My 60 (and counting) All Time Favorite TV Shows
Because does anyone REALLY have 100 favorite TV shows? Once you get past 50 or so you're not talking about shows that you'd stay home to watch. Or that you really look forward to. Or even care about. Just shows that you watch when you have nothing better to do. I may go a few past 50 if I think of or find some worth adding.
This may take a little while to get in the proper order. And NO doubt I'm forgetting a few. A work in progress.
This may take a little while to get in the proper order. And NO doubt I'm forgetting a few. A work in progress.
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- CreatorVince GilliganStarsBryan CranstonAaron PaulAnna GunnA chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine with a former student in order to secure his family's future.I wish I'd had a teacher like this one. He makes learning fun!
- CreatorChuck LorreBill PradyStarsJohnny GaleckiJim ParsonsKaley CuocoA woman who moves into an apartment across the hall from two brilliant but socially awkward physicists shows them how little they know about life outside of the laboratory.I love this show.
In fact I usually end up saying that 2 or 3 times per episode when I watch it. - CreatorGlen A. LarsonRonald D. MooreStarsEdward James OlmosMary McDonnellJamie BamberWhen an old enemy, the Cylons, resurface and obliterate the 12 colonies, the crew of the aged Galactica protect a small civilian fleet - the last of humanity - as they journey toward the fabled 13th colony, Earth.Star Trek stuck to short stories. Galactica built on a story line with every episode leading it to a greater destiny than ST could achieve. There are moments of true magnificence and exceptional depth.
- CreatorDavid ChaseStarsJames GandolfiniLorraine BraccoEdie FalcoNew Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano deals with personal and professional issues in his home and business life that affect his mental state, leading him to seek professional psychiatric counseling.I spent a summer with this family back in the early 1970's while my mom was in the hospital. You'll never meet a nicer bunch of people.
- CreatorBernard FeinAlbert S. RuddyStarsBob CraneWerner KlempererJohn BannerThe inmates of a German World War II prisoner of war camp conduct an espionage and sabotage campaign right under the noses of their warders.This one hits on a LOT of levels. How can a show about a POW camp be funny? I dunno but it is. Several of the cast were actually Jewish including Robert Clary (LeBeau) who always kept his arms covered to conceal a tattoo he got in a concentration camp during the war.
- CreatorGene RoddenberryStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyIn the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets.Still my favorite Star Trek even if the effects were primitive. Credit goes primarily to Shatney, Nimoy, and several of the writers.
- CreatorRod SerlingStarsRod SerlingRobert McCordJay OverholtsOrdinary people find themselves in extraordinarily astounding situations, which they each try to solve in a remarkable manner.Episodic TV at its best. The story lines are still as fresh and important as the day they were written. And the show featured many of the best actors of its era. This show has stood the test of time.
- StarsPhil PlaitMichelle ThallerRichard LinternA users guide to the cosmos from the big bang to galaxies, stars, planets and moons. Where did it all come from and how does it all fit together. A primer for anyone who has ever looked up at the night sky and wondered.Like the Cosmos series of the 1970's. But with 30+ years of improvements in science and film making.
- CreatorSheldon LeonardAaron RubenDanny ThomasStarsAndy GriffithRon HowardDon KnottsWidower Sheriff Andy Taylor, and his son Opie, live with Andy's Aunt Bee in Mayberry, North Carolina. With virtually no crimes to solve, most of Andy's time is spent philosophizing and calming down his cousin Deputy Barney Fife.Overall one of the best TV shows in history. This show was never out of the Top 10 in the ratings. It went out at #1 even though it never recovered from the departure of Don Knotts 3 years earlier.
- CreatorTrey ParkerMatt StoneBrian GradenStarsTrey ParkerMatt StoneIsaac HayesFollows the misadventures of four irreverent grade-schoolers in the quiet, dysfunctional town of South Park, Colorado.Most comedy shows make me chuckle. This one and Big Bang get full body laughs.
- StarsTracey McCallJonathan MankutaJoe MaddalenaHollywood Treasure is a weekly reality series that delves into the intricate world of showbiz and pop culture memorabilia collecting, including science fiction and fantasy props and costumes. The series follows Joe Maddalena, owner of Profiles in History and the world's largest auctioneer of original movie, television and pop culture collectibles.Ever wonder what happened to Dorothy's ruby shoes or Harryhousen's props? They're up for auction to the highest bidder!
- CreatorGene RoddenberryStarsPatrick StewartBrent SpinerJonathan FrakesSet almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before.Sheldon and Leonard say STNG trumps STTOS. But Kirk over Picard. Who am I to argue with that?
