Favorite Television Series
Here is my list of favorite television shows/series. In thinking about this, I found it difficult to just rank my all-time favorites in order from 1-20. So instead, I've grouped them together into "tiers". Within each grouping, the selections are not in any order. Along the way I'll also provide the Wikipedia entry for each series (see also this massive alphabetical list of TV series from Wikipedia).
Top Tier:
The very best. Every episode was good, bar none. I enjoy watching the episodes of these shows time and again.
Fawlty Towers (1975, 1979)
This gem from the 1970s is an absolute classic. Only 12 episodes, released in two series. But every one is hilarious. This is John Cleese at his very best. And the scenarios and writing involved… like Seinfeld, they did a great job of tying things together in each episode. (Wikipedia)
Deadwood (2004-2006)
Obviously the foul-language and nudity make this a very adults-only show. But every aspect of this HBO series is well-done. The costumes are award winning. The occasional CGI for backgrounds is seamless. The casting was very well done, and the acting is superb. There are so many great characters in this series -- a testament to both the acting and the character development from Milch and crew. And the writing… what can you say? David Milch is a genius. If you watch the DVD extras you get a glimpse of his process, which seems to be pretty unique in the industry. The results are an unmatched combination of shakespearean-wordplay, foul-language, and 1870s wording that make you want to hit rewind just to hear the words again! Alas, only three seasons (36 episodes in all). (Wikipedia)
Seinfeld (1989-1998)
At this point, I can truly say I like every episode -- and I've seen each many times since reruns are on right after dinner in our household. Yes, the first season or two are not as strong as the later ones, but even those weaker episodes have many worthwhile bits. The comedic timing in this show harkens back to the likes of Abbot and Costello -- a duo that was quite influential on Jerry Seinfeld himself. And I think there is likely more American cultural absorption of one-liners, nicknames, etc., from this show than any other in history: Soup Nazi, Master of your Domain, Newman!, and so on, not to mention thousands of people who can quote from the show in regular conversation (including me). (Wikipedia)
Firefly (2002)
This has to be the worst case of a great show completely mishandled by corporate suits. What writer/director Joss Whedon managed to create with this one-season western-plus-scifi series is well-worth the $35 it costs to grab it all on DVD. The characters are all outstanding, the acting is strong, the writing and stories all worthwhile. And the movie based on it, Serenity, was very good too -- though don't watch that until you've seen all the episodes of the show first! (Wikipedia)
Mystery Science Theatre 3000 (1988-1999)
For those not familiar, this was the show that had a human and two robots sitting in a theater (they appear as sillouhettes) making fun of really bad, often older, movies. No show is more quotable than this, because that is all the show is really… one-liner quotes. Actually, the skits between the movie bits were often hilarious too. And the characters of Crow, Tom Servo, Gypsy, Joel, Mike, Dr. F, and Frank were all solid. In its later years it went downhill: it was moved from Comedy Central to Sci-Fi Channel, and after Dr. F and Frank left the show, it definitely degraded in overall value. But even then I found each episode worth watching. (Wikipedia)
Second Tier:
Almost as good as the top-tier series. Every episode was worth seeing. Many I'd enjoy seeing again, but not all.
