Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman’s drama ‘Sherlock’ named Best British TV show of 2012

The Radio Times critics announced on Friday that BBC’s Sherlock Holmes reboot topped a poll of writers/critics compiled by Radio Times magazine naming the best show on TV in Britain in 2012.

The Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman led drama edged out Claire Danes’ show Homeland, which placed second, and Olympics-themed ‘mockumentary’ Twenty Twelve at third.

“Sherlock delivered the TV event of the year with three perfect episodes,” said RadioTimes.com editor Tim Glanfield. “Nothing got people talking more than that cliffhanger series finale – and that was as true here at Radio Times as it was in offices and school playgrounds around the country.

“Despite being shown 11 months ago, Sherlock won the vote quite easily,” Glanfield added. “Virtually all of us had it in our personal top fives. It was simply staggeringly good TV – and best of all it’s British!”

Political satire The Thick of It came in fourth ahead of sitcom Fresh Meat at number five.

Last year’s top show, Danish thriller The Killing, dropped to number 38 on the 2012 list.

See the full top 40 here.