TLC

Madison dressed as Dolly Parton on TLC's "Toddlers & Tiaras."

It's been a year of celebrations, frustrations and shockers on the small screen, as familiar TV faces said their farewells, reality stars swapped "I dos" (with varying degrees of success) and more than one feud found its way to the spotlight. But as always, between the very-special-episodes of this and the shocking finales of that, it's easy to lose track of some of television's must-see moments.

So for those who might have missed some of the biggies, or for those who just want to relive the action before saying "so long" to 2011, here's a rundown of the most memorable moments of the year.

RIP, Charlie
After Charlie Sheen went into a full-blown meltdown off-screen, the powers-that-be behind "Two and a Half Men" ensured the actor's on-screen alter ego, Charlie Harper, wouldn't suffer from any similar unpredictable behavior.

To that end, Sheen got the ax. And as fans learned when they tuned into the season premiere of "Men," Harper got the train — head on.

Cooper can't hold it in
When noted French actor Gerard Depardieu stood accused of taking a tinkle in the aisle of an Air France jet, Anderson Cooper decided to deliver the news to his "AC 360" viewers in a pun-filled edition of The RidicuList.

There was just one problem. While the strange story was meant to focus on Depardieu's alleged lack of control, it was a giggling Cooper who couldn't keep it together.

Bye, O
After a 25-year run in which she established herself as television's talk titan, Oprah Winfrey packed up her favorite things and bid her daily talk show goodbye in May.

While "The Oprah Winfrey Show" is no more, O didn't leave her legions of viewers without a TV offering to turn to. Instead, she launched her own network, fittingly called OWN, in 2011.

Anger mismanagement
Meat Loaf may be best known as a rocker, but don't underestimate him. The musical man is just as passionate about his arts and crafts. That's a lesson actor Gary Busey learned when Meat Loaf mistakenly accused him of pilfering his stash of paint supplies on "The Celebrity Apprentice."  

“OK! (Bleep)! Mother-(bleeper),” Meat Loaf raged at Busey. “I bought those (bleep bleeping) sponges. Part of that paint is mine. (Bleep!) I’m sick and tired of (bleep), you mother-(bleeper).”

Saving face
"Breaking Bad's" fourth season finale was far from the first to end in a jaw-dropping face-off, but it was definitely the first to end in a literal face off.

So long, Gustavo Fring!

A bad Situation
Long before the fourth season of "Jersey Shore" premiered stateside, reports from Italy revealed that Mike "The Situation" Sorentino sustained a neck injury following a fight with housemate Ronnie Ortiz-Magro. That, naturally, led "Shore" fans to believe the big guy flew into one of his typical rages and made short work of Sitch.

But, as everyone learned when the relevant episode aired, Ortiz-Magro didn't deal the all-important blow. It was The Situation, caught up in a manic fit of bravado, who knocked himself out when he launched head-first into a wall.

Beg your Parton?
Whether or not child pageants are appropriate for the little girls who compete in the glitz events may be up for debate, but few would argue the appropriateness of girls dressing up in strictly adult ensembles — well, that is except for Madison's mom who decided to dress her daughter up as Dolly Parton, complete with padded boobs and booty, on "Toddlers & Tiaras."

(Dis-)Honorable mention: Madison's mom wasn't the only one who gave her girl a grown-up look. On another episode of "T&T," Paisley's mother decked out her little one as the call-girl lead in "Pretty Woman." No, really!

And the award for the Best Awards Show Host goes to …
Hollywood bigwigs used to kid-glove handling when it comes to awards-show ribs weren't prepared for the gloves-off treatment they got from funnyman Ricky Gervais at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards.

Those offended by Gervais' big-night barbs -- which included potshots at Charlie Sheen, Bruce Willis and "some famous Scientologists" -- will have yet another opportunity to clutch their pearls when the actor-comedian takes the stage for the awards on Jan. 15.

Mad Maks
Ballroom bad boy Maksim Chmerkovskiy is no stranger to stirring things up on "Dancing With the Stars," but even by his own standards, he really kicked off a feud-fest last season when he entered into a war of words with head judge Len Goodman. After Goodman nitpicked Chmerkovskiy's pro partner, Hope Solo, one too many times, the pro hoofer took the panelist to task and ranted about how it was "(his) show."

