It’s that time of year again. Even though it is now 2007, it’s that time of year to look back at the year that was. We probably should have done this before the new year, but better late than never. It’s time to look back at 2006 and name our “Top Ten TV Shows of 2006”.
Here is how this worked. I, along with 10 other TV staff writers from both the PrimeTimePulse and RealityDish zones were given the job to name our “top ten shows of 2006”. Basically, which 10 shows we enjoyed the most this past year and how much we enjoyed the shows in relation to other shows.
Sounds simple right? Well consider this. There are more channels on TV now more than ever. You not only have the 5 “big” networks of CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and The CW, but you also have cable channels like the FX, USA Network, SCI-FI, TBS, MTV, VH1, BRAVO, etc., etc. that all have original programming. Now you throw in premium channels like HBO and SHOWTIME and you had a lot of television to watch in 2006!
The rules were simple, though, for our lists. Any show that aired in 2006 was eligible. So whether the show only aired in early 2006 in the Spring or just debuted in late 2006 in the Fall, they were all up for consideration. So what we had was a combination of old favorite shows and suprising newcomer shows. Even though any show was open for individual writers’ lists, it was clear that “scripted” shows are far superior in quality than “unscripted” shows. Only a handful of reality TV shows made it onto a few writers’ lists. As a result, I threw those shows out of consideration. Of course, the “top” reality shows shouldn’t surprise you. They were American Idol, Survivor, The Amazing Race, and America’s Next Top Model.
All 10 writers sent me their lists without knowing what shows the other writers considered to be the best. So really this was a “secret ballot” thing and the results may surprise you. After I got all of the lists, I assigned each show on each writer’s lists a point value from 1-10. The #1 show on each list was given 10 points. The #2 show was given 9 points. #3 got 8 and this continued to the #10 shows each getting 1 point. Once I added up the numbers, there was clearly a major line between the “best” and the “rest”.
First, I will give you each writer’s individual lists. After that, I will post our overall “Top Ten TV Shows of 2006” based on the overall points system. In addition, I gave each writer a show to talk about and tell you why they should be on our list. Which shows would rise above the rest and be called the best? Only one way to find out.
Here is part one…
Matthew Romanada: 1. The Wire Honourable mentions: Friday Night Lights, Desperate Housewives, House Craig Russell: 10. Heroes – I have it here because I haven’t watched it yet, but have it all set up on my TiVo and ready to go during Holiday Hiatus. The next Lost? 9. America’s Next Top Model – I loathe reality television, game-show television, unscripted television. Whatever you want to call it. But my wife got me into this show, and I can’t turn away… 8. The O.C. – While this season has been better than last, let’s not get too crazy – it’s still just mediocre at best. Regardless, this will be the final season… 7. Prison Break – Comments to come tomorrow… 6. How I Met Your Mother – Glad to see this solid comedy keeping up with their stellar freshman season. And although Ted & Barney may get more screen-time and/or press, Marshall is quietly stealing the show… 5. Scrubs – Most likely into its final season, and more cartoonish than ever – Scrubs still has the ability to get heavy at just the right moments… 4. Lost – The first six episodes were hit-and-miss for me (and couldn’t they have split them up a little more evenly?), but I’m betting we’re in for a bigger payoff down the road… 3. Veronica Mars – A little slow out of the gate (much like Buffy’s early UPN days), but it’s getting better. “Spit & Eggs” was its best effort yet, both creatively and ratings-wise. Too bad they make us wait two months for the second mystery to unfold… 2. Gilmore Girls – Ditto for our favorite mother-daughter duo from Stars Hollow on the whole slow-start thing. And Lorelai and Rory actually haven’t been so likeable lately. But maybe that’s just it: we appreciate the flaws. And how ’bout this for bold: if the new writers and producers can keep the momentum going from the last few episodes, it just might surpass Season 6. Take that, Palladinos… 1. The Wire – And it’s not even close. Just to give you an idea on a grade scale, no other show rates better than a B for me. This is A all the way. Maybe the best season yet, and definitely the most depressing. If The Wire doesn’t get a ton of Emmy nominations, it’s a joke. So, of course, it won’t… Michaelangelo McCullar: 1. The Wire
