carrie Mathison's obsessive pursuit of evidence that a returning POW, Brody, may be a terrorist. The script's layered dialogue and plot twists established the series' blend of espionage and mental health themes.[43][28][4] Nominees:| Nominee(s) | Episode | Series |
|---|---|---|
| Julian Fellowes | "Episode 7" | Downton Abbey (PBS) |
| Semi Chellas, Matthew Weiner | "Blowing Smoke" | Mad Men (AMC) |
| Andre Jacquemetton, Maria Jacquemetton | "The Beach House" | Mad Men (AMC) |
| Vince Gilligan | "Face Off" | Breaking Bad (AMC) |
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
Louis C.K. won for "Pregnant" from Louie, a semi-autobiographical episode that humorously dissected impending fatherhood and fleeting relationships with minimalist dialogue and surreal tangents, capturing the show's blend of cringe comedy and emotional honesty.[43][28] The nominees were:| Nominee | Episode | Series |
|---|---|---|
| Chris McKenna | "Remedial Chaos Theory" | Community (NBC) |
| Lena Dunham | "Pilot" | Girls (HBO) |
| Steven Levitan, Jeffrey Richman | "The Old Wagon" | Modern Family (ABC) |
| Amy Poehler, Michael Schur | "The Debate" | Parks and Recreation (NBC) |
Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special
Danny Strong received the honor for Game Change, scripting a incisive look at the 2008 Republican ticket's internal dynamics, with taut confrontations and political jargon that illuminated the high-pressure world of campaign trail decisions.[43][28] Nominees:| Nominee(s) | Title |
|---|---|
| Ted Mann (teleplay); Ron Parker, Bill Kerby, Ted Mann (story) | Hatfields & McCoys (History) |
| Abi Morgan | The Hour – Episode 1.6 (BBC America) |
| David Hare | Page Eight (PBS) |
| Lawrence Konner (teleplay); Lawrence Konner, Sharr White (story) | Political Animals – "First Couple" (USA) |
Hosting
The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards recognized excellence in hosting for reality and reality-competition programs through the Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program category, which celebrated individuals or teams who guided contestants and audiences through competitive non-scripted formats.[44] Tom Bergeron won the award for Dancing with the Stars on ABC, earning his first Primetime Emmy for the series after five prior nominations in the category.[28] His victory came during the show's 14th season, where his quick-witted banter and ability to balance humor with empathy toward contestants were credited with maintaining the program's lively, accessible appeal.[45] The full list of nominees included a mix of solo hosts and ensemble teams from top-rated competition series:| Nominee(s) | Program (Network) |
|---|---|
| Tom Bergeron (Winner) | Dancing with the Stars (ABC) |
| Cat Deeley | So You Think You Can Dance (Fox) |
| Phil Keoghan | The Amazing Race (CBS) |
| Ryan Seacrest | American Idol (Fox) |
| Betty White | Betty White's Off Their Rockers (NBC) |
| Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn | Project Runway (Lifetime) |
| Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, and Wolfgang Puck | Top Chef (Bravo) |
Statistics
Most Nominations
The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards saw a concentration of nominations among premium cable networks and select standout programs, reflecting the era's shift toward high-quality serialized storytelling. HBO led all networks with 27 nominations across major categories, underscoring its position as a powerhouse in prestige television through shows like Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire.[42] AMC demonstrated robust performance in drama with 12 nominations, largely driven by Mad Men's critical acclaim, though the network's output highlighted the competitive landscape of cable dramas. Showtime's 13 nods, bolstered by Homeland's breakout season, signaled rising momentum for the network in thriller genres. PBS and ABC rounded out the top broadcasters with 9 each, with PBS benefiting from Downton Abbey's period drama appeal and ABC from Modern Family's ensemble comedy strength. HBO's dominance was attributed to its investment in original, auteur-driven content that appealed to voters seeking sophisticated narratives.[47] Programs dominated the nomination tallies, with Mad Men securing the most at 17 across drama categories, including series, acting, writing, and directing. Modern Family followed closely with 14 nominations, emphasizing its ensemble cast and innovative mockumentary format in comedy fields. Game of Thrones and Homeland each earned 11, showcasing epic fantasy and political intrigue as voter favorites, while Downton Abbey received 9 for its lavish historical production. These tallies highlighted a blend of established hits and emerging series vying for recognition.[48]| Program | Nominations | Network |
|---|---|---|
| Mad Men | 17 | AMC |
| Modern Family | 14 | ABC |
| Game of Thrones | 11 | HBO |
| Homeland | 11 | Showtime |
| Downton Abbey | 9 | PBS |
