The Emmys 2012

Homeland

The show proved to be the sweeping success of the night, scooping the best actress and actor awards for Claire Danes and Damian Lewis, and winning the Outstanding Drama award. Catch it on Channel 4 this autumn. Obama reportedly loves the show, and if it’s good enough for the US president…

Modern Family

The US hit was a worthy winner of four awards, including Outstanding comedy and individual awards for Julie Bowen, Eric Stonestreet and Steven Levitan. With its mixture of social commentary and black humour, the lives of this eccentric family are well worth watching.

Game of Thrones

With a magical mix of the medieval, feuding clans and a few dragons thrown in along the way, this show has been a refreshingly different viewing experience and contributed four award to HBO’s haul of awards.

Downton Abbey

Not forgetting the British success that is this colossus of a period soap, with an accolade for veteran actress Maggie Smith, awarded Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. ITV’s Drama added to its host of awards this year.