My Top 25 Television Shows of the Year

In honor of the recent announcement of the Emmy Award nominations I thought I might create a list of what I think are the best scripted shows from the last year. I watch a lot of TV, but I haven't seen everything, so there may be an unreasonable snub here and there.

I also have a bias against cop, nurse or lawyer shows and anything with a laugh track -- so keep that in mind.

Here are the Emmy nominations if you are interested:

http://www.emmys.com/nominations

1-5 | House (Fox), Lost (ABC), Dexter (SHO), Big Love (HBO), Mad Men (AMC)

Hugh Laurie and company have created one of the best TV characters ever and the writers continuously take chances and keep things interesting. What a great show.


6-10 | Spartacus: Blood and Sand (SHO), Chuck (NBC), Breaking Bad (AMC), Glee (FOX), Community (NBC)

I think many people might be surprised with the number six entry of Spartacus: Blood and Sand, but this show really captured my attention. The first episode was ridiculous and kind of bad, but as the series went along into its first season things really got juicy. “Jupiter’s cock” is my new favorite profanity. This show might not be in the same league as HBO’s Rome, but Spartacus is quite good.


11-15 | In Treatment (HBO), Friday Night Lights (NBC), Burn Notice (USA), Breaking Bad (AMC), East Bound and Down (HBO)

Every show listed in this range are must watches because of their amazing acting performances. Over a mix of genres, these shows are powered by their amazing casts.

16-20 | Entourage (HBO), Parks and Recreation (NBC), 30 Rock (NBC), The Office (NBC), Psych (USA)

Welcome to the comedy block. These shows gave me some of my best laughs over the last year. I wonder how high on the list The Office will be if Steve Carell leaves?

21-25 | Party Down (STARZ), Fringe (FOX), True Blood (HBO), Royal Pains (USA), Bones (FOX)

Why, oh why, did Starz go and cancel Party Down. What a fun show that was. I can’t believe it was an expensive show to produce but Adam Scott is kind of blowing up lately and I understand it is hard to keep him around. Also, I know that it isn’t ground breaking television, but I really enjoy tuning into Royal Pains and Bones.

Honorable Mention | Californication (SHO), Dark Blue (TNT), Leverage (TNT), V (ABC), Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia (FX), In Plain Sight (USA), Modern Family (ABC), Castle (ABC), Monk (USA)