With the Emmy nods out, we get the other major TV awards – those handed out by the Television Critics Association.

Much like the Emmys, the TCA awards were mostly given to shows NOT on network TV. And it’s not surprising. The bulk of truly excellent television is on those higher channels.  Until CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox start taking real risks like AMC, FX, or HBO, I think this will be a trend that will continue for a while.

Directly from their website, the 2012 TCA Award recipients are as follows:

• Individual Achievement in Drama: Claire Danes (“Homeland,” Showtime)

• Individual Achievement in Comedy: Louis C.K. (“Louie,” FX)

• Outstanding Achievement in News and Information: “60 Minutes” (CBS)

• Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming: “So You Think You Can Dance” (Fox)

• Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming: “Switched at Birth” (ABC Family)

• Outstanding New Program: “Homeland” (Showtime)

• Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and Specials: “Masterpiece: Downton Abbey” (PBS) [take that American Horror Story — you are SO not a miniseries]

• Outstanding Achievement in Drama: “Breaking Bad” (AMC)

• Outstanding Achievement in Comedy: “Louie” (FX)

• Career Achievement Award: David Letterman

• Heritage Award: “Cheers”

• Program of the Year: “Game of Thrones” (HBO)

I can absolutely get behind this list. Whereas Louie didn’t get an Emmy nom for best comedy, it won outright here. So You Think You Can Dance is finally recognized. And because of the split between Program of the Year and Outstanding Drama, they can reward both Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones, which are seriously tied for me as best drama.

Of course this still leaves Parks and Recreation and Community out in the cold, but I suppose we can’t have everything.