I’m going to try to ease my way back into blogging so today we have our first Top (insert random number here) List! We’ll continue with the Tour de Amit with a look at my favorite tv shows of all time.
This quickly became quite a lengthy process and my initial list consisted of more than twenty shows. Here are some that didn’t make it:
Shows that didn’t make it because I only watch them with Paige:
American Idol (Simon Cowell is a god), Grey’s Anatomy (the cast in this show would probably be in the top two of my favorite tv show casts list), American Idol Results Show (not nearly enough Simon anyway), and House (Dr. House kicks butt).
Shows that didn’t make it because they take themselves too seriously too often:
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (the last episode rocked), Family Matters, Home Improvement (Wilson is the best), Boy Meets World, and Step by Step.
Shows that didn’t make it because every episode was either perfect or just flat out horrible:
Family Guy
Shows that didn’t make it just because:
Futurama, Beverly Hills 90210, Murphy Brown and The Brady Bunch.
So finally, here it is:
Amit’s Top 10 Favorite TV Shows of All Time
10. Saved by the Bell: Zach Morris and Samuel “Screech” Powers, what more do I have to say? In all honesty this show could have easily gone with the “taking itself too seriously” or “didn’t make it just because” groups, but I had to start somewhere right?
9. The Simpsons: I’m failry positive that there is a federal law that prohibits top tv show lists that don’t have The Simpsons on them, so I’m covering myself now. Springfield just has too many great characters with too many interesting stories to just simply ignore. I’m sure most people are surprised that Family Guy and Futurama didn’t make the cut, but animated shows have way less acceptable excuses for not being perfect. The Simpsons come close enough.
8. Angel: A spin-off done right. When Angel left Sunnydale I was skeptical, but there is something about a paranormal detective agency working in Los Angeles that just works. Throughout the entire series the casting was brilliant but the stories were even better. I’ve always liked epic stories and the vampire with a soul certainly had an interesting one to tell.
7. Just Shoot Me: Now we’re getting to the good stuff. I love comedies and I can turn this show on anytime just to laugh. At times it could be accused of being too serious, but I’ve only had to turn it off once or twice for such a thing.
6. NewsRadio: Another comedic gold mine with a great cast. One of the two shows in the top 10 that my mom also likes. Who would have thought working at a news radio station could be so exciting?
5. Two and a Half Men: A gem that I just recently started watching. I suppose I might come upon some serious moments eventually but if they’re there I haven’t found them yet. First show on the list that gets extra credit for long running, subtle jokes.
4. That 70’s Show: This show is probably the biggest offender of the whole “taking itself too seriously thing” that I hate so much, but it does so many thing right that I can overlook that. In terms of making me laugh this is second only to the number 1 show. Hyde, Kelso, and Fez make this show one of the best but even they can only come a close second to Kitty Foreman.
3. Pardon the Interruption: The only non-sitcom/Angel show on the list. PTI typically features Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon bickering about the latest news in sports and “other stuff.” If teaching ever didn’t work out I would kill for a job like this. The only thing is I’m not sure who my other half would be. Kavita would be the obvious choice but I really don’t think she is mean spirited and loud enough for the role. She would be great as the producer who keeps everything on track and adds random bits of useful information. I also think Paige and I could do a cool spin-off called Pardon the Teaching. When we talk about sports one of us is usually explaining something to the other.
2. The Cosby Show: The other show my mom likes as well. It has always been my dream to have a big family where the house is always full and everyone sits down at the table for dinner together. This show is just simply amazing.
1. Arrested Development: As if there was any contest. The funniest show ever, period. If you like comedy, or good acting or just watching tv in general you need to try this out. If you like watching great comedic acting on the tv then you definetely have to see this show. Unfortunately it only lasted for three seasons (all available on dvd and often for cheap) but I blame America for that one. The large majority of people out there are either too stupid, don’t have attention spans long enough, or are otherwise lacking the required sense of humor needed to truly enjoy this show. Fortunately no one that reads my blog falls into any of those three categories. Everyone should watch the pilot right now. This is a show that takes care of its fans. If you watch all the episodes in order not only will you laugh constantly, but other random viewers will only understand half of what your laughing at (I always like to feel superior). I’m sure one day I will have to have a series of posts dedicated to only this show, but until then, start watching!
Shows I think I would love if I watched them:
Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Come on, how could I not?
Heroes: I really wish I had started watching this when it first started.
The Office: I’ve seen bits and pieces of a few episodes. It does take itself too seriously at times but seems decent overall.
Well that’s it for this week. Next post: the return of our favorite guest blogger!
Posted by Amit 