Here are my top television shows of 2010...
1. Fringe (FOX)
Another year in the #1 spot. I fear that it won't be around long enough in 2011 to make the list again. The alternate universe could have really thrown the show out of whack but it just ended up making it more layered. The subtle and less than subtle comparisons between regular and alternate universe characters has made it the most "must see" of my weekly TV shows. The theme song, much like The X-Files, is so simple and ominous, and gets me excited to get to the episode each week.
2. Friday Night Lights (DIRECTV/NBC)
Another show that won't be around for next year's list. But at least this one is going out on its own terms. I've grown to love this little town of Dillon, Texas. I think Stephen King put it best about Friday Night Lights when he said that too many shows are about bad people or people doing bad things. It's so refreshing to watch a drama that unfolds organically over many weeks. Coach Taylor and Tami are the best married couple on TV, period. And you get football too -- what's not to love?
3. Parks and Recreation (NBC)
The expansion of the stories to include more Ron Swanson and Tom Haverford among others made this not just a funny comedy but a show I actually care about.
4. Californication (SHOW)
Maybe my crush on David Duchovny puts this so high on the list -- but is my envy more of Hank Moody? I can't wait for the newest season to start next month!
5. Bored to Death (HBO)
I wanted to get one of the HBO comedies in here, and this one makes me chuckle to no end. Who knew that Ted Danson would become one of my favorite TV actors again?
6. Lost (ABC)
A drop in the rankings due to the flash-sideways storyline, but it's still here because of Richard Alpert, Desmond, and Sun/Jin. Shows will be compared to this for another couple of decades and none of them will live up to it.
7. The Pacific (HBO)
This great little mini-series had me from minute one and didn't let up until the end. Great balance of war and not-war moments. The true story of Basilone was worth the time investment alone.
8. COMMUNITY (NBC)
Such a subversive comedy compared to the rest of the NBC lineup on Thursdays. It's so meta that NBC and most of the fans don't even get the levels that some episodes are working on. The paintball episode from last season is a must-see. That said... it should completely go out on top and make this the last season.
9. THE WALKING DEAD (AMC)
A late addition to the list. With only a six-episode sampling, I'm not willing to over-rate it, and there's a huge potential to turn this show in a too soap opera-y direction. But another seaosn or two of zombies would warm my soul.
10. BOARDWALK EMPIRE (HBO)
Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) runs the town of Atlantic City, if but barely. I feel like I'm on the verge of making this a Top Five show but the whole season seemed like a set-up for a rocking second season.
I'm a fan of the short story and anyone that reads my weekly blog knows that I love the TV version of the short short story -- the commercial. It's perfect for my ADD lifestyle and the best ones often make me laugh years and years from now. Here was the best television ads that I saw in 2010.
1. DIRECTV - OPULENCE, I HAS IT
It first caught me with the tiny giraffe. But the number one ad of the year is here because you see something new with each viewing. The detail in the background is exquisite. Bravo, DIRECTV.
2. GEICO - WOODCHUCKS
I don't know what it is but, "You dang woodchucks, quit chuckin' my wood," is my favorite saying of the year.
3. JACK IN THE BOX - THAT'S FOR MAX
The surprise of the dog collar is precious. Wouldn't be an ad list without a Jack In The Box commercial.
4. AT&T - TACO PARTY
"I like tacos."
5. MCDONALDS - SPACEMAN STU
"He dreams of floating with them in his Spaceman car." The most underrated ad of the year. I hope that Stu and his dog, Orion, get lots and lots of airtime in 2011.
6. GEICO - PIGGY
From the brilliant minds at GEICO. They get a rare two spots in the countdown. Good year.
7. WHISKAS - CAT LOVE
"How about you and me have a picnic." From the very end of last year but too late to make the 2009 list.
8. KIA SOUL - YOU CAN GET WITH THIS
It's got a dunking hamster. And a Black Sheep song. And I smile.
9. ALLSTATE - HOLIDAY MAYHEM
This was a great year for Mr. Mayhem. This one might be the best because it rewards you for having paid attention all year.
10. OLD SPICE - SHOULD YOUR MAN???
I know that the ladies like these. But this one had me laughing.
11. RENAULT CLIO - ZOMBIE
Not just because I like this Cranberries song. But because a list like this should go to 11.
12. CHEVY TRUCKS - DURAMAX & ALLISON
Or should it go to 12. This ad's here because the baby is damn cute.
A list with no "Breaking Bad" can't be taken seriously. You clearly aren't watching the best show on TV. Tsk tsk.
That list is certainly the best shows that I watch. The best shows I don't watch make a pretty solid list too . . . Dexter, Damages, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Justified, and Modern Family just to name a few. Now - you, Tivo and Netflix are aware of my shortcomings.