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Herc Picks The 10 Best
Scripted Hourlongs of 2008!!

Fringe rocks by allykatD	Jan 1st, 2009 12:05:11 AM
It's the only show up there that I watch. Too bad Burn Notice doesn't get the attention it deserves. It should be up there.
THE WIRE by kgerm	Jan 1st, 2009 12:06:33 AM
at least someone's giving the wire they're due. wrong season though. pushing daisies is my #1. the last few episodes show that they were seriously hitting a stride. ABC should just say fuck the ratings and give them their back nine. shame on fuller for bolting to that other show no one cares about anymore.
True Blood by richievanderlow	Jan 1st, 2009 12:08:39 AM
is one of my guilty pleasures... but I fail to see why its making top ten lists. It's entertaining, but the dialogue is terrible, the plot mediocre, and the characters terribly cliched. I fail to see why its even part of a discussion on the best of TV 2008.
Perfect #1 Pick by DrTobiasFunke	Jan 1st, 2009 12:14:56 AM
I was getting more and more pissed as I scrolled down that list expecting The Wire to be left off yet another "Best of" list. Thankfully you didn't disappoint!
MAD MEN by NoPIX	Jan 1st, 2009 12:15:43 AM
So very very good.
the Shield should be at least top 5 by the milf lover	Jan 1st, 2009 12:17:04 AM
and the simple fact that you can name 10 "good" reality show is a joke, Big Brother at #1 my ass.
BSG by maxwell's hammer	Jan 1st, 2009 12:18:23 AM
I can hancle LOST ranking below Mad Men and The Wire, but BSG isn't nearly up to the quality of LOST. I like Galactica, but its a bit ham-fisted and more melodramatic than it needs to be sometime. It can get just a tad too soapy for me to unconditionally adore it to the heavens.
...and True Blood by NoPIX	Jan 1st, 2009 12:21:23 AM
Is very entertaining. Flaws be damnded. There's nothing else really like it on TV It's offbeat, crazy, and cool. No need to label it a "guilty pleasure". The bizarre sexual adventures of a young stud by the name of Jason Stackhouse are pretty damn great. It's just that nobody wants to admit it.
Secret Diary Of A Call Girl by Powers Boothe	Jan 1st, 2009 12:25:27 AM
Really?
Just watched The Constant with commentary... by DisneyFanatic	Jan 1st, 2009 12:27:27 AM
I'm slightly disappointed with number 4, Herc. Can you honestly say that, if you ranked each individual episode of all those shows, The Constant would not come in first?
Heroes isn't on that list? by DisneyFanatic	Jan 1st, 2009 12:28:46 AM
Hmmm... that's odd. If I was not mistaken, I thought Herc absolutely fell in love with Heroes' S3.
The Daily Show by p5mmr9	Jan 1st, 2009 12:30:04 AM
IMO Daily Show is the best produced late night show of 2008 - granted they had great source material (Bush, McCain, Palin, and the 2008 election) - but their combination of smart satire and toilet humor leaves all in the dust. - and their "retrospective" on McCain 2000 vs. McCain 2008 was the best truth reporting in the whole election by any new outlet - real or imaginary.
South Park's been off form. I'd pick The Office. And put Scrubs by MMacKK	Jan 1st, 2009 12:30:40 AM

The Wire: Season 4 was the best by Powers Boothe	Jan 1st, 2009 12:31:17 AM
All five seasons were terrific but the 4th season was the best by far. I also LOVED the underrated 2nd season.
Colbert Report by p5mmr9	Jan 1st, 2009 12:32:10 AM
Placing Colbert behind Shatner, Ferguson, and Kimmel is kind of ridiculous...do you even watch these shows?
True Blood by Powers Boothe	Jan 1st, 2009 12:37:36 AM
Alan Ball's Towelhead was one of the worst films of 2008 but his HBO series True Blood is incredibly enjoyable. Great cast. Was Damages 2008? Season One was damn near perfect. Also: This season of 30 Rock has (so far) been kinda weak.
I agree with DisneyFanatic by p5mmr9	Jan 1st, 2009 12:39:11 AM
"The Constant" was the best episode of television I watched in 2008...
No Californication??? WTF by Quartermass-87	Jan 1st, 2009 12:42:16 AM
Wow one of the funniest, raunchiest and heartfelt shows on the tube is not on a top 10? Hmm thats sad. Season 2 may not have been as good as the perfect season 1 but still it picked up during the later episodes and did a rare thing for shows....it built towards something. Hank realizing that his "girl", the love of his life is actually his daughter not Karen....and that this is a relationship he can make work even though he may never make his relationship with Karen work even though he is in love with her and her with him. And the Ashby character....and the Hank celebrating the baby being black and thus not his...HAHAHA ahhh shit. Yeah that South Park season of mediocrity deserved number 1....and I am a fan....but come on South PArk was always something "more" than lame High School Musical parodies wasn't it? Anyone else agree?
that was sarcasm about South Park too BTW by Quartermass-87	Jan 1st, 2009 12:44:24 AM

Top 10 scripted HOUR long show... by Jinxo	Jan 1st, 2009 12:53:31 AM
Thus no 1/2 hour shows and sitcoms.
I Posit Wire S3 For Best by Crow3711	Jan 1st, 2009 12:59:01 AM
I just thought the last few episodes, with the breakdown of Stringer and Avon's relationship while still staying brothers, it was all so Shakespearean and tragic. The whole season was set up like a tragedy, it was great. S4 is an intensely close second though. Those kids were brilliant, and who knew I could grow to enjoy and hate Marlo so much at the same time. I'm surprised they said S5 was the best, because as amazing as it was, and the final 2 episodes are the best series tie-ups ever, I still think it felt too short and the newspaper angle wasn't as fleshed out as everything else. I'd rank as my least favorite, even though its completely amazing, please don't misunderstand. 3, 4, 1, 2, 5 Then again, how do you rank such greatness? How I ask?
I got Ikiru for my birthday by D.Vader	Jan 1st, 2009 01:00:12 AM
I can't wait to see it. God I love Kurosawa.
And South Park by Crow3711	Jan 1st, 2009 01:01:18 AM
Get a fucking grip. This season was terrible. Literally, just awful. Not one single good episode. The president one was okay. The gerbils were retarded. Putting 30 Rock at 9 and South Park at 1 is completely insane, and I usually love South Park. But C'mmon. It was AWFUL
No How I Met Your Mother for half-hours? Pssh by cyrent	Jan 1st, 2009 01:04:43 AM
It's gotta be up there in the top 3 or so. I like it so much better than the Office or 30 Rock, and that's saying something.
Chuck, How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory by ThrowMeTheIdol	Jan 1st, 2009 01:14:20 AM
3 of the best scripted shows of 2008, ignored. I think I'll throw up if I ever hear someone rave about The Wire again.
For 2009 I DEMAND: A talkback for CHUCK and SONS OF ANARCHY by RyanMurray	Jan 1st, 2009 01:17:06 AM
I don't mind the Top 10 list. But this site has seriously lacked Chuck and SoA coverage considering how top-quality they are. ESPECIALLY since Chuck is the nerd heir-apparent to the throne, and well, SoA is inheriting 'The Shield's FX slice of of awesome.
by Crow3711	Jan 1st, 2009 01:17:09 AM
The Wire The Wire The Wire The Wire The Wire. Best. Show. Ever. Now Vomit.
ITS ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA????? by Errockk	Jan 1st, 2009 01:23:45 AM
Wheres the love?
good top 4 by Bloo	Jan 1st, 2009 01:30:37 AM
easily interchangeable, and I doubut anyone would really argue for no reason then it amuses me, here's Bloo's Top 10 (notee I"m not organzing by drama, sitcom, also please take into consideration I don't have HBO/Showtime, etc) 1) LOST (ABC)-eengagin, thrilling, thought provoking, debatable and addictive, imo, the BEST show on TV,P>2) THE VENTRUE BROTHERS([ADUULT SWIM])- no show makes me laugh harder and yet maintains an almost seamless chronology and consitancy. Voice work is amazing, can't get Colbert, fine here's McCllough doing a great Proff. Impossible, can't get Smalls, ok howabout Toby Huss. It works and clicks on so many levels. The BEST thing Adult Swim has put ou 3) BSG(SCI-FI)- I didn't watch this when it first came out, when Sci-Fi and Bravo promoted the return with that special recapping things I was hooked. If Scotty Ian, Joel McHale, two Law and Order cast members, Matt and Trey and a country Singer (Brad Paisly I think) all agree, I have to check it out. Then Sci-Fi aired all the previous episdoes in like a week period and I was hooked. 4) MAD MEN(AMC)- nothing else can be said but that this is a great show 5)TOP CHEF(BRAVO)- it doesn't matter where they are or how crazy the challenges or how pissed I am at what cheftestants got booted and what didn't, I watch,P>6)NO RESERVATIONS WITH ANTHONY BOURDAIN(TRAVEL CHANNEL)- more culinary/travelcaspades for my enjoyment 7/8) BURN NOTICE/PYSCH (USA)- I'm putting these togather beecausue they are both like candy to me. Nothing redeemming, but lots of fun to enjoy 9)THE OFFICE (NBC)-still a crackling great show 10)SONS OF ANARCHY(F/X)-Ron Peralman as a badass biker with Hamlet overtones. Took a little while to catch on for me, but now I want more,P>SPECIAL MENTIONS: THE RICHES (F/X), PUSHING DAISIES (ABC), ICE ROAD TRUCKERS (HISTORY), DEADLIST CATCH (DISCOVERY), 30 ROCK (NBC)
damn enter button by Bloo	Jan 1st, 2009 01:32:34 AM
OTHER SPECIAL MENTIONS: CHUCK (NBC), SOUTH PARK (COMEDY CENTRAL), FOSTER'S HOME FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS (CARTOON NETWORK), HANNAH MONTONA (DISNEY)...nah I'm kidding about that last one
My Top Ten list would include... by DisneyFanatic	Jan 1st, 2009 01:37:36 AM
...shows other than LOST. This would be my secondary top ten list, since no show currently or previously on television can compare to the awesomeness that is LOST, and therefore cannot be uttered in the same breath or mentioned in the same list.
