Off-Topic Open Thread: Favorite TV Shows
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 2:49 PM EDT
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PrintThis post was originally created by PB @ BON, an occasional contributor here at BTSC, and author of Burnt Orange Nation, one of SBN's flagship college blogs. PB has granted me permission to post his work in its entireity. I neither watch enough TV, nor write as well, so thanks to him for sharing. However, I do enjoy many of the shows on his list, so though it is not my work, the list does give a glimpse into my tastes. By the way, the list is in alphabetical order, not ranked in terms of preference.
Finally, In addition to needing a break from the tedium that is the recap of post-Bradshaw QB play in Pittsburgh, I'm hoping this will provide us all some entertainment on this offseason afternoon. As always, jump in and participate. There's many lurkers out there who have never commented. Not everybody has an opinion on the 3-4 vs. the 4-3, but everybody has a preference for their television viewing. - Blitz-
Originally posted at: Burnt Orange Nation
1. Arrested Development - Shameful truth be told, I resisted this show at first, and not for any good reason: MMHorns and Jimmer were watching it before I was and having the grandest time reciting entire episodes back and forth to one another. God forbid I feel left out, I defiantly decided the show was overrated. "I choose not to join in on your Afternoon Delight. Hmmph."
Yeah that didn't work out. And how could it? The show has everything on my comedy checklist: truly unique characters, outrageous plot lines, and enough hyperbole to make Bill Walton blush. I honestly don't know how anyone could be silly-minded enough to have scripted that show. Just awesome.
"Seven grand— you better believe I love them. I mean, look... look what you’re wearing. You look like crap. I mean, at least this is... What...? Who did this?"2. Battlestar Gallactica - This is not a show I sought out on my own, but watched only because a good friend was so thoroughly obsessed. Honestly, it's so good that I'd invite even the most skeptical to sit down and give it a shot. Whether you start on the mini-series or "33" (Season 1, Episode 1), immediate addiction is inevitable.
The show literally has large doses of everything: heavy action, deep conspiracies, romance, humor, philosophy (political, metaphysical, ontological - no joke), and on and on.
Also, Number Six. Oh dear God she's irresistibly hot.
I seriously might sell out the universe if she were whispering in my ear.3. Cheers - I'm not 100% positive, but I'm pretty sure I've seen every episode now. Some are far better than others, but at its best Cheers has always seemed to me the pinnacle of sitcoms. I could write for pages about what I love about Cheers, but in the interest of space, I'll limit myself to three quick thoughts:
- The sheer simplicity of the show is remarkable. There's just that one little set - two cameras filming an endless parade of entertainment at a neighborhood bar - guaranteeing the show's strength would have to come from its characters. Nothing cutesy or clever; just an exceptionally simple premise: good TV shows are about people.
- The rapport between Ted Danson and Shelley Long was truly exceptional. A lot of people hated Shelley Long during and after Cheers, a reaction I always interpreted as proof that her performance as Diane Chambers was one of a kind. Even more amazing than that, though, was the chemistry she and Ted Danson shared. I've never, ever seen on film a couple fight as well as those two did. Incredibly, despite a six-season roller coaster, their on-again, off-again relationship never got old. Only because Long and Danson were that dynamic together.
- Dr. Frasier Crane. One of the best characters ever invented for TV, and for whom Kelsey Grammar was born to play.
4. Columbo - I'll be shocked if this is in anyone else's Top 10, but I'm a total sucker for any and all shows featuring great (and quirky) detectives. Lt. Columbo more than fit that bill, of course, as one of the most unusual lead characters in a most unusual detective show: each began with the viewer witnessing the murder. The treat was waiting to see how Columbo would piece it all together... one question at a time.
5. Friday Night Lights - I cannot tell you how sure I felt that I would hate this show. And after the first episode, I still had my doubts... They didn't last long. I know I'm preaching to the choir at this site, so I won't prattle on about its merits. I'll just add what a godsend that show was to me in cold, dark South Bend. To say that I miss Texas women is an understatement.
