Top 6 Shows. EVER.

[frankpembleton]

There is a right answer. I will grade you at the end.

Let's hear em.

[frankpembleton]

Sopranos
Seinfeld
All in The Family
The Simpsons
Cheers
Deadwood

C-

Nice Try.

[geschinger]

The Top 6:
The Wire
Deadwood
Seinfeld
Tonight Show w/Carson
The Simpsons
The Sorpanos

Honor of mention for their impact or longevity:
Hillstreet Blues
Law and Order

Honor of mention for uniquest / oddest / strangest (shortlived) series of all-time:
John from Cincinnati

[Leitch]

The Simpsons






(In no particular order)
Get Smart
Futurama
Scrubs
Family Guy
Chapelle's Show

[rolliefingers]

The Wire
The Simpsons
Seinfeld
Homicide
Curb Your Enthusiasm

(Oops, I'm used to doing things in multiples of 5. I honestly can't think of many other shows that I really liked.)

[bryanman8]

Seinfeld
24
The Office
Family Guy
Da Ali G Show
Sleeper Cell

[Pedro Cerrano]

Seinfeld
The Simpsons
The Sopranos
24
Lost
Homicide

[Icterus galbula]

The Wire
Simpsons
Seinfeld
Family Guy
South Park
Arrested Development


Thats the order ima settle on too.

Obviously "Homicide" will be an answer you're looking for, due to your handle, but to be honest, when it was airing there weren't hardly any TV shows I watched regularly. (Between 3rd and 8th grade for me.)

[orioles119]

Ever?

Cheers
M*A*S*H*
ER
Seinfeld
The Simpsons
Survivor

I don't necessarily like them, but they were ground breaking I guess.

[Lucky Jim]

There's no way to limit it to 6. Even 10 would be hard.

I Love Lucy
MASH
Mary Tyler Moore
All in the Family
Hill Street Blues
The Cosby Show
Cheers
The Simpsons
Seinfeld
Homicide
The Wire

I guess you could just pick any six out of that. It's pretty arbitrary from that point on.

[The Wedge]

C-

Nice Try.

How very McLaughlin group of you.

[orioles119]

How very McLaughlin group of you.http://youtube.com/watch?v=iSgKPmDLYto

[mweb]

The Wire
Sopranos
Seinfeld
Sports Night
Family Guy
Curb Your Enthusiam

Honorable mention: Six Feet Under, South Park, Simpsons, That 70's Show, King of Queens, Fresh Prince, Cheers, Friends, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Cosby Show

[bobmc]

Seinfeld Reruns (Julia Louis-Dreyfus (http://www.neandernews.com/wp-content/themes/images/julia_louis_dreyfus.jpg))
Curb Your Enthusiasm (Cheryl Hines (http://imagesource.allposters.com/IMAGES/MMPH/263238.jpg))
Peter Gunn (http://www.thrillingdetective.com/gunn_p.html)(Lola Albright (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jSHIWrnw8Q&mode=related&search=):002_sdrool: )
Twilight Zone
Jackie Gleason Show
Third Rock From the Sun (Kristen Johnson (http://www.imdb.com/gallery/granitz/1118/Events/1118/johnston_tarses2.html?path=pgallery&path_key=Johnston,%20Kristen%20(I)))

Dang! forgot Kung Fu!

[beaner]

Soap
Arrested Development
Cheers
Six Feet Under
The Wire
The Office

[cindyluvsbrady]

ER
Friends
Moonlighting
The Wonder Years
The Brady Bunch
Little People Big World
Im sure I will think of more:)

[clapdiddy]

MASH
Scrubs
NYPD Blue
24
Seinfeld
Taxi

[Lucky Jim]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iSgKPmDLYto

One of my favorite SNL skits ever. With Middle-Aged Hercules and a couple of others.

[rolliefingers]

WHAT'S THE RIGHT ANSWER, ALREADY?!11

I must know. I must.

[orioles119]

WHAT'S THE RIGHT ANSWER, ALREADY?!11

I must know. I must.
Greg the Bunny
Baby Bob
Anchorwoman
Joey
Andy Richter Controls the Universe
Vanished

Duh...

[frankpembleton]

How very McLaughlin group of you.

WRONG!!! You had some special K with a banana...

[NewMarketSean]

Here are my favorites...

1. The Wire
2. The Sopranos
3. Lost
4. Rome
5. The Office
6. Felicity

[frankpembleton]

The correct answer is:

The Wire
Arrested Development
Freaks and Geeks
The Office (BBC)
Larry Sanders Show
Sopranos

Note 'Homicide' would have been at the top of this list before rolliestallion got me hooked on the Wire about a year ago. The Wire is just far and away better though.

Pembleton is still one of my fave characters ever and Homicide is just outside of this list.

END OF DISCUSSION.

[sakata_catching]

Nice to see Larry Sanders represented, FP, but any list that doesn't include I'm Alan Partridge is irretrievably flawed. Nice try!

[orioles119]

The correct answer is:

The Wire
Arrested Development
Freaks and Geeks
The Office (BBC)
Larry Sanders Show
Sopranos

Note 'Homicide' would have been at the top of this list before rolliestallion got me hooked on the Wire about a year ago. The Wire is just far and away better though.

Pembleton is still one of my fave characters ever and Homicide is just outside of this list.

END OF DISCUSSION.
Top six TV shows ever for what? Your opinion?

[Leitch]

The correct answer is:

The Wire
Arrested Development
Freaks and Geeks
The Office (BBC)
Larry Sanders Show
Sopranos

I have a hard time trusting anyone's opinion on television if they don't even have the Simpsons rated in the top 6.