The Constant= one of tv's best episodes ever by D.Vader	Jan 1st, 2009 01:37:49 AM
You have to admit, it is a finely crafted episode of television storytelling. Also, True Blood does indeed get many bonus points for Lizzy Caplan and Anna Paquin nudity. The storytelling is quite fine too.
Honorable Mention: 24 by DisneyFanatic	Jan 1st, 2009 01:40:50 AM
I do have to give props to the fantastic episodes of 24 this year. Every episode that aired in 2008 is better than that dreadful Season 6.
DAMMIT, CHLOE! by DisneyFanatic	Jan 1st, 2009 01:42:02 AM
I forgot that my 24 joke doesn't necessarily work since they DID in fact have that weird TV movie in November. And here I thought I could get away with a subtle joke making fun of the fact that 24 took a year off... damn...
D.Vader by DisneyFanatic	Jan 1st, 2009 01:43:30 AM
I would recommend (if you haven't already done so) listening to the commentary for The Constant in the DVD set. Really goes to show you just how completely awesome that episode was.
Supernatural...? by Gislef_crow	Jan 1st, 2009 02:05:27 AM
And Supernatural gets no lovin'. I would have ranked it above Fringe, sorry. Fringe started to come into its own about halfway through the season, but Supernatural has been picking up steadily each year.
excited to see you give FNL some love, but... by orange cinema	Jan 1st, 2009 02:10:45 AM
Showtime's 'Dexter' is better than 8 of the shows you have up there. only Lost and FNL compete with its originality, execution (pun intended) and overall brilliance. but i do love to see that i'm not the only one who thinks friday night lights gets better every season. i absolutely loathed the direction they took Street, so i was glad to see him go, and i love the way this cast just bounces off each other in this 'documentary/real-life-ish' style they have created... but Herc, please let me know if you feel me on this: EVERYONE involved in with this show (creators/fans/cast/crew) needs to rewatch every single Landry scene there is, and realize that this guy is a seriously deranged, sociopathic-phsycho, selfish, stalker, cry-fucking-baby - and one of the very few bad elements of the show. i mean it Herc, everything the guy does and says is so fucking demented and pathetic, that i wanna call the characters and tell them "please wake the fuck up and realize this guy is a goddamn demon!!" and i'd go over the very detailed list of offences, but i don't wanna clutter up the talkback. trust me, i have thought about this topic at great lengths, and Landry is a creepy, unbelievably annoying, and terrible part of this show...also, Tammy Taylor's 'meddling' in EVERYONE else's lives gets a little annoying...oh and julie is a bit of a bitch! but these 3 complaints i have are enormously outweighed by the true love i have for this wonderful show - sorry about the long-winded venting! please give Dexter a chance if you haven't yet, you won't be disappointed!
Ugh, I love TV too much to get involved here... by DanielKurland	Jan 1st, 2009 02:28:54 AM
Good choices, and I don't want to rant, but honestly, Californication really stepped up its game this season and was immensely, immensely enjoyable. Perhaps my favorite show of the year. How I Met Your Mother and Always Sunny also need acknowledgement. Either way, it's really nice that television has grown so much as a medium in recent years and is capable of such incredible programming.
My Thoughts by slimballs	Jan 1st, 2009 02:47:06 AM
I agree with CROW3711 that Season 3 of the Wire was the best. I agree with Errock that Always Sunny should be on the scripted half-hour list. I believe Fringe is a descent show but shouldn't be in the top ten. I would put Chuck or Brotherhood on the list instead. Maybe even Supernatural because the ten episodes of Season 4 have turned the show from something to watch when there's nothing else on to must-see TV. Don't understand what people like about Letterman, the guys not funny and is horrible at interviewing people. Also fuck all Reality shows except Hulk Hogans Celebrity Wrestling, it's so bad, it's still really bad but i'm a wrestling fan.
Daisies as victim by Don Lockwood	Jan 1st, 2009 03:14:15 AM
@necgray: People say it was a victim of the strike because it was a shortened season and then ABC decided not to bring it back when the strike was over so it was off the air and lost its audience by the time the show came back.
The Top 3? Spot-Fucking-On by Fatboy_Roberts	Jan 1st, 2009 03:32:24 AM
I might have changed the order around a little, but Mad Men ascended to unassailable greatness in Season 2, and that last episode was a flurry of sucker punches equaled only by the last two episodes of Battlestar's first 10 of the final season. But both fall short of the perfect sum up to what I'm fairly certain is going to go down as the best television series ever filmed: The Wire.
My top ten list, in no order... by Johnny Smith	Jan 1st, 2009 03:32:38 AM
Battlestar Galactica, Jericho, Supernatural, Lost, Fringe, The Spectacular Spider-Man, The Colbert Report, Eureka, True Blood, Countdown with Keith Olbermann.
My list by Toonol	Jan 1st, 2009 04:06:21 AM
Terminator and Fringe. I also watch Chuck (fun) and Heroes (habit), but wouldn't say they deserve to be on a best-of list. I can't imagine regularly watching ten shows a week.
No Dexter or Birtish Shows? by NZGUY	Jan 1st, 2009 04:18:20 AM
No Dexter on the list? No British shows (like Dr Who, Torchwood, Primeval, Ashes to Ashes, Life on Mars) etc etc???
@NZGUY: Secret Diary is British by forgot_old_username	Jan 1st, 2009 04:34:44 AM
Ashes & Mars are from previous years, and Primeval is unwatchable garbage. Moving on - I agree with Herc's top three, though I would have had Daisies at 4. Also 30 Rock deserved better than 10th in the half-hour rankings. To mine, and a lot of other people's mind, it's the best sitcom of the Millenia so far.
Nice to know I'm not the only one who loves BBT and HIMYM. by LlGHTST0RMER	Jan 1st, 2009 04:40:18 AM
Big Bang and How I Met Your Mother are the only two sitcoms I really watch anymore. I watch Daily Show and Colbert everyday pretty much, but any other shows are unfortunately put by the wayside, because I've got kids to watch all day long, so the TV's pretty much stuck on Noggin. I mean, there are a TON of shows I'd love to get into (Herc listed most of them,) and I catch up on Lost via the Blu-Rays, but man, I just do NOT have the time to watch all those damn shows! ...and I'm home all day! ...and lazy, too! PS: Happy new year, AICN'ers. If we have nothing else in common, at least we all now live in a world where Avatar is less than a year away!!!
No Damages? by Magnum Opus	Jan 1st, 2009 04:46:08 AM
I saw this show as a Close vehicle and boring lawyer procedural...then I actually watched it and was blown away. Lost trumps all for me, but Damages is as compelling a drama as I've seen on TV recently besides The Wire. I also can't believe The Office is still that high on anyone's list. That show has earned my life-long devotion, but the writing and acting of 30 Rock rocketed it past Office this year. It wasn't even close...
Dexter? Supernatural? by jbs0209	Jan 1st, 2009 05:16:53 AM
Really Supernatural is kicked into high gear this season. I just fear that the Actor's strike will kill it off before it ends in Season 5. And Dexter, while not the best season, is a Top 10 show.
Herc are you fucking kidding? by Cameron1	Jan 1st, 2009 05:54:40 AM
You rate season 7 of The Shield lower than half a season of fucking Fringe? Fringe for fuckssake. I could understand someone putting The Shield behind Lost and my personal top ten goes The Wire The Shield Lost Breaking Bad BSG But Fringe had one (count it, one) A episode, the last one all the rest were sub bad X-Files and Lost episodes and Anna Torv while nice to look at is far too bland to anchor the series. Don't get me wrong the twists and turns the show it now taking are very very cool but it is much to early to tell how it's going to pan out quality wise. The Shield on the other hand went out with it's very best season and hands fucking down the most beautifully tragic arc on TV this year, yes even more than Dukie, who I love and despaired of becoming a junkie but his fate was clear from day one if you ask me, always the victim. Shane and Marla on the other hand were venal cunts and the show made their fates heartbreaking. Now it take some superb writing, acting and directing to do that. For shame Hercules, for shame.
Doh I mean top 5. And special mention to by Cameron1	Jan 1st, 2009 05:57:53 AM
Supernatural, the perfect b-movie type show Heroes wishes it could ever be.
alright by Bloo	Jan 1st, 2009 06:16:33 AM
the hotel I work has like 3 HBO channels and HBO 2 aired some True Blood tonight, I caught 2 episodes, one where Anna Paquin berates the sherrif about always ordering a cheeseburger and fries and her boss offers the use of his bar for the older Redhead's party, followed by the party episode where the Vampire with the almost but not quite Peter Petrilli hair is on trial by some dude in a suit and walking stick sitting in the back of a pickup or El Camino and they make him turn some Christian goody good redhead girl into a vamp,P>it's not BAD, certanily engaging, but I don't know if (just from those 2 episodes, they were probably the weakest of the bunch knowing my luck) it's top 10 material. Anna is using the same accent as she did for Rouge, in fact all the accents kind of grated on me and were dodgy, in the party episdoe older redhead talked about a "cajun cutie" but noone was really sporting a cajun accent. The realtionship stuff with Anna's brother and the dark haired chick, between the African-American chick and the bar owner, and juust Paquin hereself were borderline soap operaish just with the word "fuck" sprinkled throughout. I did enjoy the vampire stuff the heirarchy the mythology, etc. I'll probably check it out as a whole whenever the DVD is released unless someone can direct me to a site that has the whole thing available to stream as my ass is too cheap to own HBO on my own
about 30 Rock by Bloo	Jan 1st, 2009 06:19:11 AM
I like the show, I think it has room to grow and may be a excellent lasting sitcom, but I'm afraid that they'll continue to expand Baldwin's role and make him even stranger and wilder (i.e. the Christmas episode where he tried to run over his mother, and then realized that she fucked the owner of FAO Schwartz for christmas toys when he was a kid...comeon)
RE: Wow Herc, I am surprised! by The Tao of Joe	Jan 1st, 2009 06:30:22 AM
With so many Internet TV critics already making the mistake, and you being a staunch Whedonite, I was almost certain that you would give Dr. Horrible top spot. Thank you for having the good sense to realize that Dr. Horrible wasn't a TV show that so many of your Net TV critic colleagues lacked.
