BEST OF 2014 TV


December 25, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

By Frazier Moore

AP Television Writer

NEW YORK

From the extraordinary Maggie Gyllenhaal-starring miniseries “The Honorable Woman” on SundanceTV to Syfy’s goofy “Sharknado 2: The Second One,” TV delivered in 2014 — streaming, on cable and over the air.

Showtime’s “Homeland” roared back from last year’s muddle with a season of white-knuckle suspense. CBS’ “The Good Wife” killed off a main character to give the show its latest burst of life. FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” ended its seven-season run with explosive closure. HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” wrapped its saga with a fascinating season that juggled three phases in the life of Atlantic City potentate Nucky Thompson.

AMC’s “Mad Men” teed up satisfyingly for its final round in 2015. Showtime’s “The Affair” gave fair warning against cheating on your spouse, while making such a misdeed seem irresistible.

And ABC’s “Scandal” was wackier than ever.

Consider them winning programs, one and all. But here are 10 that get a special nod:

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