The back-and-forth with Goodman sparked a later spat for Chmerkovskiy with Carrie Ann Inaba and even rumored bad blood behind the scenes.

Honorable mention: While Maks vs. Anyone easily stole the show, Nancy Grace — or at least one memorable part of the former prosecutor — also overshadowed the usual ballroom business too.

I do
Sure, he dragged his feet for 28 years, but KISS rocker Gene Simmons finally popped the question to partner Shannon Tweed on "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" this year.

After one long midseason cliffhanger, Tweed said "yes" and Simmons said "I do."

I do too — for now
Of course, Simmons and Tweed weren't the only reality stars to step up to the altar in 2011. While the whole union didn't last as long as Simmons' engagement, Kim Kardashian's wedding to Kris Humphries was a far bigger boob-tube event.

In the four-hour primetime special "Kim Kardashian's Fairytale Wedding: A Kardashian Event," viewers watched Kardashian's (first) special day play out just before the not-so-special divorce talk took over.

Which TV moment 2011 was your favorite? Tell us on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• Top 5 TV stories of 2011
• What was the most shocking TV death of the year?
• 'Sexy' men duke it out in 2011
• Celebrity breakups of 2011 
• Curtain calls of 2011

EPA, Getty Images (2)

Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed, Giuliana Rancic and Russell Armstrong all caught Clicker readers' attention in 2011.

Television -- both scripted and reality -- gave people plenty to talk about in 2011. From Kim Kardashian's four-hour wedding extravaganza in October (and the subsequent unraveling of that marriage, airing now on "Kourtney & Kim Take New York") to ballroom fights on "Dancing With the Stars" and the shocking season and midseason finales and beyond, the action never let up.

But with so many big stories, which ones reigned supreme with Clicker readers?

Surprisingly, it was real life, and not exactly reality TV.

Giuliana Rancic's reveal during her Oct. 17 appearance on TODAY that she was in the early stages of breast cancer shocked readers and became our most popular story of the year. Many were inspired by her tale and her urging for all women to get mammograms, and chimed in on our Facebook page to share their support and stories: "I'm glad she came forward," wrote Tiffany Sanders. "She's encouraging women without a family history of breast cancer to get tested. And as a breast cancer survivor, I'm sure you can understand." Since revealing her diagnosis, Rancic has undergone a double mastectomy, and two weeks later, was back at work.

More real-life bad news took the No. 2 spot: the suicide of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" husband Russell Armstrong in mid August, just weeks before the second season was set to premiere. The first season of the Bravo reality show had depicted the marital issues between Russell and wife Taylor, who filed for divorce in July. Season two, which is currently airing, continues to reveal the pair's marriage problems -- but on a much more serious note, with allegations of physical abuse arising.

Next up? More real life caught on tape for reality TV, but this one has a happy ending. (So far.) One day before "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" premiered its sixth season, the KISS rocker and longtime love Shannon Tweed appeared on "Kathie Lee and Hoda" to promote their A&E show, but things did not go smoothly. Instead, a chilly Tweed slammed the father of her children and lover of 28 years every chance she got, calling their lengthy relationship "a b----" and noting that unlike Simmons, "other men are good." The rocker apparently worked some amazing magic after that appearance, as the couple finally tied the knot in October.

Will they or won't they? Mysteries are often good reads, and in this case, good TV news too. After actor Charlie Sheen's public tirade against "Two and a Half Men" boss Chuck Lorre, production on the show was ultimately shut down for the rest of the eighth season and the star fired. As juicy as all of that was, it was the first rumors that the show would not just write off, but kill off Charlie Harper that really caught readers' attention. Yes, the actor's playboy bachelor character was laid to rest in the season nine premiere, thanks to a nutty girlfriend and an on-coming train.

Seems the blame game may have been pretty popular with reality TV too, and "American Idol" hopeful Jacob Lusk's alleged version of it rounds out our top 5 list of most popular stories in The Clicker. The gospel crooner was booted from the singing competition and finished in fifth place in May after his iffy song choice of the Jordin Sparks/Chris Brown duet "No Air." In a conference call with reporters, Lusk said that though it was tough to get criticized by "Idol" mentor Jimmy Iovine, he had no complaints about the record honcho. Off the record and to those close to him, the singer seemingly told another story. A source close to the crooner told TMZ that Lusk said he took bad song advice from the man who had a big role in Eminem and Lady Gaga's rise to megafame.