RE: And for the people who are mad about "The Shield" by The Tao of Joe	Jan 1st, 2009 06:35:16 AM
You need to realize that with Herc giving the show any consideration whatsoever on this list, that in many ways, it's as good as Vic Mackey and his crew getting that #1 or #2 that so many of you think this year's season deserved. I myself can't give this year's season as much props as Season 5. 7 was a good season, but nowhere near as consistent, plus while nowhere near as great as its previous season, the last season of "The Wire" was much better. This comes from a man who has been watching - and loving - "The Shield" since day one.
OMFG, has Herc ever done anything by buffywrestling	Jan 1st, 2009 06:36:38 AM
like this before?? I seem to remember last year - when peeps asked him for a round up - he directed them to his "top 50 that he has at the end of each Hercvault. Now must go read and maybe argue; call Herc names. His taste is not like mine.
"[Herc's] taste is not like mine." by LlGHTST0RMER	Jan 1st, 2009 07:29:33 AM
Umm... you do realize you have "Buffy" in your name, right? Is that inspired from a Buffy that is not a Vampire Slayer? Just curious. If it is the same Buffy, I would think you and Herc have a bit in common, taste-wise. :-)
The Wire first but not putting Breaking Bad higher? by elab49	Jan 1st, 2009 08:38:14 AM
That is just weird to recognise quality then rank BB so low when it was the best new show of the last couple of years and didn't rely on the superficial as far too much of Mad Men did - while it had moments of excellence and a couple of nice performances, Cranston's was one of the most deserved awards ever given in a ceremony that doesn't know The Wire exists. But I love the allusion to Ikiru, one of my favourite films. Mind bending. Secret Diary of a Call Girl? Soft porn badly written badly performed kak - but it explains the inexplicable inclusion of True Blood. All about the flesh for boys, yes? I guess kudos for sticking out Lost - most of us noticed the nude emperor some time back, though.
Damages didn't air in 2008 by The McPoyle Clan	Jan 1st, 2009 09:00:19 AM
so that's probably why it doesn't appear. And cut Herc some slack on the Shield...he's never paid any attention to it until the last season, so at least he came around.
Herc, nice props for . . . by SkidMarkedUndies	Jan 1st, 2009 09:17:30 AM
Raw nerve and of course, HOWARD STERN! As O&A loses affiliates, STERN KEEPS ON ROCKIN'! Nice.
Dare I say it.... by dj_bollocks	Jan 1st, 2009 09:35:16 AM
The Shield at #1 and The Wire at #2 ? And Dexter should have been considered too...
Supernatural should be on this list. by Cotton McKnight	Jan 1st, 2009 10:17:06 AM
Of course it's not. I doubt Herc has ever seen it.
Why no Terminator love? by johnnyangel	Jan 1st, 2009 10:27:30 AM
I don't get why the geeks of AICN don't love Terminator? I think it's pretty good for network TV. Is it too dark?
Damages was excellent, too. by johnnyangel	Jan 1st, 2009 10:32:35 AM
Sorry it didn't make more top 10 lists. The season of Damages starts next week I think.
True Blood sucked by johnnyangel	Jan 1st, 2009 10:40:57 AM
The phony southern accents grated on my nerves. The over the top acting was just horrendous. The stupidly obvious plot lines insulted my intelligence. The plot driven as opposed to character driven writing is just bad writing. Basically the acting and the writing both sucked.
Season 1 Breaking Bad is maybe better than Season 1 Mad Men... by DanielKurland	Jan 1st, 2009 10:58:45 AM
Season 2 of Mad Men really added a ton of things, but I do think Breaking Bad should be higher. The acting is just too good. There were a number of times when Breaking Bad has made me cry just due to the dramatics of it all, whereas while Mad Men is really fucking good, I don't know if it offerred me the same emotional resonance I got from seeing Cranston try to cope. Come on, the scene where he realizes that he needs to kill his hostage, and then his subsequent performance when he does do it is some of the best acting to be on TV.
True Blood also improved a lot by the end... by DanielKurland	Jan 1st, 2009 11:02:40 AM
It's kind of crazy that the early episodes written by Alan Ball seem to definitely be the show's worst.
The Real Top Ten by Karuma	Jan 1st, 2009 11:05:25 AM
As we all know, all it takes to be a critic is to have some time on your hands and have access to a TV and a computer. Other than that, there are no qualifications except to sit on your ass a lot. So, in the spirit of doing something besides watching movies and TV all day long, here is the REAL list of top ten dramas on TV, for those of us who want to enjoy our experience. 10. Medium-Always engaging, always non judgmental, the quintessential "Joe the Plumber" series that works on every level. 9. Stargate Atlantis-Admit it, you watch this every week, don't you? And you think it's stupid for SF to take it off the air? Don't you? Don't you? 8. Life on Mars-the best of the new offerings, by far, always interesting and even a little dangerous. 7. House-this would be higher on the list if he wasn't so mean this year. 6. NCIS-Criminal Minds-Interesting stories, glued to your seat action and character interplay. FNL is a saturday morning cartoon by comparison. 5. CSI-The best stories of it's run have been shown this fall. 4. Pushing Daisies-Network suits are idiots. Why cancel the most refreshing show in a decade simply because of a few bucks? Morons. 3. Closer-A show that cannot be missed. 2. Lost-Gets better every time I see it. 1. Battlestar Galactica-The standard by which future TV will be measured. As for The Shield, FNL, and the Wire. I've seen better at a third grade play. Watched a lot of each but never got it. Honorable mention..Supernatural, Trueblood, Reaper, 11th Hour, Saving Grace, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Chuck, Mentalist, Numb3rs. And By the way, your list is just as valid as anyone on this site, no matter that they have more clout. Everyone's opinion matters.
No love for.... by thesinofthesky	Jan 1st, 2009 11:07:19 AM
"Supernatural", "Sons of Anarchy", or "How I Met Your Mother"? Really? Those shows have consistently been some of the best on tv this past year.
Friday Night Lights by thefutureoffilm	Jan 1st, 2009 11:11:25 AM
Thank god it made your top ten list. I think it could be a few spots higher. This season has been the best so far. Seriously one of the most under appreciated television shows out there. With everything that happens in these last two episodes, the fourth season, if it happens, would be very interesting.
Baba Booey by CarmillaVonDoom	Jan 1st, 2009 11:13:53 AM
Fuck yeah Stern #1
It's just a list of 10, people... by BizarroJerry	Jan 1st, 2009 11:15:45 AM
It's not like it means the #3 show is immensely better than the #5. I admit that the very inclusion of a Top 10 reality shows is questionable, but if it must be, I'd like to see more of the "real" reality shows on there like "Deadliest Catch" or even a show like "Little People, Big World." Because those types of shows seem to be far less manipulated and faked than the others. But, I suppose those may be more documentary style series than the Survivor kinds of shows. But Wifeswap? C'mon...
Put Lost in the Top 2, by nalapou	Jan 1st, 2009 11:45:29 AM
sub out Lights and Bad for Dex and House and you're right on Herc. Your comedy lineup is laughable though. Forever a fan of South Park, but this season didn't deserve #1.
WTF by Dr Gregory House	Jan 1st, 2009 11:47:45 AM
Where's the Hank Moody love?
30 Rock is losing it by Prior Walter	Jan 1st, 2009 11:52:27 AM
It's starting to turn into one of those 90s-era NBC sitcoms. I was worried about The Office, but it's getting better. Glad to see True Blood on your list. I was hooked by the third episode.
"It's starting to turn into one of those 90s-era NBC sitcoms.".. by DanielKurland	Jan 1st, 2009 11:58:50 AM
EXACTLY.
Also, this season of Weeds was incredible... by DanielKurland	Jan 1st, 2009 12:02:49 PM
Weeds was always just a show I kind of enjoyed, but the writing and plotting of this season was insane. Easily funnier than The Office this year.
so Fringe and Lost wind up being just one spot apart? by TheSeeker7	Jan 1st, 2009 12:02:53 PM
I love ya Herc, but I'm sorry that's rather disturbing. I mean I like Fringe, but it's never set me on fire even close to the way that Lost did, I still don't care if I wind up seeing the latest episode a few days late. And so for your list to wind up having Lost only one spot better than that show, that's disappointing.
Best Season of The Wire? by The Funketeer	Jan 1st, 2009 12:08:00 PM
Are you on crack? I loved the series and I loved this season but it was far and away the weakest of the 5 seasons. Thankfully, even crappy Wire is better than almost anything else on TV.
Interesting list... by photoboy	Jan 1st, 2009 12:17:20 PM
I'd have dumped Fringe and Lost as they're just not as good as everyone thinks they are. For me Terminator TSCC, Chuck, Californication, Dexter, The Shield, Supernatural and Friday Night Lights are (or were) the best things on at the moment. I really must try and get into The Wire, I've just not been able to see what makes it so great after the first 4-5 episodes. Dominic West was awesome in Punisher War Zone though.
The Wire season 5 works in a lot of ways... by DanielKurland	Jan 1st, 2009 12:22:53 PM
Part of the point of the season is that you basically see all the characters playing the previous versions of themselves as they've raised through the ranks. Honestly, season 5 could have been a prequel season about Burrell and Royce and everyone else, and you'd more or less be seeing the same stuff. That's the point, that this is all cyclical and nothing is going to change. The tagline "A new day is not dawning" is obviously no coincidence. Granted, the 5th season may not be the best, but things like Carcetti's downfall, Bubbles' rehabilitation, Pryzbaluski's INCREDIBLE scene in the finale, and things like Freamon being on board with the serial killer idea all made it great for me. Other seasons may have worked better for other people, but really, this was the only way the series could have ended in my opinion, you just see the same shit going on and om and you know it's not going to end. Also, the McNulty "funeral" in the finale is pretty wonderfully written and performed.
