Now the grand finale... My five favorite shows of all time. By now you all probably have an idea at least of what the five are, and maybe even the order. I hope you have enjoyed this list as much as I have in making it.
5. 24: 24 has fallen on some hard times, there is no doubt about it. Last year it won the Don Award for most dissapointing tv show of the season (edging out even the Office and the Nine), and it was well deserved for it. The critically acclaimed season 5 I did not think was as amazing as everyone else though, and it is the only show on this list that I had outright quit once, although I did turn back to it a season later. So why is it so high you ask? I absolutely loved season 1, and I was addicted to the show immediately. While rediculous at times I enjoyed season 2, and I thought season 4 recovered itself very well. You had superb characters in Tony Almeda and others of the supporting cast, although Jack is a little too immortal for my liking. In the end now is not the time to get into 24, but if you have been a fan of it all along you understand the reason for why the show is so high.
4. American Dreams: I would give nearly anything to get the second season of this show on DVD, as the great storylines are beggining to fade away already. It was a simple show, in that it was about family and the importance of it. It was also about a changing time, and the strength of racism, even by the central family. It had extremely endearing characters that you cared to keep their life on the straight and narrow, and then when it finally ended you knew that you had watched something that was one of a kind. I mean, the NBC president of the time even said that "he loved the show" and it did get my three seasons rule, so I wasn't mad that it was cancelled, it was just business. The show was everything a cult-tv fan could cheer for, no doubt about that.
3. Survivor: Out of all the shows I considered for my top 20 shows list, there was only one reality show on the list. I have watched a decent amount in my time, including a season of Amazing Race and some parts of American Idol way back in the day. However, reality tv was never my thing, even though I respect it alot more than other credits. At this point in time I only watch one reality show, and that is one that I've watched sense Middle School. That show is the perfect game that matches physical skills, socialiation, and intelligance in a complicated but amazing game. After 16 seasons, the show hasn't lost a step as people are always planning the next overthrow, and usually one of the best players earns his way to the top. One day I would love to be on this show, just to see how good I really am. I remember starting it so long ago because of recommendation from my dad, and cheering for quiet Coleen or humorous Gervase. nearly a decade later, nothing has changed, I love it just as much now.
2. The O.C: When you rewatch The O.C the show is as good as when you first watched it years ago. Its got this mix of humor, drama, and most of all charm that may never all be matched as well in a single show. The O.C's success was no fluke, as the amazingly young Josh Schwartz is continuing his success with the two best new shows of this years season in Chuck and Gossip Girl (remember those names, because I wouldn't be surprised if when this list is updated they'll both be on it). Originally, the O.C was not supposed to be as succesful, and was originally created as a summer time show. But due to some great moments it got more and more time, and then the show just ended the first season absolutely amazingly. A lot of fans then thought the show went downhill, but as a rewatch the episodes of the second and third season, these were still pretty great times of television. Ryan Atwood remains the greatest tv character of all time, and Kirsten Cohen is the greatest television mom, because despite one poor storyline, her heart is in the right place and she is a great person. I definitely miss this show now looking back, but I am glad it got its well deserved run.
1. Lost: To begin with, I also believe this is the BEST show ever created in its entirety. Very few shows get better as the seasons go on, and yet just watching this fourth season Lost has never lost a step of what its been along the way. Some think the show is completely about the mythology on the island, others about scientific possibilities, and the final group about character interactions. While its the blend of the three that make it great, I believe where the show really shines is in those character interactions. I mean, in this dire situation people are forced to interact with those they hate (Jack and Locke, Locke and Ben) and sometimes work against those they care for. You have a situation where you never really know who is going to make it out, but that just builds the suspense at times. Also, the flashbacks and now flashforwards bring the show to a new level. The flashbacks were there so one could really get a feel of who these people were, and why we care so much for them. However, in the third season alot of the flashbacks were reaching the point of boredom because we had already seen most of the characters backstories to the entirety, so then the flash forwards began to move the show forward, and to see who the Oceanic 6 are and where they are going. I mean, are there complaints to the show, sure. The main female lead is not the strongest actress, and as far as her character goes she is not that likeable to me (although alot of fan really like Kate). Jack is very on and off depending on the season, whether he is the best character or one of the worst depends on the episode. Oh, and at times the smoke monster may be off putting if you are one of those who thinks everything is 100% scientific. But all of that is so small and barely matters, because you are watching tv at its max.