- CreatorJames Manos Jr.StarsMichael C. HallJennifer CarpenterDavid ZayasHe's smart. He's lovable. He's Dexter Morgan, America's favorite serial killer, who spends his days solving crimes and nights committing them.Everybody needs a hobby.
- CreatorGeorge W. TrendleStarsBruce LeeVan WilliamsWende WagnerA newspaper publisher and his Asian valet/martial arts expert battle crime as the feared Green Hornet and Kato.Or as they call it in China, "The Kato Show". Bruce Lee was the real star of this program though GH was pretty cool too. Only got one season because of a network dispute. The producer (William Dozier same as Batman) wanted to go to an hour to develop more storyline but the network said no. The matter was not resolved in time for the next season.
- CreatorJoe ConnellyBob MosherDick ConwayStarsJerry MathersHugh BeaumontBarbara BillingsleyThe misadventures of a suburban boy, family and friends.The childhood I wish I'd had.
- CreatorAlfred GoughMiles MillarStarsTom WellingMichael RosenbaumAllison MackA young Clark Kent struggles to find his place in the world as he learns to harness his alien powers for good and deals with the typical troubles of teenage life in Smallville, Kansas.I don't know if this series ever lived up to its true potential. Sometimes it was good. Sometimes GREAT! But I would still like to see the young Batman program they passed up to do this one.
- CreatorKurt SutterStarsCharlie HunnamKatey SagalMark Boone JuniorA biker struggles to balance being a father and being involved in an outlaw motorcycle club.Katy Sagal is the big surprise in this show. Who could have guessed that she could really act? Her performance is a major departure from her roll on MWC.
- CreatorLorne MichaelsStarsThe Saturday Night Live BandDon PardoDarrell HammondA famous guest host stars in parodies and sketches created by the cast of this witty show.They never topped the original cast.
- CreatorPaul FeigStarsLinda CardelliniJohn Francis DaleyJames FrancoA high school mathlete starts hanging out with a group of burnouts while her younger brother navigates his freshman year.Known for its exceptional degree of honesty. This show should have been around for years and years. Perhaps the biggest screw up in network history that it wasn't. No surprise that most of the cast went on to do great things.
- CreatorMark BrazillBonnie TurnerTerry TurnerStarsTopher GraceLaura PreponMila KunisA comedy revolving around a group of teenage friends, their mishaps, and their coming of age, set in 1970s Wisconsin.This one didn't hit as close to home with me as Freaks and Geeks. But it was still awesome.
- CreatorMadeleine SmithbergLizz WinsteadStarsJon StewartTrevor NoahStephen ColbertA comedy news show featuring humorous takes on top stories.
- CreatorPaul HenningStarsBuddy EbsenDonna DouglasIrene RyanA nouveau-riche hillbilly family moves to Beverly Hills and shakes up the privileged society with their hayseed ways.My Dad hated this show for some reason. So I never really got a chance to watch it till many years later. Its still holds up and is some of the best writing in television history. Particularly the first season.
- CreatorStephen ColbertBen KarlinJon StewartStarsStephen ColbertJay KatsirJon StewartSatirical newscaster Stephen Colbert provides humorous commentary on the big issues going on in the United States and the rest of the world, with his larger-than-life ego and overly-patriotic spirit along with him every step of the way.
- CreatorNorman LearStarsCarroll O'ConnorJean StapletonRob ReinerA working class man constantly squabbles with his family over the important issues of the day.Not just a great show but an IMPORTANT show.
- CreatorBob KaneWilliam Moulton MarstonJoe ShusterStarsCarl LumblyPhil LaMarrMichael RosenbaumSeven of the most formidable heroes form arguably the most powerful team ever.
- CreatorJackie GleasonStarsJackie GleasonArt CarneyAudrey MeadowsA bus driver and his sewer worker friend struggle to strike it rich while their wives look on with weary patience.One of the shows from my childhood. This one always makes me misty.
- StarsLucille BallDesi ArnazVivian VanceThe wife of a band leader constantly tries to become a star - in spite of her having no talent, and gets herself (along with her best friend) into the funniest predicaments.One of my earliest memories is watching this show with my Mom while she ironed the wash. Sometimes Mom would pretend to cry like Lucy. Wahhh. My sister missed out because she was at school. I hadn't started yet. Then my foreign born Dad would come home and yell at everyone just like Ricky.
- CreatorJames L. BrooksAllan BurnsStarsMary Tyler MooreEdward AsnerGavin MacLeodThe lives and trials of a young single woman and her friends, both at work and at home.This show started about the same time my parents divorced. Mom was starting out on her own like Mary. Watching it again brings back memories.