Medium And Free Radio by mjgtexas	Jan 1st, 2009 12:53:37 PM
Two most underrated shows on tv, hour and half-hour respectively.
Fringe is the naked emperor right now by Raymar	Jan 1st, 2009 12:59:25 PM
Supernatural FTW!
Karuma and Stargate Atlantis by Johnny Smith	Jan 1st, 2009 01:30:09 PM
Kudos to you, sir. And yes, I will cop to everything you said. And as someone who has seen the last two episodes a bit...early...I can say fans are in for a hell of a final two hours (although I daresay the penultimate episode, "Vegas", is the best episode since season 3's "Common Ground", and one of the best of the entire series).
Couold somebody please explain why Fringe is good? by Xiphos_2	Jan 1st, 2009 01:38:41 PM
Because I don't see it. It's horribly acted, scripted and directed. It bland and uninvolving beyond belief. The lead chick is a terrible actress. She has a distracting five head and can't keep up her accent. They made Lance Reddick into a weak ass punk. The allleged "science" on the show would make the late season X Files blush in its dopiness. The crazy old man is okay, for a cliche, idea out of the ass pulling, dues ex machina. Don't get the love for this crappy show, I really don't. Oh yeah I forgot about Pacy, nuff said there. The Shield probably should have been nearer to the top in my opinion, but these lists are subjective so I guess that doesn't really matter. I can't wait to see the new season of Friday Night Lights. The last two seasons were some of the best TV aired in a long time.
People still watch TV? by warsinthesun	Jan 1st, 2009 01:52:24 PM

FRINGE???? by Wrecks	Jan 1st, 2009 01:53:52 PM
It's the worst thing JJ has been involved with. Acting is terrible, the science is a joke, and every word out of brightboy is snarky, smart ass bullshit. I really do not understand how anyone can continue to watch it. There is no way in hell it is a better show than Terminator:TSCC, no way in hell I say. sad.
Secret Diary of a Call Girl? by HellKing	Jan 1st, 2009 01:54:20 PM
The only show about hookers made in the UK shown on a premium channel where she never takes off her clothes when having sex? I didn't watch the whole season so maybe she did later but I doubt it. A British show about prostitution and the only thing that gives it a taboo rating is the weird perverted British sex and not the nudity.
Hating The Wire by dignan26	Jan 1st, 2009 01:57:43 PM
Says far more about the hatee than the show.
Great list Herc, but your botton 3 are... by SmokeFilledTavern	Jan 1st, 2009 02:03:06 PM
...my top 3 in exact reverse order. THE SHIELD ended with its finest season. I love THE WIRE, but the fifth season was the least interesting. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS had another great year, but I think we're seeing the end of that series. What Bangles song is in PUSHING DAISIES?? I've never seen that or BREAKING BAD or FRINGE. TRUE BLOOD is the most addictive new series, IMO.
"It's Herc's list. He likes some stuff, doesn't like others." by Gislef_crow	Jan 1st, 2009 02:35:01 PM
Except it's a list of the Best, not "Herc's Favorites." He can list his favorites as much as he wants, based on just what he watches, but shouldn't the "Best" be more comprehensive? He likes Fringe, heck, I like Fringe. But in no sense is it "better" than Supernatural in 2008. As for the Writer's Strike, it lead to foreshortened seasons for Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone, and Reaper. The first two are already in the tank, and as much as I like Reaper, their dumb-ass plan to premiere in in March means it's probably going into the toilet of cancellation as well.
Breaking Bad by Powers Boothe	Jan 1st, 2009 02:41:12 PM
Nice to see that on a Top Ten list. I used to feel like I was one of the only people on the planet watching. Prior to Mad Men I wasn't even aware of AMC. It'll be pretty interesting to see where they're gonna go with season 2 of Breaking Bad. HD versions of AMC, FX & Sci-Fi are finally available in my region so I'm pretty excited about seeing all my favorites with sharper resolution.
No Leno!! List passes first test... by chromedome	Jan 1st, 2009 02:42:48 PM

Conan in top 10... List FAILS second test. by chromedome	Jan 1st, 2009 02:44:09 PM

You know how you can tell a true TV reviewer by Big Jim	Jan 1st, 2009 02:58:53 PM
from a poseur "entertainment reporter"? The real one will have The Wire on their top 10 list. Kudos Herc for recognizing a great show rather than simply watching a screener while reading People magazine.
Always Sunny by Ckuouka	Jan 1st, 2009 03:11:10 PM
Was not as funny this year as last. With the exception of the Serpico episode, last year was absolute perfect. This year, a lot of the comedy has fallen flat, and a lot of the episodes aren't funny if you didn't get the references. I knew someone who didn't get any of the Frank (Danny DeVito) in the hospital stuff, as he had never seen "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."
Californication deserved a spot. by lynxpro	Jan 1st, 2009 03:43:56 PM
The writing is great on that show. The Ashby character proved how good Callum Keith "Leoben" (forget his real last name) is an an actor. I myself would rank The Shield higher had I not disliked the finale so much. Sons of Anarchy was fantastic and I'd even rate it higher than Dexter. Still no love here for Doctor Who but then again, that's because it is uneven in its episode quality but hopefully it'll change for the better in 2010 with Moffat firmly in control.
Honorable Mention?? by muggsly	Jan 1st, 2009 04:15:45 PM
How about the last scene on Big Bang theory? Especially when Penny gave Sheldon a napkin with Leonard Nimoy's autograph and DNA. Acting was brilliant and the writing ditto..
It's all crap. by kabong	Jan 1st, 2009 04:30:58 PM
It's all crap.
Right on with Venture Brothers.... by meCPS	Jan 1st, 2009 04:31:58 PM
CN has been re-airing the entire serie over the past month, and I laugh harder every time I see them. And last season's finale was HIGHlarious. Deserved it's spot just for 24's (or is it 29's) "Why did you buckle up...WWWHHHHYYYYY ?????"
Oops by dignan26	Jan 1st, 2009 04:35:55 PM
I meant hater.
HERC! Pushing Daisies updates PLEASE! by Mistahtibbs	Jan 1st, 2009 04:41:59 PM
Those last three episodes. I do NOT want to miss them. Thanks, mate. MT
Shows Herc shafted by TVguy4566	Jan 1st, 2009 04:51:04 PM
I whole heartily agree that Chuck, Dexter, and Burn Notice should get recognition in the top 10. They definitely would be in mine. I also like HIMYM and Big Bang Theory, but I don't know if they would make it into my top 10. Brotherhood is way underrated. I personally think it is far more consistently solid than the series it is always compared to - The Sopranos. I kinda like Leverage as a dark horse late year favorite favorite (although I don't know if the show will be able to substain itself). I do agree True Blood got off to a shakey start but became solid over time.
BTW, the SNL Thursday Night Specials Sucked by TVguy4566	Jan 1st, 2009 04:53:15 PM
At least for the most part. Haven't been a fan of SNL for a while, but the Thursday Night show was even worse than the regular show because the sketches were extended and they milked one joke sketches even longer than they kill them in late night. No way should that be on any half hour comedy list especially if HIMYM isn't.
I rarely find the need to post but... by bauer316	Jan 1st, 2009 05:24:19 PM
Fringe better then The Shield,FNL better then The Shield,, anything,ok I'll give ya The Wire because that show is awesome,but did you watch The Shield this season? Bottom line,you're a JackAss!!!
Mad Men? by Strabo	Jan 1st, 2009 05:44:04 PM
Ok, I've only seen a few previews for this show, but from what I've seen it has some absolutely terribly stilted dialogue. It feels like a high school drama club. Is it like that in actual broadcast, or was it just really poor editing on the commercial?
Strabo by Timahh	Jan 1st, 2009 05:48:24 PM
the commercials dont do the show justice. Thats kind of a fact, all the subtletly and patience the show thrives on is thrown out the window when amc cuts their promos. hunt around online for the first episode or two. If you dont enjoy them, well i dont know what to say to people like you.
oh and herc, by Timahh	Jan 1st, 2009 05:50:41 PM
can we do our best not to mention or acknowledge reality tv. Lets not lend any more fuel to that craptastic fire.
No love for In Treatment? by Ribbons	Jan 1st, 2009 05:58:07 PM
I'd put that over Life and Times of Tim in a heartbeat. Summer Heights High too, although I guess that technically wasn't made this year.
Timahh by Strabo	Jan 1st, 2009 06:10:45 PM
What the fuck is that supposed to mean? I love great dramas like The Wire, Damages, BSG, The Shield, and Sons of Anarchy. Shows that have great dialogue, acting, and plotting. I'm very sorry I don't appreciate the stilted dialogue and tepid acting of your standard-issue procedural cop or lawyer drama. And if that offends you, well, go fuck yourself. Also, you didn't answer my question. Not even remotely. In fact, you pretty much confirmed my assumptions. Thanks!
Strabo by Mr. Nice Gaius	Jan 1st, 2009 06:55:24 PM
I'm a tremendous fan of MAD MAN. I can say, without a doubt, the commercials that you're referring to do NOT do the show justice. Some of the dialog on the show is sublime. Also, it's a very patient show; one that moves in very subtle ways. Character is huge and "reveals" are used in unconventional ways. If you're genuinely interested, look the show up or give the Season 1 set a try. IMHO, it's the best thing currently being broadcast on TV. (BSG and LOST are not far behind. THE WIRE = RIP.)
That's supposed to be "MEN"... by Mr. Nice Gaius	Jan 1st, 2009 06:56:24 PM
...not "MAN". Bloody typos.