Want all the details of these top clickers? Read the stories!

• E!'s Giuliana Rancic reveals she has breast cancer
• 'Real Housewives' husband commits suicide
• Ouch! Gene Simmons' longtime love slams him on TV
• Will 'Two and a Half Men' kill off Sheen?
• Ex-'Idol' Lusk blaming Iovine for his ouster?

Are you surprised by this list? Which TV story of 2011 stands out most to you? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

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• 11 most memorable TV moments of 2011
• Most shocking TV deaths of the year

A&E

The KISS frontman and longtime love Shannon Tweed finally swapped "I dos" on "Gene Simmons Family Jewels."

Finally!

After last season’s cliffhanger proposal, the actual pre-season ceremony and several recent episodes leading up to the wedding show, “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” viewers had their long-awaited look at the big event on Tuesday night.

The ceremony featured a moving vow swap from Simmons and his partner of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, as family and friends looked on.

“I’ve been alone all my life,” Simmons began, overlooking those last 28 years. “I’ve never had anybody to share anything with. You breathed life into me. You made me realize how arrogant and selfish and weak I am. I always thought I was strong. I’ve never said ‘I love you’ to anybody, but I love you, Shannon Tweed, with all of my heart, for the rest of my life.”

Aw.

Tweed, who’d had her father’s ring melted down and reshaped for the rocker, then offered him her love, respect and “commitment to serve.” Once she placed the ring on his finger, she added, “If you ever take it off …”

Simmons was quick to finish the sentiment for her, “… 'I’ll kill you.'”

What did you think of wedding? Sweet and sentimental or too made-for-reality-TV? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• Exclusive clip: Gene Simmons gets standing O at his wedding
• Simmons' son insists woes and wedding weren't staged for ratings
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• More on 'Family Jewels' in The Clicker

As the frontman for KISS, Gene Simmons is no stranger to an enthusiastic reception from the crowd, but during his recent wedding to longtime partner Shannon Tweed, Simmons even managed to get a standing ovation from friends and family.

In an exclusive “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” preview provided to TODAY.com by A&E, wedding guests can be seen applauding and getting to their feet to give the once-reluctant groom one heck of a greeting. From the looks of it, Simmons loved every minute of it.

After the ceremony, Simmons' son, Nick, asked the rocker if he was “accustomed to that sort of fanfare.” Simmons said he was. “Cause that’s the last one," Nick assured.

Wedding or standing O? Either way, Simmons looked a little shocked by the thought of it.

Two new pre-wedding episodes of "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" air Monday night starting at 9 p.m. ET, and the big event can be seen Tuesday night at 9 p.m. on A&E.

Will you tune in to see Simmons and Tweed swap vows? Tell us on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• Simmons' son insists woes and wedding weren't staged for ratings
• Tweed's reaction to Simmons' proposal? An insult
• Gene Simmons on marriage: I'll do my best to be faithful
• More on 'Family Jewels' in The Clicker

Matt Sayles / AP

Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed didn't just wed for ratings, their son says.

Ever since Gene Simmons and now-wife Shannon Tweed experienced some very public relationship woes that conveniently lined up with premiere of the last season of their reality show, there’s been speculation that the couple’s problems, and later their cliffhanger-worthy wedding talk, were just part of an elaborate ruse to raise the ratings for “Gene Simmons Family Jewels.”

Even the couple’s son, Nick Simmons understands why some might think that. After all, his folks were together for 28 years before the recent drama began, and his dad has a certain reputation.

“Dad does tend to wear his shameless capitalism on his sleeve,” Nick admitted during a chat with TMZ.

But his dad’s love of profit aside, Nick insisted the ups and down weren’t just for show.

“I was there when the cameras weren't,” he said. “My parents went through a dark wood and came out still wanting to be together.”

For those who want to watch the couple affirm that last part, the wedding episodes of “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” air next week on A&E.

What do you think? Do you believe Nick or do you think the highly publicized ups and downs were just made for TV? Share your thoughts on our Clicker page.