Give the casting director two gold stars.6. NewsRadio - For all its comedic genius, the show was consistently marred by tragedy - big and small. On the small scale, NBC's executives were grossly out of touch with the show's essence, constantly trying to force it to do gimmicky crap to boost ratings (Lisa's on-air wedding, anyone?). And on a much bigger scale, of course, Phil Hartman - the show's best character (among many greats) - was murdered after the fourth season. The show tried to carry on with Jon Levitz stepping in as a replacement, but the spirit was gone and the show folded after Season 5.
Still, for 97 episodes, there wasn't a better comedy on TV, though few seemed to notice. It aired from 1995-99, during the height of the Seinfeld craze, and though it developed a significant devoted following, it never caught on in the mainstream.
7. Six Feet Under - I'm really not one for dramas, but Six Feet Under had no trouble holding my attention through all five incredible seasons. At first there was a certain appeal to the foundation of the story itself - a moderately dysfunctional family in Los Angeles decide to become undertakers when the father passes away unexpectedly.
Engaging though the backstory was, the charm was in the characters. And though the show was very often a sobering drama, it was also rich with dark comedy. Once I'd finished season one, I knew I'd be watching the remaining four.
8. South Park - Do I need to say anything here? I don't, do I?
9. Veronica Mars - This one, on the other hand, may require a little explanation. As I said before, I can't resist a great detective, and Veronica Mars is one of the best ever written for the screen. Before the show was recommended to me, I assumed it was a typical show for teenage girls, but it's far, far more than that. I've never been so surprised to like a show so much. Exceptional dialogue, compelling characters,
and enthralling plot. A++
Hot. Smart. Spunky. Loves mysteries... Marry me?10. The Wire - If you haven't seen it or don't like it, I don't know what tel tell you... There will be many, many doctoral papers written on this show, no joke.
I can't hear you. Your turn.
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battlestar
Anybody seen this? I’ve been encouraged many times to give it a crack. Just haven’t done so. The Sci Fi thing makes me weary, but those that have told me to watch, have also introduced me to some of my now favorite shows.
Nope
but I did hear about that girl on the local sports talk radio. Now I know what they were talking about.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jun 10, 2008 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Seriously awesome.
Its lows can be pretty low, and its quality seems to dip in the middle of each season, but on the whole – man they knocked this one out of the park, especially when you consider that its source material was a piece of silly late 70s tripe.
It;s got action, drama, sex, humor, religion, mystery. The only show that I devote more time to unwrapping its riddles is Lost.
definitely give it
a shot, Blitz. If for no other reason than he’s not joking about how hot Six(who has also posed for PB) is. Sheesh. But the show itself is great, Edward James Olmos is awesome, and the storylines are good. Its gotten a bit heavy-handed this season, but if you are gonna watch it at all, I recommend renting the miniseries first, then start the series.
Oh, and its tough
to get past their invented G-rated substitute for the f word. The first time I heard them say “Frack you!” I laughed out loud, but you get used to it.
others on my list
Office – British version
Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Deadliest Catch
Big Love
MythBusters
Frontline – hooray commercial free PBS
Office
Did you see the British version first? I saw the American version first. Everyone I’ve met so far has liked the version they saw first more. My wife and I like the American. Her brother like the English version.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jun 10, 2008 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
american version vs british
I havent given the American version a fair shake. Just havent really watched it. The episodes I have seen are ok, but I havent seen enough to be an accurate jduge. I’d imagine the story lines in the American one are better, but the acting by Ricky Gervais (Carell’s Brit version) and Mackenzie Crook (the boss’s sidekick) are just hysterical. I’ll have to give the American version a fair shake sometime, just havent found time.
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
American version
From what I understand the first two season are basically the same story as the British version, which would probably be tedious, but after that it diverges.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jun 10, 2008 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
versions
The 2 versions are so different that it’s actually hard to compare them. The British version is genius, the American, a knee slapping good time.
I like both as you can tell.
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jun 10, 2008 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
The office
The British version definitely gets the nod for originality, but the two versions are completely different. The British version is unbearable to watch, which is the point. The American is much more likable (esp Dwight, Michael and Kevin) and more focused on the Jim-Pam relationship than the awkward boss. The American version almost always throws the viewer a bone after a hard-to-watch episode, which can be happy or cheesey, depending on who you ask (think “Crash” with more laughs). I won’t say which is “better”, but I like the American version more.
got to love
Deadliest Catch. Have you seen AX Men yet? I really liked that show AX Men, pretty bad ass what they do out west.