Pros and Cons by Itchy	Jan 1st, 2009 07:02:57 PM
On the pros, Grace Park's incredibly tight little ass will be back on BSG a few weeks. On the cons, Emilie de Ravin isn't going to be around this season, so we probably won't get any boner-inducing Goth-Claire flashbacks on Lost. We need a crossover where Grace Park and Emilie de Ravin pop up on True Blood as nympho lesbian vampires. Then my life will be complete.
Happy to see "The Wire" get props by I am_NOTREAL	Jan 1st, 2009 07:13:59 PM
but the 5th season, as good as it was, was nowhere near the best.
Always Funny was more better this year than last... by DanielKurland	Jan 1st, 2009 07:15:06 PM
If only for the fact that they now finally know what to do with Frank as a character. He's actually contributing and enjoyable to watch now, as opposed to in the past. Sure, an episode or two were not great, but I felt the overall quality was still very high, and the finale is maybe my favorite episode. The idea of the whole musical just being a wedding proposal is so ridiculous. Also, the two parter with Mac and all of that wedding dress stuff is fantastic.
"Was more better this year than last"... by DanielKurland	Jan 1st, 2009 07:16:06 PM
Jesus guys, sorry for that atrocious exercise in grammar.
Charlie Rose is the best talk show on tv. Bar none! by GQtaste	Jan 1st, 2009 07:20:36 PM
Nothing and I mean nothing comes close to having an intelligent conversation for a straight hour w/o any fucking breaks through it!
Mr. Nice Gaius by Strabo	Jan 1st, 2009 07:23:35 PM
Thanks. That was the kind of answer I was looking for. I think I'll see what I can dig up for the first episode now.
"Californication," my ass by I am_NOTREAL	Jan 1st, 2009 07:27:54 PM
C'mon, I enjoy that show for what it is, mostly because Duchovny is a deadpan genius and Evan Handler plays a great clueless schlub, but the writing is contrivance central.
Dexter? by FrodoFraggins	Jan 1st, 2009 07:31:35 PM
Yeah it was the weakest season of dexter, but it was still better than over half that list.
I am_NOTREAL... by DanielKurland	Jan 1st, 2009 08:10:03 PM
Do you think it is contrived to seamlessly make your show work as a Gatsby allegory while still progressing the plot and keeping things interesting?
Season Two of Dexter was Epic man. Oh and I wish I could see Bre by Stormwatcher	Jan 1st, 2009 08:18:03 PM
Breaking BAD, why no Canada airplay? Dammit. I am loving Fringe, it found its legs in the last 3 epsiodes.
Fringe at No. 5? by Lord Dagon	Jan 1st, 2009 08:22:29 PM
I don't get this at all Herc! Fringe is an interesting distraction but i wouldn't even put it as the best hourlong on Fox. That title goes to Terminator:TSCC! Sorry haters, it's true. While admittedly dark, it can oftentimes be quite funny yet is as consistent in the mythology that it has created as a show like BSG. Those who have just dismissed it out of hand are really doing themselves and the genre a disservice. And it's better than Fringe.
Moral Orel by Helpful Electronic Lab Partner Robot	Jan 1st, 2009 09:05:40 PM
I'm assuming people either A) Didn't see it, or B) ... no, there can't be a B). The final season was funnier than all the comedies and more powerful than almost all the dramas (have not seen S5 of the Wire yet) of the 2008.
Fringe is garbage by Heckles	Jan 1st, 2009 09:50:04 PM
Actually, worse than garbage. At least the homeless would pay attention to garbage. No one should pay attention to Fringe.
Can't believe HIMYM isn't on here... by tie3456	Jan 1st, 2009 09:54:11 PM
They've been consistently hitting them out of the park this season. The Shield being #10 is also damn near blasphemy. Lost has to also be at least #2. No love for House either? Oh well, at least Heroes got excluded.
Fringe does not deserve to be in any top 10 list. by Leafar the Lost	Jan 1st, 2009 09:57:58 PM
It has been such a let down, even with Aaron Eckhart want to be Mark Valley. Anna Torv is very attractive, but she seems so...repressed. Jasika Nicole's character is not attractive at all, and neither is she is real life. She should be fired and replaced with someone way hotter. John Noble is great as a mad scientist. Its too bad he is in such a lackluster show. Its like the entire cast is bored to death.
I think people are too critical about Fringe by TVguy4566	Jan 1st, 2009 10:13:35 PM
But I do agree that it isn't worthy of a top 10 spot. I'd pick House as a Fox representative over Fringe. And other than Hugh Laurie's performance, I don't know if that show is worthy of a Top 10 placement either. Fringe is watchable, but not really a must watch for me.
BTW John Noble is to Fringe as Hugh Laurie is to House by TVguy4566	Jan 1st, 2009 10:16:41 PM
Both make their respective shows. Unfortunately for Fringe, Anna Torv and not Noble is the main character on Fringe. I would like that show so much better if the show revolved around Noble and his relationship with Pacey from Dawson Creek.
Holy crap has TV gone in the toilet these days. by DarthJedi	Jan 1st, 2009 10:33:44 PM
What a lame ass list. Lost? Fringe? Friday Night Lights? BSG and The Shield seem to be swimming in a sea of mediocrity.
so, all these best 'hour long' scripts by jon pertwee	Jan 1st, 2009 11:03:08 PM
for fox, nbc, abc and cbs must also include the extremely well written commercials that these 42 minute long shows warp around.
Graham Norton! by dcbritboy	Jan 1st, 2009 11:06:31 PM
Blows any of those US talkshows away!!!!!
No Dexter? by Subtlety	Jan 1st, 2009 11:28:20 PM
that's weird. Even if this season ended with a bit of an anticlimax, its still a really strong series, def. better than something like Fringe.
I have to go back to True Blood by frakthetoasters	Jan 1st, 2009 11:31:52 PM
It got a little tired. And Bill was trying to be Angel. But I have to try to go back for Anna Paquin. And Lizzy Caplan's on it? Woo!
Top 10 reality shows by Tin Snoman	Jan 1st, 2009 11:38:56 PM
This phrase makes no sense.
Tin Snoman by Strabo	Jan 1st, 2009 11:46:37 PM
It does if you understand that sometimes Herc enjoys eating giant bowls of pure festering shit....
House is Number One by gad	Jan 1st, 2009 11:48:33 PM
The best show on the TV these days is House. Nothing comes even close to House. And thanks for putting a pillow over Heroes.
My Favorite 13 TV Shows Of 2008 by Barry_Woodward	Jan 2nd, 2009 12:15:22 AM
30 Rock, Battlestar Galactica, Breaking Bad, Dexter, How I Met Your Mother, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Lost, Mad Men, The Office, Pushing Daisies, The Shield, Supernatural & The Wire.
Brotherhood isn't here!!!! by TheWaqman	Jan 2nd, 2009 12:56:28 AM
What a shitty fucking list.
Fringe? You've got to be fucking kidding me by TheWaqman	Jan 2nd, 2009 12:56:50 AM

Breaking Bad by Series7	Jan 2nd, 2009 01:42:23 AM
Was so much better then Mad Men. I really like Mad Men, but a lot of it is just boring. I always had to watch the show in two parts, the first half then the next day when I woke up the second half. Also Battlestar, maybe I need to watch the show from the beginning but the substitution of cuse words I find really annoying and lame. Maybe because they did it so much that it kind of took me out of the show and I'd rather hear beeps.
Daisey Pushing by Series7	Jan 2nd, 2009 01:46:09 AM
I feel that the show would have been a lot better had Emerson Cod been the one with the power and was the main star. There was a lot better chemistry between Chi and Ms. Oklahoma then Mr. Oklahoma and Mrs. Thewlis.
Where the top ten best by Series7	Jan 2nd, 2009 02:05:22 AM
Show starring someone British playing an American? I'd say 1). Eli Stone 2). House 3). Fridge 4). Nip/Tuck 5). Daisey Pushing there are probably many more but that is all I can think of off the top of my head. Ehhh The Mentalist guy, the guy from the Wire is British too, but I've never seen that show. Don't have HBO so what you wanna fight about it? I tried to watch it on BET but I don't think it was in order and it was all edited to shit. I hate how these terrible cable channels have picked up old HBO shows and make it seem like its their original programing. Yes there are people out there dumb enough to think that A&E is showing new episodes of the Sopranos.
dcbritboy by Series7	Jan 2nd, 2009 02:09:54 AM
Yeah I really like Graham Norton as well. Though I don't think he is as good as Kimmel. Kimmels monalog is funny as shit. But I do like how Norton says like three jokes and gets right to it, unlike Craig Fergeson who fucking blabs on for 3/4 of the show, and he is not even as funny as Jay Leno, and Jay Leno isn't funny. I take that back, Jay is a pretty funny guy its just that his show is SO written that its lame, he is always entertaining when being interviewed on other shows. He Burger King Black card story on Kimmel was pretty good. I still think that once Leno goes to prime time he should make his first appearance on Letterman, I hope Letterman does his usual begging to get a guest on with Leno. But I don't think he will.
Get the fuck out of here Herc! by LordEnigma	Jan 2nd, 2009 03:39:51 AM
THE VENTURES ARE THE BEST SHOW ON TV! Putting it second to that mindless abomination, goes to show that you are in the pockets of those two conserv dickbags. Good on you dude. Good on you. Give me the two dudes from the NYC with the nice hair over those two any day of the week.
Bacci by Series7	Jan 2nd, 2009 03:44:40 AM
I am under 30, but that's not why I found Mad Men boring. There where certainly amazing episodes, but as a whole there were A LOT of just boring spots. I mean people sitting around and talking and drinking and smoking isn't edge of your seat action. I just feel that the emotion and plots in Breaking Bad were much more interesting and had more going on. I mean there was usually 5-10 minutes of depressing shots of characters longing and looking sad in Mad Men (most of which were of Ms. Draper). Its not like I'm sitting here saying Heroes is more of my liking (though I would say that Heroes has its best season yet, it was the only one where stuff happened and they Heroes weren't huge pussy's). To say that I choose Breaking Bad to Mad Men its really a toss up, and I think it all comes down to the lead man and Craston is great as a man on the edge. While Hamms brooding depressing Draper just isn't as exciting, plus his I don't really give a fuck about anything attitude gets boring after a while. He just wants to drink, fuck and smoke at least Cranston gives you a reason to care about him.