[rolliefingers]

The correct answer is:

The Wire
Arrested Development
Freaks and Geeks
The Office (BBC)
Larry Sanders Show
Sopranos

Note 'Homicide' would have been at the top of this list before rolliestallion got me hooked on the Wire about a year ago. The Wire is just far and away better though.

Pembleton is still one of my fave characters ever and Homicide is just outside of this list.

END OF DISCUSSION.

I sill haven't seen the Larry Sanders Show, but I heard it's coming out on DVD soon, and I can't wait to see it. From all I've read about it (a lot), it's right in my wheelhouse. The other shows you listed aside from The Wire are shows that I've really enjoyed when I've seen them, but haven't seen enough to really call them "my favorite". (I've seen maybe 1/3 of the total run of Arrested Development, but I love what I've seen.)

Anyway, quality list. Props to Sakata for Alan Partridge, too. If only the Top-6 list were longer...like, maybe a Top-10.:)

[rolliefingers]

Also, it makes my heart sing to see The Wire getting so much love, both here and in the national press. I feel like my evangelism has paid off.

[bobmc]

I sill haven't seen the Larry Sanders Show, but I heard it's coming out on DVD soon, and I can't wait to see it. From all I've read about it (a lot), it's right in my wheelhouse. The other shows you listed aside from The Wire are shows that I've really enjoyed when I've seen them, but haven't seen enough to really call them "my favorite". (I've seen maybe 1/3 of the total run of Arrested Development, but I love what I've seen.)

Anyway, quality list. Props to Sakata for Alan Partridge, too. If only the Top-6 list were longer...like, maybe a Top-10.:)

I agree, Larry Sanders was great with Shandling, Duchovny, Rip Torn and the bald guy from Arrested Development - similar approach to Curb but maybe better done, now that I think of it. I never got into AD, however. I prefer the BBC Office also. :cool:

[PaulFolk]

Greg the Bunny
Baby Bob
Anchorwoman
Joey
Andy Richter Controls the Universe
Vanished

Duh...
Why would you put ARCtU with the rest of that crap? That was a legitimately hilarious show that got cancelled far too quickly. I would honestly consider it one of the top 5 funniest shows I've ever seen.

[The Wedge]

Why would you put ARCtU with the rest of that crap? That was a legitimately hilarious show that got cancelled far too quickly. I would honestly consider it one of the top 5 funniest shows I've ever seen.

Agreed, don't hate on ARCtU. Fox never gave it a chance, they seemingly were ready to cancel it out of the chute. Greg the Bunny was also innovative and funny, but since it wasn't "conventional comedy" it got the ax way too quick, too.

You know, for the "progressive" network, Fox has a bad track record of squashing out of the box shows really fast. Those two, the live action Tick, scores more...

[BustaJ2632]

My 6:

Seinfeld
The Office (I have to say, I've seen both and while I find the BBC version funny, I think the American version blows it away)
West Wing
Homicide: Life on the Street
Arrested Development
The Simpsons

Honorable Mentions: The Wire (and I put it here despite only seeing the first season so far - just ordered Season Two), Curb Your Enthusiasm, Cheers, 24

[BustaJ2632]

To expand on my point about The Office...

I hear the argument that it's supposed to be a realistic portrayal of the humor in the doldrums of everyday office work, but Dwight and Michael's over-the-top actions just make it hard to believe. I'd argue that David and Gareth were just as hard to believe, and not really as funny - although David might edge Michael. Meanwhile, I think Jim and Pam's relationship for the first three seasons has been very true to life, and I'm interested to see how things work out now that they're presumably together in Season Four. Part of that is the product of having more time to develop the story than Tim and Dawn, but more time could also make it challenging to keep things going and so far, so good.

Above all, the American version has soooo much more going on with the fringe characters. Stanley, Kevin, Creed, Phyllis, Bob Vance, Jan, Roy, Darryl, Toby, Meredith, Angela, Oscar, Kelly, Ryan, Karen, Andy - they all have had their moments, many have had shows where they are near the focal point. The only non-main character from the British version that I'd say beats his or her American counterpart is Finch > Packer.

[Danielos38]

The Office
Lost
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Da Ali G Show
Wonder Years
Flight of the Conchords

[cindyluvsbrady]

ER
Friends
Moonlighting
The Wonder Years
The Brady Bunch
Little People Big World
Im sure I will think of more:)

I cant believe I forgot :eek:
LOST
Family Ties
Im sure I will think of more
My list seems to be slightly diffrent from the rest of yours!;)

[Tank]

Lost
Heroes
Family Guy
Big Brother
Da Ali G Show
Top Chef

[DrungoHazewood]

Seinfeld
The Simpsons
Lost
Battlestar Galactica (current version)
Northern Exposure

and Moonlighting... no Homicide... no Moonlighting... no Homicide... no... umm... Alright! Homicide.

[TonySoprano]

The Sopranos
M*A*S*H*
Monty Python's Flying Circus
The Simpsons
Saturday Night Live (first 5 seasons only)
Batman :D

[scOtt]

I made this list before I read the thread to be objective.
All in the Family
M*A*S*H
Simpsons
Home Improvement
Northern Exposure
Quantum Leap


others...
WKRP
Laugh-In - tho i was too young to get half the jokes...
Nova/American Experience - PBS sciencey history shows



The ones I missed after reading the thread:
Rosanne - thought of that one and didnt add it.
Kung Fu
Wonder Years - LOVED that one.
Family Ties

[66-70-83-??]

The Sopranos
M*A*S*H*Monty Python's Flying Circus
The Simpsons
Saturday Night Live (first 5 seasons only)
Batman :D

The first 5 seasons of SNL is probably the best show ever, followed by....

M*A*S*H*

Cheers !

