Decade Review: Top 20 TV Shows 00-09

So as the decade comes to close, it’s time to look back on some of the great television shows that have graced the tubes. Trying to narrow it down to ten was way too difficult so I tried to keep it down to twenty instead. My only criteria was that the show needed to have more than two seasons in the past decade; there has to be some sustainability to be considered a classic. So, sorry Firefly and Pushing Daisies, you were great and all but didn’t make the cut. Also Breaking Bad and Damages, as great as they are, need to survive a little longer to be considered. Honorable mention goes to The Daily Show and The Colbert Report who definitely deserve to be considered some of the best television out there, but I decided to look at more weekly fare instead of daily installments. Sorry. Anyway here is my top twenty followed by a recounting of previous years.

1. LOST

Nothing can beat the intricate nature of this show. You must watch each episode to gather clues and try solve the mysteries that surround the island. This is event television. Can’t wait to see how it ends.

Standout Episode: The Constant (S4:E5)

Desmond’s search for Penny had grounded the show for so long and seeing him jolt back and forth in time to get to her kept us fully engrossed.

2. BUFFY, THE VAMPIRE SLAYER

Don’t let the name (or crappy film) fool you, this was one of the best shows ever produced with scripts that were full of action, humour, emotion and social commentary. By season two I was hooked.

Standout Episode: Once More, With Feeling (S6:E7)

Joss Whedon penned a beautiful musical that not only got his characters to express their emotions but also advance the plot significantly. This is not just a quirky stand-alone episode.

3. ANGEL

While it started off a little rocky, it grew into a more mature Buffy show with a lot more adult themes. The humour and action were still there but the emotional punch hit home a lot more.

Standout Episode: Waiting in the Wings (S3:E13)

Not only do we get to see the Angel Investigations crew a little out of their element, but we also see loads of heartbreak as the female characters fall in love unaware of other suitors.

4. ALIAS

Sure the last two season stretched the premise a little too far, but the first three were top notch. The spy element mixed with emotional relationships made for some great television. I can still hear the techno.

Standout Episode: Phase One (S2:E13)

They practically wrapped up the series with this episode. Shown after the Superbowl, this action packed thrill-ride was truly a game-changer for the series.

5. SCRUBS

From the first time JD (Zach Braff) played with his shaving cream in the pilot, I was hooked on this very funny comedy that was filled with zany dream sequences and hard-hitting emotional turns.

Standout Episode: My Screw Up (S3:E14)

Brendan Fraser brought even more credibility to this fantastically written episode that even managed to throw in a little twist when you weren’t looking.

6. THE WEST WING

I got to the series after it ended but boy am I glad I got to watch it. The repartee between the presidential staffers was quick-witted and fun to see. Learned some things about politics as well.

Standout Episode: In the Shadow of Two Gunmen, Part I & II (S2: E1/E2)

With the heart-pounding emergency room scenes and the flashbacks of how the staff came together, this episode has it all.

7. THE SOPRANOS

Even though I sometimes felt the pace dragged at times, the storytelling was still compelling and the acting was incredible. Talk about powerhouse performances.

Standout Episode: Pine Barrens (S3:E11)

Christopher and Paulie eating ketchup packets in a frozen van. This episode, directed by Steve Buscemi, made me smile from ear to ear.

8. ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

Quirky characters, inside jokes, guest stars galore, brilliant callbacks, and wonderful narration by Ron Howard. This is the definition of a fall-down funny sitcom.

Standout Episode: S.O.B.s (S3:E9)

The Save-Our-Bluths campaign becomes a cry for help from the actual series begging for viewers to watch by bringing out every television gimmick in the book.

9. THE OFFICE

I will admit that the original British version with Ricky Gervais was more groundbreaking and painfully awkward, but the Scranton branch has made me care about the characters. Probably because it’s been around longer.

Standout Episode: Casino Night (S2:E22)

Michael Scott trying to juggle two women while organizing a casino night is funny in itself but it all comes down to Jim’s confession to Pam that steals the show.

