Top 100 Television Shows Since 2000: Finale

5. Friends (1994-2004) - Once again, this is a case of: it would be higher on a 90's list. In fact it might be my number one or near it (along with The Simpsons and Seinfeld) on a 90's list. But even as a new decade dawned, Friends was still one of the best sitcoms on television (in my opinion the best period), and while its

last two season lacked its previous luster, its 6th, 7th, and 8th seasons were some of its best yet. Good enough to put it in the top five. For its decade run, Friends was never the critics favorite. And despite the season 8 Best Comedy Series win, it was never really an Emmy favorite either. Only two of the cast members ever won (Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Aniston), and for some ungodly reason, Courtney Cox was never even nominated, a true travesty to say the least. But in the end none of that mattered. We see year after year excellent television series ignored by Television Academy voters. Friends never needed any of that, as nice as it would have been. It had a legion of fans, literally millions of them around the world, that adored their favorite characters, and tuned in every week to knock the Nielson ratings off the charts. There have been plenty of successful shows over the years, who had plenty of long runs. But none of them had the power of Friends. But what really made Friends so successful, such a phenomenon, was the heart. These six actors inhabited our wacky and beloved characters with ease. No matter what situation they were in, we were rooting for them to suceed, to be happy, and to always stay together. We all wanted our groups of friends to be as close as Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Monica, Phoebe, and Joey. Friends was a success because we cared, and because their wacky, loving, and always funny shenanigans for a decade not only tickled our funny bone, but warmed our hearts as well. As of next year, it will have been a decade since Friends left us, and I think I can honestly say that the hole left in the heart of America will never quite be filled.

4. Breaking Bad (2008-2013) - When Breaking Bad first started, it was a good show, tackling a controversial subject, while also painting a portrait of the lengths some people must go to to survive. The story of a high school teacher who turns to cooking and selling meth after being diagnosed with cancer was meaty enough to begin with. But I don't think anyone knew what to expect, and no one could have guessed what was going to come. It didn't take long for Breaking Bad to literally explode into one of the best dramas to ever hit the small screen. The storylines became bolder and bolder, the twists more unexpected, and the characters became more engrained, deeper, and more explosive in each new season, that it took a couple of weeks after the final frame went black for all of our blood pressures to finally normalize. Vince Gilligan and his team of talented writers and directors impeccably created one of the most vivid, and dark views of suburban America, and never shied away from the horrors of the drug buisness, or the horrors of those facing crisis. At times it could be bleak, but it was always heart-stopping, brilliantly constructed, and utterly engrossing even in its darkest of times, and particularly in its moments of dark humor. Of course, it takes not just a talented cast, but a balls-out, willing for anything, group of actors to truly pull of the magnificence and darkness of Gilligan's vision. In particular, three stood out among a list of talented characters actors. First was the fantastic Anna Gunn, who finally got well-deserved recognition this year in the form of an Emmy. As the wife of our anti-hero Walter White, Gunn's Skylar brought her own brand of ferocity to the screen, while also maintaining a strong level of humanity. Her struggle as her husband descends into the drug world, and faces his illness was as compelling as the Walter's central struggle. At Walter's side was Aaron Paul's Jesse, who himself won several deserved Emmys. His intensity made him a star in his own right. But I think we can all admit that the real reason to tune in week in and week out, was because of Bryan Cranston's Emmy-winning portrayal, one of the greatest anti-heroes in television history, Walter White. His evolution from hardworking, cynical high school teacher, to full on breaking bad meth dealer was one of the most harrowing, entertaining, and fascinating portrayals on modern television, that will probably never be replaced.  

3. The Wire (2002-2008) - All of the great cop shows in television history were building towards one climatic point. And that point was HBO's The Wire. Considered by many to be the best show of the 2000's, and one of the greatest of all time The Wire never received much attention from Television Academy voters, and top-notch ratings always eluded it. But those of us who were brave enough, bold enough, and yes, cool enough to tune in, were treated to something spectacular, something never before seen on television. Yes, we all know about the police heroes who keep our streets safe. We even know the grittier versions that show the duplicity of most men in uniform, and the reality of a cop's life and career in shows like L.A. Law, Hill Street Blues, and The Shield. But never have we quite seen the struggle play out between cops, and yes between the drug dealers and criminals. Given equal time, and tons of fiesty interplay, the drama that sparked was sent through the wire. It was daring to give time to drug dealers, to run parellel stories that

evenutually crash into each other, causing explosions of drama, violence, and realism. But everything here is so well crafted, so intricately drawn, every character so precisely and authentically created, that you forget sometimes who is the hero and who is the villain, and most importantly, you forget that you are watching television, and instead feel like you are actually transported to the gritty streets of urban Baltimore. So many shows pretend to be realistic, so many pretend to be gritty, but in the end, what they are really missing is a huge dose of authenticity. And that is what makes The Wire so special, that is what makes it stand apart from the rest: the realism. It dares to be profane, yet have a sense of literary complexity all at the same time. It dares to showcase the violence and the sex, and the drug use, as if it is an every day part of life, and it dares to go into a level of darkness that so few television shows utilize. The question for the non-believers, has always been: Why? Why is this show different from every other crime procedural on television in the last half-century? The answer is hard to put into the words. The best advice I can give you is to get your hands on a copy of the first season, pop it into your DVD player, and let the show soak into you, wash over you like a wave. Then maybe you will completely understand, then maybe you will get it. Until then, you'll just have to take my word for it.  

2. The Sopranos (1999-2007) - When I did my Best of the Emmy Awards, I had a tie in my Best Drama Series final. I chickened out. I could not find the strength within me to make the hard decision. Well, the time has finally come, and I'm pretty sure this decision will shock some, infuriate and baffle others, and I still would not change it. In my opinion, the two greatest television dramas of all time, came in the exact same year. One of those shows, and the one probably most recognized as the best since 2000 is HBO's stunning mob drama, The Sopranos. Watching The Sopranos every week was like watching one of Coppola's or Scorsese's best. But instead of having to wait for years for a new installment, you only had to wait a week. It was crime drama at its best. On the surface, it had all of the blood, the crime, the shady dealings, and the manerisms and culture of the mob, and of Italian-Americans at the turn of the century. It has every great plotline, character, and style of the great mob movies in American history. But make no mistake, there was

nothing cliche, nothing stale about The Sopranos. If anything, it was The Sopranos that added depth, emotion, and greatness to an already fantastic genre, and pushed the boundaries of the genre by making it a weekly television series instead of a film or a film series. It dared to show the underlying fears and passions of men that commit crimes for a living. At its center was a truly American story of family, faith, and the importance of love, even in a world of extreme violence and pain. Of course it was an impeccably written and directed drama with deep and colorful characters, and a style of its own. But at its hard and center were its fantastic characters, beautifully drawn by a cast of magnificent artists. The supporting cast held their own against two great personalities, standouts being Drea de Mateo, Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli, Jamie Lynn-Sigler, and Aida Turtorro. But the real passion, the real conflict, and the real reason to watch The Sopranos was the relationship and the trials of Tony and Carmela Soprano. James Gandolifini and Edie Falco gave two of the best performances ever seen on television, and their growth as characters, their chemistry that built this powerful relationship between these characters was truly one of a kind. As was this remarkable television achievement.  