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Jun 11, 2008 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh man,
I’m stoked you mentioned the British office. It is so frickin funny. Not sure too many Americans know about it. I like Steve Carrell, but the British version is waay funnier.
My top 10
First, I can’t remember the last time I saw a top 10 TV show list that I didn’t have a single show in mine. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”
1. Seinfield: No doubt my all-time #1. I own every season and to this day if I’m scanning through some channels, I have to stop down for a quick laugh.
The rest are just in random order b/c in my mind it’s the greatness of Seinfield and everyone else…...
The Shield – Can’t wait for the last season
Nip Tuck – It’s gotten really crazy but I’m sticking with it.
Dexter – Great Showtime series but don’t wait your time watching it on regular TV, you’ll miss to much.
Martin – Probably my favorite show from back in the day.
Law & Order/ CSI – For the sake of simplicity I’ll lump this conglomerate together into one big series, in my mind they’re all the same story line, just different characters.
Criminal Minds – Close to L&O/CSI but I’m running out of ideas here.
Becker – I still laugh out loud when I catch an episode of this.
Big Bang Theory – Brand new show but very funny.
Two and a Half Men – Good times.
Until I got Tivo, I pretty much stuck to movies b/c I’ve never had a regular schedule to watch TV and that’s why most of these are relatively new shows.
lol
Actually, I’ve never seen a single show on your list, save Seinfeld of course. Which is great.
I’m like you though, rarely watch when things are on and I don’t have Tivo, so I usually only watch shows that are re-runs late on cable or watch DVD sets of shows on HBO or other channels I don’t get. Which brings me to another show not listed. Curb Your Enthusiasm. Love it.
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Thank goodness for DVD box sets
If it weren’t for these, I’d have never gotten caught up on the Shield, Nip Tuck or Dexter. There’s nothing like renting a season and watching the whole thing in a weekend.
I watched a couple seasons of Entourage like that too and the entire series of Sopranos (except the final season). Thank god for Netflix.
I had to give up on Nip/Tuck.
It’s been spinning its wheels since a great second season. How often can Christian can have some epiphany and resolve to better hus behavior, and then thoughtlessly relapse the next episode?
Dexter
is great. He was also great on Six Feet Under. Agreed, don’t watch the CBS version. You need more gore, nudity, etc… for dexter to truly be appreciated.
I actually got to where I couldn’t watch it. Not sure why. Too tense? When he was unravelling in season 2 I had trouble keeping it together myself! I liked that he was so careful, neat, methodical.
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jun 10, 2008 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions
yea no doubt
The end of the second season wrapped up nicely and I’m anxiously awaiting the third. My wife like Six Feet Under so I may have to kick the tires on that sometime.
My favorites
Right now:
Corner Gas - a quirky Canadian show that’s on WGN here in the States. My wife got me watching it, and now we’re just waiting for the rotation to hit some episodes that we haven’t seen.
Frasier - I think I’ve gotten into it more now than when it was on the air. As you say, glad I can record it to DVR.
Numbers - I’m an engineer, I guess that’s why I like it. But, the stories and characters have been great. I resisted watching this show for a year because it premiered after the 2004 AFCC game debacle.
Little People, Big World - a show about a family whose parents are Little People (Dwarves), with three average height children and one who is little like them. Another show my wife got me into that I would never have checked. But, they are really interesting people. And, the dad reminds me of my dad, very entreprenurial.
Old Favorites:
I loved NBC’s Thursday night lineup: The Cosby Show, Family Ties (loved Alex Keaton’s character because he’s short, like me), and Night Court. I know I skipped Cheers. Never really cared for it. I know it was beloved by many, but to me it was the extra half hour to get to Night Court. Of course, I watched them all so many times as a kid/teen that I really don’t want to watch them anymore.
Special Mention: I do like Arrested Development, Newradio, and Friday Night Lights, just not my favorites.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jun 10, 2008 3:58 PM EDT reply actions
FNL
I don’t know how I feel about it. I think it’s ok. Just nothing THAT special. I think it might be better if not for being on network TV. Too many typical network TV buildups and unfulfillment, in the name of bringing you back. I think it’s shot well, and the football scenes are ok, just don’t quite get how it’s on so many poeple’s favorite list.