I didn't care for Ventures that much either by Series7	Jan 2nd, 2009 03:51:19 AM
It too put me to sleep? But Xavier: Renegade Angel and Superjail were awesome. Southpark wasn't that great this season either. They were at their peak with seasons 5-8 with every episode being classic since then its been hit or miss, and most of this season was a miss.
Also by Series7	Jan 2nd, 2009 03:54:28 AM
Rose Byrne from Damages as well. Speaking of stuff under the queens rule what about Testees and the IT crowd? I know I know the IT crowd is old, but IFC finally showed it on American TVs and its pretty damn funny.
Gatsby allegory? by I am_NOTREAL	Jan 2nd, 2009 07:04:50 AM
Huhwhaa? Don't know if allegory is really the word you're going for there, but yeah, that WAS clever--and subtle--they even titled the 2nd episode of the season "The Great Ashby." HA! In terms of contrivance, I'm referring less to the arc of the season and more to the in-episode interactions between a lot of the characters. If you don't see it, you don't see it. I will give 'em credit for "Vaginatown" though, that was funny.
Honourable Mention to Chuck! by Old Darth	Jan 2nd, 2009 07:18:18 AM
No its not the most tightly scripted show but the cast is top notch! Its a ray of sunshine in a TV landscape where darkness is the norm.
"3). Fridge " by TVguy4566	Jan 2nd, 2009 07:33:36 AM

"3). Fridge " by TVguy4566	Jan 2nd, 2009 07:35:41 AM
Fridge in the top 10? I know the episode with spoiled milk was a classic and Thanksgiving episode where they had troubles putting the turkey in the fridge was really good too, but a top 10 show?
BSG by Thunderbolt Ross	Jan 2nd, 2009 08:23:47 AM
I can't figure out how such a confused, contrived and oftentimes ridiculous season gets as much credit as it gets. Maybe it's goodwill built up? Maybe the show hasn't declined as I perceive it, but was always like this. Who knows?
Terminator: TSCC by NinjaRap	Jan 2nd, 2009 08:41:53 AM
An absolute number one to those who actually bother to watch it each week. To those who only watch the "occasional" episode or who never gave it a chance, yeah, I can see why they don't get it.
Herc's list has no legitimacy by TheBaxter	Jan 2nd, 2009 09:14:39 AM
until Dexter makes it on there.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia by lynxpro	Jan 2nd, 2009 09:26:09 AM
I really think the show has been flat the last two seasons. The first season was pure genius. I didn't even laugh this season until the Revolutionary War episode...now that was an awesome episode. Aside from that episode, I found Testes to be funnier than the average Philly episode this season, and that's saying a lot because Testes is generally unfunny.
L-Prime dun did his own, if anyone cares by elprime	Jan 2nd, 2009 09:45:22 AM

The world has come to an end by Luscious.868	Jan 2nd, 2009 09:47:16 AM
Sweet mother of Jesus, Herc. I actually agree with just about every scripted hour long show on your list. Never bothered to watch Pushing Dasies though, that had "it'll be canceled within two years" written all over it. ABC doesn't know how to nuture a good show that might be a tough sell to the non-idiot crowd. Frankly I'm amazed Lost will make it for a full run.
Glad to see... by rbrog77	Jan 2nd, 2009 09:48:53 AM
Terminator and Brotherhood getting some love on here, even if Herc didn't include them. Those are 2 really good shows.
Damn double post (L-Prime's real list) by elprime	Jan 2nd, 2009 09:51:01 AM
http://tinyurl.com/78swu7 Qualifier: As getting American cable is difficult/impossible up here in the Great White North, I do not watch (despite many proddings) The Shield, The Wire, Burn Notice, Californication, etc. I'm only now beginning the first season of Dexter. Yes, I know there are these wonderful inventions called The Internet and DVDs, but I just haven't gotten around to them yet. My weekly sked is full enough. I'll probably get to The Wire someday, though probably on my own as m'lady is full up on her lifetime quota of gritty cop shows.
Many shows are too talky and it's boring talk. by kabong	Jan 2nd, 2009 10:26:55 AM
My theory is that the TV audience is perceived to be composed of inarticulate slugs who will mistake jibber jabber as glib. There should be less talk and more of what Itchy wants to see Grace Park doing.
In that case kabong reality TV is made for you. by Big Jim	Jan 2nd, 2009 10:44:02 AM
Let us all know how the Bachelor turns out, that is if you can tear yourself away from the next season of Paradise Island.
Fringe sucks by JacksParasites	Jan 2nd, 2009 10:49:18 AM
Seriously, Chuck and Damages don't make the list but that turd knock-off of the X-Files does? My picks: 1. Battlestar Galactica, 2. Mad Men 3. Lost 4. Damages (or was Damages not in 2008?) 5. Pushing Daisies 6. Chuck 7. Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles 8. The Middle Man (really much better than it looked and arguably as witty as Buffy). Okay, I don't have a 9 or 10. As for having a list of best reality shows, isn't this like picking the best prostate exams--even at its best you still feel like you got screwed in the ass. And seriously Daily Show and Colbert Report deserve the top spots in their category.
Those "reality" shows have too much chit chat. by kabong	Jan 2nd, 2009 10:52:07 AM
Mundane unscripted chit chat. I remember when Survivor started and I thought it was going to be like Robinson Crusoe or Swiss Family Robinson--people learning to survive in primitive setting. But instead it was the Battling Bickersons.
I've only seen 3 of those by jccalhoun	Jan 2nd, 2009 11:21:50 AM
I watch a lot of television and I've only seen Lost, BSG, and Fringe. Never seen a episode of any of those other shows. Anyone not surprised by Herc continuing to worship at Stern's feet? The only thing I've ever seen Stern do that was interesting was to have naked women on. I really can't understand what the appeal of him is especially if you are only listening to him.
Stupid people hate Fringe by Magnum Opus	Jan 2nd, 2009 11:44:58 AM
Smart people like it. It's rather amazing how perfectly the two demographics are split here.
Fringe by Thunderbolt Ross	Jan 2nd, 2009 12:00:44 PM
I like it. The mad scientist act is sometimes too cutesy, but other times it's great. I think the relationship between him and the assistant is the first one they've really gotten into shape. Yeah it's also the easiest but at least there's been progress. That bit with them milking the cow was great. The show itself is not close to great just yet, but at its best thus far it has really hit the old X-Files spot.
only simple people like Fringe by Xiphos_2	Jan 2nd, 2009 12:31:30 PM
See Magnum Opus I can generalize also it's not very hard. keep telling yourself you're smart, someday you might even believe it yourself.
Fringe by Gislef_crow	Jan 2nd, 2009 12:32:06 PM
Fringe is a good show. It's not a great show. John Noble is the standout, but that's the problem: he's the only standout (which is why he... stands out). Lance Reddick is close, thouigh. The show picked up in the last half of the first batch of episodes, but it dragged for a while and tends to fall back on the genre standards (enigmatic superior with a hidden agenda, evil corporation bad guy, wise-ass male lead). I'd list it as an up-and-coming, but among the 10 best? Eh.
As for best vs. favorites by Gislef_crow	Jan 2nd, 2009 12:38:10 PM
I think we all understand that any "Best" list is opinion. But usually they involve people who have seen a pretty big chunk of movies. Judging from the last year of TBs and news Herc has posted, the impression is there are some shows he just doesn't watch. That's what makes it a favorites list, rather than a "best" list. Also, "2008" is a little tricky. House had a good 2007-2008, but it's 2008-2009 has been weak (assuming Herc watches House). Seeing one good half-season of Fringe kind of gives it an advantage over one great half-season and one mediocre half-season of House. And so on.
Do we honestly need the top 10 reality shows? by JustyHakubi	Jan 2nd, 2009 12:43:12 PM
They all suck. Yet, who am I to argue if you want to laud that which sucking the teat dry of the industry which pays your bills. Aside from that great piece.
NinjaRap... Terminator: TSCC by MurderMostFowl	Jan 2nd, 2009 12:52:10 PM
dude. I am a big pusher of Terminator on talkbacks myself. I love the show, but it's definitely not a number one. Maybe a top 10. I can't stand the top 10 list in this TB, but I admit I only watch a few 1 hour shows... BSG, Mad Men, and House... ( also Fringe, CSI and Stargate cause the wife watches them) I love terminator, and it's definitely an "upper third" of all TV on today.
Magnum Opus by frozen01	Jan 2nd, 2009 01:00:53 PM
Most people regard my husband and I to be about the same level of intelligence and knowledge (albeit in different fields). He likes (not loves) Fringe. I wanted to like it, but I find the characters repelling, the music bland, the writing humorless, and the plots unimportant (X-Files was a great show because of the characters, and the music was a main catalyst for any sort of creepy factor. The show could only work as a whole and without the great characters, witty dialog, and outstanding music, X-Files would have flopped, too).
You guys realize this scale is logarithmic right? by Darth Macchio	Jan 2nd, 2009 01:17:29 PM
Used to be you could tell how old you were getting by how much of reality TV show titles you didn't recognize. Now, it seems to be more an indicator of how much of a jackass you are not. I mean seriously, couldn't all of these shows just be in one giant ass hangar all filmed and shown on one channel that is fed intravenously by transmitter signal (think Carrey's Ridler scheme) into the heads of those who are addicted to it 24/7/365? Thus allowing actual actors and writers and creators to create our entertainment. Just a thought. Odd to call nationally televised karaoke as "good" tv. But then some people don't think line dancing is cheerleading without a team.
Amazing Race is the best reality show... by SpreadLegsNotWar	Jan 2nd, 2009 01:46:39 PM
...by a mile. You really but a lot of grade A dog shit ahead of it Herc.