1. The West Wing - So what made the difference? What put The West Wing over the top? I graduated with a degree in political science and American history, and maybe I am a little biased. But there has never been anything on television, nor will there ever be, as unique and wonderful as NBC's The West Wing. As our nation becomes even more divided by the lines in the sand including: race, religion, sex, sexuality, and of course political persuasion, perhaps we need to revisit the White House of President Jed Bartlett. It fulfilled every political fantasy, every political desire, every liberal's dream, that has ever played out in my head. It was a pitch-perfect drama about the intricacies, the relationships, and the struggle that the President and its staff must endure on a regular basis. It brought in big guns, former White House employees, White House journalists, and other important political figures to ensure a sense of authenticity. And it turns out, that the

only real difference is that the staff members neither walked, nor talked as fast as the actors. But other than that, we might as well have been watching a documentary on the interworkings and the day to day world of White House staffers. It was an incredible achievement, and my favorite show of all time. Aaron Sorkin deserves most of the credit, because even when he left the show, his mark was long felt on the style, direction, and storylines of The West Wing. His idea of the perfect liberal president, was not a perfect man who did no wrong. Not a man who never saw fault in his ideas. But instead, Sorkin created an incredibly deep President, who made tons of mistakes, who sometimes compromised his goals to achieve political success, but never lost hope in the democratic process, in his ideals, and in the abilities of his smart, funny, and hardworking staff. Led by Martin Sheen's monumental creation, Jed Bartlett, the cast, and the beloved characters that they created will forever go down in television infamy. The late John Spencers noble Leo, Stockard Channing's loving and determined Abby, Bradley Whitford's brilliant and passionate Josh, Richard Schiff's cynical, yet loveable Toby, Rob Lowe's ambitious and enthusiastic Sam, Janelle Maloney's gullible, yet caring Donna, and Dule Hill's wide-eyed and loyal Charlie, were all Sorkin's creations that were brought to life by some fine actors. At the top of the heap, along with Sheen, is Allison Janey, and her creation of C.J. Cregg, probably the finest female character (along with Falco's) in television history, definitely the best since 2000. The West Wing won four Best Drama Series Emmys in a row, and it could have won seven, and you would hear no complaints on this end. There is a reason that Emmy voters were so enraptured by The West Wing. It was beautifully drawn, impeccably written in its fast-paced, constantly moving way by Aaron Sorkin, and perfectly acted by a wonderful cast, and it remains one of the best. There is also a good reason why Americans of all persuasions loved this show as well. At its core, it was a visual experience that showcased the power of American democracy, the ability of leaders to find solutions to challenges, and the ultimate truth that those that dedicate their lives to public servie, truly do so because they firmly believe that what they are doing is bettering people's lives. As a local government employee, it was nice to see the recognition. In this blogger's humble opinion The West Wing is quite simply: the best. 

Top 100 Television Shows Since 2000: Part X

10. Parks and Recreation (2009-2013) - Underrated is a word that is unfortunately used way too often (including this particular blogger who fully admits his guilt). But this show, as well as the next one, should have their pictures next to underrated in the dictionary. Parks & Recreation definitely has enough of a cult following to have survived so many seasons, but it has never found a mass audience, and despite a few nominations each year, it has never really amassed Emmy recognition. But for now six seasons, Parks & Recreation has been one of my favorite, oh hell who am I kidding it won two Awards Psychic Television Awards in a row, my favorite television comedy. Taking on the now popular mockumentary-style, Parks & Recreation is a quirky, loveable, and laugh-out-loud funny series led by stellar writing and an outstanding cast whose
chemistry has become so infectious over the years. Of course many of the great comedies from the last decade or so had all of those components, so what makes Parks & Rec. different? First of all, the main characters are original, fun, and play off of each other so well, from Aubrey Plaza's sullen and scary April, to Chris Pratt's ridiculous Andy, Rashida Jones' supporting Ann, Aziz Ansari's swagger-obssessed Tom, to my personal favorite Nick Offerman's government-hating, yet department-leading Ron Swanson. But for me, there are two major things that make Parks & Recreation so much better than most of the television comedies on the air today. First, the writing is absolutely exceptional. For all of its zany moments, there are so many sly and subtle cutaways, plenty of tender, heartfelt moments, and it never has to reach too far for the obvious comedy. Most importantly, the storylines have grown, as have our characters, over the seasons, creating wonderful character development, and people to root for, as their lives change and grow. But the real star here is Amy Poehler. We all knew she was a talent from her SNL days, but her over-the-top, government-loving, Joe-Biden-obsessed Leslie Knope is her finest creation yet. We root for her to win, we understand her strengths and her flaws, and we all at some point identify with her. Whatever happens to Parks & Rec (it seems to always be on the chopping block at NBC), we should all be grateful we had a few years in Pawnee with our beloved friends.

9. Friday Night Lights (2006-2011) - It took several seasons, an NBC cancellation, and an eventual end for many of us, including fans and Emmy voters, to finally realize just how great Friday Night Lights really was. Once again, underrated seems like the appropriate term. Friday Night Lights is the continued story of a high school football team in a small town in Texas, where Friday nights are as
important as Sunday mornings. Take it from someone who grew up in the South, the town shuts down, and the people come out of the wood work to go watch some Friday night football. But Friday Night Lights is not another rehash of every football movie made in the last fifty years. In fact, by the end of the pilot, you realize that the football takes a back seat to the characters, their families, their relationships, and their lives. Led by the incredible duo of Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler, both of whom create warm, flawed, and wonderfully deep characters, Friday Night Lights is populated by a talented actors, young and old, that all work incredibly hard to find deeper meaning in their characters. So what sets Friday Night Lights apart from the rest of the great dramas of the last thirteen years? What makes it something special? Well first, it is one of the most authentic, realistic, and human television shows to ever hit a broadcast network. After a while, you forget that you are watching professional actors. You really feel as if you are their feeling their pain and their triumphs, and if you are there in Texas living your life right alongside theirs. It is an extraordinary accomplishment, and it does so by simply trying to be ordinary. But in the end, what makes this particular show so great is hard to put into words. There is just something magical, something sincere about Friday Night Lights, the whole package put together just lights up the screen, tugs at you. It leaves your eyes clear and your heart full.

8. Gilmore Girls (2000-2007) - When I was a teenager, and Gilmore Girls was on television, I avoided it like the plague. What would a male like me get out of a show about a mother and a daughter? Well, about two years ago, I finally decided to bite the bullet, pop in my sister's DVDs and see what all the fuss was about. A show that is claimed to be one of the best in a decade of excellent television shows, had to be given the time of day. Boy, am I glad that I did. Yes, the central story is about an unusual mother and daughter team, Lorelai and Rory, who are more like sisters, and who have built themselves a wonderfully unique and quirky life in the small, cozy town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. And while I am sure that mothers and daughters get more out of it than other viewers, you don't have to be either, or a girl for that matter, to appreciate the wonderfully funny and
emotional television phenomenon that was Gilmore Girls. Amy Sherman-Palladino's quirky sensibility, incredible casting, and lightning-fast, pop-culture-soaked, dialogue adds plenty of laughs to make Gilmore Girls a wonderfully funny comedy. However, at just the right moments, she adds dashes of emotion, of real life, real struggles with family, work, and school to round it out, and make it hit you in a way that most comedies can never effectively do. It doesn't hurt when you have the likes of Edward Herrmann, Alexis Bledel, Liza Weil, Liz Torres, Sally Struthers, Scott Gordon-Patterson, and countless other character actors that populated the screen, and created memorable and wonderfully quirky characters. But in the end, three stars truly emerged. The first is Melissa McCarthy, as the funny, caring, and kooky Sookie, she became all of our best friends, not just Lorelai's, and launched herself into a stunning new career that has now netted an Oscar nomination and an Emmy. The second is the great Kelly Bishop, who created one of the best characters on television in a while with her uptight, overbearing, and subtlely loving Emily. And finally, no one can forget Lauren Graham, whose Lorelei is one of the best written females in a television comedy in years, and her back and forth with Kelly Bishop were some of the best moments of the show. Rory and Lorelei were the show's center, but Lorelei and Emily's struggle was probably the most intriguing thanks in large part to the talent of its stars. Overall, there was no show quite like Gilmore Girls on the air. It was a true original that has yet to be replaced.

7. Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009) - When they decided to remake the 70's classic Battlestar Galactica, I think most science fiction fans were exasperated and probably skeptical at another remake. More importantly, I am sure they feared that it would never live up to their inflated expectations, as most sequels fail to do. But they did not just reboot the storyline, they made key changes to characters, added in a huge dose of more modern computer technology, and most importantly, found something beneath the surface of the original to create one of the most effective dramas on television, and most likely the most engaging and best science fiction series in television history. Battlestar Galactica is first and foremost an engaging and entertaining science fiction adventure, chocked full of incredible battle sequences that feature cinema qualiy special effects,
makeup, and cinematography. But beneath its obvious exterior, is one of the most complex dramas on modern television. Every character is so well-drawn, deep with emotional complexity, and full of modern human duality. No character is perfectly good, and no character is always evil. Each character goes through a range of difficult decisions, each character understand that sometimes they must cross those blurred lines of good and evil to accomplish what must be done. It doesn't hurt when you have a group of talented actors, way above the norm that is required in most sci-fi adventures, led by Edward James Olmos, and the criminally under-rewarded Mary McDonnell, who proves to be the show's emotional center. In the end what makes Battlestar Galactica so real, and so effective despite its unbelievable premise, is that it is ultimately the story of human survival, how tough times and faced exctinction can challenge our moral sensibilities, and our strength of self and character. These deep and complex issues are handled with grace, without bogging down the storyline. Battlestar Galactica has all of the pop and flash, but also all of the substance. That is a credit to the incredible group of writers, who did eventually earn some Emmy recognition, as well as their directing counterparts who beautifully put their vision onto the screen. There has never been anything quite like Battlestar Galactica on television, and I don't know if anything in the near future will be able to top it.