Taxi

Those would be my top 4. Then a whole bunch get lumped in: Monty Python, Mary Tyler Moore, Barney Miller, All In The Family, etc.....

All of mine are older because I have no time to watch TV and there hasn't been much, imo, in recent years (if not recent decades, lol :D ) worth wasting the time to sit and watch it.

[YardBirds13]

Dramas:

1- 24
2- The Wire
3- The Sopranos

Comedies:

1- Seinfeld
2- The Office
3- South Park

[Lt Melmo]

Simpsons
The Wire
Futurama
South Park
Arrested Development

Last spot reserved for every show people will get mad at me for not including.

But in reality....
Kids in the Hall. :)

[scOtt]

Kids in the Hall. :)
Forgot that one too.


My pen! Someone took my pen! The one I do my work with!

[frankpembleton]

I have a hard time trusting anyone's opinion on television if they don't even have the Simpsons rated in the top 6.

The bad years of the Simpsons far outweigh the good, unfortunately. At it's peak it was fantastic, but there is just to much mediocre crap out there.

[The Wedge]

Forgot that one too.


My pen! Someone took my pen! The one I do my work with!

Gimme a tea you bastard...

[Lt Melmo]

Forgot that one too.


My pen! Someone took my pen! The one I do my work with!
That's my favorite sketch! And it's fortunately on Youtube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=cFEUy8NzazE

[frankpembleton]

Northern Exposure



Underrated, certainly. Good pick.

[frankpembleton]

Nice to see Larry Sanders represented, FP, but any list that doesn't include I'm Alan Partridge is irretrievably flawed. Nice try!

Hmmm. I have not even heard of this, but I did a quick Wikipedia search and it looks like something I could get into.

[scOtt]

That's my favorite sketch! And it's fortunately on Youtube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=cFEUy8NzazE
Got it. Stole it. Saved it to disc. :p

[sakata_catching]

But in reality....
Kids in the Hall. :)

An exciting Gaelic-Italian tradition (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gu3mbl8SAk) ...

[NewMarketSean]

If The Wire is not in your top 6 shows, either you have not seen it or you don't have a brain.

[NJOriolesFan]

The correct answer is:

The Wire
Arrested Development
Freaks and Geeks
The Office (BBC)
Larry Sanders Show
Sopranos

Note 'Homicide' would have been at the top of this list before rolliestallion got me hooked on the Wire about a year ago. The Wire is just far and away better though.

Pembleton is still one of my fave characters ever and Homicide is just outside of this list.

END OF DISCUSSION.

What???? Didn't you own a TV before the mid-80's?

In no particular order:

Taxi
Cheers
Odd Couple
All in the Family
Friends
Moonlighting OR Get Smart--tied

Honorable mention to the Black and White TV days: I Love Lucy and Honeymooners were great, too

[rolliefingers]

What???? Didn't you own a TV before the mid-80's?

In no particular order:

Taxi
Cheers
Odd Couple
All in the Family
Friends
Moonlighting OR Get Smart--tied

Honorable mention to the Black and White TV days: I Love Lucy and Honeymooners were great, too

I can't speak for Frank, but I wasn't really an avid TV watcher in the mid-'80s. :)

I've only recently gotten into watching TV shows other than sports. I think TV is better now than it's ever been, if only because there are more channels and options than ever. No amount of nostalgia can make Taxi or I Love Lucy better than Arrested Development or Seinfeld.

[DREKTUNES]

Buffy - if you haven't watched all of it, and can't get past the fact that it was aimed at teens, then you got a damn nerve bringing up cartoons. And you are doing yourself a disservice, because, as with all great pieces of fiction, it transends it's genre. And has some of the most affecting moments in popular culture in years.

My So Called Life

The Kids In The Hall - America's Python.

Mr Show

The Muppet Show - Yes, the original. Pre-Babies, Pre-Disney; it was amazingly entertaining, and genuinely messed up.

Simpsons - I don't hold the mediocre slide against the prime years. Just stopped watching.


On the cusp - Family Guy, Rescue Me, The State

And I have never seen the Wire. Fingers??

[sakata_catching]

The Kids In The Hall - Canada's Python

Mr Show - America's Python.


Fixed that for you. ;)

[rolliefingers]

And I have never seen the Wire. Fingers??

Get yourself to the damn video store and start watching. Try to watch all four seasons and then watch #5, which will start airing sometime this Fall or Winter.

Season 4 isn't out on DVD yet, but it should be by the time you get through 1-3.

[rolliefingers]

Fixed that for you. ;)

Oh my GOD. How could I have forgotten about Mr. Show??? Someone suspend my comedy-nerd card; I don't deserve it anymore.

That's probably my 2nd or 3rd favorite show ever.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Get yourself to the damn video store and start watching. Try to watch all four seasons and then watch #5, which will start airing sometime this Fall or Winter.

Season 4 isn't out on DVD yet, but it should be by the time you get through 1-3.

I watched season 1 earlier this year, shelved it, and now have season 2 coming on Netflix this week. Excited.

[rolliefingers]

I watched season 1 earlier this year, shelved it, and now have season 2 coming on Netflix this week. Excited.

Don't sleep on Season 2, because it's good, but Season 3 is probably the best work of filmed entertainment I have ever watched. I include the Godfather trilogy in that.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Don't sleep on Season 2, because it's good, but Season 3 is probably the best work of filmed entertainment I have ever watched. I include the Godfather trilogy in that.

But would you rank GF higher if part 3 had never existed or had been better?

The first two GFs is probably the six or so best hours of filmed entertainment in history.

[DREKTUNES]

Fixed that for you. ;)

Thanks. I knew they were Canadian - I blame trying to think about Freakbeat first thing in the morning for throwing me off.

