July 5
FX
During an impromptu first date that ends up in her pickup truck, Laurie (Melissa Leo) is appalled by the lack of sexual reciprocity by Louie (Louis C.K.) in her truck. Her challenges to him to be more gallant where it counts, and his reactions, brought a hilarious kickoff to the 2012-13 TV season.
Oct. 17
ABC
The emergence of Luke (Nolan Gould) as a key player in the “Family” ensemble was cemented with his reluctance to embrace his natural talent for magic, much to the disappointment of father Phil (Ty Burrell).
Oct. 25
NBC
As Ben (Adam Scott) surprises Leslie (Amy Poehler) by proposing, Leslie forces him to pause so she can truly imprint the moment: “I need to remember every little thing about how perfect my life is right now.” And then we wait. . .
Jan. 10
CBS
A humorous but ill-fated journey to a Star Trek convention causes Sheldon to deeply question the nerdist path … only for an unexpected fight among the girls to bring a much-needed reboot.
April 30
FOX
An episode that goes back in time to show how everyone in the gang lost their virginity is highlighted by the well-lubricated adventures of Schmidt (Max Greenfield).
May 16
NBC
Steve Carell’s cameo was a sparse, well-executed reunion, leading up to the sentimental farewell to the anonymous-looking workplace that was ground zero for nine seasons of comic adventures. “There’s a lot of beauty in ordinary things,” says Pam (Jenna Fischer). “Isn’t that kind of the point?”