6. Angels in America (2003) - Angels in America was a work of art that seemed to only be fit for the drama of the stage. Tony Kushner's epic, two-part, Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece was eventually going to be adapted for one of the screens, and that thought made many critics, and fans nervous. But combine Kushner's own writing hand to adapted his own work, in his own vision, with the always magnificent directing skills of Oscar, Tony, and Emmy award winner Mike Nichols, and something special was brewing. And then we saw the cast. Legends like Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, and Emma Thompson, alongside incredible television and character actors like Mary-Louise Parker, Jeffrey Wright, Justin Kirk, and James Cromwell. The stage was set, and now all they had to do was make it work. Not only did they make it work, they made it extraordinary. Definitely the best that short-form television has offered since 2000, and alongside Roots, the best miniseries to ever grace the small screen. It was an epic, emotionally powerful, and brilliant adapted series, that perfectly captured the message, the struggle, and the theatrical quality of Kushner's original work. The obvious talents of Nichols and Kushner are on display, but I think both of them pushed the boundaries of their visions
on this one, because there is something so powerful, so perfect, that clearly the level of vision and hard work on the part of these two men was beyond any norm. And of course, none of it would have been possible without the cast. Of course giants like Streep, Thompson, and Pacino all nailed their roles with gusto, but the lesser known of the cast all held their own. Particularly Kirk and Parker, who both proved their talents. But for me, the one most effective was Jeffrey Wright. In his brilliant performance, he captured the heart and soul of Angels in America. His struggle, and the struggle of all on the screen, was not just fantastic, but it was also essential. This is a story that every human being on this planet needs to see. We need to see how disease, particularly this devastating one, impacts our friends, our family, and our world. We need to see how people are treated differently because of their illness, their sexuality, or their mistakes. This is a story that generations from now will still view as the heart-breaking, important, and timeless classic that it is.

Top 100 Television Shows Since 2000: Part IX

20. Family Guy (1999-2013) - It takes a lot for a show to come back after being cancelled. A huge, passionate fanbase must petition to save the show, and the network has to be willing to give something they had deemed a failure a second chance. It is a huge undertaking. So when Family Guy was revived long after it was cancelled, due to DVD sales and reruns on Cartoon Network, you know you are not dealing with an ordinary television show. Since its inception, ordinary has never been a word to describe Family Guy. Its premise of a loving, and sometimes ridiculous and stupid dad, who
lives his life with his wacky family, is not some fresh and inventive premise for a television show, just look at most of the sitcoms of the 1980's and 90's. But Family Guy completely blew convention out of the water from its first frame. It is a completely hilarious satire on politics and pop culture, taking no prisoners with it on its path to destroy everything. Of course I mean that in a good way, as Family Guy's skewering of popular figures and events is what makes it so incredibly offensive, and incredibly brilliant. It is one thing for a show to be balls-out offensive on cable, but Family Guy has the guts to do it week in and week out on a major broadcasting networks, always keeping the FCC, the political Right, and its fans on their toes, because you literally have no idea what is coming next. But what separates Family Guy from any of the other animated programs that have similar premises and approaches? First, its characters are some of the most original, quirky, and outrageous on television, with no show quite matching their notoriety. Second, it is one of the originals. All of the spinoffs, and new creations that have come in the last thirteen years can trace their roots back to the Family Guy. And most importantly, despite all of its ridiculousness, there is, at its center, a lot of heart. That statement may surprise a lot of people, but whether you like it or not, it is true. Family Guy may skewer pop culture, but it is in fact a pop culture phemonenon, that will be remembered as one of the best of this generation.

19. Game of Thrones (2011-2013) - George R.R. Martin's science fiction epics were some of the most involved, in-depth, and character driven novels I had ever read. They are expertly put together, slowly building over their incredible length to inexplicably dramatic final pages. But, to be
completely honest, I was worried about their visual adaptation. There are so many characters, so many tiny details to keep up with, and we all know that adaptations tend to mess with their source material. Luckily for me, and for the cult followers of his novels, the television adaptation of Game of Thrones has not only met the high expectations, but has far exceed anything I could have possibly imagined. Epic in scope, precise in its details, perfectly matching the descriptions and characterizations of its source material (it doesn't hurt that Martin himself wrote some of the screenplays), Game of Thrones is a sprawling fantasy television masterpiece that has surpassed almost all of its predecessors in the genre. Its characters are fully developed, and impeccably acted by a talented cast, many of whom are getting their big break protraying these characters. Martin and the team of talented writers and directors, have perfectly captured the darkness and essence of the brilliant novels, and have created an breathtaking adventure that has the production value of Hollywood's best films, while also being ten times better than most of the dreck that major film studios produce each year. Game of Thrones is not just a great show, but I think it is an important show. It is a sci-fi geek's paradise, but it also has a literary, almost Shakespearean flavor to it, as well as incredible production value that allows it to stretch out beyond its cult following and reach a broader audience. It shows a cult-classic sci-fi/fantasy premise, can lead to a high quality, critically acclaimed, and record-breaking, Emmy-winning show, and one of the best to hit the air in recent memory.

18. The Shield (2002-2008) - Some of the biggest shows on television are cop dramas, or versions of cop dramas. They attract large numbers of fans, and tend to last for years. Over the last thirteen years or so, the best cop drama to hit the airwave was FX's The Shield. Like most cop procedurals, there are twisty cases, and sometimes they get them right, sometimes they don't. So what sets The Shield apart from the rest of the similar shows to his the airwaves since 2000? The Shield was by far the
grittiest, the most balls-out, the best written, and the best acted of anything else in its genre. Led by Emmy winner Michael Chiklis, in the role he was born to play, the cast of talented actors including the likes of CCH Pounder, Walton Goggins, Michael Jace, Catherine Dent, and plenty of others fully inhabit their roles as cops, finding the deep conviction it takes to dedicate your life, and the moral issues that present themselves, as many of the characters fell into the pits of their jobs that sometimes led them to bend, and many times, break the rules and the codes they swear to. But great actors can only do so much. If they are backed by a really bad script or sloppy direction, a lot of the times they simply can't save it. Luckily, the tense, taut, and absolutely bad-ass storylines always remained thrilling and original, and the gritty direction style perfectly captured the moral dilemmas, and the rough nature of the streets of Los Angeles. I also appreciated The Shield, because it never shied away from the rough moments, it embraced the realistic violence with gusto, and works incredibly hard to deliver full episodes, chocked with content, details, characterizations. Most importantly, The Shield is the kind of show that is simply unforgettable. It stays with you long after you have watched it. The cases, the characters, the shocking violence, all light up the screen and take you into this world like so few shows can accomplish. It is a shame that it never attracted the audience that it deserved, but it is definitely worth a second look.

17. The Colbert Report (2005-2013) - Starting out on The Daily Show, in 2005, Stephen Colbert broke off and took on his own project. Spin-offs are rarely successful or as good as their predecessors, but every once in a while, something comes along that proves the norm wrong. In this
decade, the best example of this is The Colbert Report. Like The Daily Show, The Colbert Report is basically a glorified news program. However, neither are anything like say Fox News, CNN, or the nightly news programs. Instead, they take real facts, real events that are occuring across the world, and turn them into incredibly hilarious variety programs, jabbing political leaders, entertainment icons, with satrical and biting humor, especially if they are conservative, which I particularly enjoy. So what makes The Colbert Report different from its predecessor? Or are they just interchangeable? No they are not, they may have a lot of similarities, but they both have distinctive flavors that make both of them worth watching. In the case of The Colbert Report, the biggest difference is Stephen Colbert himself. Off-screen, Colbert is a poltically active liberal, with a loving family, and roots from South Carolina. But when the cameras turn on, he blazes onto the screen as his ridiculous alter-ego. He suddenly transforms into a hardcore, stalwart conservative, blistering Obama, Pelosi, and the Democratic Party as a whole. Of course, some people might actually think he really is that way. I had a roommate in college, who purposely chose to believe that he really believed those things he said. Yeah, he really did. But of course, what Colbert has done, is take sarcasm, parody, and insult to an entirely new level, in a way that brilliantly, and hilariously makes fun of his political rivals. It is clever, fun, brilliant, and also incredibly well-written, and incredibly intelligent. It is that last point, intelligence, is what separated The Colbert Report above so many other programs, and what makes the comedy so effective.