[rolliefingers]

But would you rank GF higher if part 3 had never existed or had been better?

The first two GFs is probably the six or so best hours of filmed entertainment in history.

No. The Wire is simply that good.

[bobmc]

No. The Wire is simply that good, in my very humble opinion.

I thought you might appreciate my addition, no? ;) :)

[rolliefingers]

I thought you might appreciate my addition, no? ;) :)

Did the Ironbirds write that, or you, Bob? :p

[DrungoHazewood]

Buffy - if you haven't watched all of it, and can't get past the fact that it was aimed at teens, then you got a damn nerve bringing up cartoons. And you are doing yourself a disservice, because, as with all great pieces of fiction, it transends it's genre. And has some of the most affecting moments in popular culture in years.

Buffy definitely doesn't get enough respect, probably because the whole concept is so absurd. But it truly is one of my top 10 because it was that good.

Joss Whedon's other great show (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303461/) probably would be in the top 10, too, if it hadn't been canceled after 14 episodes. Firefly had the makings of an epic series.

[Mackus]

Buffy definitely doesn't get enough respect, probably because the whole concept is so absurd. But it truly is one of my top 10 because it was that good.

Joss Whedon's other great show (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303461/) probably would be in the top 10, too, if it hadn't been canceled after 14 episodes. Firefly had the makings of an epic series.
Never watched Buffy much, but definitely agree about Firefly.

[DrungoHazewood]

I think TV is better now than it's ever been, if only because there are more channels and options than ever.

TV is like anything else, it evolves and grows and typically gets better and better over time. The Honeymooners and I Love Lucy were good shows for their time, but they had to operate under some serious restraints with regard to content, language, technology. With the Honeymooners they were just trying to figure out how to film something for TV.

TV in the 50s and 60s was like baseball in the 1800s. A lot of it was fun, it was revolutionary for the era, but the vast majority was amateurish and laughable compared to the best of today.

Of course even today TV follows the "90% of everything is crap" rule pretty well.

[DREKTUNES]

TV is like anything else, it evolves and grows and typically gets better and better over time. The Honeymooners and I Love Lucy were good shows for their time, but they had to operate under some serious restraints with regard to content, language, technology. With the Honeymooners they were just trying to figure out how to film something for TV.

TV in the 50s and 60s was like baseball in the 1800s. A lot of it was fun, it was revolutionary for the era, but the vast majority was amateurish and laughable compared to the best of today.

Of course even today TV follows the "90% of everything is crap" rule pretty well.

Hmmm. Not a big Rod Serling fan? He really did some amazing things early on (pre-Twilight Zone). Wasn't Requiem For a Heavyweight his?

And I agree that Firefly could've been amazing. I liked the movie, though.

[2632]

My 6:

The Wire
The Simpsons
The Sopranos
The Daily Show
The first 3 or so seasons of The West Wing
Homicide

[bobmc]

Did the Ironbirds write that, or you, Bob? :p

Actually, my "Caucasian", Matt Wieters, did ;) . We're both into humility. :rolleyes: :)

[BustaJ2632]

My 6:

The Wire
The Simpsons
The Sopranos
The Daily Show
The first 3 or so seasons of The West Wing
Homicide

I stopped watching West Wing once Aaron Sorkin left after Season Four. Then I got back into it in Season Seven and decided to get all the DVDs, because how bad could it be? Season Five was not great - although it had its moments, such as "The Supremes." But Seasons Six and Seven were just as good as the first four seasons. If you gave up after Sorkin left and never saw the last couple of years, I recommend checking them out.

[Tank]

If The Wire is not in your top 6 shows, either you have not seen it or you don't have a brain.

Haven't seen it....

Haven't seen Freaks and Geeks yet either. Both are shows that I intend on watching at some point.

[cindyluvsbrady]

If The Wire is not in your top 6 shows, either you have not seen it or you don't have a brain.

Gee, I havent seen this show but that is NOT a very nice thing to say!:(

[BustaJ2632]

Meh...I'm not yet ready to put the Wire in my top 6 since i only saw the first season so far, but if the next four are anything near as good as the first...I honestly don't see how anyone who has seen it can't agree with NMS. I was pretty close to putting it in my top 6 having only seen one season.

[beaner]

Meh...I'm not yet ready to put the Wire in my top 6 since i only saw the first season so far, but if the next four are anything near as good as the first...I honestly don't see how anyone who has seen it can't agree with NMS. I was pretty close to putting it in my top 6 having only seen one season.

If you've seen more than one season, than there really is no way. It's by far the best written show on TV. Truly incredible. Every season has been completely riveting.

[mweb]

Add Entourage to my honorable mention list.

[ChaosLex]

The X-Files
Star Trek: The Next Generation
South Park
The Simpsons
24
LOST

[BustaJ2632]

If you've seen more than one season, than there really is no way. It's by far the best written show on TV. Truly incredible. Every season has been completely riveting.

Ordered Season Two last week off Amazon...hopefully I'll have seen the first four before Season Five starts.

[beaner]

Ordered Season Two last week off Amazon...hopefully I'll have seen the first four before Season Five starts.

You will not be dissapointed my friend.

[beaner]

Add Entourage to my honorable mention list.

Entourage frustrates me to no end. I like it, don't get me wrong. But it seems like every show is exactly the same.

[Tank]

Shows that I haven't seen, but plan on soon:

Freaks and Geeks (just put this at the top of my Netflix list.)
Arrested Development (just put this right behind Freaks and Geeks.)
The Wire ( I will get to it.)

I'm sure my original list will change after seeing these.

[beaner]

Shows that I haven't seen, but plan on soon:

Freaks and Geeks (just put this at the top of my Netflix list.)
Arrested Development (just put this right behind Freaks and Geeks.)
The Wire ( I will get to it.)