There you go, my favorite 20 shows that I have watched. Most of these were hour long dramas, because in my mind that is the best kind of shows. Arrested Development barely missed out on the list, as I do respect it as the greatest 30 minute non-cartoon comedy, but to me in thirty minutes you can't really tell that much of a story. Hopefully, you enjoyed the list, because who knows the next time I get dedicated enough to make one. Peace out readers!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Top 20 Shows (10-6)
I could say something witty here, but I couldn't think of anything, so I'll go straight to the list you all desire to see.
10. The Simpsons: An interesting dilemma when looking at this show, is that I no longer watch it when its new or really syndicated. Besides the movie, I probably have not watched Simpsons in the past year. However, despite that drop, I have probably spent more combined time watching Simpsons than any other show in my lifetime. As a kid I would watch it an hour every day syndicated until the point where I knew exactly what episode it was just by seeing a single scene and could recite alot of the dialogue. At times The Simpsons is very intelligent, and as far as animated tv shows go it is the pinnacle. Only time has caused it to drop a little bit.
9. Dexter: One of the few shows on this list with alot of potential of moving up, the second season of Dexter was as good, if not better, than the first, and its star should have won an Emmy last year and it was a shame it didn't. Dexter in some ways is an extremely twisted show, as you grow accustomed to cheering for a serial killer, something most other tv shows want you to hate. Dexter is a loveable guy, in a typical life otherwise. This is the pinnacle of cable television, and it is one of the main reasons why Showtime has become far superior to HBO. With more seasons to come, if Dexter keeps up this pace, there is no doubt it will move up past 9.
8. Friday Night Lights: Similiar to Dexter, FNL has the expectations of moving up in the future if DirecTV can keep up the great storylines that have carried it before. To begin with, like any great drama thier is humor-mixed in, without diminishing the sweet atmosphere. The coaches family is one of the most realistic families in television history outside of American Dreams, and the sports aspect is extremely well done (unlike shows like One Tree Hill, who ended up just ignoring the backetball). In the end, it getting another year, even if its only 13 episodes long, makes me extremely happy as this show is definitely a real treat.
7. Boy Meets World: Another childhood classic, it is still extremely entertaining to this day. Now Boy Meets World is not without its faults, as I am one of the largest critics of the later years that absolutely sucked. However, in the pre-college years this show was absolutely superb. You had a great friendship, some great teachers, and a perfect blend of humor but also serious episodes (think of the episodes like the abusive parent or the cult). All in all, the show still stands today as a classic worth watching whenever possible.
6. Veronica Mars: Thiell was surprised with how high the show is, but out of all my DVD renting and online watching this show was the one that I enjoyed the most. It was a great blend of a serial drama with a teen soap opera, the two genres I love most. The first two seasons were two of the finest tv seasons ever, ending with one of the top five tv episodes in all of history. Then the third season happened, which was good, but because of CW was not great anymore. They changed the serialness to try and get a fan base. However, looking back, this was an amazing show filled with one of the greatest cast of characters ever with Weevil, Duncan, Logan, Wallace, Beaver, Dick, and of course Veronica. Definitely worth of number six.
~So the top five shows are probably obvious by now, but maybe not the order. Have fun reading up on them tommorow
10. The Simpsons: An interesting dilemma when looking at this show, is that I no longer watch it when its new or really syndicated. Besides the movie, I probably have not watched Simpsons in the past year. However, despite that drop, I have probably spent more combined time watching Simpsons than any other show in my lifetime. As a kid I would watch it an hour every day syndicated until the point where I knew exactly what episode it was just by seeing a single scene and could recite alot of the dialogue. At times The Simpsons is very intelligent, and as far as animated tv shows go it is the pinnacle. Only time has caused it to drop a little bit.
9. Dexter: One of the few shows on this list with alot of potential of moving up, the second season of Dexter was as good, if not better, than the first, and its star should have won an Emmy last year and it was a shame it didn't. Dexter in some ways is an extremely twisted show, as you grow accustomed to cheering for a serial killer, something most other tv shows want you to hate. Dexter is a loveable guy, in a typical life otherwise. This is the pinnacle of cable television, and it is one of the main reasons why Showtime has become far superior to HBO. With more seasons to come, if Dexter keeps up this pace, there is no doubt it will move up past 9.
8. Friday Night Lights: Similiar to Dexter, FNL has the expectations of moving up in the future if DirecTV can keep up the great storylines that have carried it before. To begin with, like any great drama thier is humor-mixed in, without diminishing the sweet atmosphere. The coaches family is one of the most realistic families in television history outside of American Dreams, and the sports aspect is extremely well done (unlike shows like One Tree Hill, who ended up just ignoring the backetball). In the end, it getting another year, even if its only 13 episodes long, makes me extremely happy as this show is definitely a real treat.