16. Arrested Development (2003-2006; 2013) - After seven years off the air, Arrested Development did the impossible. It came back! Pairing up with the new techonolgy and medium of Netflix, Arrested Development provided us another chapter in the saga of the Bluth family. The new season got off to a rocky start, but by the end, it reminded us of the old days, once again perfectly capturing the wackiness, the darkness, and the hilarity of one of the best sitcom families of all time. In the mid-2000's we started to see this great change from traditional laugh-track sitcoms, to more mockumentary, more modern style comedies. Two major shows helped usher in that change in full force, leading to the likes of shows like 30 Rock, Parks & Recreation, and Modern Family. The
first was of course The Office. It was the ratings boon, and recently wrapped up its long and successful run on NBC. But the other show was Arrested Development. Sure, its ratings were never great, forcing Fox to cancel it in its prime, but even in those few brief original seasons, and in the newest one on Netflix, we couldn't help but realize that we were watching something really special. Arrested Development was in 2003, the freshest, most lively, and most original sitcom to hit the air in a long time. As some of the great 90's sitcoms were starting to fade like Friends, Frasier, Will & Grace, and Everybody Loves Raymond, Arrested Development broke new ground on what was to come in the future of television comedy. Its cast including standouts like Jeffrey Tambor, Jessica Walter, Jason Bateman, Porta de Rossi, David Cross, and my personal favorite, Emmy-winner Tony Hale (I love saying that now) each inhabited their characters with gusto, most of which were both simultaneously beloved, and hated, showcasing deep and fleshed out characters that are simply uncommon, especially in a lot of television comedy shows. The writing was just jaw-dropping good, and it never seem to fall flat. I can't wait to see if the gang will get back together, even if it takes another seven years.

15. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (1996-2013) - Okay, so it was definitely a close race, but in the end, I had to go with the original, the one that stared it all, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart beating out The Colbert Report by two spots on the list. Honestly, they probably could have been tied, as their shows are so tied to one another in terms of actual people, style, political leanings, and most importantly, humor. But Jon Stewart, unlike Stephen Colbert, did not create some crazy
character. No, for the last seventeen years (has it really been that long?), Jon Stewart has gone out every night and simply been Jon Stewart, and it, like Colbert' creation, simply works. He became a pioneer in the entertainment buisness. His show was part news, part commentary, and 100% satire. He was unashamed of his liberal roots, and attracted a large group of teenagers, college students, and 20/30 somethings, who usually stayed away from politics, to the political fold in numbers that were unprecedented. A recent study showed that a large, and growing, percentage of Americans, particularly my generation of younger Americans, were getting their actual news from funny variety shows like Colbert and The Daily Show. This number alarmed many serious-minded journalists, who fear declining viewers and readers, and older Americans who felt that they were missing something in the process. If you use these two shows as your only news source, that may be a bit of a stretch. But I think that those numbers show that while The Daily Show is essentially a variety program, with lots of deserved laughs, it is also an intelligent, well-written, and biting commentary program that does tackle today's major issues, in a way that is accessible to a group of individuals who used to simply not care. Apparently, it was also extremely accessible to Emmy voters, as it has won a total of 19 Primetime Emmy Awards, including a streak of ten Best Variety Series trophies in a row. Yes, it was a bit excessive, even for this high quality program, but it proved the reaching power of Stewart and his team, and the incredible impact that have made, and continue to make, on politics, on pop culture, and television.

14. Parenthood (2010-2013) - A lot of people will be surprised to see Parenthood so far up the list. Of course, if you have been following me on The Award Psychic it is probably not as surprising. I have made no qualms about the fact that I absolutely love Parenthood, and think that it is one of the best shows on television, and one of the most underrated and underappreciated. I think it will be one of those shows that gains popularity and notoriety unfortunately after it is gone from the air. So, I am fully admitting that this is a purely personal choice, but I hope that maybe it will spur others who have wanted to watch, but havent, to catch up and finally see why I love this show. So many family
comedies and dramas reach for laughs or for dramatic impact so far that they lose their sense of authenticity. Have you ever watched a show that is supposed to be about everyday families and think: this has never happened to me or my family, and it never will? That is what sets Parenthood apart. It never reaches to far for its natural humor, or for its heart-breaking dramatic moments. It simply tries to display real life. It is incredibly authentic, which is why it is sometimes hard to watch. Because you really can see yourself or your family going through the same upheavels, the same tragedies, and sometimes the same triumphs. It has a huge dose of humanity that is simply missing from television nowadays, making in a welcomed break from the norm and an anomaly in the modern television era. A lot of credit goes to the outstanding cast who have created incredibly well-designed and human characters. The outstanding Lauren Graham, Peter Krause, Monica Potter, Bonnie Bedalia, Meg Whitman, Craig T. Nelson, Erika Christensen, Sam Jaeger, Joy Bryant, and some excellent guest turns from the likes of Jason Ritter and Ray Romano, manage to make their characters believable despite having to split the screentime so much. Each year we wonder whether Parenthood will make it to another season. This year getting a full 22 season was amazing, despite moderate ratings. But I hope that all of you start to tune in on Thursdays and make it a ratings hit. It is one of the few shows currently on primetime television that really deserves it.

13. The Good Wife (2009-2013) - Is is possible that this season of The Good Wife, its fifth, will be its best yet? The first couple episodes, after the explosive season 4 finale promise that whether it's its best season or not, it is going to be one hell of a ride. For the record, The Good Wife is currently the best primetime drama on broadcast television (Parenthood, a close second), and is probably the only one that even comes close to the great dramas of the day that are all on cable networks or PBS. It
definitely has somewhat of a serial aspect to it, throwing in new cases each year that last for one or two episodes. But as the show has gone on, we have seen more and more recurring guest characters and arcs including knock out performances from guest performers such as Carrie Preston, Michael J. Fox, Dylan Baker, Stockard Channing, Anika Noni Rose and Martha Plimpton. These recurring characters allow for contitunity within the storylines, and avoiding too many new cases per season, and the stale stench of most serial law and crime television shows (most of which are currently on CBS along with The Good Wife). But what really separates The Good Wife from other legal enterprises, are the main characters. By the time the episode end, what happens with the cases take a back seat to what has happened to our incredible well-drawn and beloved characters such as Julianna Margulies' Alicia, Archie Panjabi's Kalinda, Chris Noth's Peter, Alan Cummings' Eli, Christine Baranski's Diane, Matt Czuchry's Cary, and Josh Charles' Will. Their personal and professional struggles are fully-fleshed out, and usually reflect themselves impeccably well on the case. And in the last several weeks, I forgot that there are even cases these attorneys are dealing with, because the character drama has been so intriguing, so gripping. Once again, this is probably more of a personal favorite , and some people will complain it is ranked to high. But I dare you to watch The Good Wife, and not get hooked.

12. Mad Men (2007-2013) - I almost could not get through the first couple of episodes of Mad Men. It was so boring and so sexist, that I could not understand what the hell everyone was fawning over. Then I kept going, and going, and now, like most of the sane world, I firmly believe that Mad Men will go down as one of the best television dramas of this decade, maybe even of all time. Mad Men is a show that grows on you. It is not some fast-paced, action filled drama. It doesn't even have the witty cadence of many great shows on television. And yes, at times, it can be easy to understand why some people would consider it "boring". I've been there, so I get it. But if you are like me and had trouble getting past the first few episodes, hang in there, I guarantee you it is worth it. Mad Men is a slick,
impeccably written historical drama that deftly balances its large cast, with intriguing storylines
chocked full of vices such as drugs, sex, and alcohol, but also with complicated, story-driven characters acted by one of the best casts on television. Jon Hamm as Don Draper has been the fearless leader for years now, and he easily carries the lead performance with charisma, subtlety, and, at the right moments, and unbridled ferocity. Over the years other guys such as Vincent Kartheiser, Jared Harris, and John Slattery have added to the color and character of the show. But what I was most impressed by over the years, is how the women ended up holding their own, a welcomed relief after the sexism that almost turned me off. Of course sexism is still present, because it was present in the historical context, but the fierce female actors that grace the television screen on Mad Men have not only met the same level of acting as their male counterparts, but in most cases, exceeded it. January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, and most importantly, the incredible Christina Hendricks are just jaw-dropping week in and week out. Mad Men won the Best Drama Series award at the Emmys four years in a row. The Emmys love a sophisticated show, and Mad Men was right up their alley. Luckily for them, not many people could complain because Mad Men is not just sophisticated, but one hell of a show.