I'm sure my original list will change after seeing these.

Man, those could be the top three on some lists and I wouldn't argue.

[BustaJ2632]

Shows that I haven't seen, but plan on soon:

Freaks and Geeks (just put this at the top of my Netflix list.)
Arrested Development (just put this right behind Freaks and Geeks.)
The Wire ( I will get to it.)

I'm sure my original list will change after seeing these.

Arrested Development may just be the perfect television comedy. I won't give anything away, but I feel like what they did in 3 seasons was perfect. If they had gone further, I'm not sure they could have kept it up. Part of me thinks it wasn't given a fair shake, but another part of me realizes that it was the perfect length for what it was.

It's the kind of show where you have to watch every episode to get a lot of the jokes, but if you do, it will be one of your favorites, no doubt.

[frankpembleton]

Man, those could be the top three on some lists and I wouldn't argue.

You couldn't argue, those are the three best shows on television. EVER.

[beaner]

You couldn't argue, those are the three best shows on television. EVER.


Hence the name of your thread...Can't go wrong with any of them. In fact, I'm going to watch some Arrested Development episodes right now.

[mweb]

Shows that I haven't seen, but plan on soon:

Freaks and Geeks (just put this at the top of my Netflix list.)
Arrested Development (just put this right behind Freaks and Geeks.)
The Wire ( I will get to it.)

I'm sure my original list will change after seeing these.

Yeah, I'm going to give those first two shows a chance based on what I've heard about them and read in this thread.

[BustaJ2632]

Hence the name of your thread...Can't go wrong with any of them. In fact, I'm going to watch some Arrested Development episodes right now.

Arrested Development can always cheer me up when I'm feeling blue (http://mtsix.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/04/tobias_funke.jpg).

(P.S. my picture posting abilities must suck because I swear I'm using the right code and it's not showing up...)

[geschinger]

Anyone that wants to check out Arrested Development should check out:

http://arresteddevelopment.msn.com/

[BustaJ2632]

Anyone that wants to check out Arrested Development should check out:

http://arresteddevelopment.msn.com/

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

rep points coming your way

[Tank]

Arrested Development may just be the perfect television comedy. I won't give anything away, but I feel like what they did in 3 seasons was perfect. If they had gone further, I'm not sure they could have kept it up. Part of me thinks it wasn't given a fair shake, but another part of me realizes that it was the perfect length for what it was.

It's the kind of show where you have to watch every episode to get a lot of the jokes, but if you do, it will be one of your favorites, no doubt.

Awesome. Now I can't to watch these.

[rolliefingers]

I guess here is as good a place as any to (re-?) mention that I am an extra in three episodes of the upcoming season of The Wire. I play a homeless guy. In ep. 4, specifically, a homeless guy with a bike under the Hanover St. bridge.

Hopefully all y'all will be watching this season, so we can have a nice little discussion thread about the best show ever made! I'm actually springing for HBO this season; for a skinflint like me, that's when you know a show is really good. :D

[Mackus]

I guess here is as good a place as any to (re-?) mention that I am an extra in three episodes of the upcoming season of The Wire. I play a homeless guy. In ep. 4, specifically, a homeless guy with a bike under the Hanover St. bridge.

Hopefully all y'all will be watching this season, so we can have a nice little discussion thread about the best show ever made! I'm actually springing for HBO this season; for a skinflint like me, that's when you know a show is really good. :DWhen does the new season start? I haven't actually seen a start date listed.

[rolliefingers]

When does the new season start? I haven't actually seen a start date listed.

This is the best I've come up with.

http://www.tvblogger.org/2007/08/early-february-08-for-wire-season-5.html

They're either done or almost done filming, but the delay will have more to do with HBO's programming strategy than anything else. They could probably air ep. 1 next month if HBO gave them the green light.

[Hank Scorpio]

How very McLaughlin group of you.

JACK GERMOND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Hank Scorpio]

I always liked Night Court.

[DrungoHazewood]

JACK GERMOND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John McLaughlin: Wrong! There is life after death. The soul does not ascend to heaven but rather rests in a limbo state that varies depending on the karma of the spirit. Issue number 4: Intellegent beings on other planets, yes or no? Pat Buchanan!

Pat Buchanan: I would think so.

John McLaughlin: Eleanor Clift!

Eleanor Clift: Don't know.

John McLaughlin: Jack Germonde!

Jack Germonde: Me, either.

John McLaughlin: Mortontown!

Morton Kondracke: Well, no one really knows..

John McLaughlin: Wrong! There is intellegent life in the 11th galaxy on the planet Neptar, which will conquer Earth in the year 5482, utilizing us for slave labor in their Chellonian salt mines. Issue number 5: what number am I thinking of? Pat Buchanan!

Pat Buchanan: Geez, uh, 82?

John McLaughlin: Wrong!

[Hank Scorpio]

I think my favorite line from the McLaughlin Group skit was when someone said, "I'm leaving, John" and Dana Carvey goes, "WRONG!!!! All the doors are locked from the outside."

[Stacey]

Hi all. I'm much more of a lurker than anything here, but I have to jump in and agree with everyone who loves The Wire. This sounds so dramatic, but it is more than TV. It will change your life. I'm not kidding even a little bit. For me the 4th season was the best, but I wouldn't argue with anyone for choosing another as they are all amazing and will affect you deeply.

P.S. What up 2632, this is J-lish from Camden Chat.