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Not enough football scenes
In the first season, it was built around the football season, and there were games in most shows. Now, there is a game in about every 4th or 5th show.
It is a little like a soap opera (the buildup, etc.).
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jun 10, 2008 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Wire
Let me just say to both young and old on the site: you need to watch this show. I couldn’t give something a more positive endorsement. Best show I’ve ever seen.
Start by renting Season 1 on DVD and be patient through at least the first four episodes. I have not yet met a person who didn’t fall in love with it. You can watch with your wife/spouse too. Male, female, young, old. This is incredible stuff thats entertaining, thought provoking, incredibly well made and acted (lots of local Baltimore citizens play prominent roles), and culturally/politicall/socio-economically as real and relevant as it gets.
My problem?
My parents knew that I wanted to see the show, so they bought me a DVD last Christmas. But through a massive mx-up. I got Season 4. It’s been sitting unwrapped in the case for oversix months while I try to get around to watching the first three.
hehe
Fair enough, but wait no longer. Rarely would I suggest emphatically that somebody spends their time on TV, but this is worth it. Every last second of it.
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
The Wire
Blitz is right, this show is truly amazing—i’ll get into that after i start off my picks with:
South Park: Not only insanely hilarious, but also a very smart satire on many “current news” topics regularly. For anyone who doesn’t know, these guys also made “Team America” which is hysterical movie. It’s not just dick & fart jokes and shock value humor (as it might have once been in the first two seasons)-it’s really evolved into a great running satire/comedy reflecting current events-and always with a “lesson” i.e., the show creators opinions on how to deal with whatever they are talking about that week. All that being said, it’s still also insanely hilarious, and they throw in a couple episodes a season that are just “fun”. Can’t wait for the newest season since it’ll be around an election and in ‘04 they produced a great election episode. If you haven’t ever really watched South Park, do it now.
The Wire: Man, wow. Unbelievable show. Probably unbelievable because it reflects real society so much better than most shows, no happy endings that are unrealistic. Fantastic look at inner-city life, the interaction between cops & criminals, the rules of the “game”, how factors such as politics and the media effect these two. Doesn’t necessarily cast the criminals as the antagonists and the cops as the protagonists either, more so, there are some on both sides. I really can’t stress enough how amazing the show is. Probably didn’t get the ratings it deserves because it’s not the kind of show you can just jump into midstream, like Blitz said—get the DVDs, start at Season 1, and sit back and be amazed at the ride David Simon takes you on. The characters and roles have become so developed, and furthermore, from episode to episode you can really see how events in previous episodes effect the decision making of the characters.
The Office: Just entertaining.
The Unit: Would be even better if they didn’t include the wives sub-plot, but still a pretty bad-ass show. Inspired by and produced by Eric Haley, former Delta Force operator, author of the book “Inside Delta Force.”
Futureweapons: Hosted by Richard Machowicz, former Navy SEAL, just shows alot of cool guns, explosives, etc….alot of stuff gets blown up, or shot at, which is always fun.
Sports Night: Don’t know why this show was cancelled but I own all the seasons (i think there were only two or three)....it’s very funny, witty, and quick. Actually I think it was a bit to quick-witted for the average viewer.
Entourage: Entertaining.
Californication: Kinda fucked-up, it’s a showtime show. Entertaining though, kind of a wild ride. Lots of nudity and cursing so don’t watch with kids.
by TheMostViolentTeam on Jun 10, 2008 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
been wanting to watch californication
I shall give it a try. Just wrapped up a show on DVD. Looking for another.
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm on a trial version of showtime
That’s how I rolled through both seasons of Dexter in just over two weeks (showtime on demand), so I may have to check out Californication too. Any other good Showtime series you’d recommend?
weeds is good.
Love mary louise parker. So hot, such a great actress. That show has its ups and downs, but Kevin Nealon is perfectly casted and it’s fairly good. B+. Many people love it in fact, I just wont give it a resounding endorsement. Just a positive one.
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions
At the moment,
I’d go with BSG, Lost, Arrested Development, Scrubs, The West Wing (its first two seasons are out of the park – not a single bad episode in the bunch), The Office, and Buffy. I may have forgotten one or two.
Angel is a show that I watched for five years, though it didn’t get consistently good until its fififth seasons. Whereupo it was promptly canceled.