11. Lost (2004-2010) - When the plane crashed in the pilot episode of Lost, I'm sure many of us wondered what exactly was going to happen, and how were they going to sustain a multiple-season show without turning it into Gilligan's Island. But the pilot did enough to capture our interest, as well as introduce us to an incredibly diverse and quirky cast of characters led by some excellent performances from the likes of Michael Emerson, Terry O'Quinn, Evangeline Lily, Matthew Fox, Elizabeth Mitchell, Dominic Monaghan, Naveen Andrews, Jorge Garcia, and countless others. And then it is like the show exploded. Throughout its six season run, Lost remained one of the most intense, crazy, and surprising shows on television. You honestly did not know what was coming next,
and the tension was nail-biting, thanks to the efforts of some incredible writing, and some intense and taut direction, all led by the show's fearless creator, J.J. Abrams, who has relaunched the Star Trek empire into new realms, and will soon tackle Star Wars, which I think will lead to excellent results, if history is any indication. But there were so many shows that had all of those elements that made them work in the last decade, what made Lost so different, such a standout among so many standout programs? Lost was a ground-breaking technological achievement, being one of the first shows to bring cinema quality effects, sets, and sound to the small screen. It was the first show with constant adventure, and a huge dose of fantasy, to really crossover to mainstream audiences. And definitely the first of its kind to really hit with Emmy voters beyond the obvious tech categories, even winning Best Drama Series in its first season, a true feat considering the likes of the other major shows to have won the award in the last decade. I also think it really opened up the doors for other major science fiction, adventure, and fantasy shows to make an impact on primetime television including shows like Fringe, Once Upon a Time, and now shows like Marvel's Agents of Shield and Sleepy Hollow. Cable had been delving into this realm for years, but Lost made these types of shows popular and possible on a large scale. I'm sure some will complain that it is not in the top ten (I personally found it a lot less interesting once the hatch was opened), but no matter where any of us would put it, it is still one of the most daring, creative, and best shows to hit the air since 2000.

Final Emmy Poll in Sidebar

It is kind of sad to say this, but this week will be the final poll of the 2013 Emmy season. This week, make your picks for the top three program awards: TV Movie/Miniseries, Comedy and Drama Series. Also tune in this evening as I live blog the winners of the Creative Arts Emmys, which could be be indicators of next week's winners. Also be on the look out for the last couple parts of the Top 100 Television Shows Since 2000, as well as the upcoming Oscar season. As soon as the Emmys are over, Oscar season kicks into full gear, with a brand new slate of predictions in the aftermath of Toronto/Telluride/Venice, and what to look for in the season ahead!

Top 100 Television Shows Since 2000: Part VIII

30. The Office (US/UK) (2001-2003; 2005-2013) - For the last twelve years, the world has been living in the world of The Office. The original UK version starred Ricky Gervais was a pioneering sitcom, ushering in the documentary-style sitcom which has become incredibly popular in the years since it debuted across the pond. Not only a fresh style, but a fresh sense of humor led a
huge following to The Office, because at the time, it was truly something they had never really seen before. After the initial show only lasted two years, an American version was born, and the concept of The Office exploded, as the long running series finished its ninth and final season as a huge comedy staple on primetime television. The casting of Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Leslie David Baker, Brian Bumgartner, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling, Ed Helms, Craig Robinson, Ellie Kemper, B.J. Novak, Oscar Nunez, and countless others (I know I am forgetting some!) was literally perfect as these characters were so evolved, so well played out over nine incredible seasons. Furthermore, they all had incredibly pitch perfect comedic timing, nailing the subtle funny moments with ease, and bouncing off of each other with great chemistry. Like the original UK version, The Office really set the stage, along with other shows around this time such as Curb Your Enthusiasm and Arrested Development, for a boom in this new documentary-style comedy that has become the new norm in television programming. It was also clever and fresh in terms of its humor, and helped launch further careers of so many of its talented stars. While the last two seasons without Steve Carell clearly struggled, The Office was still one of the best comedies to hit television (on several continents) since 2000.

29. The Gathering Storm (2002) - HBO has  a knack for producing original movies, as so many of them have gone on to critical success, a ton of Emmys, and many comparisons to the films
being released in theaters. And none were better in the last decade than The Gathering Storm, a brilliantly constructed, and beautifully acted film that would have won a lot of Oscars, instead of the three Emmys and two television Golden Globes that it added to its mantel. The Gathering Storm is an intimate look into the lives of Winston and Clemmie Churchill, and the struggles that their marriage faced, mirroring the political battles that he was fighting in Parliament in the years leading up to the eve of WWII. It is a handsomely constructed period piece, with solid direction from Richard Loncraine, a wonderfully emotional, witty, and entertaining script by Larry Ramin and Hugh Whitemore, and impeccable technical aspects that had cinematic qualities. But the real heart and soul, and the real reason for the film's success was the incredible cast. The supporting players add depth to the storyline, and most of them hit their marks with ease including Jim Broadbent, Lena Headey, Tom Wilkinson, Hugh Bonneville, Derek Jacobi, Ronnie Barker, Tom Hiddleston, and countless other talented British actors. But the real triumph here was the onscreen relationship between Winston and Clemmie brought to life by two of the greatest actors of all time: Albert Finney and Vanessa Redgrave. Their portrayals, particularly Finney who to date is the most convincing Churchill I have ever witnessed on screen, were perfect, and their chemistry is the glue that holds the whole film together. Their portrayals, their talent, and their energy were nothing short of amazing, and so was this incredible production.

28. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) - No show in last two decades has gained quite the cult status as Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In the last several years we have been inundated with crappy vampire stories aimed at young adults, that are poorly written, poorly constructed, and really worthless in terms of actual art, and in terms of adding to the classic vampire storytelling canon. And yes I am talking about the dreadful book/film Twilight series, as well as countless others that are not quite as popular. But of all those worthless projects there was one incredibly bright spot,
and that was Buffy. The original movie was terrible, but when it was revived as a television show, with the new casting of Sarah Michelle Gellar, as well as the rest of her talented cast including Alyson Hannigan, David Boreanaz, and a ton of others, and a fresher approach the storyline, the results were dramatically improved. What I always loved about Buffy was its approach to the drama, an approach that reminded me a lot of why I liked the first two, and then fourth, Scream movies. It certainly tackled the horror and fantasy elements head on, but it did so with an incredible self-awareness of the sometimes ridiculous premises. So it tackled these elements with a heavy does of quirky humor that really connected with its legion of devoted fans. But unlike Scream, Buffy also went a lot deeper. For every moment of fantasy, horror, or humor, there was a moment of genuine emotion. And unlike the Twilight franchise, these connections that formed never felt forced or ridiculous, nor were they badly acted. Instead, these talented actors and writers created real characters with real emotions that set Buffy ahead of its genre trappings, and created a memorable and successful drama that deftly combined its varying elements into an entertaining and lasting enterprise that is truly a legendary cult classic.

27. Grey's Anatomy (2005-2013) - This one might surprise some people, but then again, every time I praise Grey's Anatomy, I say that because many of you have long moved on from the show. It is not hard to understand why. The first three seasons were absolutely brilliant, and then the writer's strike,
on-set politics, cry-baby stars, and some questionable story lines almost ruined the once great show in seasons 4-6. But then something miraculous happened. A savage, tense, shocking, and unbelievably sad shooting at Seattle Grace served as the spark that the show needed to regain its footing. And luckily, for those of us that stuck with our characters through the rough times, the reward was worth the wait because, as Entertainment Weekly put it, Grey's got its groove back. They introduced new characters to replace our old favorites, and surprise!, they actually have worked, and have integrated themselves into the storyline with ease, re-creating the once thriving ensemble aspect of this popular primetime soap. Now entering its tenth season, Grey's is still going strong, remaining one of the most popular shows on television, and since its revival, it has maintained its spot as one of the best on any primetime network, at least in my opinion. Throughout its dark days and its triumphant hours, Grey's Anatomy has always be buoyed by the characters that have lived, loved, suffered, and triumphed inside the walls of Seattle Grace hospital. Their stories have become ingrained in the hearts and minds of its fans, and make their mark on television history. This is because Shonda Rhimes and her fellow writers have written countless scripts that are emotional, funny, and timeless. But most importantly, this incredible cast including Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Chandra Wilson, Patrick Dempsey, James Pickens Jr., Katherine Heigl, Justin Chambers, Sara Ramirez, Eric Dane, Chyler Leigh, T.R. Knight, Jessica Capshaw, and countless top-notch guest stars, particularly recurring actors Loretta Devine and Kate Burton, all inhabited their characters with gusto, and created these memorable and beloved characters whose stories we have followed for now a decade. I may be the only one out there that still loves this show, and I'm proud of it.