[BustaJ2632]

Season Two of The Wire came today. Right now I was in the middle of watching Homicide all the way through...I'm about midway through Season Five now (coming up to Luther Mahoney time!), so I think I'm going to finish this season, then watch Season Two of The Wire, watch Season Six of Homicide while I'm ordering Season Three, watch Season Three of The Wire, watch Season Seven/the Homicide movie while I order Season Four, and then watch Season Four before Season Five starts....hopefully.

OK, now that you're all aware of my plans, you may resume your regularly scheduled lives.

[Lt Melmo]

I forgot to mention here.... I just learned that lots of scenes from The Wire are filmed in a warehouse about 2 minutes from my house. If only I knew earlier, they're literally just finishing up the last season. :(

Anyway, a friend of my mom's got a role as an extra, so we got to stop by and check it out. They were filming the last episode, and while I only saw one 15-second scene(took about an hour and a half to shoot) I did come back with QUITE a spoiler. Well nothing you can't probably assume will happen anyway, but in case you're wondering, highlight:

It was Carcetti's acceptance speech for the governorship. He's running alongside someone named Lee.

[rolliefingers]

...and while I only saw one 15-second scene(took about an hour and a half to shoot)...

That quick, huh? ;)

[frankpembleton]

Season Two of The Wire came today. Right now I was in the middle of watching Homicide all the way through...I'm about midway through Season Five now (coming up to Luther Mahoney time!), so I think I'm going to finish this season, then watch Season Two of The Wire, watch Season Six of Homicide while I'm ordering Season Three, watch Season Three of The Wire, watch Season Seven/the Homicide movie while I order Season Four, and then watch Season Four before Season Five starts....hopefully.

OK, now that you're all aware of my plans, you may resume your regularly scheduled lives.

David Simon would be pleased.

[rolliefingers]

David Simon would be pleased.

He's earned every penny he's made, and more.

In a world where Jerry Bruckheimer is allowed to release movies, and Jim Belushi has a career, it's nice to know that David Simon gets paid, too. At least, I hope he does.

[geschinger]

He's earned every penny he's made, and more.

In a world where Jerry Bruckheimer is allowed to release movies, and Jim Belushi has a career, it's nice to know that David Simon gets paid, too. At least, I hope he does.

Probably not enough. It's a shame that HBO has somewhat limited their stars - Simon and Milch. As far as I'm concerned anything either wants to do should automatically be greenlighted.

[frankpembleton]

He's earned every penny he's made, and more.

In a world where Jerry Bruckheimer is allowed to release movies, and Jim Belushi has a career, it's nice to know that David Simon gets paid, too. At least, I hope he does.

It might have actually been you who posted these videos before, but I thought I'd throw them up here anyway in case you have not seen them. The rest of y'all might as well learn something too.

The Man, David Simon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJNkL12QD68
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhPZYjRgqTI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z42m_J8t18

[rolliefingers]

It might have actually been you who posted these videos before, but I thought I'd throw them up here anyway in case you have not seen them. The rest of y'all might as well learn something too.

The Man, David Simon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJNkL12QD68
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhPZYjRgqTI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z42m_J8t18

I hadn't seen those videos, but I was at that speech. I asked one of the questions, too.

[Mackus]

Season Two of The Wire came today. Right now I was in the middle of watching Homicide all the way through...I'm about midway through Season Five now (coming up to Luther Mahoney time!), so I think I'm going to finish this season, then watch Season Two of The Wire, watch Season Six of Homicide while I'm ordering Season Three, watch Season Three of The Wire, watch Season Seven/the Homicide movie while I order Season Four, and then watch Season Four before Season Five starts....hopefully.

OK, now that you're all aware of my plans, you may resume your regularly scheduled lives.There's a shower or two somewhere in there, right?

[2632]

Hi all. I'm much more of a lurker than anything here, but I have to jump in and agree with everyone who loves The Wire. This sounds so dramatic, but it is more than TV. It will change your life. I'm not kidding even a little bit. For me the 4th season was the best, but I wouldn't argue with anyone for choosing another as they are all amazing and will affect you deeply.

P.S. What up 2632, this is J-lish from Camden Chat.

Oh, hey there! You'll also recognize The Wire's Number One Pimp, Italianstallion (Chris).

[rolliefingers]

Oh, hey there! You'll also recognize The Wire's Number One Pimp, Italianstallion (Chris).

That would be me.

I wish I got paid to be a Wire pimp!

[2632]

That would be me.

I wish I got paid to be a Wire pimp!

Sorry, forgot about your rebranding...

[BustaJ2632]

There's a shower or two somewhere in there, right?

Showers? Sure. Sleep though.....sleep is for the weak. I could be going to bed now, but instead I'm watching Lewis convince Kellerman not to commit suicide. And then an episode or two after that. We'll see how drunk Homicide watching goes...

[ixcuincle]

In no particular order

The Spider-Man cartoon series that aired on Fox Kids in the 1990's
The Simpsons before they became "unfunny"
Family Guy
South Park
24
Prison Break

[square634]

Dude, I was thinking about this question and almost mentioned the Spiderman cartoon but then decided I would be ridiculed. Actually, I ended up deciding Batman: The Animated Series was better overall than Spiderman. Most other Batman stuff has been crap though, which is unfortunate because he and Spiderman are, IMO, the coolest superheroes.

[longflyball]

The X-Files
Star Trek: The Next Generation
South Park
The Simpsons
24
LOST

I had to wade through 78 posts before someone mentioned Star Trek and The X-Files. That's criminal. And I'm not even a Sci-Fi geek.

King of the Hill deserves mention as well.

[2632]

I had to wade through 78 posts before someone mentioned Star Trek and The X-Files. That's criminal. And I'm not even a Sci-Fi geek.

King of the Hill deserves mention as well.

I was a big fan/geek. I just didn't have them in my top 6 overall.

