Television Critics Association Honors Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad

Tonight, the Television Critics Association (of which both IGN TV's Executive Editor Eric Goldman and I are members) recognized the top programs and actors of the 2011-2012 television season at its 28th Annual TCA Awards presentation. Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston hosted the annual invitation-only event, held at the Beverly Hilton hotel in conjunction with the TCA’s summer press tour.

HBO's Game of Thrones captured (presumably with fire and blood) the top honor of "Program of the Year" while comedian Louis C.K. took home two awards; "Outstanding Achievement in Comedy" (for his series Louie) and "Individual Achievement in Comedy" (for his performance on the series).

Too bad there's no Individual Achievement in Douchebag.

Showtime's riveting counter-terrorism series Homeland also took home two awards - one for "Outstanding New Program" and one for lead Claire Danes in "Individual Achievement in Drama."  Meanwhile, Downton (Spanish flu induced?) fever wasn't just for last week's Emmy Award nominations as Masterpiece: Downton Abbey won the 2012 TCA Award for "Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and Specials."

In the "Outstanding Achievement in Drama" category, AMC's Breaking Bad took the top prize while the classic Bostonian bar sitcom Cheers beat out nominees such as Twin Peaks and Lost to take home the Heritage Award.  Here is the full list:

• 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)
• 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)

Source : ign[dot]com