- CreatorDon HewittStarsAndrew RooneyLesley StahlSteve KroftThe classic long-running prime time TV investigative news magazine.Did ja ever notice that this show just wasn't the same after Andy Rooney departed?
- StarsWolfman JackHelen ReddyDonna SummerLate night rock and pop music performances are featured.Guests included AC/DC, Aerosmith, David Bowie, George Carlin, Redd Foxx, Peter Frampton, Heart, Elton John, Richard Pryor, George Thorogood, Tom Petty, Tina Turner, and Wolfman Jack. Would rate higher but they had a lot of crap too.
- StarsDon KirshnerGary Mule DeerThe Village IdiotsWeekly late-night progressive rock bands, many very well known, with some soft-pop (later) and occasional comic routines.Guests included The Allman Brothers Band, Bad Company, Badfinger, Alice Cooper, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Rory Gallagher, George Harrison, and The Rolling Stones. Would rate higher but they had a lot of crap too.
- CreatorDan CurtisStarsJonathan FridGrayson HallAlexandra IslesThe rich Collins family of Collinsport, Maine is tormented by strange occurrences.Because of the tight 5 day a week schedule there was no time to reshoot scenes. Barnabas/Frid was in so many scenes he would need prompting from the other actors to remember his lines. Sometimes they'd knock down walls on the set by accident and it would just have to go out like that. DS ranges from extremly exciting to tedious because of the slow pacing. But it was always enjoyable.
- DirectorLeslie H. MartinsonStarsAdam WestBurt WardLee MeriwetherThe Dynamic Duo faces four supervillains who plan to hold the world for ransom with the help of a secret invention that instantly dehydrates people.My favorite TV show in grade school. And still the best ever Batmobile. Around 1987 I got to shake the hand that built it.
- CreatorBob KaneEric RadomskiBruce TimmStarsKevin ConroyLoren LesterEfrem Zimbalist Jr.The Dark Knight battles crime in Gotham City with occasional help from Robin and Batgirl.Two words: Police blimp.
- CreatorIrwin AllenStarsGuy WilliamsJune LockhartMark GoddardA space colony family struggles to survive when a spy/accidental stowaway throws their ship hopelessly off course.Started off to be a truly GREAT program but went downhill quickly. Should have gone for straight sci-fi but they camped it up instead. And should have never gone to color.
- CreatorGarry MarshallStarsRon HowardHenry WinklerMarion RossThe Cunningham family live through the 1950s with help and guidance from lovable and almost superhuman greaser Fonzie.The show for which the term "Jump the Shark" was coined. At one time this was arguably the best current show on the air.
- CreatorGregory Thomas GarciaStarsJason LeeEthan SupleeJaime PresslyA ne'er do well wins $100,000 in the lottery and decides to right all the wrongs from his past with his newfound realization!Earl taught us about cleaning up after our karma.
- StarsJim ConradSteve ToneyHelicopter flights above the USA give breathtaking views of the nation's historic landmarks and natural wonders all presented in stunning HD aerial cinematography while narration provides background information and historical context.
- CreatorSydney NewmanStarsJodie WhittakerPeter CapaldiPearl MackieThe further adventures in time and space of the alien adventurer known as the Doctor and his companions from planet Earth.I've only ever watched the one season of this show though it has been around almost as long as I have. I'm looking forward to seeing more. Sadly this doctor only did one season. I'm hoping the others will be as good.
- CreatorLarry CohenStarsRoy ThinnesKent SmithMax KlevenThe Aliens are here, posing as human, and not friendly. David Vincent has seen them land and now must evade them and convince others of their presence while not being put in the booby hatch.The special effects were ridiculously primitive. And the aliens never managed to put any kind of plan together. But it was always interesting, had great special guest stars, and the lead actor did an excellent job.
- CreatorDanny ArnoldTheodore J. FlickerStarsHal LindenAbe VigodaMax GailThe Captain of the NYPD 12th Precinct and his staff handle the various local troubles and characters that come into the squad room.
- CreatorJames L. BrooksStan DanielsDavid DavisStarsJudd HirschJeff ConawayDanny DeVitoThe staff of a New York City taxicab company go about their job while they dream of greater things.As good a cast as any show in TV history.
- CreatorJames BurrowsGlen CharlesLes CharlesStarsTed DansonRhea PerlmanJohn RatzenbergerThe regulars of the Boston bar "Cheers" share their experiences and lives with each other while drinking or working at the bar where everybody knows your name.
- CreatorDavid DavisLorenzo MusicStarsBob NewhartSuzanne PleshetteBill DailyThe professional and personal misadventures of a psychologist and his family, patients, friends and colleagues.