Mathan Erhardt: 1. The Wire Kevin Wong: 1. Battlestar Galactica – The “New Caprica” episodes forced me to put this on top over Heroes. Great pace, strong episodes, and more looks at Edward James Olmos’ craggy face than should be legally allowed. 2. Heroes – The best new show of the 2006-07 season, period. 3. The Office – Admit it, you try to work “That’s what she said” into everyday conversation. As the DVD box set says, “Painfully funny”. 4. 24 – It will be interesting to see how Jack fares against NBC’s metahumans this year. 5. My Name is Earl – What makes this show enjoyable for me isn’t Earl, but the supporting cast. They should show more of Catalina at work, though. 6. House – I got hooked on this show late, but watching House be as mean as possible to… well, everyone is as enjoyable as Jack Bauer threatening to shoot people. 7. The Amazing Race – Still the best reality show on television. 8. Survivor – I have to admit I enjoyed seeing Yul win the most recent season, but the Final Three concept needs to be retired. 9. Lost – The show has slipped a lot over the past year. The introduction and subsequent dismissal of the “Tailies” showed that the producers don’t really know where this story is going, and the first quarter of the third season gave us a whole lot of nothing. Still, it’s the best of ABC’s three third season dramas. 10. Hell’s Kitchen – An odd choice, I know, but this year I’m using the #10 slot to highlight a show that people should try to watch during the summer. Is it better than The Wire or The 4400? I can’t say for certain on the former, but I’m gonna say “no” on both counts. Will it be in my top ten next year? Frankly, it won’t even be the best US show featuring Gordon Ramsey. Trust me, you’re gonna love Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares…
DeeDee Dalton: 10. My Boys kind of like Sex and the City but with more boys. 9. Daily Show Jon Stewart and gang never fail 8. The Colbert Report He’s funnier than Stewart, doesn’t always have political guests and the word of the day is brilliant 7. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia When Charlie & Dee go on welfare and buy crack for $200 and tell the dealer that sounds about right. I was hooked. 6. The Simpsons keeps on ticking. 5. The Office superbly dry crisp and refreshing goes well with pork. 4. Family Guy Giggity Giggity. What the Deuce? The show was written for my MTV generation and I love every reference. Probably because I get them. 3. South Park The Scientology episodes about Tom Cruise in a closet got an Emmy nod and prompted Isaac Hayes to quit. Which prompted the fastest animated turnaround I’ve ever seen the “Return of Chef” episode. 2. Nip/Tuck I think we all know how I feel about Dr. Christian Troy oh, and midgets. 1. American Idol Any show that made me call in and exhaust my 2 hours every Tuesday night wins the top show of 2006 award in my book Trevor MacKay: #10 – The Simpsons – While there were a few gems, 2006 was not a particularly strong year for The Simpsons. If not for the fact it’s a sentimental favorite of mine, it probably wouldn’t have even made this list. Hopefully the movie will be just the thing to reinvigorate the franchise. #9 – Heroes – The only new show to make it in to my top ten (and one of only two new shows added to my personal viewing schedule this fall). The show sometimes seems like it could benefit from a few less characters (the Jessica storyline has had more than its share of dullness), but overall Heroes is quite enjoyable. #8 – Stargate: SG-1 – The show was a bit bogged down in the season nine portion of 2006 (presumably due to the cast changes and the time spent building up a new threat to the galaxy), but season ten has been pretty strong thus far, which is important given that its the final season. #7 – Veronica Mars – The whole serial rapist mystery had its share of weak moments but overall Veronica Mars had a very good 2006. There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding this shows future so enjoy it while it lasts. #6 – American Dad – This is a show that came into its own in 2006. It started off as little more than a B version of the Family Guy but has, to my surprise, risen to be the best of Fox’s Sunday night animation trio. #5 – The Colbert Report – It’s hard to believe but after only a little more than a year on the air, The Colbert Report has managed to surpass The Daily Show (which had a few rough spots earlier in the year as they were breaking in new correspondents). Hopefully that will translate into some awards for The Colbert Report in 2007. #4 – Arrested Development – This show was great. It would have ranked even higher on the list if they had had more than five episodes in 2006. Still, with those five episodes episodes (four of which aired on the same night, against the opening ceremonies of the Olympics) they managed to wrap up a hell of a lot of story lines and provide two and a half very funny hours of television. #3 – The Office – I must say, I wasn’t expecting the events of “The Merger” to happen so late in the season. In the first two seasons, the dynamic between Jim and Pam was