The Simpsons (1989 - current)
One of the great 30-minute comedies of all time. Some of the earlier seasons are absolute classics, but the writers have somehow not run out of ideas even after all these years. It has become a major part of the American culture, and is popular around the world -- in part because the show makes fun of America and Americans. While the primary characters of the Simpsons nuclear family are often funny, the best are all the dozens of supporting characters, big and small: Flanders, Frink, Mr. Burns, Mr. Smithers, Disco Stu, The Comic Book Shop guy, Apu, Barney, Moe, Hans Moleman, Millhouse, Grandpa, Sideshow Bob, Krusty, Chief Wiggum, Principal Skinner, Superintendent Chalmers, Groundskeeper Willy, and on and on … there are dozens! So many great episodes, so many quotable lines! Just an amazing show. (Wikipedia)
Monk (2002 - current)
A great show that doses out its humor in six-episode mini-seasons. Every few weeks you are left wanting more! Although I liked Monk's original assistant, I actually prefer the replacement. This show is a perfect combination of comedy and detective/murder mystery -- not an easy feat! (Wikipedia)
Lost (2004 - current)
This show is perhaps the most confusing, engaging show I've every watched. How many mysteries have been introduced, only to be solved or explained in a later episode? How many mysteries remain to be explained? It is filled with action, good acting, adequate writing and dialogue, engaging characters (many of them at least). (Wikipedia)
The Twilight Zone (The Original Series) (1959-1964)
Each episode was unique. Although some are dated by now, they were all originals at the time -- and I only watched them as re-runs well after their debuts. Many of the stories made their way into the culture: how many times have you heard someone say "Hey, that is kinda like that one Twilight Zone episode!" Or even just the fact that most Americans, when confronted with something very strange will simply say "Wow… Twilight Zone". Rod Serling's work with this show was genius. (Wikipedia)
Cadfael (1994-1998)
A great mini-series from Britain (based on a book series), played in America on PBS, it is the story of Cadfael, a Benedictine monk and herbalist in the 12th century at Shrewsbury Abbey. Each episode was a good murder mystery. Cadfael's character is impressive, as he used every bit of his limited knowledge (relative to today) to solve crimes and fight for justice. (Wikipedia)
Star Trek (The Original Series) (1966-1969)
An obvious classic. Watching them now one can laugh at aspects of the series: the technology used, the over-the-top acting from William Shatner, the primitive alien costumes and makeup that were perfected in later ST series, and the strange/sexist aspects of the show that were remnants of an earlier time (e.g., the mini-skirts of the female officers). But the episodes are still fascinating to rewatch time and again, and clearly were very influential on American culture: "Beam me up", "Phasers on stun", "Warp speed", and so on. And because the show was science fiction, and because of the courage of Gene Roddenberry, the show was able to push boundaries and deal with moral issues of the day quite provocatively. (Wikipedia)
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
A very solid followup to the classic original. In retrospect, the first season wasn't very good. But it did lay the groundwork and characterization needed for the later seasons. Of course Picard and Data were great characters, but others had their moments too (Riker, Dr. Crusher, Geordi, Counsellor Troi, and even the often annoying Wesley). Some great ongoing storylines included the Borg episodes, Q episodes, and the Sherlock Holmes holodeck episodes. And there were many good battle scenes sprinkled throughout the series too. (Wikipedia)
3rd Tier:
Consistently good shows, but I have no plan to purchase them on DVD or re-watch them. Only the occasional weak episode.
Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001)
Another fine Star Trek series. The first female captain in the series, the interesting Seven of Nine former-Borg character, and the freedom to do whatever they wanted with the storylines (since they were so far away from home in the Delta Quadrant) made this an impressive series. (Wikipedia)
Star Trek: Enterprise (2001-2005)
The series that comes chronologically before the original was great for filling in gaps in the fictional history of the Star Trek universe. Scott Bakula as captain was a fine choice, and the show had another fine all-around cast. (Wikipedia)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)
Although for a while I thought this was the weakest of the Star Trek series, in the last season it really became great. The battles with the Dominion, the Founders, etc., were some of the best Star Trek episodes ever in my opinion. I wasn't a big fan of the major characters, relative to other Star Trek series, but they weren't horrible either. (Wikipedia)
Cheers (1982-1993)
A good sitcom, just not on the level of Seinfeld. Coach and Woody often provided the best lines, and who can forget Norm and Cliff at the bar? (Wikipedia)
Taxi (1978-1983)
Also a good sitcom, with a great group of characters. Favorites are Danny Devito (Louie) and Christopher Lloyd ("Reverend" Jim Ignatowski). Not every episode was a hit with me, but many were hilarious. (Wikipedia)
Smallville (2001-current)
Still going strong through 2007 at least. At times I've wondered how many more "meteor freaks" storylines we can be given, or how many twists and turns can be served up in the soap-opera like love-lives of Clark, Lex, Lana, Chloe, Lois, and others. But then in 2006-2007 we were introduced to more and more members of what will become the Justice League of America and the Legion of Doom, classic characters from the comic books and cartoon TV series. So the show seems to have legs, and hopefully will continue going strong for a few more seasons. One minor complaint: How many times can Lana be hospitalized and still look as beautiful as she does? I think she averages one trip to the hospital per episode! (Wikipedia)
Quantum Leap (1989-1993)
This was a great story-telling show. Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell were well-cast, and their various trips back in time to right wrongs, or just try to not mess things up too badly, were almost always intriguing. This was one of many great science fiction shows or movies to employ time travel, and do it so well that you don't mind suspending belief (since time travel is clearly impossible). (Wikipedia)
Honorable Mentions:
There are many other series that I've enjoyed this or that episode, or even several episodes. But to list any more here would be dilluting the field I think.
Special Grouping:
Inconsistent, but when good, really good!
Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969-1974)
This is of course a classic of British humor. Chapman, Cleese, Gilliam, Idle, Jones, and Palin -- thank you very much! But like many sketch comedies it is very hit and miss. I find that I don't actually enjoying watching old episodes as such, but absolutely love the very best bits that one can get from assorted "best of" collections. Favorite skits? Hard to list just a few, but I'll mention The Argument Clinic, Dead Parrot, Philosopher Football, Ministry of Silly Walks, Spanish Inquisition, Nudge Nudge, and How Not To Be Seen. And like many great programs, this one worked its way into Western culture and is highly quotable. (Wikipedia)
Saturday Night Live (1975-current)
This show has been as long-running as any, but also has had its ups and downs. Like MPFC, I don’t really enjoy watching or re-watching entire original episodes. Far better are the various "best of" compilations of course, whether arranged by year or by actor. Hard to choose favorite skits here too, though at or near the top would have to be various weekend update sketches, Celebrity Jeopardy, Spartan Cheerleaders, Matt Foley - Motivational Speaker, Pat, Coffeetalk, Bill Swerski's Superfans, Mister Robinson's Neighborhood, Stuart Smalley, Samurai Deli, Coneheads, Wayne's World, Church Lady. Obviously very quotable, and again a major part of the American culture. (Wikipedia)
South Park (1997-current)
This is a show that I've actually only seen half or less of its episodes. But it is often hilarious and clearly pushes the boundaries and the censors. Nothing is sacred or off-limits for Parker and Stone. My favorite episode is likely the one where the kids are playing World of Warcraft. This is a show that I might get someday on DVD, to get caught up on all the fine episodes I have missed. (Wikipedia)
Once Upon a Time...
Some of these are campy, admittedly not things I'd like as much if they were new now, but I really liked them then!
The Incredible Hulk (1978-1982)
Good stories of the Hulk helping people who need it -- whether literally saving their lives, getting them out of an abusive relationship, or clearing their names when wrongly accused. Who didn't hate that reporter Mr. McGee? And who didn't have to fight back a tear at the end of each episode when David Banner is walking down the road alone, with the piano theme music starting up? (Wikipedia)
MacGyver (1985-1992)
My favorite show as an adolescent. Although easy to poke fun at now, not many shows have a more virtuous character than Angus MacGyver: he used his knowledge of science and general inventiveness to fight for justice and to literally save his own life and the lives of others time and again. He was athletic, but not unrealistically so. He had many great character traits beyond his practical intelligence, and he was an arch-individualist too. In fact, I developed my dislike of suits and ties in large part because of my love this show (MacGyver always looked good -- by 1980s fashion standards -- but almost never wore a suit and tie). The supporting characters were ok, not great -- but they didn't need to be, because the show was all about Richard Dean Anderson's heroic lead role. (Wikipedia)
Knight Rider (1982-1986)
As far as I know, this is the show that initially made David Hasselhoff famous. Obviously the futuristic car was the big draw, but I also enjoyed the banter between Michael Knight and KITT. Like MacGyver, this was a show about an arch-individualist fighting for justice and helping people. (Wikipedia)
Super Friends (1973-1986)
The animated show that pitted the Justice League of America (inc. Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and Robin, Aquaman, The Flash, The Green Lantern, and others), against the Legion of Doom (inc. Lex Luther, Bizarro, Brainiac, Riddler, Solomon Grundy, and others). Based on the DC Comics, this was a favorite of my childhood. Saturday mornings generally centered around watching this cartoon. (Wikipedia)
Scooby-Doo (1969-1986)
The animated show where Fred, Velma, Daphne, Shaggy and Scooby drove around in their van and solved mysteries and de-haunted houses that supposedly were ghost-infested. Many childhood summer days started with this show while eating breakfast, before heading outside to play baseball or another game. (Wikipedia)
CHiPS (1977-1983)
About the California High Patrol, this show starred Erik Estrada as "Ponch" and Larry Wilcox as "John", the two primary motorcycle-riding policemen of the show. I'd be afraid to watch this show now -- I'm quite sure it hasn't aged well -- but I enjoyed it as a kid. (Wikipedia)
V (1984-1985)
Science fiction miniseries and then regular series about an invasion of Earth by reptilian aliens in human form. Admittedly not a great show by most objective measures, but I enjoyed it as a kid. (Wikipedia)
Looking forward to these...
Shows that were before my time, or that I didn't watch, but that I think might like, based on recommendations from friends.
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