10. THE AMAZING RACE

The only reality show I still watch. There’s a reason it keeps winning the Emmy. Fascinating locales, interesting challenges and competitive couples = fun times.

Standout Episode: The Unexpected Twist (S1:E9)

Team Guido takes their time after completing a fast forward. It’s always fun to watch first season players make costly mistakes.

11. DEXTER

You got to hand it to a show that makes you want to root for a serial killer. Sure, he only kills bad people but I keep hoping he doesn’t get caught. Michael C Hall sure managed to separate himself from his Six Feet Under character. Wow.

Standout Episode: The Getaway (S4:E12)

Even after four season, this show can make my mouth drop in utter shock. Seriously, my bottom lips was almost on the floor at the conclusion of this tense episode.

12. CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM

For those who missed Seinfeld, this filled the void, and I’m not just talking about this past Seinfeld reunion storyline. This show was basically George ramped up to the nth degree.

Standout Episode: The Grand Opening (S3:E10)

Never before has this much bad language been so funny. The lead up was well crafted enough to make the conclusion of the episode, featuring a swearing cook, priceless. Simply priceless.

13. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Never thought I would get into this show. Not only does is have one of the most realistic marriage portrayals on TV with Coach and Tami Taylor but the games themselves are well shot and totally unpredictable.

Standout Episode: Mudbowl (S1:E20)

For those who are passionate about the sport of football, this one’s for you. Nothing like playing in a field, and in a downpour, to go for a state championship.

14. MAD MEN

This is a show that revels in its preciseness. Everything is picture perfect except the character’s lives. This show knows how to take its time weaving a compelling story that will have you empathizing with its characters in no time.

Standout Episode: Shut the Door, Have a Seat (S3:E13)

This must be one of the fasted paced episodes in the series history. With a hint of Jerry Maguire-ish maneuvering, we see things made new while relationships crumble.

15. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA

I’m not the biggest sci-fi fan but this show has so much more to offer. There are some intense political and theological debates going on; much more so than previous Star Trek versions.

Standout Episode: Blood on the Scales (S4:E14)

Mutiny brings out the worst in people. The intensity of this show does not subside as horrific acts are committed and loyalty is truly tested.

16. SIX FEET UNDER

I will admit the pacing of this show is slow but it does deal with death on a constant basis so it seems justified. Great acting and storytelling show the struggle of living and dealing with death.

Standout Episode: Everybody’s Waiting (S5:E12)

A show that deals with death better end its series right. This is a wonderfully fitting conclusion to the series that also manages to show us the future of these characters in a beautiful montage. Breathtaking.

17. HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER

This sitcom takes its relationship/friendship commentary from Friends but manages to turn it on its ear. Rules are made, conventions are broken as we still try to determine who is the mother of the title.

Standout Episode: Slap Bet (S2:E9)

Our first introduction to Robin Sparkles and the genesis of the slap bet. There is one more slap to go; who knows when it will rear it’s ugly head.

18. VERONICA MARS

Unfortunately not enough people knew this show existed. Sure it seemed a little Nancy Drew-ish but Kristin Bell’s sarcasm and spunk gave this series an electric energy. The season-long mysteries were also expertly crafted.

Standout Episode: Leave it to Beaver (S1:E22)

The conclusion of the yearlong mystery had me on the edge of my seat. Literally. They got everything right in this episode. Brilliant.

19. THE OC

This show replaced my guilty-pleasure Dawson’s Creek fix. Full of pop-culture references, meta-commentary and indie music cred, this show kept me coming back for more. Seth Cohen made the nerd look cool again.

Standout Episode: The Best Chrismukkah Ever (S1:E13)

This show highlight the best of Adam Brody’s work as Seth Cohen before the over-exposure sunk in. Seth juggling two girls during his holiday mash-up feast is fun, fast and fresh.

20. 24

This show started strong with innovative storytelling and camera work, intense emotion and high-octane action. Unfortunately it got a little to repetitive. You can only here Jack Bauer yell, “Dammit, we’re running out of time” so many times.

Standout Episode: Day 5: 6:00pm – 7:00pm (S5 : E12)

After some predictable seasons, 24 rejuvenated itself with President and Martha Logan. This episode features a CTU takeover that results in the demise of a tragic new character.