26. The Big Bang Theory (2007-2013) - If I had watched the first season of The Big Bang Theory as it played on CBS, I might not have stuck with it all of these seasons. But this is a show, a lot like Friends which it gets compared to a lot these days, that has simply gotten better with age. In particular the additions of Bernadette and Amy have rounded out the ensemble and provided fertile new ground for lots of great comedy, as well as growth for our beloved characters. The last couple of seasons in particular have built on the initial premise and have seen all of our characters tackle new frontiers in their careers, and more importantly their personal lives. The Big Bang Theory has been
criticized by more high-minded individuals for being a traditional laugh-track sitcom, and not as cool as some of the other current, more modern television comedies. But week in and week out, no show on television makes me laugh as much as The Big Bang Theory. It is the biggest show on television at the moment, and is a huge pop culture phenomenon. But more importantly, it is one of the funniest shows on television, one of the most entertaining, and is chocked full of talented actors who have created some of the wackiest, lovable, and most endearing characters. At the top of the pile are Sheldon and Amy, whose ridiculous antics are just absolutely classic. But I think that the character that has always held the group together is Kaley Cuoco's Penny. Her relationship with the boys, and now with the two girls, has always been the highlight of the show, and the glue that held the entire success of the show together. What really sells The Big Bang Theory for me though is that just when you think it is getting a bit silly, it has moments of genuine heart, a lot like the aforementioned Friends. That moment when Howard is launching into space, and they cling to each other, holding on for their friend, a member of their family, is one of the most emotionally affective moments of any television comedy in a long time. The Big Bang Theory may be the most popular show on television, but it also happens to be one of the best.

25. 24 (2001-2014) - Very few shows in recent history have had the life that 24 has had, and those that have are animated (Family Guy and Futurama probably being the best examples). But it appears that bad-ass extraordinaire Jack Bauer is returning to our television sets relatively soon. It takes a lot for a show to have this kind of life and wind beneath its sails. First it takes an incredibly active and passionate fan base, something that 24 clearly has. It did well in the ratings throughout its initial eight season run, and I can only imagine the numbers for this upcoming season, as the show has developed
an even larger following with great DVD sales. Second, the show must have a great premise that is timely, and or sustainable over the long run (something that way too many shows find out down the line when their initial premise wears off). This groundbreaking idea of having each episode represent one hour in a day was absolutely brilliant on the part of creators Robert Cochran and Joel Surnow, and it ensures that each season has a fully satisfying arch. Finally, the show must actually be good. Now 24 had its moments, and some of the later seasons were not quite on par. But overall, especially in its first couple of seasons, no show on television could match the powerful performances, tension, and perfect execution of 24. The plot lines were engaging, intricate, and always entertaining. The stories were ripped from the headlines, making their emotional and dramatic impact felt even more so on the viewers. And its cast of characters and stars and guest stars over the seasons were always on point. Supporting performances from Cherry Jones, Jean Smart, Carlos Bernard, Gregory Itzin, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Kim Raver, DB Woodside, Penny Johnson, Peter MacNicol, Reiko Aylesworth, Dennis Haysbert, Elisha Cuthbert, and many others were Emmy worthy (some earning nominations and wins along the way as proof of that). But the heart and soul of 24 was always Jack Bauer, and the most credit goes to the uberly talented Kiefer Sutherland who inhabited this role with a ferocity, and it earned him plenty of praise and awards attention over the years. 24 was one of the best shows of the last thirteen years because it never let up with the intensity, had a commerical appeal but an intricacy that rivaled its cable counterparts, and created one of the best television characters in decades, the inescapble Jack Bauer. I can't wait to see what happens next.

24. The Ellen Degeneres Show (2003-2013) - Before 2003, Ellen Degeneres was a mildly popular, and well-liked stand-up comedian and former sitcom star, known mostly for that famous line: "I'm Ellen and I'm gay!" But in 2003, she would explode into a pop culture phenomenon, and a gay rights hero, with her successes in two adventures. The first was her role as Dory in Finding Nemo, still considered one of the greatest voice performances of all time, and in this blogger's humble opinion, one of the biggest Oscar snubs of the last decade. The second, and the one that really made her a star was the launching of her popular daytime television talk show, which has now been on the air for ten years, has won a stunning 40 Daytime Emmy Awards, and has made Ellen a household name. Normally, a talk show, particularly a daytime one, would not be a standout among television's best.
But she, along with Oprah, both took the concept of a daytime talk show, to whole new levels, and setting the bar so high for future endeavors, that they may never be reached by any other. The energy, humor, and authenticity that Ellen brings to her set every day is such a refreshing sight to see. She is never fake, always being herself, no matter the criticism. By doing so, she has attracted fans from across the spectrum, and has consistently broken stale stereotypes of gay and lesbian individuals. Furthermore, her performance, her guests, and her writers are always on their game, and have managed to always keep the material fresh, something that is hard to do after a decade on the air. Most importantly, Ellen's confidence has helped inspire and entire generation to be proud of who they are, no matter their race, creed, or sexuality. Furthermore, her high-quality program has brought back an integrity and gravitas to the talk-show format, and her success matches anything else on television, daytime or primetime. And after all of that, I hope we have ten more years, and maybe ten more after that.

23. 30 Rock (2006-2013) - This year, 30 Rock ended its run on NBC that was propelled by low ratings at the network. Unfortunately, in today's broadcast world a show like 30 Rock doesn't have much of a chance at succeeding, unless it moves to a cable network that is willing to let it grow. There are many reasons for this, but the most obvious one is this: 30 Rock is entirely too intelligent, too quirky, and too outside the mainstream of most of the popular comedies on television today. And
yet, it is those qualities that made 30 Rock such an instant classic, such a hit with critics and Television Academy members, and easily one of the best comedies to hit the airwaves within the last decade. It succeeded where the vastly underrated Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip couldn't. It was the perfect television show about television shows, a behind the scenes look at a struggling sketch-comedy show. It's insider humor may have been another reason it could not connect with a broader audience, but it also gave it a niche in the market, an incredible insight into the entertainment industry, as well as an incredible self-awareness that provided it with smart and razor-sharp humor. Plus it didn't hurt that it was populated with one of a kind characters, all incredibly well-played by the talented cast. Tina Fey's quirky and emotionally vulnerable Liz, Alec Baldwin's cocky, yet somehow lovable Jack, Jane Krakowski's diva Jenna, Tracy Morgan's ridiculous, yet always endearing Tracy, and Jack McBrayer's wonderfully ignorant Kenneth, will all go down, along with the rest of the wonderfully funny writing staff as some of the most endearing, funny, and legendary television characters of the last couple of decades. Of course at the heart of 30 Rock was the incredible Tina Fey. Her talents as a writer, actor, and producer on the show is what gave it its spark, and I do hope that we don't have to wait too long for her return to television, because these last eight months without her have felt a bit empty to say the least.

22. Downton Abbey (2010-2013) - Not since Upstairs, Downstairs was a hit in the 1970's has a British television show made such an impact on the American populous. The closest we have gotten is a remake (see The Office above). After the initial miniseries surprisingly rocked the awards circuit several years ago, Americans began to finally catch on to what the British had already figured out, that Downton Abbey was an instant and unforgettable classic. A luscious, countryside manor filled with Lords and Ladies, and of course their loving, and sometimes devious servants, faces the crises that tormented Europe during the early part of the 20th Century, including World War I. Downton Abbey may be seen by some as stately, overly British, and boring. But if you take the time to dive into the intricacies of Downton Abbey, I think you will find that it is worth the journey. Not one
character is one-dimensional, as all have been given major storylines throughout the first three seasons, fully fleshed out storylines that challenged their actors' emotional range, and challenged the proper conventions of early 20th century England. More importantly, we see, just like in post-war South between African American servants and maids and their white employers, there is so much day to day interaction between the upstairs and the downstairs, that it is those relationships that move the story forward, and we see how much they care about each other and how close they are despite the social restraints that ultimately keep them apart. Downton Abbey is chocked full of talented actors, all giving A+ performances particularly Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, Joanna Frogatt, and the always incredible Maggie Smith who steals every scene she is in with a quick wit and sharp tongue. Downton Abbey is a classy, soapy, engaging drama that brings a social history of the UK to the rest of the world. It has definitely become a hugely successful phenomenon around the world, and if you sit down and take a trip to Downton, it is not hard to see why.

