| By Maureen Ryan, Chicago Tribune,
on 19-12-2006
|
Favoured : 119 |
Whittling down my TV favorites to a mere 10 shows isn't easy, and the networks -- both broadcast and cable -- aren't making things any easier. Not that I'm not complaining.
As I peruse the shows that made the cut, one idea jumped out at me: A whole lot of these programs never would have been commissioned even a few years ago.
The top 10 shows of 2006 are (in alphabetical order):
"Battlestar Galactica," Sci Fi: "Battlestar Galactica" is interested in exploring how a society on the edge decides to govern itself. (Sounds exciting, eh? Trust me, it is.) Thanks to a stellar cast and brave writing, "Battlestar" soars.
"The Daily Show With Jon Stewart"/"The Colbert Report," Comedy Central: Stephen Colbert, in case you hadn't noticed, is giving one of the most entertaining performances on television, in his "Colbert Report" persona as a conservative cable blowhard.
"Deadwood," HBO: This show's acting ensemble is truly an embarrassment of riches: Ian McShane, William Sanderson, Molly Parker, Gerald McRaney, Timothy Olyphant, Paula Malcolmson -- the performers in this Western are as good as it gets.
"Friday Night Lights," NBC: The games at Dillon High are thrilling but mostly because they provide arenas for the hopes, fears, loves and rivalries of the richly drawn characters in this small Texas town.
"House," Fox: They haven't done it yet -- can you believe it? Three seasons in, and the "House" writers haven't softened the cranky doctor in the slightest.
"The Office," NBC: Laugh-out-loud comedy is hard to come by, but laughs anchored within a minutely realized character study -- that doesn't exist, except at Scranton's Dunder Mifflin paper company.
"Project Runway," Bravo: The casting gods were smiling on this red-hot fashion-design show this year. There were many memorable characters, but, as it should be, the freaks never outshone the frocks.
"The Shield," FX: Season 5 of "The Shield" will go down in history as one of the best seasons of television ever. Riveting doesn't begin to describe the performances by Forest Whitaker, Michael Chiklis, Walton Goggins and Kenneth Johnson.
"Ugly Betty," ABC: Newcomer "Betty" is equal parts camp, comedy, melodrama and family saga. The skilled cast brings off this unique mixture with flair to spare.
"The Wire," HBO: One strand of the most recent season of the HBO drama explores how the education system lets down inner-city kids. You might think that's a formula for earnest, boring TV -- until you meet Dukie, Namond, Michael and Randy.
Source Link: http://www.pe.com/entertainment/television/stories/PE_Fea_Daily_D_tv.top10shows1219.255cc35.html
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Last update : 19-12-2006
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