Just Us Nerds

There was a time when I didn’t rank my favorite shows in order of preference, but when I got my Tivo in 2001, all that changed. Tivo forces you to make choices, and a quick look at the top ten on my list makes it pretty clear what can’t be missed. Of course, some shows climb in the ranking because of timeslot competition, but others are simply can’t miss. So here are my top ten.

1. Family Guy
This is, bar none, the funniest show on television. I can’t watch it just once. Before a new episode leaves my Tivo I’ve watched it at least three times, just to make sure I’ve caught every joke.

2. CSI
There’s a lot of competition for this time slot. I would love to be watching My Name is Earl and The Office, but CSI wins out. Until recently, it was even beating another show in the top ten, Everwood, but luckily they’ve changed time slots. Unfortunately, that is going to set up a battle with Two and a Half Men. The reason I keep watching CSI is William Peterson as Gil Grissom. You could get rid of everyone else (Though I love Ecklie and Hodges) and I wouldn’t really miss them, but Gil Grissom is the ultimate nerd hero.

3. Scrubs
This is only show that comes close to being as funny and imaginative as Family Guy. It even has the added bonus of having characters you care about and want to see succeed. A lot of people think this show should be moved up to “Must See” Thursday. It certainly deserves the slot, but I’d rather it stay right here on Tuesdays where the only competition is some lame-ass game show about singing.

4. Smallville
As everyone knows, I’m still waiting for my superpowers. I’ve stuck with this show from the beginning, and even weathered (and enjoyed) last years’ “Who will strip first?” themed episodes. This year the show has finally moved beyond high school and started to delve into the meat of the Superman mythology.

5. Everwood
This is the only family drama worth watching. The characters are interesting and the relationships seem realistic (with the exception of that whole Madison thing). One of the great things about the show is that romances actually last long enough for people to develop honest feelings. Ephram and Amy have been on and off for years. Bright and Hannah spent a year growing from friends to lovers, and the adults actually have reasons (good or bad) for why they do the things they do. Everwood will be back soon, so do yourself a favor and watch it.

6. Lost
Lost isn’t quite as good as last year, but it is still chock full of fascinating characters with an array of motivations. They’ve done a good job of developing the mystery over time, but at this point I could live without the flashbacks. I know the characters well enough and the questions they don’t answer in the flashbacks leave me feeling cheated.

7. NCIS
This is a show that just keeps getting better. The first season was reasonably good. The second season pulled me in and made me a steady viewer. The third season has been great. If you think this is another CSI clone, you are wrong. This is a show in which the interaction of the characters is just as entertaining as the mystery.

8. Numbers
Yes, the geek inside me loves that they solve crimes using math, but this is another show in which the cast and the relationships are the key to making the show work. Because the two lead characters are brothers, family issues play a real role in the plot and character development happens on a weekly basis. Also, Peter MacNicol makes the most of his supporting role as the math genius’ mentor and friend.

9. The Shield
This is probably the best show and the best cast on television. The only reason I don’t have it higher on the Tivo list is that there is no competition in the time slot. The Shield owns the 11 o’clock hour. There are so many great performers in this cast. Michael Chiklis is the best of the best as the brutal and corrupt, but not quite irredeemable Vic Mackey. Jay Karnes is fantastic as the intelligent but socially inept Dutch. Kenny Johnson is brilliant at Lemansky, the one guy on Vic’s squad who acts on his conscience. I could keep going on for a while, and that’s before I get to the brilliant guest performances of Glenn Close and Forrest Whitaker. Every show has me on the edge of my seat and every show gives me something to think about afterwards.

10. Two and a Half Men
This is the only traditional three-camera sitcom that makes my list. How I Met Your Mother is also close, but not quite there yet. The simple explanation for why I love this show is the joy of watching the unrepentantly shallow, drunk and horny Charlie walk through life unscathed, dispensing bad advice at every turn. He is perfectly happy being who he is, and you don’t see that kind of self-actualization often.