Good God,
I forgot Futurama and the first ten seasons of the Simpsons.
The second Futurama DVD movie comes out on the 24th. Buy it.
Futurama
is the best! I can’t say Bender’s Big Score was that great, but I loved getting my favorite characters back.
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jun 10, 2008 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
hmm
Sounds like I need to try this. Is that on Fox around Simpsons and American Dad?
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Reruns are on Comedy Central most evenings.
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jun 10, 2008 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Fox, in its wisdom,
cancelled the show after repeatedly pre-empting the show, switching its timeslot, and simply refusing to air certain episodes. Comedy Central started airing it this year.
Speaking of Fox and its hatred for quality television,
Firefly was simply amazing. Only eleven episodes, but of those eleven three or four are problably some of my favorite hours of TV ever.
The movie, Serenity, kinda sucked, though.
fox
Sounds like they’ve canned a bunch of winners.
Why did they not bring back Arrested Development? Sounds like its very popular.
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Poor ratings.
Hard to blame them for that one. Even though they cut back on the episode order multiple times, they stuck with it longer than they could have been expected to, given their history.
The creator, Mitch Hurwitz,was reportedly thinking about doing a movie, though he has a new TV show coming soon, which wil monopolize his time.
yea
heard about the movie, though i thought it was moving forward. then again, ive heard about that for quite some time now, come to think of it.
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
When the second movie comes out...
...just buy a season of episodes instead. If the first movie was any guide, you’ll be better off.
My faves
No particular order except #1 is
West Wing - (barring the last 2 seasons). This show is just amazing, the writing, the performances, the lighting, music - Sorkin at his best. But after Sorkin left it lost a lot. My wife and I own all the good seasons and watch them religiously.
The Office (British version) Gervais is the most uncomfortable human ever to be a human. Gervais and Merchant knew that piling season onto season almost always dilutes a series so they left at the top.
Home Movies—An animated show that used to play on Adult Swim. A kid who fancies himself a director is the main character. The gym teacher/soccer coach, Coach McGurk, is possibly the funniest character ever seen on TV.
NYPD Blue—I don’t usually watch police dramas, but Sipowitz was one of the best characters I ever saw. He was incredibly flawed, but somehow had some kind of moral center he stuck to. When his partner was Jimmy Smits I think it was at its peak.
The Colbert Report—it is on TV, and he’s a fictional character so I think it works. I want to be Colbert’s best friend!
Northern Exposure—Once Joel left it wasn’t as good, but it is right up there with West Wing for me. The characters are all wonderfully rich. Chris in the Morning, Ruthanne, Maurice, Ed, Maggie (grrrowl), and so on and on. Great!
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jun 10, 2008 4:47 PM EDT reply actions
nice
Home Movies is entertaining.
Good call abotu Office leaving on top, but it was very tough pill for me to swallow. Loved it.
Never seen NYPD Blue or NE or WW. I’m very much unseasoned!
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Just saw someone posted Futurama
Futurama is for sure in my top list. Go Bender! Go Bender!
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." --Levon Kirkland
by steelerinchicago on Jun 10, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Arrested Development
I have been a fan of Arrested Development for a while, but similar to the author of this article I caught on way too late. The show was going into its third season when I finally realized its brilliance. I can sit and quote lines from the show endlessly and I can watch episode after episode and find things that are immensely funny that I had not noticed in the previous viewings.
I could go on and on about the show for days.
Another favorite of mine is Deadwood on HBO, very, very GOOD!
never seen deadwood
Speaking of HBO…Anybody seen that John Adams show on HBO? I heard it was good, awhile back, then nothing else, and nothing from any of my friends.
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
John Adams
I don’t have HBO, but I read the book that it’s based on. The book was awesome, if you’re into history. It’s a biography that is very well researched, but told in a narrative fashion. Most biographies that follow a narrative fashion are romanticized stories, and most well researched biographies read like textbooks. So, I would recommend the book, and I expect the show is well done, also.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jun 10, 2008 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
yes
the book is quite good.
i was a history major and a history buff, though my time is spent elsewhere now and i havent done as much reading as id like.
hard for tv shows to get it right on period pieces, but i hear its well done.