Fringe needs to identify what works... by DougMcKenzie	Jan 2nd, 2009 02:11:49 PM
The relationship between Noble and Jackson is the strong point to me. Torv's character is caught in a bad loop with this obsession over her dead boyfriend. The problem there is that I don't buy theier relationship. The John guy comes off as a massive dick and is ALWAYS scowling in his flashback or ghost vision appearances... why did she even like working with the guy let alone boning him? Acevedo's character is too one note (generic tough guy cop act), and Reddick does not appear often enough, he really only opens and closes the case on the show with Torv. The show should take us back more to Noble's time before his commital, and hopefully even show a working/investigative relationship at that time between Noble and Reddick (similar to the one between Torv and Jackson in the present) that could open some new dynamics on the show.
MurderMostFowl Terminator:TSCC by Lord Dagon	Jan 2nd, 2009 02:21:56 PM
I agree with NinjaRap that if people actually gave the show a chance, it would probably have a talkback of it's own. I also wouldn't put it as number 1. but as a genre fan, i have to put TSCC over both House and Fringe. I appreciate Laurie's work on house but there is nothing that is going to get me to rate a well-written, consistently well-paced sci-fi show with Summer Glau and Lena Headly over another hourlong medical procedural.
over=under by Lord Dagon	Jan 2nd, 2009 02:23:52 PM

by AllieJamison	Jan 2nd, 2009 02:38:43 PM
Right. CALIFORNICATION absolutely deserves a mention. I can't believe the lack of hype concerning that show and the stunning coolness of wrecked Hank Moody/David Duchovny. Maybe it's wasted on allegedly prudish Americans...? Just kidding.
Fringe - GET THE HELL OFF THAT LIST by Squashua	Jan 2nd, 2009 02:39:59 PM
What the crap is Fringe doing on that list? It's there, and at a higher level than Pushing Daisies, and Terminator (or at least Eli Stone) isn't? That's criminal.
Also, Chuck and Reaper are up between #12-#15 by Squashua	Jan 2nd, 2009 02:46:29 PM
Did Reaper get cancelled? In my prior post, I lament that Terminator isn't on the list only since Fringe IS on the list. Eli Stone, Chuck, Reaper, and Terminator are all better than Fringe.
BSG and Fringe Do Not Belong Near that List by _Maltheus_	Jan 2nd, 2009 02:51:21 PM
Very few people here even bother to defend BSG anymore and although it might have once approached greatness, it wasn't anywhere near being a top ten show in 2008. Not by a long shot. It hasn't been good since Exodus Pt. II. Fringe is alright, but I eventually gave up on it because I'd rather watch paint dry. It's not that it's bad so much as it's boring. The fact that nobody on this site ever has anything more to say about it other than "meh", should clue you in Herc. Terminator is a far better alternative (this season anyway). Obviously Dexter should be on the list, as many others have pointed out. It may not be S1 quality, but it's certainly better than everything else on the list except for maybe Pushing Daisies and the Wire.
Oh and South Park at #1??? by _Maltheus_	Jan 2nd, 2009 03:03:15 PM
I might put it at #1 of all time, but one and a half episodes aside, everyone hated the last season. That's just bizarre that Herc would rate it #1. Also, everyone pretty much agrees that the last two seasons of the Office have been its weakest, so that's another head scratcher. I'm not a huge fan of Californication, but compared to the other half hour scripted comedies, it blows the rest out of the water. And Weeds has totally lost its way.
Did friday nite lights improve? by Spikey	Jan 2nd, 2009 03:25:51 PM
Cause its first ep was just terrible in that 30-years-olds-playing-teens-as -despisable-assholes way. The amount of unwarranted attitude in that episode angered me.
What makes a Reality Show anyway? by Chewtoy	Jan 2nd, 2009 03:53:31 PM
Why isn't that catagory dominated by "Mythbusters" or "Good Eats" or even "Antiques Roadshow" or something? How about "No Reservations" or "Dirty Jobs" or "Deadliest Catch"? Does this catagory demand a freakshow premise to be considered?
by My Pretty Pony	Jan 2nd, 2009 03:58:39 PM
I don't think I even watched 10 hour-long shows in the last year, but "Friday Night Lights" and "Battlestar Galactica" are fantastic and I like "Fringe". I would also include "Supernatural" and "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles".
Dexter and Californication need praise!! by BurgerKing	Jan 2nd, 2009 04:04:07 PM
Does Herc not have a Showtime subscription or something?
I like "Survivorman." Is that a reality show? by kabong	Jan 2nd, 2009 04:28:37 PM
I can actually learn about surviving in the wilderness from watching that show. Petroleum jelly on cotton balls to get a fire going: that's valuable info.
Herc has never liked Sons of Anarchy by Grammaton Cleric Binks	Jan 2nd, 2009 04:38:55 PM
Perhaps now that the first season is over he will re-watch season 1 and realize the error of his ways, and the greatness that is Ron Perlman.
fringe rocks by El Borak	Jan 2nd, 2009 04:41:47 PM
you lame-os.
as do... by El Borak	Jan 2nd, 2009 04:56:16 PM
house and boston legal. word.
When I heard that Jimmy Smits was cast as a foil by skimn	Jan 2nd, 2009 05:15:01 PM
on Dexter, I thought, ohoh desperate move. But his character and arc improved on the subplots of seasons one and two..will Dexter get found out? Dexter is a series with a seemingly simple premise, and found new ways to twist it.
And I'm glad It's Always Sunny gets overlooked by skimn	Jan 2nd, 2009 05:22:52 PM
It just cements its cult status and greatness. And FX has (I think) 3 seasons locked in.
L-Prime's list for those who don't feel like following the tinyu by elprime	Jan 2nd, 2009 05:57:41 PM
There are explanations on the buhlog (http://tinyurl.com/78swu7) itself , but in brief: 10. House - 4x16 - "Wilson's Heart" 9. Mad Men - 2x11 - "The Jet Set" 8. Terminator: TSCC - 1x09 - "What He Beheld" 7. 30 Rock - 2x12 - "Subway Hero" 6. Wall-E 5. Bioshock (PS3 came out in 2008, so it counts, nyah) 4. Supernatural - 4x01/4x08 (Tie) - "Lazarus Rising"/"Wishful Thinking" (Honourable mention for 3x13 - "Ghostfacers") 3. Pushing Daisies - 2x08 - "Oh Oh Oh, It's Magic" 2. Lost - 4x05 - "The Constant" 1. Battlestar Galactica - 4x07 - "Guess What's Coming to Dinner"
Sons Of Anaracy by Series7	Jan 2nd, 2009 07:51:55 PM
Don't know how I forgot about that, seeing that I Just finished watching the season. That was a damn good show.
could use some Dexter... by grendel824	Jan 2nd, 2009 09:04:57 PM
... but I'm glad Fringe is getting some love. Terminator would've been too much to hope for (not that it's more deserving than most/any on the list, but it's way better than its "rating" and could use the help).
And since people are talking Fringe... by grendel824	Jan 2nd, 2009 09:10:31 PM
... I'll once again give my wildly early prediction that Peter Bishop is secretly the one behind the "pattern." Not that he's a bad guy, but he's a super-genius who has conveniently positioned himself to be "dragged along" to witness the results of these experiments and the reactions to them. He's got the ultimate plausible deniability for "returning to the scene of the crime" because they keep asking (sometimes forcing) him to. It's a long shot prediction, as this show could go anywhere, but I like this one...
True Blood seems like it should be good... by Bunger!	Jan 2nd, 2009 09:50:52 PM
I agree that True Blood is good entertainment but it's not what it seems like it should be. I haven't read the source material, the novels, but as TV it is too shallow. The characters aren't "real," and I'm not talking about the vampirism and shapeshifting shit. I'm talking about things like somebody dying a horrible brutal murder, somebody who is a close friend of all the main characters, and people's reactions to that just being just plain wrong. . . People falling love, etc, and it just seems like "where did that come from?" and then again I just can't buy that they ARE in love. . . I saw an episode where one character befriends a captured vampire whose blood was being harvested, and it was such a GOOD moment of "real human emotions" (vampire shit aside) that the rest of the series stood out in stark contrast for its more shallow contrivances. . . Too bad, because a long-arc story about vampires and Fincheresque devices like the japanese synthetic blood, etc, could be sooooo twisted if the viewer could develop some emotional investment in the characters, but even Sookie (the #1 protaganist) doesn't feel real. Bummin.
Survivor is WAY WAY WAY better than Amazing Race, here is why: by Bunger!	Jan 2nd, 2009 10:00:31 PM
Here's why Survivor kicks Amazing Race's asshole with a steel-toed boot: because ultimately, at a basic level, the producers can't manipulate the story. Ultimately, the players themselves determine what happens. OK, yeah, the challenges could be rigged or skewed, but the way the players react to that is up to them. Just because the producers make a player lose a challenge (for the sake of argument), the other players get to decide whether they stay or go-- plus there is all the personality stuff back at camp, etc... The producers just can't change that. On the other hand, with the Race, etc (not to mention any "disinterested judge panel" show), the producers can literally set it up so that unworthy players go further, or unappealing players lose, based on things like "flat tires" or strangely-difficult challenges that literally determine the course of the game regardless of any other factor (the challenge that takes one team 5 hours for some reason, while others breeze through-- the treasure hunt variety, for example) or just plain decisionmaking by celebrity judges. Even if by some bizarre set of safeguards there isn't really more risk of such manipulation on other shows, Survivor feels like it has more integrity (and probably does) and I always find it more compelling.
This is why I hate the Office now. by Deathpool	Jan 2nd, 2009 10:08:20 PM
Michael Scott is far too stupid. No one on earth could possibly be that dumb. I think it was the moment when he said 'That's what she said' during his girlfriend's trial that finally made me click it off. No one's that stupid.