21. Louie (2010-2013) - When I heard Louie announced as one of the six nominees for Best Comedy Series this year, all I could say was: Finally! While it is only three seasons in to what I'm sure will be a long run on FX, Louie has already cemented its status as one of the funniest and best television shows currently on the air. And I'm sure that if it continues its run in the same manner as its first three seasons that it will one day be remembered as one of the best comedies of all time. Louis C.K., who I will get to in a moment, plays a divorced father of two girls, who must deal with the separation of his family, his everyday struggles of being a single father, and his usually failed attempts at finding new
love at middle age. Like Curb Your Enthusiasm before it, Louie has a realism behind its take of middle age crisis, but, in my personal opinion, Louie has exceeded its theme predecessor, thanks almost completely to the talents of the comedian Louis C.K. This year, C.K. earned nine individual Emmy nominations for both his show and his HBO stand-up special, a stunning number for one person. But it is proof that there is no one working in television today that commands the respect, the honor, and the gravitas of Louis C.K. He is literally everywhere and is definitely the best and one of the most popular comedians working today (Tina Fey and Amy Poehler can also be added to that prestigious list), and as writer, director, lead actor, editor, and producer of Louie, the show's successes rest on his shoulders. And boy has this show suceeded. It now has a legion of devoted fans who appreciate C.K's comedy, and who reach out for high-quality that exudes from this show every week. Louie isn't exactly groundbreaking, but it is an incredibly authentic comedic experience, as C.K. reaches to his own life, his own struggles, and his own limitations to find the humor in everyday situations. It is this authenticity that is missing from so many of today's television comedies, and it is what sets Louie apart from the rest.

Top 100 Television Shows Since 2000: Part VII

40. South Park (1997-2013) - When it comes to offending people, no television show has made quite a mark as much as Trey Parker and Matt Stone's utterly ridiculous and incredibly brilliant series South Park. With its cast of crazy, eccentric characters, South Park is one of the biggest cultural events of the last decade plus, and no show has quite had the discussion, both positive and negative,
over the years than South Park. It has tackled some of the most controversial subjects, and doing so with intelligent, satrical humor that may offend many (I mean how many times in an episode does your mouth drop), but for those that understand where it comes from, that respects the integrity and the genius of its creators, it is worth it. The four young characters at the center of the show take modern day topics ranging from religion, politics, to celebrities and give us a look at them through their lenses. Sometimes it goes for the surface-level jokes, jokes that are probably the reason many people have stayed away,  but most of the time, those cheap laughs are only disguising a much deeper and more satrical view of these issues. With South Park, along with other classics such as Family Guy, The Simpsons, and King of the Hill, television saw a huge boom in adult-themed animated series in the late 90's and throughout the last decade. But among these great shows, South Park is one that really stands out, and stands on its own. The others take on popular and controversial subjects as well, but South Park does it with a balls-out, grab you and never let you go approach that sets it apart as one of the boldest shows since 2000.

39. Dexter (2006-2013) - When you think of great anti-heroes, you think of vigilantes like Batman, but do you think of Dexter Morgan? It is hard to make a case for a loveable serial killer, but as the serial killer who goes after other serial killers who have escaped justice, Dexter Morgan might just be
one of the most unusual, and one of the best anti-hero heroes that has ever graced the small screen. Dexter is one of those shows that doesn't make him seem perfect (for godsake he is a serial killer!),
but he is also shown as a human with real emotion. This delicate and complicated balance has been handled beautifully by its writers and its actors over its eight seasons. The creators avoided too many of the classic (or more importantly cliche) background stuff that usually makes it way into serial killer films, and adds a cast of wonderful characters, including an ongoing set of brilliant advesaries (particularly John Lithgow). At the heart of the show is the brilliant Michael C. Hall. I'll admit, that I never thought much of him as an actor on Six Feet Under. I guess it is hard to standout when actors like Frances Conroy, Rachel Griffiths, and Peter Krause are among your ensemble. But I think that the complicated, deadly, horrible, yet incredibly human character Dexter Morgan was the perfect role, the one that put him on the map, and he tackled it with ferocity, emotion, and simply knocks it out of the park every single season. But he is not alone. Besides the aforementioned advesaries that have had standout season-long guest actors, another great character throughout its run as been Dexter's sister Deb, played brilliantly by Jennifer Carpenter who deserves an Emmy nomination before the show ends its run. Dexter is a complicated, bloody, delightfully tense, scary, and wonderfully intense show that makes you think twice about who is really the villain, and does so with such passion, such intensity, and such kick-ass awesomeness that it is one that should not be missed.

38. The Comeback (2005) - After Joey was such a complete disaster, I thought that none of the Friends cast members were going to be able to dive back into television. Well, in 2005, Lisa Kudrow returned to television with HBO's The Comeback. While it sadly only lasted one season, it was one hell of a season, and proved two very important things. One, that sometimes audiences miss the boat. And two, Lisa Kudrow is a hell of a talent, and one of the funniest women working today. Semi-
autobiographical, The Comeback is the story of a former sitcom star who tried to get back into the
business, filming the events of how she planned to accomplish it. With Kudrow, having experienced a vacuum after Friends ended, there is definitely a sense of authenticity excuding from Kudrow's Valerie Cherish (it also helps that it has a reality vibe). Playing up the humiliation and the struggle to recapture stardom, Lisa Kudrow, along with the talented writers, nail every nuanced moment with great comedic timing, and a dose of wonderful charm. The Comeback did not hit particularly well with viewers (as evidenced by its lone season), but it has found an almost cult following on DVD in in the aftermath of its sad demise. That is because it is an incredibly intelligent and intricate look at the inter-workings of telelvision, and many times viewers hold off on shows like that. It is really a shame because it is literally laugh-out-loud funny, and one of the most clever concepts to hit the airwaves in the last thirteen years. For me, and this is why I keep harping on it, all it did was prove that Lisa Kudrow is a wonderfully funny and incredibly talented actress that deserves a big, mainstream television comedy to showcase her talents. I guess a guy can hope, right?

37. Carlos (2010) - Despite being run on Sundance Channel, therefore making it eligible for television awards, Olivier Assayas' brilliant look at Venezuelan revolutionary/terrorist Ilich Ramírez Sánchez Carlos, was also playing as a feature film and ended up winning film awards from groups
such as London Critics Circle Film Awards, European Film Awards, National Society of Film Critics, and more importantly big groups such as LAFCA and NYFCC. I'm not sure if there is much of a precendent, but it is definitely an anomaly that a project wins both film and television awards. It also speaks to the power and greatness of Carlos that both film and television groups found it cinematic and well-made enough to reward it. Well, I saw this on television, and tend to agree that it is definitely more of a television program than an film in terms of its release, however its quality and its performances are cinematic to say the least. And I firmly believe that if it had been release solely as a film, it would have been nominated for Oscars instead of television Golden Globes and Emmy Awards. At the center of this movie is one of the most fantastic peroformances of any medium since 2000 by Edgar Ramirez, who earned both Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his work, as the title character. His portrayal was haunting, deep, emotional, and perfectly captured Sanchez's spirit, madness, and presence. But the show itself is a monumental undertaking about a controversial subject and director/writer Olivier Assayas and the other two contributing writers Dan Franck and Daniel Leconte, do a wonderful job of framing Ramirez's performance, as well as expanding the initial biopic premise, to add in an in-depth analysis of international relations, and of modern-day terrorism. That is what sets Carlos apart. While it is talking about our past, it has such a trememdous presence and prevalence that reflects our modern world, helping it hit home and connect with viewers and critics. A stunning achievement to say the least.

36. Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005) - If you were to look at just the title, you would think that this show was all about Ray Romano. While Romano was clearly the leading player, Everybody Loves Raymond shares a status as one of the best ensemble efforts to have hit television in the modern era. Romano plays Ray Barone, the sports writer with a wacky family. His wife Debra, played with such passion and emotion by the great Patricia Heaton, is always at odds with his parents who happen to live across the street, as she tries to help Ray create a life of his own. Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts are perfect in their roles as Frank and Marie, particularly Roberts who nails the overbearing mother role with gusto. And finally probably my favorite character is Brad Garrett's
Robert as the second child that always seems to pale in comparison to his mother's obvious favorite. Combine all these talented actors, wacky and wonderful characters, and some top notch writing, and you have an incredibly dysfunctional and hilarious television family. Of course dysfunctional families have been the center of television sitcoms since their debut (think Ricky and Lucy, they were not exactly normal). But Everybody Loves Raymond worked very hard to distinguish itself among the masses by always looking for the humor in everyday life. Sometimes they stretched a bit too much, but most of the time, it was ordinary day-to-day activities and lives that made up the constant humor on the show. In that respect, it was always a refreshing, and bitingly authentic portrayal of an American family that connected with viewers, critics, and Television Academy voters as well, as it ended up winning a total of fifteen Emmy Awards across its nine season run, including two Best Comedy Series Emmys and a bundle for its talented cast. Everybody Loves Raymond is a classic American sitcom, and one of the last ones in the golden age of television comedies. Most importantly, it was one of the funniest and most authentic shows to hit the airwaves in a long time.