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions
My favorite show currently:
30 Rock. Seriously, it’s the best show on network TV right now, but you have to start at the beginning. Arrested Development is fantastic, Lost (minus season 3) is pretty good, Seinfeld is classic.
Speaking of classic, my other favorite show is Monty Python’s Flying Circus. It’s seriously so much better than their movies, which were funny in their own way. It’s the perfect blend of humor, wit, and absurdity. And now, for something completely different…
flying circus..lol. def
Endless comedy.
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
finally, someone mentions
30 Rock. Unbelievable show. Baldwin is perfect.
show that went away
Does anyone know what happened to the show, K-Vile? There were only like 7-10 episodes, but I really liked it.
Arrested Development
So glad to see this on peole’s lists. That show is simply genius.
I like to play this game where I ponder which character is the most childish and immature.
JOB?
Buster?
the mom?
the Dad?
Porsche DeGrassi’s charachter?
David Cross?
Each is more infantile, compulsive, disturbed, and hysterical than the next. Great comedy.
tim and eric
awesome show, great job! – ummm, yeah, its weird, but good
the Maxx – on MTV in the 90’s? i think
kids in the hall-candian sketch comedy
mr. show-HBO sketch comedy with David Cross and Bob Odenkirk
dr. katz-animated comedy central
penn and teller’s B.S.-showtime, i think
the Mighty Boosh-british comedy, current
king of the hill-on fox
trailer park boys-canadian
charlie rose -pbs interview show
along with others already mentioned, or out of mind
love kids in the hall
Brain Candy by KITH is one of my favorite movies.
by Michael Bean on Jun 10, 2008 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions
King of the Hill
Forgot to mention that! Definitely one of my favorites!
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jun 11, 2008 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Mike Judge
Hard to believe he went from Beavis and Butthead to King of the Hill, and made both shows great in their own way, not to mention his movies, Office Space and Idiocracy.
Yeah, a bit of a leap from Beavis and Butthead to a sort of family show. I didn’t know he made Office Space, which was a great movie.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jun 16, 2008 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I am a huge boxing fan
so I have to go with The contender. If someone already mention that sorry, I didnt read all the comments this is what happens when i fall behind on my BTSC readings. Damn!
* till next time wave those towels proud
by LiveinDCbutsteelerfanbyheart on Jun 11, 2008 9:40 AM EDT reply actions
don't watch a whole lot of live tv
mostly all on dvds
really loved firefly, loved seasons 2+ of the office
cowboy bebop- fantastic music, art direction, writing and characters
been meaning to check dexter and watch more of the wire- though episodes with Tommy storylines I don’t enjoy too much
wow, lots o' comments
to get through. Here’s mine in no particular order:
30 Rock – Great dialogue and the casting could not be any better. Baldwin, Fey and Tracy Morgan are classic. Recurring as a gay exec, Will Arnett is awesome. Which leads me to..
Arrested Development – See comments above.
Seinfeld – Not sure any other TV show put more one liners into American vernacular than this one. You still hear quotes from this show in everyday life, years after it left the air.
M.A.S.H. – One of the rare times a TV show follows a movie and is quality.
Battlestar Galactica – Great scifi show, a rare gem on the scifi network, usually full of crap movies about mummies or flies or killer iguanas or some stupid shit.
Firefly – How Fux ever let this one go is beyond me. Nathan Fillion = Good TV. Plus all the chicks are super cute.
Family Guy, Simpsons and Futurama – One thing Fox does do well is animation. And so glad to see Futurama back.
The Office (British) – See above comments again.
The Daily Show – Since I am fast becoming a-political, Jon Stewart is the way to go. He pokes fun at every faction, every politician and just about every media figure alive today. Great stuff.
Friends – Yeah yeah. Can’t help it. My wife is obsessed, and I mean obsessed with this show. I watched it in the past with former GFs, but my wife literally watches this show every day. While she’s getting ready in the morning, or whatever. But you can’t deny that in the later years, the chemistry between the actors is spot on. The seasons just kept building on one another and it really got funny towards the end. Probably take some crap for this one, but the list that started this thread did have Veronica Mars in it. :)
Honorable mention to Scrubs, WKRP, Frasier, News Radio and the X-Files. These shows really are equal with the rest. And I will probably check out the Wire now thanks to all the rave reviews on this thread.
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