Related content:

• Gene Simmons helps with wedding plans
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• More on 'Family Jewels' in The Clicker

Matt Sayles / AP

Who would've ever imagined that KISS rocker Gene Simmons would not just get married, but participate -- in his own way, of course -- in the wedding planning? Probably not his longtime love and now wife, Shannon Tweed.

On tonight's two-hour episode of "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," the couple's wedding planning goes into overdrive as they try to get everything together in a very short time. In a sneak peek provided to us, Shannon is working on the seating arrangement with wedding planner Alex when Gene gets home to offer his own input.

"Ah! Paper flowers!" he exclaims when he walks in the door and sees paper plates with Post-it notes attached on the floor. "What is this?" The rocker then starts kicking the "flowers" around as the ladies yell in horror.

After Shannon and Alex explain what's going on, Gene tells the cameras, "I have no idea why a seating chart for a wedding should be so complicated. ... It's just very complex."

One thing he does like about the seating plans? Check out this sneak peek A&E shared with us to find out:

Looks like he should stick to being a rock star.

"Gene Simmons Family Jewels" airs at 9 p.m. Tuesdays on A&E.

Will you tune in for Gene and Shannon's wedding next week? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

Related content:

• Tweed's reaction to Simmons' proposal? An insult
• Gene Simmons on marriage: I'll do my best to be faithful
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A&E

Shannon Tweed reacts to Gene Simmons' proposal on "Family Jewels."

After living together for almost three decades, KISS rocker Gene Simmons and partner Shannon Tweed swapped their “I dos” last weekend. But thanks to the delay that comes with reality TV, it wasn’t until Tuesday night that viewers of “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” witnessed Tweed’s reaction to Simmons’ cliffhanger proposal.

Those who thought there wouldn’t be any surprises, given the huge spoiler of the actual wedding, were wrong.

As it turned out, shortly after Simmons got down on one knee and popped the question, a teary Tweed delivered a couple of (presumably) mock jabs.

“Who’d want to marry an a------ like you?” she said. “You’re so stupid.”

While the episode aired, Tweed took to her Twitter account to make sure everyone understood just how it went down.

“You aren't hearing things. I said, "Who would want to marry an ahole like you?" she tweeted, adding, “I actually considered throwing him in the water. No lie."

On the show, the insults didn’t bother Simmons, who waited patiently to find out if Tweed was actually the sort of person who would marry him.

“Yeah. Sure,” she said, still crying.

What did you think of the couple’s emotional moment? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Related content:

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• Were couple's relationship woes just for show?

Matt Sayles / AP

After 28 years together, rocker Gene Simmons and partner Shannon Tweed will finally say their “I dos” this weekend, but if fans of “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” think that means the on-screen drama is over for the couple, think again.

In a preview clip for the upcoming season of the show, Simmons and Tweed can be seen discussing their problems, despite having wedding bells on the way.

“He doesn’t promise to be faithful to me," Tweed complained.

“I will do my best,” was all that Simmons had to say about that.

But Simmons showed his softer side in a recent interview with “Entertainment Tonight.”

“It is time for me to grow up,” he admitted. “I’m 62. I’ve been doing a lot of wacky stuff for an awfully long time — the band, the thing, traveling around the world and all that. There’s nobody I’ve ever loved. There’s nobody I’ve ever said ‘I love you’ to. I even find it difficult to say ‘I love you’ to my mother, but I love Shannon with all my heart and all my soul and always will.”

The new wedding-centric season of “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” kicks off on Oct. 4 at 9 p.m. ET on A&E.

Do you think Simmons can stay faithful to Tweed once they’ve wed? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

Related content:

• Clicky bits: Viewers say 'we do!' to Gene Simmons proposal
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A&E

• Ah, young love. Irresistible. And apparently so is old love -- as "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" proved with its season-ending marriage proposal on Tuesday night. The sight of Simmons down on bended knee before longtime partner Shannon Tweed sent viewership soaring to a series high of 3 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter. And expect that double-digit jump in viewership to return when the show does -- because we won't know until September 6 if Tweed accepted!

• At least age has its maturing benefits, none of which are in evidence over at the "Jersey Shore" home. Radar Online has posted a video of a friend of Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino's being taken from the house in cuffs, arrested for posession of a "white powdery substance" early on Sunday morning. The perp, Jonathan "The Unit" Manfre, posted $1,000 bail and was let go. By Monday Manfre was Tweeting: "There are bumps in every road & sometimes we hit a pothole. All we can do is put on the spare and keep it moving towards our destination!" Tell it to the judge, sonny boy.