7. Boy Meets World: Another childhood classic, it is still extremely entertaining to this day. Now Boy Meets World is not without its faults, as I am one of the largest critics of the later years that absolutely sucked. However, in the pre-college years this show was absolutely superb. You had a great friendship, some great teachers, and a perfect blend of humor but also serious episodes (think of the episodes like the abusive parent or the cult). All in all, the show still stands today as a classic worth watching whenever possible.
6. Veronica Mars: Thiell was surprised with how high the show is, but out of all my DVD renting and online watching this show was the one that I enjoyed the most. It was a great blend of a serial drama with a teen soap opera, the two genres I love most. The first two seasons were two of the finest tv seasons ever, ending with one of the top five tv episodes in all of history. Then the third season happened, which was good, but because of CW was not great anymore. They changed the serialness to try and get a fan base. However, looking back, this was an amazing show filled with one of the greatest cast of characters ever with Weevil, Duncan, Logan, Wallace, Beaver, Dick, and of course Veronica. Definitely worth of number six.
~So the top five shows are probably obvious by now, but maybe not the order. Have fun reading up on them tommorow
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Top 20 Shows (15-11)
To continue the building of this insane suspense I am bringing to you the next group of five of these superb shows. This is when the shows get really elite, and some of these shows that if you asked I would say would've been shoo-ins for top 10, but the competition was just too intense. Anyway, I would highly recommend all of these, so enjoy.
15. Darkwing Duck: This is the earliest show on this list (not counting Twin Peaks, but I didn't watch that until this year) and it was an intricate part of my childhood. For example, when I was young and I went to Disney World my favorite part of the trip was seeing the big costumed Darkwing Duck. I have recently picked up the first two seasons on DVD, and the show ages very well. Its an enjoyable kid show, and it makes me feel bad that modern day children have to deal with crap like Spongebob and Dora, when a true classic like Darkwing Duck was part of our childhood. Plus the two parter "Just Us Justice Ducks" is one of my favorite tv episodes of all team. When all is said and done, Darkwing Duck is the best show for a kid I have EVER seen.
14. House: House was a tricky show to get a feel of. In the third and fourth season, the show started to get a little old with all its repetiveness, but yet it still packed alot of laughs and some absolutely amazing characters (including Allison Cameron, one of the best tv females ever). When I originally started watching the show and everything was new, House was nearly unrivaled as I watched 4 episodes a week that summer. Maybe its just the procedural aspect of it all, but its still an amazing show in a genre I normally don't care about.
13. Boston Public: Ah yes, I remember that in highschool one of the reasons I didn't join Jazz Band is because I would've had to tape Boston Public (I know, its quite sad). The first seasons of this show were amazing, as they had some great teachers, amazing kid actors, and a sweet principle. The show then began to fade, and then one fateful day it was cancelled. I mean, it was a deep and serious show, but also fun at times. It was a great school drama with the view coming from the teachers, and it really did shine overall.
12. Sleeper Cell: Ah yes, how Showtime continuously brings great shows. Sleeper Cell is a show about terrorism, but it looks at it in a different outlook that an over-the-top action show like 24. It had an amazing protagonist, who's life had to be completely engrossed by his career, and the fact that he was anything but undimensional. Then you had the terrorists, who overall were mostly likeable, especially Ilya and Tommy, because it gives the viewpoint of how people can reach this far. It only got two seasons, and a total of only 18 episodes, but each one of them was entirely engrossing with great dialogue, intriguing characters, and a greater sense of that these are real people, and not some token evil entity like a show like 24 would tell you.
11. Degrassi: Next Generation: God do I hate keeping this out of the top 10, but it has to be that way. The Canadian-teen drama is everything you could wish for, and seeing anyone who reads this list is either actively watching it, or at least know the fact that I have watched seven seasons worth in a span of 4 months... Its addicting, it has some great characters (especially in the first five seasons), and the storylines are SUPER serious for a teen drama. Plus the school shooting episode was amazing, and the fall-out afterward was even better as it drastically changed the lives of so many characters. It has a huge cast of characters, so the storyline avoid repetetism. Despite all this, however, the show does have a few faults. To begin with, the adult storylines are overall a tad bit weak at times, and some of the thirty minute episodes aren't that great. Also season 6 and 7 have not lived up to past seasons, although this could be because the going to college part was hard to really work through. But in the end D:NG, is everything you want in a teen drama, and its made for any age it is so good.
There you go, 20-11 are now completed. If you want to predict the top 10, just do it in the comments. It should begin to get a bit clearer now what some of the shows are, and what some of the shows that got cut are, but there might be a few surprises.