But really... by The McPoyle Clan	Jan 3rd, 2009 01:28:05 AM
You can't rip Herc for having the tastes of a 13 year-old girl and then get upset when his list doesn't include your favorite show. Who cares? Watch your faves and be happy.
The only scripted shows I watch by DDMAN26	Jan 3rd, 2009 08:40:04 AM
on a regular basis are The Office, Lost, 24 when it gets back and Friday Night Lights, those are the four I can't miss. Reality is Survivor and I can't get enough of the cooking shows Top Chef, anything by Gordon Fucking Ramsay. Other than that my tv is tuned to History,Biography, Discovery and Turner Classic Movies.
"the Office" has been "Flandersized" by catlettuce4	Jan 3rd, 2009 09:10:06 AM
"Flanderization," named after Ned Flanders, is the tendency for characters on long running sitcoms to increasingly become one-note charicatures with only one or two character traits, which are repeated ad nauseaum. In the case of Flanders, it was going from being a devout, yet normal, neighbor, to religious fundamentalist nutjob who inserts "diddley" into words for no purpose. In the case of Michael Scott, it was turning him from a semi-comepetent, but insensitive, office manager into a full on retard.
flandersization, that is. by catlettuce4	Jan 3rd, 2009 09:10:45 AM
Or however its spelled.
And, yeah, the Shield should have been higher, HOWEVER... by catlettuce4	Jan 3rd, 2009 09:12:17 AM
...as others have noted, we should be thankful that Herc, who ignored the show for most of its run, actually gave us a TB this season, let alone a nod in her top ten.
Karuma... honestly ? by MariusXe	Jan 3rd, 2009 10:28:13 AM
ranking crap like stargate and closer above the wire and shield?! how old are you? or let me put it this way: how dumbwitted are you?
Bunger!, you have a point by Big Jim	Jan 3rd, 2009 11:42:57 AM
Survivor has stated time and again that everything about the show (challenges, tribe switches, twists and surprises) are planned out before they begin filming. That way no contestant can claim they were intentionally screwed over when some twist takes them from running the game to running home. I've seen things on The Amazing Race that make me wonder. It wasn't the last season, but the one before. One couple was 3 hours behind the other 3 remaining teams and, on top of that, would also have to complete a Speed Bump task. Normally, if the teams are not staying in the city on that leg of the race the first clue they get after their pit-stop tells them to head to the airport and catch a flight to the destination. However, this time the teams where told to go find a clue at a place that didn't open until 10:30 am (30 minutes before the 3-hour-behind team would depart). The clue they all waited until 10:30 to get told them to head to the airport. Basically, instead of being 3 hours behind 3 teams, they ended up only 30 minutes behind. Seemed suspicious to me.
Deadliest Catch and Mythbusters by TheCreepingKid	Jan 3rd, 2009 01:18:05 PM
With all due respect Herc, how can you not include Deadliest Catch and Mythbusters or even In Treatment in the best reality....that MTV stuff is crap!
Thanks by hike499	Jan 3rd, 2009 10:12:47 PM
for the Mad Men spoilers. :(
not ranked, really, only my own must-see shows by chromedome	Jan 3rd, 2009 11:20:17 PM
BSG Office Chuck House Bones Eureka Middleman Fringe The Unit Leverage Pushing Daisies TTSCC Fringe is ramping up and has potential. The Unit is pushing its luck with all the domestic housewives involved in missions bullshit, but the special forces stories are still strong. Middleman was overlooked and underrated--terrific writing of Pushing Daisies caliber. TTSCC is really coming together nicely. Got my full series set of The Wire, which I have never seen even a single episode of, so that will be great to finally see. Will have to get Mad Men via dvd, too. Utterly Abandoned: Heroes, Stargate Atlantis Promising and Hopeful: 24 S7, Sanctuary, Life on Mars
What? No Corner Gas?! by tangcameo	Jan 3rd, 2009 11:41:29 PM
And I agree with Fringe haters. These episodes would have been better as X-File episodes, because that's what they are, just without Mulder and Scully. The mad scientist would have been a great addition to the X-files cast, even better than Robert Patrick and whatshername. And The Observer is just another Cig Smoking Man. And "The Pattern" is just a Hitchcockian MacGuffin that they use until they can find a reason why all these unexplained phenomenon are occuring. It would have been more believable if this were somehow all linked to Lost but off the island.
Didnt Damages 1st season end in Fall 2007??? by MRJONZ72	Jan 4th, 2009 07:48:34 AM
So why do I see people complaining that its not on the list..my only real gripe is that the Shield is not ranked higher. I like Fringe alot but dont see it higher than the Shield.
Best Reality? Where's Bravo? by dcbritboy	Jan 4th, 2009 09:50:51 AM
Sadly Amazing Race is a poor imitation of itself with poor casting and dodgy producer tinkering. But I don't think you can have a Top 10 Reality list without a single Bravo show (and I'm not talking Top Chef which is suffering from Race-syndrome). Flipping Out with obsessive-compulsive Jeff Lewis and his put-upon staff (his assistant Jenni dealing with the break up from her husband was the particular revelation this season) and the all-out tongue-in-cheek camp-fest Shear Genius with Jaclyn Smith, shortcut challenges and hair shows... bliss!
Fringe by Redmantle	Jan 4th, 2009 10:36:58 AM
Herc's entitled to his opinion, but whenever I put Fringe on TV, I usually drift off to go on the internet or reread one of my comics. I just snooze out. Anna Torv is boooring! Ugh. I think the show could work with another lead. It's a shame, because I want to like the show. But I don't.
You left out "CHUCK" but put in fringe? by Razorback	Jan 4th, 2009 02:29:18 PM
CHUCK is easily better than half of your top ten. Fringe? Come on.
I tried watching Pushing Daisies by Thunderbolt Ross	Jan 4th, 2009 03:25:28 PM
It got on my nerves immediately.
No Dexter = No credibility by Cletus Van Damme	Jan 4th, 2009 05:08:03 PM
The correct Top 3 are: 3) Mad Men 2) Dexter 1) The Shield
Good lists Herc by the_scream	Jan 5th, 2009 06:12:00 AM
Although I would put Dexter in and remove the Fringe which was one of the worst new shows on tv last year.
Eh Stormwatcher by Gearfree	Jan 5th, 2009 08:59:42 AM
Hate to break it to ya, but they were airing it on AMC(in eastern Canada at least). The only bad thing was that it was easy to miss. They usually decent movies, but their "commercial breaks" usually go on long.
HERC!! Fucking Howard Stern?!?! by Fart_Master_Flex	Jan 5th, 2009 11:50:27 AM
That is the coolest shit I have ever seen. The Artie Lange drama is more gripping than the best episodes of the Wire. Bababooey!!!!!!!!!!
Fringe by JackDonkey	Jan 5th, 2009 12:17:50 PM
In every Fringe promo picture the girl looks like a completely different person.
Corrections & Notes by Sidius	Jan 5th, 2009 01:27:34 PM
1. I watched all of Tru Blood and while it did improve it's first 5 episodes should preclude it from appearing on any top-10 list. Just awful writing. Anna Paquin for all her nudity is officially a terrible actress. 2. Reaper/Dexter/Damages? 3. Mad Men is ridiculously good. Sopranos good. It's one of those shows that you show your friends and they say they don't get it at first but get them to watch more than one episode and they're hooked. 4. Lost was ridiculously good as well. I've never been a hater - even during the missteps of Season 3 but Season 4 restored all faith. 5. Battlestar Galactica was a massive letdown. They did more filler episodes than anything (at least half the episodes added nothing to the main storyline) and the finale was a disaster! (P.S. It's not the best show ever created just a very good sci-fi show. They're so few and far between that we tend to cream in our pants when we do get one.) 6. Life and Times of Tim made me laugh out loud multiple times every episode. I haven't laughed that hard since Season 3 of It's Always Sunny... It's pure lunatic genius and the best comedy on HBO since Curb Your Enthusiasm. 7. Pushing Daisies' cancellation is a damn shame and goes right up there with the abrupt endings of Arrested Development and Rome. I still maintain that every network should have two slots per week dedicated to quality TV, ratings be damned. Fill the rest with reality shows for all I care. 8. Fringe and Tru Blood had two of the worst pilots I've seen in years. Surprising that they're two of the bigger hits? Maybe pilots aren't as important as we thought. 9. The Mentalist had one of the best pilots I've ever seen. The rest...not so great. The show has steadily declined since the pilot and now is only worth watching for Baker. Did anyone else watch that awful cabin episode? 10. I haven't seen a single episode of The Wire. Does that make me a bad person. I was waiting till it's was all on DVD to do a massive marathon session...let the viewing commence.
The Howard Stern Show... by moviemenace	Jan 5th, 2009 01:47:38 PM
is, and always will be the best talk show of all time. Anyone who says otherwise has never heard the show or given it a chance.
Nothing Could Top Alison From Intervention by mjgtexas	Jan 5th, 2009 01:58:52 PM
I just discovered Alison, the keyboard cleaner inhaler. Tina Fey has nothing on this "I'm walking on sunshine" comedy goddess.
howard stern by taff	Jan 5th, 2009 03:59:47 PM
is the most boring extremely intelligent individual on television and radio. I consistently dislike everything he does so I no longer give him even a minute of my listening or viewing. Can't believe Charlie Rose is so low on your list.
Howard Stern is right on by Razorback	Jan 5th, 2009 04:04:32 PM
I have tried listening to his clones and they all sound the same. The worst of the bunch are those O&A idiots.
Fringe? Really? by Pdorwick	Jan 6th, 2009 01:10:24 PM
Aside from that though - and AICN's unfathomable fanboy dedication to Lost - it is a great list.
Where's Dexter?! by Clio	Jan 6th, 2009 07:04:10 PM
Dexter is the best show on television (although I have not seen Mad Men). I, too, had some doubts about Jimmy Smits joining the third season, but he and his storyline were great. It's criminal to leave Dexter off of any such list.
long live fringe by El Borak	Jan 7th, 2009 01:52:56 AM
me lame fuckos.

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