• In happier home news, the TV house for Vincent Chase on HBO's "Entourage" on the show's seventh (and penultimate) season has been sold -- for $4.2 million, according to AOL.com. Practically a steal, since it was first introduced to the market in 2010 at $5.75 million. Only some parts of the seven bedroom, eight bathroom and seven fireplace mansion made it to air, but most fans should recognize the home's driveway, where Turtle did a lot of circling. AOL suggests the buyer is a producer for all of the "CSI" shows, which is a good idea, because after Chase and his gang hanging out there, some forensic cleanup may be in order.

Will you tune in to find out Tweed's answer? And what are your thoughts about the latest on the two TV houses? Tell us on our Facebook page.

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• The answer to Gene Simmons' proposal? To be continued...
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He did it! As expected, Gene Simmons finally proposed to his partner of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, on Tuesday night’s season finale of “Family Jewels.” Of course, the obvious morning-after question is, what did she say?

Well, it seems fans won’t learn the answer to that any time soon. Shortly after Simmons popped the question, came the dreaded words “to be continued.” That means unless the couple ties the knot in a very public way or makes no secret of going their separate ways, Tweed’s response will remain hush-hush until next season.

While the one scene everyone expected to see went the way of the cliffhanger, the episode offered another scene no one saw coming — Gene’s earlier attempt at a proposal.

Yes, some time before he dropped to one knee and actually asked Tweed to be his bride, Simmons dropped to one knee and tried to ask. The problem? He was still huffing and puffing from a hike to the top of a temple, and Tweed misread the situation in the funniest way possible.

“Don’t rest because you’ll never get up again,” she said before turning around and leaving him behind.

Do you think Tweed will say “I do”? Will you tune in next season to find out? Tell us on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• After 28 years, Gene Simmons finally pops the question
• Troubles continue for Simmons, Tweed
• Are couple's relationship woes just for show?

It’s been a season filled with fights, separation and frosty conversations, but the “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” finale offers viewers a little hope for the rocker’s relationship.

Simmons and his longtime love, Shannon Tweed, have been on the verge of a permanent split since the very first episode of the season when Tweed decided she finally had enough of Simmons’ wandering eye (and wandering everything else). But now it seems the KISS frontman is ready to do whatever it takes to keep Tweed by his side — including breaking his vow to never swap vows.

Yes, after 28 years of unwedded bliss, Simmons dropped down to one knee and proposed to “the only one (he’s) ever loved” while filming "Family Jewels" in Belize. Check out the clip of his proposal:

The secret, at least until show time, is whether or not Tweed accepts the belated offer she’s always wanted.

But before he popped the big question, he asked daughter Sophie for permission:

“Gene Simmons Family Jewels” airs Tuesday night at 10 p.m ET on A&E.

Do you think the proposal is sincere or simply made for reality TV? Will Tweed say "yes"? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

Related content:

• Troubles continue for Simmons, Tweed
• Are couple's relationship woes just for show?

The tough times for Gene Simmons and his longtime love Shannon Tweed are far from over, at least if Tuesday night’s episode of “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” is any indication.

Tweed visited the rocker while he was on tour, but the backstage banter proved the visit was more about family obligation than putting the pieces back together.

“You know what room number I’m in?” a fully costumed Simmons asked, hoping Tweed might join him back at the hotel.

“I don’t know what room number you’re in,” she answered quietly. “But I know what room my daughter’s in. I’m going to go bunk with her.”

Ouch.

If anyone thinks the tension between the two is just about that now-infamous photo Tweed spotted online in the first episode of the season — the one featuring Simmons with two unknown women at his side — think again. In a recent interview with Canada’s Postmedia News, Tweed set the record straight.

“I don’t care about pictures. I care about real people,” she explained. “It’s when things become real that it pisses me off. I wish someone had let me know it was an open relationship. If I’d have known, I’d have been doing the same thing. But he didn’t let me in on the secret. That’s what makes me the angriest.”

Do you think there’s any hope for these two? Do you think their relationship woes are just for show? Share your thoughts on our Clicker page.

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• Get more on 'Gene Simmons Family Jewels' in The Clicker