[DrungoHazewood]

I was a big fan/geek. I just didn't have them in my top 6 overall.

I didn't have them in my top six, either, but I watched them both religiously when they were new. In reruns it seems that the X-Files has aged much better then Next Generation.

[JTrea81]

Mystery Science Theater 3000 - I never knew Gamera and Jet Jaguar existed until this beautiful series...
Wonder Years
Fraiser - one of the most successful spinoffs of all time
Cheers
The Office
Star Trek: TNG

[TonySoprano]

Woke up this morning, won myself an Emmy. At least the show won for best drama. Thank you, America.

[Sports Guy]

Woke up this morning, won myself an Emmy. At least the show won for best drama. Thank you, America.

Surprised they didn't win any(or all) of the awards for the individuals.

[beaner]

Surprised they didn't win any(or all) of the awards for the individuals.

Chase won for Best Writing in a Drama series for the much discussed finale. Well deserved!

[frankpembleton]

Woke up this morning, won myself an Emmy. At least the show won for best drama. Thank you, America.

No offense Mr. Soprano, because your show was awesome, but it did not deserve the Emmy.

I think we all know what show deserved that...and it wasn't even nominated. What a joke!

[Lt Melmo]

The Emmys are a joke. In fact, the only major awards show that isn't a joke is the Oscars. And they ain't perfect neither.

Don't get me started on the Grammys...

[DuffMan]

No offense Mr. Soprano, because your show was awesome, but it did not deserve the Emmy.

I think we all know what show deserved that...and it wasn't even nominated. What a joke!

I'm guessing you're talking about Lost?? If so I agree that the show definitely deserved to be nominated. It was nice to see Terry O'Quinn get the nod for best supporting actor, although Emerson was probably just as deserving.

[glenn__davis]

I don't think I can list 6 particular shows, but here are some shout-outs to some that (I don't think) have been mentioned yet...

Smallville -- Sue me, I think it's a pretty cool show. Somehow I totally missed out on everything related to Superman growing up (I didn't even realize he was pretty much invincible), so I've enjoyed this show. Plus, I'm madly in love with Lana Lang.

The first 3-4 seasons of ER were very good. Obviously, it's pretty much garbage now.

I spent large portions of my childhood watching TNMT, Voltron and Animaniacs.

And in a broad sense, Saturday Night Live has been really, really, really funny at times (and really, really, really dumb at others).

[frankpembleton]

I'm guessing you're talking about Lost?? If so I agree that the show definitely deserved to be nominated. It was nice to see Terry O'Quinn get the nod for best supporting actor, although Emerson was probably just as deserving.

Nope.

Television at it's finest:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wmgghlEagA

AND NOT ONE NOMINATION FOR ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH THE SHOW.

[rolliefingers]

I'm guessing you're talking about Lost?? If so I agree that the show definitely deserved to be nominated. It was nice to see Terry O'Quinn get the nod for best supporting actor, although Emerson was probably just as deserving.

Hahah. Bad guess.

[TonySoprano]

The Emmys are a joke. In fact, the only major awards show that isn't a joke is the Oscars. And they ain't perfect neither.

Don't get me started on the Grammys...Don't get me started on the Oscars. They hand out as many dubious awards, if not more, than the other shows.

IMO the biggest snub in the acting categories last night, Gandofini should have won the Emmy award over Spader. " And the award goes to (c'mon Gandolfini) James (yes !!!) Spader (nooooooooooooo!!!!)" Falco was better in the first half of season six, but c'mon. Sally Field? I loved how Chase parodied her speech by saying "if gangsters ruled the world.." In the supporting categories, I'm not disappointed that the Sopranos were shut out there.

[beaner]

No offense Mr. Soprano, because your show was awesome, but it did not deserve the Emmy.

I think we all know what show deserved that...and it wasn't even nominated. What a joke!

No question, it's inexcusable. I haven't even looked at the rest of this thread but clearly I know "The Wire" is what your referencing. However, with this being the final season of "The Sopranos", they deserved to win.

[beaner]

Don't get me started on the Oscars. They hand out as many dubious awards, if not more, than the other shows.

IMO the biggest snub in the acting categories last night, Gandofini should have won the Emmy award over Spader. " And the award goes to (c'mon Gandolfini) James (yes !!!) Spader (nooooooooooooo!!!!)" Falco was better in the first half of season six, but c'mon. Sally Field? I loved how Chase parodied her speech by saying "if gangsters ruled the world.." In the supporting categories, I'm not disappointed that the Sopranos were shut out there.

Spader is really good in that role, but yea, Gandolfini deserved it this year. I'm alittle peeved that Jenna Fischer didn't win, but I'll get over it.

[frankpembleton]

No question, it's inexcusable. I haven't even looked at the rest of this thread but clearly I know "The Wire" is what your referencing. However, with this being the final season of "The Sopranos", they deserved to win.

Even when you take into account that "The Wire" Season 4 is probably the best season of television ever on television?

I mean Sopranos was great, and the last episode was really well done- but can it really compare to the full season of "The Wire"?

[Pedro Cerrano]

Even when you take into account that "The Wire" Season 4 is probably the best season of television ever on television?

I mean Sopranos was great, and the last episode was really well done- but can it really compare to the full season of "The Wire"?

Rolliefingers says Season 3 was the best...

[frankpembleton]

Rolliefingers says Season 3 was the best...

Toss Up.

Either way, doesn't diminish the fact that either one could be considered the single best season of television ever and for neither to have been even considered for an emmy is a travesty.

[ledzepp8]

Don't get me started on the Oscars. They hand out as many dubious awards, if not more, than the other shows.