35. American Horror Story/American Horror Story: Asylum (2011-2013) - Ryan Murphy shows tend to start off with a bang, and then sort of fizzle after a while. At least that was the case with Nip/Tuck, as well as currently the case with Glee. So after the first brilliant season of American Horror Story, I was worried that Murphy would not be able to handle the storyline which seems to have little wiggle room after its mostly decisive finale. Fortunately for us, Murphy and Co. have decided to turm American Horror Story into an anthology series, and I think this decision will lead to
brilliant season after brilliant season, hopefully for a very long time. I am not a huge fan of modern horror, but the first two installments of this series both played on classic horror themes, giving them clever, insane, dirty, and downright ridiculous twists that were never too scary, or too gross, but instead just the right balance of fear, disgust and intrigue. The first installment was a play on the classic haunted house. A new, and troubled family (led my Dylan McDermott and the awesome Connie Britton), move in, only to find that the next dorr neighbor Constance, and her children, all have a constant (no pun intended) presence in their short stay. The second season took place in an insane asylum led by troubled and devilish nuns, and a divisive and complicated medical experimental doctor. The twists and turns throughout the season never make sense until their epic conclusions, but the anticipation is worth the wait, as both brilliant intertwined their labyrinth of characters and storylines all exposing their mysteries by the end of their runs. While the writing and directing help make these mysteries formidable, it is the stunning cast, including its rotating members of stars such as Britton and McDermott, as well as Denis O'Hare, and this season's crop including James Cromwell, Chloe Sevigny, and Joseph Fiennes. But the real stars are the crop of talented actors who have embraced two different characters, now moving on to a third including Lily Rabe, Sarah Paulson, Frances Conroy, Zachary Quinto and Evan Peters. However, the real star of this series has been the always-talented and deliciously stunning Jessica Lange who simply knocks it out of the park. Next season Coven will feature performances from the likes of Angela Bassett, Gabourey Sidibe, and Kathy Bates. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

34. Southland (2009-2013) - Southland started a trend for many struggling shows, when it was unceremoniously cancelled by NBC, only to find a new home on cable's TNT (Cougar Town has done a similar leap from ABC to TNT's parter channel TBS). I was so thrilled when TNT decided to pick up the show, because Southland was one of the most intense, well-acted, and well-made cop dramas to hit the airwaves since 2000. I thought, and was worried, that Southland would end up being yet again another overrated, extremely popular, and extremely boring cop drama. But instead, creator
Ann Biderman and her team of talented writers and directors, bring to life something entirely different from the boring norm. Coming after The Shield, which proved to be another genre busting classic, Southland had absolutely no fear in terms of tackling its grittiness and rawness head on (which is probably why it only ended up susceeding on cable not on a broadcast network). Taking place in the last decade in Los Angeles, Southland worked extremely hard to try to capture the authenticity of the landscape of LA at that time, and successfully avoided too many of the normal cop drama pitfalls, or sheen that paints a glossy picture of the law. It also helped tremendously that the talented set of actors, led by Benjamin McKenzie, Shawn Hatosy, and most importantly the stunning Reginia King and Michael Cudlitz, were able to match the writing and directing by bringing raw and fierce energy, as well as a touch of humanity to their roles. Unlike most cop dramas, these officers are not squeaky clean, and their plans don't always work out perfectly. Instead they are flawed human beings who challenge their codes and procedures to help protect their city and their citizens. The result is a raw, and incredibly well-made drama that will be sorely missed.

33. Modern Family (2009-2013) - I am a huge Modern Family fan, and even I can admit that this past season, its fourth, was not on the same level of quality as its first three. There were some episodes in the bunch that simply did not work, period. But even in its darkest hour, Modern Family is still one of the funniest and best comedies on television right now. From the very beginning,
Modern Family defied the normal standards of family sitcoms by including a gay couple, a younger/older couple which has now added a new edition, and taking on issues that are usually avoided or made fun of in other major comedies. Sure the unconventional family is now old news, but Modern Family has always managed to make it fresh. The issues they tackle are hilarious, and at the end of all of them there are moments of true love and emotion, reminding us that while this is an hilarious sitcom, it is also a show that showcases a true family. But the real reason to watch Modern Family is the absolutely amazing cast. Ed O'Neill plays the old-school patriarch with humanity and grumpiness. Julie Bowen is great as the overbearing mom, and Ty Burrell is pitch-perfect as her goofy, but loving husband. Jesse Tyler Ferguson gives his on screen sister (Bowen's Clair) a run for her money as the uptight partner to Eric Stonestreet's flamboyant and hilariously fun Cam. The kids give the adults a run for their money by nailing their lines and situations with ease, and usually outsmarting their parents/aunts/uncles/grandparents. Overall, Modern Family will continue to be a success, and even though many of us are a bit fatigued by its awards-haul, it is not hard to see why it has been such a success over the last couple of years, and after its awesome season finale, maybe Season 5 will be a refreshed and rejuvinated show.

32. Fringe (2008-2013) - I know most people were so disappointed when Fringe ended its run this year, after only five seasons. Especially disappointed were its science fiction fans, who tend to be some of the most devoted. But I think most of us can agree that it was a miracle that this show survived a total of five seasons on a broadcast network, particularly Fox. This type of show may do well on cable networks, but I think that its disappointed fans should look for the silver lining in this case. Fringe is the story of a brilliant, but kind of off scientist, who helps an FBI agent explain phenomena that have no explanation. It is a show that doesn't have to reach to far to capture your
attention. It is not another government-is-lying-to-us-conspiracy-theory shows, nor is it one that has to synthetically create drama. Instead, it relies on the natural interesting nature of science and unexplained acts to create mysteries that are dramatic, sometimes shocking, and always entertaining. That means that its writers, directors, all spearheaded by its team of creators, led by J.J. Abrams, who brought us Lost, and includes Alex Kurtzman and Robert Orci, created and maintained a show that was daring, bold, and incredibly well-made. It also helped that its cast, led by the impeccable Anna Torv and the scene-stealing John Noble, was pitch-perfect, and willing to go along for the ride, no matter what was thrown at their characters. This year Fringe ended its incredible run, and I think I speak for everyone when I say that it will be missed. There was nothing on television quite like Fringe, particularly on broadcast television, and I think there will be a huge hole in programming that may never be filled completely.

31. The Simpsons (1989-2013) - I know you are tired of hearing me say this, but if this were a best of the 90's list or a best of all time list, The Simpsons would probably be in the top five. But even its devoted and longtime fans who have stuck by it through its stunning twenty five seasons will admit, that while the last thirteen years has been a great time for The Simpsons, if is not quite as good as the
first 12. That being said, week in and week out, The Simpsons is still one of funniest, and most popular shows on the air. It has become a staple on Fox, which has used its success to launch several other successful and long running enterprises including King of the Hill, Family Guy, American Dad, and now Bob's Burgers. But The Simpsons will always be the original, and I have a feeling that at the end of the day it will probably out live its successors, and its successors' successors. Set in the town of Springfield (Springfield in which state, we may never really know), and features Homer Simpson, his wife Marge, and their kids Lisa, Bart, and Maggie. Over the last 25 seasons, these characters along with Moe, Millhouse, Mr. Burns, and countless others in their crazy universe have become pop culture icons, and some of the most recognizable, most popular, and greatest television characters to ever grace the small screen. In fact, Homer Simpson is always on those "Greatest Television Characters" list, usually near the top for his ridiculous antics, his sometimes questionable parenting skills, and his classic "D'oh!" This September, The Simpsons will start its 26th season on broadcast television, a tremendous feat. Throughout its run it has won 28 Emmy Awards, continued to be a critical success, and has legions of devoted fans. This is because The Simpsons is a brilliant funny, wacky, intelligent, and biting satirical animated series that has never lost its touch.