PREVIOUS TOP 10 TV LISTS

2009: 1.Lost 2.Breaking Bad 3.Damages 4.The Office 5.Mad Men 6.Dexter 7.Flash Forward 8.Friday Night Lights 9.Chuck 10.The Big Bang Theory

2008: 1.Lost 2.The Office 3.Pushing Daisies 4.Chuck 5.Mad Men 6.30 Rock 7.How I Met Your Mother 8.House 9.Eli Stone 10.Dexter

2007: 1.Lost 2.Pushing Daisies 3.The Office 4.Damages 5.Battlestar Galactica 6.How I Met Your Mother 7.Dexter 8.30 Rock 9.Dirty Sexy Money 10.Chuck

2006: 1.Lost 2.Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip 3.Heroes 4.The Office 5.Scrubs 6.Veronica Mars 7.24 8.How I Met Your Mother 9.Prison Break 10. The Colbert Report

2005: 1.Lost 2.Veronica Mars 3.Entourage 4.Prison Break 5.Scrubs 6.24 7.The Office 8.Arrested Development 9.Alias 10.Law&Oder: SVU

2004: 1.Lost 2.Scrubs 3.Alias 4.Angel 5.Arrested Development 6.Wonderfalls 7.The Apprentice 8.The Amazing Race 9.Everybody Loves Raymond 10. The OC

2003: 1.Alias 2.Angel 3.Scrubs 4.Curb Your Enthusiasm 5.Without a Trace 6.24 7.The OC 8.Survivor: Pearl Islands 9.Buffy the Vampire Slayer 10.Arrested Development

2002: 1.Buffy the Vampire Slayer 2.Angel 3.Alias 4.24 5.Friends 6.Scrubs 7.Without a Trace 8.Andy Richter Controls the Universe 9.The Amazing Race 10. Firefly

2001: 1.Buffy the Vampire Slayer 2.Angel 3.Scrubs 4.24 5.Dawson’s Creek 6.Andy Richter Controls the Universe 7.The Lone Gunmen 8.Ed 9.Boston Public 10.The Simpsons

2000: 1.Buffy the Vampire Slayer 2.Angel 3.Dawson’s Creek 4.Survivor 5.X-Files 6.Whose Line Is It Anyway 7.Friends 8.Spin City 9.The Simpsons 10.Boston Public

OTHER GREAT EPISODES FROM THE DECADE

Here are some other favourite episodes that need to be mentioned. Consider these some honourable mentions:

ER: All In the Family (S6:E14) Carter and Lucy are stabbed. The staff works frantically to save one of their own.

House: House’s Head (S4:E15) House has partial amnesia but tries to decipher who was seriously injured in a bus crash.

CSI: Grave Danger (S5:E24/25) The CSI team have to rescue on of their own who has been kidnapped and buried alive.

Pushing Daisies: Pie-lette (S1:E1) We are introduced to Ned, a pie-maker, who can brings things back to life for one minute.

Heroes: Company Man (S1:E17) We finally learn more about the background of Mr. Bennet, also know as HRG.

Firefly: Our Mrs. Reynolds (S1:E3) Mal is accidentally given a woman in marriage but she has ulterior motives.

Dawson’s Creek: The Longest Day (S3:E20) The day is told from three perspectives when Dawson learns of Joey and Pacey.

X-Files: Hollywood AD (S7:E19) Mulder and Scully are disgusted with how they are portrayed on the big screen.

30 Rock: Jack-Tor (S1:E5) Jack is a terrible actor but has to perform on Friday, while Liz thinks Tracey maybe illiterate.

Damages: Because I Know Patty (S1:E13) We finally learn what all happened between Ellen and Patty in the season finale.

Ed: The Proposal (S4:E9) Ed has to come up with a creative way to propose to Carol when his New York plan falls through.

Big Bang Theory: The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis (S2:E11) Penny gives Sheldon the perfect gift to which Sheldon must respond in kind.

There you go. That was a lot of writing. What are your favourite television shows of the past decade?