a huge part of almost every episode and yet the series managed to maintain its quality level, even when Jim and Pam were in separate offices. #2 – Doctor Who – Changing Doctors has never been sure thing so I was a bit worried about this season going in to it. Those doubts have long since been extinguished as David Tenant’s Doctor has been exceptional. This show may have made number one on the list but, for various reasons, I’ve been forced to rely on CBC’s airings of the program (which are currently 3.5 weeks behind Sci-Fi and many months behind the BBC), leaving me unable to judge the conclusion to the season arc. #1 – Battlestar Galactica I had a hard time deciding between this show and Doctor Who for the number one spot. Ultimately I felt I had to go with BSG; aside for a couple of weak episodes in early 2006 (“Black Market”, I’m looking at you!), BSG has been consistently great this year, with the recently concluded first half of season three being particularly strong. Honorable mentions: Jericho, Eureka, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Matt Basilo It’s been an interesting year for television, with some once critically acclaimed and popular shows receiving some harsh backlash from fans and critics alike. And while a lot of new shows went under rather swiftly, more than usual survived that I recollect happening in recent history. So, without further adieu, here are my top ten shows of 2006.
1. Heroes – Comments to come tomorrow… 2. 24 – Wow….what a year. What other series has the guts to kill off practically every major character on the show, no matter how loved they are? No only that, but the show is constantly introducing new, interesting characters that are easy to like or, if preferred, easy to hate. This past season was highlighted, as many have noted, by the President and First Lady. We also had the chance to see a more likeable side of Audrey and Buchanan. Sorry, but I still don’t like Chloe all too much. And hey, we even got to see the beautiful Elisha Cuthbert for a few hours. The action was non-stop, the emotion was at a fevered pitch, and the unpredictable nature was at an all-time high. Sounds like a strong season to me. 3. Lost – I’m not on the anti-Lost wagon that a lot of other people are on, but, to me, Heroes and 24 had amazing years, making Lost‘s rank of #3 more a victim of circumstance than anything else. Personally, I’ve really enjoyed this season, and I thought last season ended on a really strong note (I thought the finale was significantly better than the first season’s). I think the stuff with The Others is some of the best the show has churned out, constantly forcing us to ask questions about who they are and what motives they may have. The only thing that I think the show needs to improve on is the use of flashbacks. This season, I’ve felt that the flashbacks have either (a) told a less interesting story than the “island” story that is actually being told (hurting the main story in the process) or (b) failed to give us any new information on a character or their behavior. Nevertheless, I’ve found this season very interesting thus far, and the new schedule is a significant improvement. 4. The 4400 This show is basically Heroes on a much smaller scale. This season was a bit different than the previous ones, as it seemed to drift away from the early ongoing “how does this person’s ability help change the world” theme. However, it did feature the surprisingly enjoyable Isabelle story arc, as well as the Christ-like return of Jordan Collier. By the end of the season, several central characters’ fates were being held in the balance, and the (presumably) next story arc, with every day citizens receiving 4400 abilities seems very interesting. Also, Ryland has become an enjoyable villain, and the question of what happened to Alanah needs to be answered. It still kills me that this show is only on for the summer, it really needs to be picked up for a full season. That’s probably the only reason why it didn’t rank higher. 5. Prison Break Above anything else, I think this show deserves a tremendous amount of credit for basically doing a complete overhaul. The show took risks by killing off main characters, adding some new characters, and developing the characters that still remained. My one complaint of the show: Why is it that everywhere one of the fugitives go, no matter what part of the country they’re in, somebody always recognizes them? I mean, I constantly see bulletins of people I should be looking out for, and I don’t think I’d recognize them if I had a 20 minute conversation with them. Yet a convict’s WIFE gets recognized in a pharmacy after a short exchange? 