Most Wins
The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards saw a diverse distribution of wins across networks and programs during the main ceremony, with HBO leading with six victories, including from Game Change and Veep. Showtime performed strongly with four wins from Homeland, while ABC also secured four from Modern Family. Cable networks like FX and History claimed key individual and supporting honors. Overall, success rates highlighted efficient campaigns, with several programs converting nominations into sweeps in their respective genres. Including Creative Arts Emmys, HBO tallied 23 total Primetime wins.[50][2] In terms of programs, Homeland earned four wins in major drama categories including Outstanding Drama Series, Lead Actor (Damian Lewis), and Lead Actress (Claire Danes). The HBO political film Game Change followed closely with four victories, capturing Outstanding Miniseries or Movie along with awards for Lead Actress (Julianne Moore), Directing, and Writing. ABC's Modern Family continued its comedy dominance with four wins, including Outstanding Comedy Series for the third consecutive year. Additional notable programs included American Horror Story (FX) with one win and Breaking Bad (AMC) with one, the latter highlighted by Supporting Actor Aaron Paul—his second such win over multiple years. Jessica Lange earned a win for Supporting Actress in American Horror Story (Miniseries or Movie).[30][4]| Program | Network | Wins | Key Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeland | Showtime | 4 | Drama Series, Lead Actor, Lead Actress, Writing |
| Game Change | HBO | 4 | Miniseries/Movie, Lead Actress, Directing, Writing |
| Modern Family | ABC | 4 | Comedy Series, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Directing |
| American Horror Story | FX | 1 | Supporting Actress (Miniseries/Movie) |
| Breaking Bad | AMC | 1 | Supporting Actor |
Ceremony Highlights
Presenters
The 64th Primetime Emmy Awards showcased a wide array of guest presenters drawn from television's leading talent, including current nominees, past winners, and emerging stars, to highlight the year's outstanding programs and performances. These presenters were often paired based on their relevance to the categories, such as nominees from similar genres or previous Emmy recipients, creating thematic connections to the 2012 television season. The host, Jimmy Kimmel, opened the ceremony with a monologue that set a lighthearted tone before handing off to the guest presenters for the major awards.[9] Key pairings underscored the event's focus on contemporary TV success stories. For instance, Louis C.K. and Amy Poehler, both involved in comedy series, presented the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series award. Mindy Kaling, star of the new series The Mindy Project, paired with Melissa McCarthy to present the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, bringing youthful appeal to her segment. Michael J. Fox received a standing ovation for presenting the Outstanding Comedy Series award, marking a poignant moment given his history with Emmy-nominated work. Claire Danes, star of Homeland, presented the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Julianne Moore presented the Outstanding Drama Series category. The full roster of announced presenters, revealed in progressive groups by the Television Academy, included established names and rising talents across comedy, drama, and variety. Below is a summary grouped by announcement waves for clarity:| Announcement Group | Presenters |
|---|---|
| First Wave (September 11, 2012) | Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation), Ricky Gervais, Louis C.K., Ginnifer Goodwin (Once Upon a Time), Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project), Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)[53] |
| Second Wave (September 18-19, 2012) | Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men), Claire Danes (Homeland), Zooey Deschanel (New Girl), Tina Fey (30 Rock), Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly), Emily VanCamp (Revenge), Kerry Washington (Scandal), Connie Britton (Nashville), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), Michael J. Fox, Ron Howard (Arrested Development), Lucy Liu (Elementary), Kiefer Sutherland (Touch), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife), Julianne Moore (Game Change), Andre Braugher (Last Resort)[54][55] |
| Final Wave (September 20, 2012) | Kathy Bates (Two and a Half Men), Stephen Colbert (The Colbert Report), Jimmy Fallon (Saturday Night Live), Aziz Ansari (Parks and Recreation), Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Kat Dennings (2 Broke Girls), Jane Levy (Suburgatory), Hayden Panettiere (Nashville), Matthew Perry (Go On), James Van Der Beek (Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23), Damon Wayans Jr. (Happy Endings), Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy)[56][57] |