Top 20 TV Shows 2000-2009

I love lists. As this decade comes to close, I was going to continue listing my favourite twenty shows from the last ten years. However, I thought I would go back even further and list my favourites from the 90’s, then repost my slightly updated 00’s and conclude with the 10’s. The criteria is that the show needs to have more than two seasons (sustainability is important) and should be plot driven (no Last Week Tonight). So here’s the slightly updated list. Enjoy.

1. LOST (ABC)

Creators: JJ Abrams, Jeffrey Lieber, Damon Lindelof

Seasons: 6 Episodes: 118 Years: 2004-2010 Best Season: 5   

Nothing can beat the intricate nature of this show. You must watch every episode to gather clues and try solve the mysteries that surround the island. This is event television (even if the finale doesn’t answer everything).

Standout Episode: The Constant (S04E05)

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

2. THE WEST WING (NBC)

Creator: Aaron Sorkin

Seasons: 7 Episodes: 155 Years: 1999-2006 Best Season: 2   

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

Standout Episode: In the Shadow of Two Gunmen (S02E01-02)

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

3. ANGEL (WB)

Creators: Joss Whedon, David Greenwalt

Seasons: 5 Episodes: 111 Years: 1999-2004 Best Season: 5   

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

Standout Episode: Waiting in the Wings (S03E13)

Angel Investigations is out of their element, but we also see loads of heartbreak as the female characters fall in love unaware of other suitors.

4. ALIAS (ABC)

Creator: JJ Abrams

Seasons: 5 Episodes: 105 Years: 2001-2006 Best Season: 2   

Sure the last two season stretched the premise a little too far, 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 (S02E13)

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

5. SCRUBS (NBC)

Creator: Bill Lawrence

Seasons: 9 Episodes: 182 Years: 2001-2010 Best Season: 5   

From the first time JD 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. The last season sucks.

Standout Episode: My Screw Up (S03E14)

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

6. THE OFFICE (NBC)

Creators: Greg Daniels, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant

Seasons: 9 Episodes: 188 Years: 2005-2013 Best Season: 2   

I’ll admit that the original British version was more groundbreaking and painfully awkward, but the Scranton branch has made me care about the characters more. It declined when Steve Carell left unfortunately.

Standout Episode: Casino (S02E22)

Michael Scott trying to juggle two women while running a casino night is funny but it all comes down to Jim’s confession to Pam.

7. THE SOPRANOS (HBO)

Creator: David Chase

Seasons: 6 Episodes: 86 Years: 1999-2007 Best Season: 5   

Even though I sometimes feel the pace drags at times, the storytelling is still compelling and the acting is incredible. Talk about powerhouse performances, especially James Gandolfini.

Standout Episode: Pine Barrens (S03E11)

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 (FOX & NETFLIX)

Creator: Mitchell Hurwitz

Seasons: 5 Episodes: 84 Years: 2003-Present Best Season: 3   

Quirky characters, inside jokes, guest stars galore, brilliant callbacks, and wonderful narration by Ron Howard. A fall-down funny sitcom, even with its Netflix reboots.

Standout Episode: S.O.B.s (S03E09)

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

9. HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (CBS)

Creators: Carter Bays, Craig Thomas

Seasons: 9 Episodes: 208 Years: 2005-2014 Best Season: 2   

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 see the never-ending flashback to reveal the mother.

Standout Episode: Slap Bet (S02E09)

Our first introduction to Robin Sparkles and the genesis of the slap bet. Even with their callbacks in future episodes, nothing beats the first time. 

10. DEXTER (SHOWTIME)

Creator: James Manos Jr.

Seasons: 8 Episodes: 96 Years: 2006-2013 Best Season: 4   

You got to hand it to a show that makes you want to root for a serial killer. I kept hoping he didn’t get caught. Michael C Hall sure managed to separate himself from his Six Feet Under character. Wow.

Standout Episode: The Getaway (S04E12)

Even after four seasons, this show can make my mouth drop in utter shock. My jaw was almost on the floor at the conclusion of this tense episode.

11. CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (HBO)

Creator: Larry David

Seasons: 9 Episodes: 90 Years: 2000-Present Best Season: 7   

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

Standout Episode: The Grand Opening (S03E10)

Never before has this much bad language been so funny. The lead up was well crafted enough to make the conclusion priceless. Simply priceless.

12. THE WIRE (HBO)

Creator: David Simon

Seasons: 5 Episodes: 60 Years: 2002-2008 Best Season: 4   

This well written exploration of a city’s politics told through drug dealers, dockworkers, politicians, educators and journalists pulls you in. The dynamic cast keeps you going despite the snail’s pace realistic timing.

Standout Episode: Middle Ground (S03E11)

Watching our two drug kingpins reminisce and turn on each other makes for great television. Throw in the concept of Hamsterdam for added fun.

13. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (NBC & DIRECT TV)

Creator: Peter Berg

Seasons: 5 Episodes: 76 Years: 2006-2011 Best Season: 1   

Never thought I would get into this show. Not only does it 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 (S01E20)

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

14. DAMAGES (FX)

Creators: Glenn Kessler, Todd A. Kessler, Daniel Zelman

Seasons: 5 Episodes: 59 Years: 2007-2012 Best Season: 1   

Season one is impeccable with clever twists & incredible acting from Glenn Close, Ted Danson and Zeljko Ivanek. Subsequent season twists are predictable but darkly fun.

Standout Episode: I Hate These People (S01E11)

It’s sad how the ‘justice’ system works. Ray’s desperation after being blackmailed is a sight to see.

15. MAD MEN (AMC)

Creator: Matthew Weiner

Seasons: 7 Episodes: 92 Years: 2007-2015 Best Season: 4   

This is a show that revels in its preciseness. Everything is picture perfect except the character’s lives. This show takes its time weaving a compelling story that’ll have you empathizing with its characters.

Standout Episode: Shut the Door, Have a Seat (S03E13)

This must be one of the fasted paced episodes in the series history. With a hint of Jerry Maguire maneuvering, it’s a brand new day.

16. VERONICA MARS (UPN, CW, HULU)

Creator: Rob Thomas

Seasons: 4 Episodes: 72 Years: 2004-Present Best Season: 1   

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

Standout Episode: Leave it to Beaver (S01E22)

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

17. HOUSE (FOX)

Creator: David Shore

Seasons: 8 Episodes: 176 Years: 2004-2012 Best Season: 4   

While the format is predictable with the last minute solution from a seemingly normal conversation, the cases and caustic nature of Hugh Laurie’s Dr. House make it all worth it.

Standout Episode: House’s Head (S04E15)

The trippy nature of the episode make this one a treat as House can’t remember who was injured after a bus crash.

18. 30 ROCK (NBC)

Creator: Tina Fey

Seasons: 7 Episodes: 138 Years: 2006-2013 Best Season: 2   

The rapid-fire dialogue and inside jokes make this fast paced sitcom a zany romp. Sometimes the jokes are too inside and fast and the stories get repetitive but I still love Tina Fey and Robert Carlock’s writing.

Standout Episode: Jack-Tor (S01E05)

Liz thinking that Tracey Jordan is illiterate is blissfully funny but Jack’s outtakes trying to show product integration is perfection.

19. THE OC (FOX)

Creator: Josh Schwartz

Seasons: 4 Episodes: 92 Years: 2003-2007 Best Season: 1   

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.

Standout Episode: The Best Chrismukkah Ever (S01E13)

This highlights the best of Adam Brody’s Seth Cohen (before the over-exposure sunk in) with Seth juggling two girls during his holiday mash-up.

20. 24 (FOX)

Creators: Robert Cochran, Joel Surnow

Seasons: 8 Episodes: 195 Years: 2001-2010 Best Season: 5   

Started strong with innovative storytelling and camera work, intense emotion and high-octane action. It got a little to repetitive though. You can only here Jack yell, “Dammit, we’re running out of time” so much.

Standout Episode: Day 5: 6:00pm-7:00pm (S05E12)

24 rejuvenated itself with President and Martha Logan. This episode features a CTU takeover that results in loss of life.