The 20 Must-See Shows of the 2012 Winter TV Season

There was a time when all the big TV shows debuted in the fall, and whatever began in the winter and spring was considered merely a "mid-season replacement." But these days, some of the hottest shows on TV kick off between January and April, from reality show juggernauts like American Idol, Celebrity Apprentice and Jersey Shore to award-winning critical favorites like 30 Rock and Mad Men. Our list of the 20 must-see shows of the winter 2012 season includes several new shows alongside some returning favorites. Click through, and tune in.

By Matthew Perpetua