6. Smallville – Perhaps no show is more of a mixed bag than Smallville. Honestly, I think they’re doing SO MUCH right on the show, but the one, glaring thing wrong (namely, the Lana character) is taking so much out of the series as a whole. Right now, I love how they’re making Clark realize that there’s a world beyond Smallville and Metropolis, essentially making him realize that he can become the world’s savior. I think Lex is an immensely interesting character, and I love how he’s basically become his evil future-self. I think Lionel is a great character, I think Chloe’s a great character, and I really like what I see with Lois and the Green Arrow. However, not only is Lana an unnecessary character, but I feel like they’ve irreparably ruined her, and hurt the scenes and stories of those she shares with. After all she’s experienced Lex doing, first hand, she has the nerve to say “he’s never lied to me”? You’ve seen him lie to you. Numerous times. Like when he nearly killed you because he wouldn’t let you escape the meteor shower because he wanted the crystal? What was that, like, a year ago? And she’s turned into a cold-hearted bitch, maliciously making it a point to hurt Clark. On top of that, Clark needs to move beyond Lana, who was supposed to simply be a high school sweetheart. The show seems to be losing sight of the fact that this isn’t supposed to be the love of his life. He, much like the show, needs to move on past Lana Lang. That one significant fault is why the show isn’t in my top 5. 7. Justice I’m still not quite sure whether or not this show has been cancelled, but nevertheless it is (was?) one of my favorite new shows. The gimmick behind the show is very clever, and the only real complaint I have is that they didn’t utilize it to its full potential. Don’t get me wrong, the fact that the first several episodes all ended with their client actually being innocent was a good idea, in my opinion. After all, if they alternate between “innocent” and “guilty” the show becomes predictable. When time and time again the client truly turns out innocent, you keep watching and saying “this time the person HAS to be guilty” to the extent that when it turns out they are innocent, you’re surprised. However, I think they held off a bit too long before finally having a guilty client, and even after that point, the “surprising” endings were few and far between. I thought the writing was terrific and the characters each unique and interesting in their own way. I certainly hope that the show isn’t cancelled (and that if it is, it gets picked up by another network. Perhaps air it on FX with fewer episodes per season?), and that they realize they have this great gimmick, and that they might as well use it to its fullest. 8. House House is an interesting show, because I always look forward to seeing it and always enjoy it, but it’s not one of those shows I consider a “favorite.” Nevertheless, I have thoroughly enjoyed this season. I know that the whole drug addict story arc has turned some off, but I like it, particularly the way each person in House’s life has responded to it. You have Wilson (who, in my opinion, has been a real highlight this season), who wants to be a good, loyal friend, and genuinely wants to help House but ultimately, House makes it impossible for him to do that. It’s as if he wants to push Wilson away, hoping that he’ll turn against him. Then there are his three students, who HAVE stayed loyal to him, but each for different reasons, with Cameron having the most altruistic motives. And then there’s Cuddy, who is able to make the difficult decisions, such as essentially allowing House to have an addiction, knowing that he’s able to save lives (lives he won’t be able to save if he’s in prison). She was also able to make the difficult decision of allowing one girl to die in order to save hundreds of lives later on. Tritter has also been a welcome addition to the show: Finally, an adversary who basically made House beg for mercy. I’m looking forward to the show’s return in January. 9. Family Guy & American Dad I decided to lump these two shows together, because quite honestly, I don’t know which one I liked more. A lot of people will probably argue that American Dad had the better year, and that’s a fair assessment. How about if I say this: American Dad was consistently better, but the best Family Guy was better than the best American Dad. Nevertheless, I think it’s been a great year for both shows: Family Guy seems to be getting back on track with actual emphasis on the main plot without resorting merely to random flashbacks for laughs. Meanwhile, American Dad has toned down on the politics and has just become a hilarious show. Adding King of the Hill (which is an astronomically underappreciated show) to the Animation Domination line up in 2007 gets me very psyched for Sunday nights. 