- CreatorGraham ChapmanEric IdleTerry JonesStarsGraham ChapmanJohn CleeseTerry GilliamThe original surreal sketch comedy showcase for the Monty Python troupe.My friend Dave turned me on to this show. I liked it so much I moved to the great Northwest to become a lumber jack.
- StarsChris O'DowdRichard AyoadeKatherine ParkinsonThe comedic misadventures of Roy, Moss and their grifting supervisor Jen, a rag-tag team of IT support workers at a large corporation headed by a hotheaded yuppie.
- CreatorIrwin AllenStarsJames DarrenRobert ColbertWhit BissellTwo scientists with a secret time travel project find themselves trapped in the time stream and appearing in notable periods of history.
- StarsGeorge ReevesNoel NeillJack LarsonThe Man of Steel fights crime with help from his friends at the "Daily Planet."My first ever favorite TV show. I used to run home from kindergarden to watch it.
- CreatorSol SaksStarsElizabeth MontgomeryDick YorkDick SargentA witch married to an ordinary man cannot resist using her magic powers to solve the problems her family faces.I should have taken a cue from this show and gone into advertising.
- CreatorSidney SheldonStarsBarbara EdenLarry HagmanBill DailyA United States astronaut finds his life vastly complicated when he stumbles on to a bottle containing a female genie.This is where we found Larry Hagman long before Dallas. Wikipedia says that he was introduced to marijuana by Jack Nicholson and dropped acid with David Crosby from CSNY. Who would have guessed from the straight laced astronaut role he played on this show. Barbara Eden was amazing too.
- StarsRobert StackWalter WinchellNicholas GeorgiadeSpecial Agent Eliot Ness and his elite team of incorruptable agents battle organized crime in 1930s Chicago.
- CreatorDick WolfStarsMariska HargitayChristopher MeloniIce-TThis series follows the Special Victims Unit, a specially trained squad of detectives in the New York City Police Department that investigate sexually related crimes.Tammy and I used to watch this one together.
- CreatorFax BahrAdam SmallStarsMichael McDonaldDebra WilsonAries SpearsA sketch comedy show based on the seminal Mad Magazine.
- CreatorGreg DanielsMike JudgeStarsMike JudgeKathy NajimyPamela AdlonA straight-laced propane salesman in Arlen, Texas tries to deal with the wacky antics of his family and friends, while also trying to keep his son in line.
- CreatorJames L. BrooksMatt GroeningSam SimonStarsDan CastellanetaNancy CartwrightHarry ShearerThe satiric adventures of a working-class family in the misfit city of Springfield.
- CreatorMel BrooksBuck HenryStarsDon AdamsBarbara FeldonEdward PlattMaxwell Smart, a highly intellectual but bumbling spy working for the CONTROL agency, battles the evil forces of rival spy agency KAOS with the help of his competent partner Agent 99.Would you believe this is my favorite show of all time? Would you believe its in the top 10? Sorry about that Chief.
- CreatorEd HaasNorm LiebmannStarsFred GwynneAl LewisYvonne De CarloA family of friendly monsters have misadventures, never quite understanding why people react to them so strangely.The leg bone's connected to the knee bone,
The knee bone's connected to the thigh bone,
The thigh bone's connected to the hip bone,
and that's how Herman was born. - CreatorBruce GellerRichard LevinsonWilliam LinkStarsMike ConnorsGail FisherWard WoodPrivate detective Joe Mannix uses force to solve crimes.This guy got in more fights than anyone else on TV. And remember if anyone is ever holding a gun on you while you're driving just drive 85 mph swerving all over the road until they throw the gun out the window. And always get a sexy black secretary.
- CreatorLeonard FreemanStarsJack LordJames MacArthurKam FongThe investigations of Hawaii Five-0, an elite branch of the Hawaii State Police answerable only to the governor and headed by stalwart Steve McGarrett.
- CreatorBruce GellerStarsPeter GravesBarbara BainGreg MorrisAn elite covert operations unit carries out highly sensitive missions subject to official denial in the event of failure, death or capture.This is one I used to watch on Saturday nights when my parents were out of the house. Probably I was supposed to be in bed by then.
- CreatorSam RolfeStarsRobert VaughnDavid McCallumLeo G. CarrollThe two top Agents of the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement (U.N.C.L.E.) fight the enemies of peace, particularly the forces of T.H.R.U.S.H.I used to have a play set from this show. They remade Mission Impossible and HI 50. I wonder if they could remake this one. Would people have any interest in a Russian side kick in this era?
- CreatorJerry BelsonGarry MarshallStarsTony RandallJack KlugmanAl MolinaroTwo men, a neat freak and a slob separated from their wives, have to live together despite their differences.