15. Darkwing Duck: This is the earliest show on this list (not counting Twin Peaks, but I didn't watch that until this year) and it was an intricate part of my childhood. For example, when I was young and I went to Disney World my favorite part of the trip was seeing the big costumed Darkwing Duck. I have recently picked up the first two seasons on DVD, and the show ages very well. Its an enjoyable kid show, and it makes me feel bad that modern day children have to deal with crap like Spongebob and Dora, when a true classic like Darkwing Duck was part of our childhood. Plus the two parter "Just Us Justice Ducks" is one of my favorite tv episodes of all team. When all is said and done, Darkwing Duck is the best show for a kid I have EVER seen.
14. House: House was a tricky show to get a feel of. In the third and fourth season, the show started to get a little old with all its repetiveness, but yet it still packed alot of laughs and some absolutely amazing characters (including Allison Cameron, one of the best tv females ever). When I originally started watching the show and everything was new, House was nearly unrivaled as I watched 4 episodes a week that summer. Maybe its just the procedural aspect of it all, but its still an amazing show in a genre I normally don't care about.
13. Boston Public: Ah yes, I remember that in highschool one of the reasons I didn't join Jazz Band is because I would've had to tape Boston Public (I know, its quite sad). The first seasons of this show were amazing, as they had some great teachers, amazing kid actors, and a sweet principle. The show then began to fade, and then one fateful day it was cancelled. I mean, it was a deep and serious show, but also fun at times. It was a great school drama with the view coming from the teachers, and it really did shine overall.
12. Sleeper Cell: Ah yes, how Showtime continuously brings great shows. Sleeper Cell is a show about terrorism, but it looks at it in a different outlook that an over-the-top action show like 24. It had an amazing protagonist, who's life had to be completely engrossed by his career, and the fact that he was anything but undimensional. Then you had the terrorists, who overall were mostly likeable, especially Ilya and Tommy, because it gives the viewpoint of how people can reach this far. It only got two seasons, and a total of only 18 episodes, but each one of them was entirely engrossing with great dialogue, intriguing characters, and a greater sense of that these are real people, and not some token evil entity like a show like 24 would tell you.
11. Degrassi: Next Generation: God do I hate keeping this out of the top 10, but it has to be that way. The Canadian-teen drama is everything you could wish for, and seeing anyone who reads this list is either actively watching it, or at least know the fact that I have watched seven seasons worth in a span of 4 months... Its addicting, it has some great characters (especially in the first five seasons), and the storylines are SUPER serious for a teen drama. Plus the school shooting episode was amazing, and the fall-out afterward was even better as it drastically changed the lives of so many characters. It has a huge cast of characters, so the storyline avoid repetetism. Despite all this, however, the show does have a few faults. To begin with, the adult storylines are overall a tad bit weak at times, and some of the thirty minute episodes aren't that great. Also season 6 and 7 have not lived up to past seasons, although this could be because the going to college part was hard to really work through. But in the end D:NG, is everything you want in a teen drama, and its made for any age it is so good.
There you go, 20-11 are now completed. If you want to predict the top 10, just do it in the comments. It should begin to get a bit clearer now what some of the shows are, and what some of the shows that got cut are, but there might be a few surprises.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Top 20 favorite TV Shows (20-16)
Well, I have covered characters but what about an entire tv show in general. I mean its hard to look at classics and rule exactly what show is better than any other, but that is exactly what I did here. I tried to remember the classics of my childhood, but only a few stood out, so this in many ways is primarily of high school and onward, because that is when tv was more prevalent. Also, I didn't put any first year shows on here (like Chuck and Gossip Girl) predominantly because we just haven't seen enough to really get an understanding of how good the show is yet. But anyway, on we go.
20. The Shield: Ah yes, I show I only got involved in because of Elyse's blockbuster. Now, the Shield gets alot of critical buzz (similiar to the Wire) and because of that it didn't really get noticed by me until late in its lifetime. However, by running through the DVD's you saw a rare show that actually got better each year, including the massively gratifying fifth season, which was superb throughout its 12 episodes. The final season starts in August, and trust me that in no way will this intense show finish with any type of disapointment.
19. The Practice: One of the shows on this list more remembered fondly through middleschool and early highschool. First off, Michael Emerson (AKA Ben in Lost) won an Emmy for his appearance in the Practice, and it was deserved in ever possible way. Also, for as far as procedural's go, it was actually pretty interesting and kept you looking forward to it. Personally, I think some of the faults of the show is it hasn't actually aged greatly, and it ended absolutely horribly (and then became Boston Legal, which makes me sad). But ah well, historically I enjoyed the show and it deserves this spot.
