The fourth season of this classic was one of the...

The fourth season of this classic was one of the most gorgeous, exciting, challenging, cinematic and interesting -- yes, interesting -- season of any TV series, ever. Now that I've finished hyperventilating . . . seriously, it was great. But why? "GoT" has moved on to new places, or -- like a brilliant and adventurous daughter (or son, too) who wishes to break free of her parent's own expectations for her -- it's begun to explore new worlds, ideas and stories beyond the great source material provided by George R.R. Martin. "GoT" is no longer merely an "adaptation," but a parallel and separate TV universe. Credit: HBO

Newsday critic Verne Gay says the fourth season of "Game of Thrones" "was one of the most gorgeous, exciting, challenging, cinematic and interesting -- yes, interesting -- season of any TV series, ever."

From "Game of Thrones" to "Mad Men," see what else made the cut.

Here are the 10 best television shows we saw this year.

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Driver killed in Centereach crash ... Zeldin confirmation hearing ... Anger over cable dispute Credit: Newsday

Second man charged in missing girl case ... New Yaphank LIRR station ... Guilty plea in body parts case ... What's up on LI

Driver killed in Centereach crash ... Zeldin confirmation hearing ... Anger over cable dispute Credit: Newsday

Second man charged in missing girl case ... New Yaphank LIRR station ... Guilty plea in body parts case ... What's up on LI

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