My Greatest TV Shows

While I was on maternity leave, I watched a lot of television. Some good, some bad. It got me thinking about what shows I would consider my all-time favorites. I have compiled a list of my top television shows (from my lifetime).

1. Damages. This is an odd #1 but I honestly think it was the best written show - ever. I am still disgruntled about it being on Direct TV and unavailable to me. It is a thought-provoking program that made you pay attention and think. The plot twists were complex and hard to anticipate. It isn't a family-friendly show, but it is great.

2. The Cosby Show. The opposite end of the spectrum from my first choice. I watched this show everyday on my leave. I laughed out loud - a lot. They just don't make good comedies like this anymore. It was clean, made you laugh, and emphasized family.

3. The West Wing. Josh, Toby, CJ, President Bartlett, and most importantly, Leo. This was a fast-paced, smart television show that brought about a new appreciation for what goes on in our political world. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I still get upset about John Spencer's (Leo) real-life death and the portrayal of Leo's death on the show.

4. Friends. This started my freshmen year at OBU. I can still laugh at episodes of this show even though I have seen them a dozen times. Chandler's quick wit and snarky comments made the show for me.

5. Monk. I almost forgot Monk. His issues make mine look non-existent. Okay, maybe not non-existent, but much smaller! He always knew when he had found "the guy". And he did it by making the best of his over-the-top OCD. Who doesn't love that?

6. Sports Night. You may not even recognize this one. It was a short-lived program created by Aaron Sorkin (same guy as The West Wing). It, too, was fast-paced and intelligent. It was cancelled way too soon, because I think it would have caught one eventually.

7. Homicide: Life on the Street. This show was amazing. It was about some Baltimore detectives. It showed their faults and frailties. The characters were strong, whiny, real, and gritty. I even wrote a letter to the network trying to get this one saved. It didn't work, of course.

8. Frasier. In a word - Niles. Without Niles, this show is not anywhere near my list. He made me laugh, feel sorry for him, and hope for his happiness in love.

9. Law and Order (through about 2004). I eventually gave out on L&O after some characters I could not tolerate, but for a long while, I was a loyal viewer. Lennie, Jack McCoy, and Rey Curtis kept me tuned in for the "fictional" stories. It was always great to see an end to a story that in real-life hadn't really been solved.

10. ER (the early years). This show also started while I was at OBU. I loved it at first. It made you care about the people - the people that were just there for an episode and those that were there every week. I cried, I was enthralled, and I was shocked, but I loved every minute of it. It got a little too far out there and I gave up on it. But it was really good at the beginning.

Honorable Mention:

Justified - I have just started this one this season and can't put it on the list just yet. I do really like it, though.

Castle - It may not be the best in terms of thought-provoking shows, but it is always entertaining.

Criminal Minds - I do like this show. It creeps me out unlike any other show - ever. I worry about the writers. Are they really criminals hiding in television writers' clothing?

Full House - This one may seem silly, but this one just gets to me. I cry almost every episode I watch. Plus Uncle Jesse is hot!

Reality Show: Easy. The Amazing Race. I love to watch these people travel all over the world. I love getting to see the culture of different places.

The I Haven't Watched This Show Yet But I Hear it is Really Good: Mad Men. It is on my summer viewing list. I am anxious to see if I like it as much as others.

Obviously, this is opinion. I would love for you to comment about what your favorites are and what you think I missed. I am sure I missed something really huge.