IMO the biggest snub in the acting categories last night, Gandofini should have won the Emmy award over Spader. " And the award goes to (c'mon Gandolfini) James (yes !!!) Spader (nooooooooooooo!!!!)" Falco was better in the first half of season six, but c'mon. Sally Field? I loved how Chase parodied her speech by saying "if gangsters ruled the world.." In the supporting categories, I'm not disappointed that the Sopranos were shut out there.

Spader could have very well deserved the award, but it should have gone to Gandolfini. He was the best actor on that show, one of the best actors ever, playing one of the best characters in TV history. It's not like Spader can never get nominated for this role again. You could tell that he didn't think he should have won.

[beaner]

Even when you take into account that "The Wire" Season 4 is probably the best season of television ever on television?

I mean Sopranos was great, and the last episode was really well done- but can it really compare to the full season of "The Wire"?

I'll go one step further and say season 4 of "The Wire" was the best season of ANY show I've ever seen. Makes ZERO sense that they didn't get a single nomination.

[beaner]

Spader could have very well deserved the award, but it should have gone to Gandolfini. He was the best actor on that show, one of the best actors ever, playing one of the best characters in TV history. It's not like Spader can never get nominated for this role again. You could tell that he didn't think he should have won.

It was Spader's thrid emmy for this character. He's really good, I 'll give him that. His "I feel like I just stole a lot of money from the mob" line was classic.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Toss Up.

Either way, doesn't diminish the fact that either one could be considered the single best season of television ever and for neither to have been even considered for an emmy is a travesty.

Well considering that I'm about to start season 3, I am very very excited.

Only one thing has been blown for me so far by my drunken idiot friend
He told me that Stringer Bell dies in season 3.

Does me knowing that diminish how good the season is?

[frankpembleton]

Well considering that I'm about to start season 3, I am very very excited.

Only one thing has been blown for me so far by my drunken idiot friend
He told me that Stringer Bell dies in season 3.

Does me knowing that diminish how good the season is?

Sucks that you found out early, but I'd still wager that you absolutely love season 3 and it won't take much away knowing what you know.

You can predict a lot of things about the show, but the beauty is in the way the story is told, the message, and the characters.

[beaner]

Sucks that you found out early, but I'd still wager that you absolutely love season 3 and it won't take much away knowing what you know.

You can predict a lot of things about the show, but the beauty is in the way the story is told, the message, and the characters.

Your last sentence sums up was I was going to say. The writing and acting is so good that it really doesn't matter what you already know going in.

[Jagwar]

Came in late to the party, but here are my choices

M*A*S*H
The Simpsons
Get Smart
SNL
Monty Python

[PeteCanes]

Late as well:

Simpsons (up to about the ninth season)
Seinfeld
Trailer Park Boys
South Park
Mystery Science Theater 3000
Sopranos

I do like The Wire a lot, I just haven't seen enough of it, gotta hit up dem dvds.

[PeteCanes]

If The Wire is not in your top 6 shows, either you have not seen it or you don't have a brain.


...or HBO.

[rolliefingers]

...or HBO.

That would fall under the first category, no?:)

Seriously, watch the DVDs then watch Season 5 when it starts in January. You'll be happy you did.

[PeteCanes]

I've watched scattered eps from season one and two. Watched all of last season, so I'm all discombobulated.

[rolliefingers]

I've watched scattered eps from season one and two. Watched all of last season, so I'm all discombobulated.

Go rent the first season and watch it all. Just trust me on this one.

[Tank]

Lost
Heroes
Family Guy
Big Brother
Da Ali G Show
Freaks and Geeks

I finally watched all of Freaks and Geeks and it immediately catapults itself into my top 6. Great show. Bill is my favorite character.

I was going to watch all of Arrested Development next, but I'm going to go back to getting movies from Netflix for a while. I'll eventually watch it though.

[frankpembleton]

I finally watched all of Freaks and Geeks and it immediately catapults itself into my top 6. Great show. Bill is my favorite character.

I was going to watch all of Arrested Development next, but I'm going to go back to getting movies from Netflix for a while. I'll eventually watch it though.

Yeah, F&G is really a fantastic show. With AD next and (hopefully) the Wire on your horizon your top 6 will start shaping up quite nicely. ;)

[Rockford]

1. The Andy Griffith Show
2. I Love Lucy
3. The Simpsons
4. Cheers
5. The Mary Tyler Moore Show
6. Newhart

[Tank]

UPDATE:

Lost
Heroes
Arrested Development
Freaks and Geeks
Friday Night Lights
Big Brother

I just finished watching the first season of Arrested Development and it easily becomes one of my favorite shows of all time. I can't wait to watch seasons 2 and 3.

[square634]

Bump - my top 6 is now a little different after further reflection.

A disproportionate number of my top 6 are animated, probably because they have more longevity than shows that need to keep actors.

1. South Park - I did not fully appreciate the message when it first came out because I was too young. Now I realize that it is the most consistently funny cartoon out there.
2. Spiderman (mid '90s version) - probably just a nostalgic pick, the movies also help.
3. The Office - I got a chance to do catch up with a marathon session, and it is just hilarious.
4. Full Metal Alchemist - I am usually not an anime fan. In fact, this is the only anime I've ever liked. Most of them get way too weird for me. I found FMA's story to be deep and fantastic.
5. Heroes - not enough longevity to be higher. If they return to the level of the first season, then it could move up.
6. Batman the Animated Series - way underrated. Also see #2

Honorable mentions: Futurama, House (I like this show mainly because it's hilarious to watch it with my dad who hates it and rants about it because it is so incorrect medically) , Family Guy, Simpsons.

I have not seen the Wire. I know I am a failure at life.

[OrangeJerseys]

The Sopranos
The Wire
Heroes
Seinfeld
The Simpsons
Lost