18. Dawsons Creek: In some ways its embarrassing to put this on this list. I never watched it while it was still going on, but rather during repeats on USA I believe. This is another show that fell out near the end, but in the early years it was a completely entertaining show with endearing characters, besides the annoying Dawson. I kind of want to watch it again, but to watch it through syndication every day is too taxing, but I am sure at some point I will find my way back into the Dawson's Creek experience.
17. South Park: One of the few 30 minute shows to make the list, and also one of the few to actually be considered a comedy. South Park is a show that one episode is the exact reason you watch television, and the next episode is so gross that you don't understand why you watch it (although the first type is much more common). South Park is extremely intelligent and that is why I think it is in many ways to endearing. Alot of this cartoon based comedies are stupid and have no point, but usually every single episode of South Park is telling you something important to pay attention to, and you will. Trust me when I say that this is what every 30 minute adult-cartoon should strive for.
16. Twin Peaks: Now I made this list before I completed the 30 episode run of Twin Peaks (I believe I have finished 18), but I already know that it deserves this high. Considered by many to be the the father of Lost, it is a show that makes you think nearly every single second of it. Something so deep is going on, and every single scene is EXTREMELY important to recollect. It is a puzzle, and right now only some of the pieces are together, and that is what makes it so beautiful. This show is everything I love about dramas, and I feel I may have cheated it by doing this list before I finished it. Do yourself a favor and watch this show, because it is superb with some of the MOST endearing characters in television history, especially the main character Agent Cooper.
There are the first five shows to make the list. It was hard to actually get this to fit a simple 20, but in the end I think the seperation is very nice and the most deserving shows will actually make the list, and that is whats important. Anyway, tommorow hopefully, 15-11 will be up, because by doing it smaller doses I should be better at keeping up with this.
20. The Shield: Ah yes, I show I only got involved in because of Elyse's blockbuster. Now, the Shield gets alot of critical buzz (similiar to the Wire) and because of that it didn't really get noticed by me until late in its lifetime. However, by running through the DVD's you saw a rare show that actually got better each year, including the massively gratifying fifth season, which was superb throughout its 12 episodes. The final season starts in August, and trust me that in no way will this intense show finish with any type of disapointment.
19. The Practice: One of the shows on this list more remembered fondly through middleschool and early highschool. First off, Michael Emerson (AKA Ben in Lost) won an Emmy for his appearance in the Practice, and it was deserved in ever possible way. Also, for as far as procedural's go, it was actually pretty interesting and kept you looking forward to it. Personally, I think some of the faults of the show is it hasn't actually aged greatly, and it ended absolutely horribly (and then became Boston Legal, which makes me sad). But ah well, historically I enjoyed the show and it deserves this spot.
18. Dawsons Creek: In some ways its embarrassing to put this on this list. I never watched it while it was still going on, but rather during repeats on USA I believe. This is another show that fell out near the end, but in the early years it was a completely entertaining show with endearing characters, besides the annoying Dawson. I kind of want to watch it again, but to watch it through syndication every day is too taxing, but I am sure at some point I will find my way back into the Dawson's Creek experience.
17. South Park: One of the few 30 minute shows to make the list, and also one of the few to actually be considered a comedy. South Park is a show that one episode is the exact reason you watch television, and the next episode is so gross that you don't understand why you watch it (although the first type is much more common). South Park is extremely intelligent and that is why I think it is in many ways to endearing. Alot of this cartoon based comedies are stupid and have no point, but usually every single episode of South Park is telling you something important to pay attention to, and you will. Trust me when I say that this is what every 30 minute adult-cartoon should strive for.
16. Twin Peaks: Now I made this list before I completed the 30 episode run of Twin Peaks (I believe I have finished 18), but I already know that it deserves this high. Considered by many to be the the father of Lost, it is a show that makes you think nearly every single second of it. Something so deep is going on, and every single scene is EXTREMELY important to recollect. It is a puzzle, and right now only some of the pieces are together, and that is what makes it so beautiful. This show is everything I love about dramas, and I feel I may have cheated it by doing this list before I finished it. Do yourself a favor and watch this show, because it is superb with some of the MOST endearing characters in television history, especially the main character Agent Cooper.
There are the first five shows to make the list. It was hard to actually get this to fit a simple 20, but in the end I think the seperation is very nice and the most deserving shows will actually make the list, and that is whats important. Anyway, tommorow hopefully, 15-11 will be up, because by doing it smaller doses I should be better at keeping up with this.
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