10. ER Bet you didn’t see that coming! More than anything else, I just think it RULES that John F’n Stamos saved a once mega-power series on a once mega-power network. A show that arguably made George Clooney was resurrected by Uncle Jesse. There is not a hint of sarcasm right now, I genuinely think it’s awesome that John Stamos was able to revitalize not only the show, but his career as well. I really do believe that he’s a talented actor and an overall charming guy. The show has returned to its roots, where it doesn’t need to be “a television event” or “a very special episode” every single week. They’re giving the characters their individual personalities and allowing us to love and hate them. For the first time in years, I make an effort to see the show every week. Farah Syed #1 – Grey’s Anatomy Murtz Jaffer 1. Prison Break Josh Clinton: #1 – The Office – I didn’t expect this myself. I didn’t even watch season two when it originally aired. I did catch the show in reruns over the summer, though, and that’s when I got hooked. This show IS the funniest show on television. Pure comedy, but yet it throws in some relationship drama to give it that “heart”. From the main characters down to the minor characters, everyone is great. That’s why it’s my #1 show. #2 – How I Met Your Mother – Last year, I said this was my favorite new show. This year it’s still a favorite of mine. The second season so far has been just as great as the end of the first season. Solid comedy all around and only slightly behind The Office, because there are less characters to laugh at. But still, I’m Ted and that’s good enough for me. #3 – Grey’s Anatomy – This show could have easily been #1. It should be #1 thanks to the end of the second season back in the Spring. BUT then the start of the third season happened. It’s really been a disappointment. The end of the second season was so strong and so good that he can’t be ignored. The new season has not continued that, though. It’s just been off on many levels. Still, I enjoy the show but it better start getting better or it may quickly drop out of my “favorites” list. #4 – The O.C. – This will probably be the last season. That’s a shame as I have enjoyed this season probably more than others. The O.C. without Marissa is a good thing. No doubt about that. But why did I drop it to #4, when I had it as #1 last year. Even though I love this season, there are 4 other shows that have jumped up there and have gotten my attention. As a result, it drops this year. #5 – My Name Is Earl – Still a funny show and very entertaining. I can’t relate to this show as much as the four shows above it, which is really why it’s here. Still a class above the rest. #6 – Heroes – The new show that everyone wanted to see in 2006 and it has not disappointed. It’s an interesting show with interesting characters. You have to pay attention to it. But that is what usually good shows great. However, not every story and character is equally interesting to watch. So that’s why it’s not “must-see” for me. #7 – Lost – I didn’t catch this show when it originally aired. But over the summer I had a marathon session of watching seasons 1 and 2 on DVD. That’s when I got hooked and even though there has only been a few episodes in the Fall of 2006, it looks to get even better. This show is not ranked higher due to it not being on the air as much as the other shows. #8 – Friday Night Lights – Another great new show. It’s odd since this show is based on the movie. It’s not an original idea, but the way the show is written is top-notch. You think you know what the show is about, but you have no idea. It’s not about football. It’s about relationships on and off the field. #9 – Prison Break – I didn’t see the first season, but I again got caught up over the summer on DVD. I was impressed with what I saw and even more impressed that the writers could keep up the quality once they had broken out of prison. #10 – What About Brian – I’ll get some heat for this, but really this show is not that bad. It’s drama-filled, but it’s pretty good. It has a bunch of beautiful people on it, which is a nice plus as well. Too bad not many people watch it and have the same opinion as me. The theme music has to go, though!
Come back tomorrow when I reveal our overal top ten list. Actually, I will let you in on a little secret. There were 11 shows that really stepped above the rest. Two shows ended up being tied for 10th place on our overall list. I thought that both shows deserved to be on the list, so we have 11 shows on our “top ten list”. Which show is #1, though? Find out tomorrow…
2. Battlestar Gallactica
3. 24
4. Dexter
5. Veronica Mars
6. Lost
7. Heroes
8. The Office
9. The Amazing Race
10. Supernatural
2. The West Wing
3. Lost
4. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
5. Heroes
6. Deadwood
7. The Sopranos
8. My Name Is Earl
9. How I Met Your Mother
10. 24
2. Weeds
3. Thief
4. Deadwood
5. Huff
6. City of Men
7. The Shield
8. 30 Rock
9. The Office
10. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
#2 – Heroes
#3 – Veronica Mars
#4 – Battlestar Galactica
#5 – The O.C.
#6 – Friday Night Lights
#7 – America’s Next Top Model
#8 – Lost
#9 – Gilmore Girls
#10 – House of Carters
2. Friday Night Lights
3. Weeds
4. 24
5. Heroes
6. Lost
7. Big Love
8. Grey’s Anatomy
9. The Sopranos
10. The O.C.
