From Oprah's last show to the "American Idol" judges to the "Breaking Bad" Season 2 finale, here are some of the highlights on television in 2011.
Ricky Gervais Hosting the 2011 Golden Globes
Caustic funnyman Ricky Gervais skewered the Hollywood community when he hosted this year's Golden Globes. Interestingly enough, they've invited him back to host in 2012!
The New 'American Idol' Judges
Once Simon Cowell announced he was moving on from "American Idol" to bring his "X Factor" show to the U.S., the "Idol" execs decided to shake things up and brought in two new judges to join surviving judge Randy Jackson -- rocker Steven Tyler and the gorgeous Jennifer Lopez. It paid off, big time.
Walking in on Mom and Dad on 'Modern Family'
When Haley, Alex and Luke try to surprise their parents with breakfast in bed for their anniversary, they get way more than they bargained for as they catch Phil and Claire in the middle of what he describes as "zesty" sex. "What were they doing?" Luke asks. "Whatever it was, it looked like dad was winning."
Kirstie Alley on 'Dancing with the Stars'
The contestants come and go on "Dancing with the Stars," but this year's runner-up Kirstie Alley, along with her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy, really brought a spark to the show.
Michael Scott Leaves "The Office"
When Michael Scott left "The Office," it was one of the more poignant moments. The fact Pam was the last one to say goodbye made it even more special.
After 25 years, the talk show queen offers thanks to her viewers in the final show.
The 'Game of Thrones' Beheading
It was a shocker when Ned Stark (played beautifully by Sean Bean) was beheaded in "Game of Thrones" (unless you read the books, of course). Right down to the final minutes, it seemed unthinkable they would go ahead and chop off the head of the one noble warrior in this corrupt kingdom. But it happened -- and it was some great TV.
Look out "American Idol," there are is a new "Voice" in town. In this hit NBC singing competition, mentors Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, Ceelo Green and Blake Shelton listen to the voices before they pick their teams -- but the best part is watching the four of them interact!
"Breaking Bad" Season 4 Finale
The explosive finale quite literally blew everyone away, when meth maker Walter White (Bryan Cranston) finally gets the better of his nemesis Gus (Giancarlo Esposito).
'The Walking Dead' Season 2 Opener
When "The Walking Dead" premiered in late 2010 with just six episodes, it left the zombie fans out there clawing for more -- and more is what we got when Season 2 premiered in October as one the most viewed season openers of all time.
Melissa McCarthy Hosting 'SNL'
We all know what a year comic actress Melissa McCarthy is having, but the capper was her hosting turn on "Saturday Night Live." I mean, seriously, watch this skit.
These four freshman shows really stood out in the crowd!"Revenge": Emily VanCamp and Madeline Stowe star in this ABC gem about a girl who comes back to a community, seeking revenge on those who destroyed her family."New Girl": Indie film darling Zooey Deschanel enters the world of TV as a school teacher who moves in with three guys and infuses their lives with her adorkablness."Homeland": The tense Showtime drama follows a CIA operative (Claire Danes) trying to stop a terrorist attack in the U.S., suspecting a returning Iraq prisoner of war vet (Damian Lewis) has been turned."American Horror Story": A horror TV show that actually goes there? Oh yes, this F/X thriller about a seriously demented haunted house most definitely isn't for the faint of heart.
