Name three good TV programs on today. [Archive]

satchmo

04-11-2003, 10:55 PM

With network executives jumping on the "reality" based TV bandwagon,
there seems to be less of an effort to produce quality dramas or sitcoms.
If you had to pick three programs from different genres, what are your favourites.

Comedy:
Simpsons
LateNight with Letterman
Bernie Mac Show

Drama:
Ed (kind of sappy but I got this thing for Julie Bowden)
NYPD
Sopranos

Matsu

04-11-2003, 11:16 PM

Comedy

Crossfire
Connie Chung
CNN Talk Back Live

Drama

The View

MCQ

04-11-2003, 11:16 PM

Comedy:
Simpsons
Bernie Mac
Scrubs

Others:
Alias
CSI
Jag

TigerWoods99

04-11-2003, 11:18 PM

Sportscenter,

Sportscenter,

and.......

Sportscenter.

Fellowship

04-11-2003, 11:32 PM

To me the britcoms are always a laugh to watch!

Mr.Bean
Faulty Towers
Are You Being Served
Keeping Up Appearances

Fellowship

ast3r3x

04-11-2003, 11:35 PM

Seinfeld
The Daily Show
Old Simpsons episodes (newer ones don't do as much for me)

ena

04-11-2003, 11:40 PM

I'm sorry, but "good program" and "TV" are exclusionary. I killed my television many years ago and have NEVER regretted it.

(except for the first week which is worse than quitting smoking)

...see if you can go a month without it...you'll be suprised.

JRC

04-12-2003, 12:12 AM

Depends on your definition of TV and of definition of GOOD.

My take is TV is over-air broadcast and/or the big 3 or 4 nets.

I have two defs of GOOD.

1.) Well done shows.
2.) Highly moral, family shows

either way, I like

1.) Fox - 24
2.) Amazing Race (in-between seasons at the moment)
3.) Ask this old house

Mac OS X Addict

04-12-2003, 12:22 AM

The Simpsons
Seinfeld
NHL Playoff Hockey

Splinemodel

04-12-2003, 12:34 AM

Hmm... I like Monster Garage for one thing. I have never really liked sitcoms, but I do like Conan and certain comedy shows. Farscape on SciFi was pretty cool as well, but I never really got into it too mch.

torifile

04-12-2003, 12:37 AM

Malcolm in the Middle is genius. I can't believe noone's mentioned it yet.

Other than that, I like Scrubs and occassionally ER.

pscates

04-12-2003, 12:42 AM

"The Shield" (on FX network)
"CSI" (the original Vegas-based one...the Miami one is HORRIBLE!)
"The O'Reilly Factor" (like or dislike him, it's an entertaining, fast-moving show where people are held to questions and aren't allowed to weasel around. And lots of interesting stories and topics are talked about. Never boring! And the viewer mail segment at the end is often a riot)

I also have to add "Trading Spaces" in there too!

pfflam

04-12-2003, 01:11 AM

Originally posted by ena
I'm sorry, but "good program" and "TV" are exclusionary. I killed my television many years ago and have NEVER regretted it.

(except for the first week which is worse than quitting smoking)

...see if you can go a month without it...you'll be suprised. Righteous bro!!

I lived for many years without a television . . .

But now I am polluting myself again . . . besides I am a video maker and should be aware of what is going on with ideas about visual imagery in Pop culture, right?!

But I only have 5 channels I can watch

3 progs:
Firing line
Seinfeld
NFL Today (but it has to to be a Steelers game!!)

Dogcow

04-12-2003, 01:29 AM

Originally posted by torifile
Malcolm in the Middle is genius. I can't believe noone's mentioned it yet.

Other than that, I like Scrubs and occassionally ER.

I agree, Malcom in the Middle is a great show.. It's funny because my friend is the oldest (18) of four brothers and his family basicly operates exactly the same way. I'm not sure I like this addition of a new baby... esp. if its a girl...

I also think the simpson is great, along with southpark... I also enjoy Boston Public (but it's so extreamly over dramaized). The Daily Show is also really good. Other than that there is nothing I watch regularly.

Barto

04-12-2003, 01:31 AM

Drama

Law and Order
The West Wing
Always Greener (Australian show)

Comedy

Scrubs (Genius)
Will & Grace
Malcom in the Middle

Barto

pfflam

04-12-2003, 01:40 AM

NOW is actually very good . . . it has a very strong perspective through which it decides to choose an issue
but when it does so it makes sure to let people's opinions who seem against its perspective, actually express their viewpoint accurately and doesn't take a definitive judgement . . . . except in the editing and choice of material *ehem*

pfflam

04-12-2003, 01:46 AM

I find any network TV to actually be too frustrating to watch . . . the commercials COMPLETELY overpower the viewing experience

its not entertaining and is not relaxing . . .in fact, its downright painful and tedious

its one Drug commercial after another
then
its a minivan and a sports car zooming through the desert or water then a big-dick pickup truck moving dirt (make all associations intended) followed by an SUV that is, of course, shown as it destroys all of the terrain that you need four wheel drive just to be able to desecrate
(they actually feel like they are going to live like that when they buy their SUV . . . but it will, at the most, kinda help out during that one heavy snow . . .they'll make sure to go out driving just to prove it)

Dogcow

04-12-2003, 01:51 AM

Originally posted by pfflam
I find any network TV to actually be too frustrating to watch . . . the commercials COMPLETELY overpower the viewing experience

its not entertaining and is not relaxing . . .in fact, its downright painful and tedious

its one Drug commercial after another
then
its a minivan and a sports car zooming through the desert or water then a big-dick pickup truck moving dirt (make all associations intended) followed by an SUV that is, of course, shown as it destroys all of the terrain that you need four wheel drive just to be able to desecrate
(they actually feel like they are going to live like that when they buy their SUV . . . but it will, at the most, kinda help out during that one heavy snow . . .they'll make sure to go out driving just to prove it)

Thats's why God invented TIVO (or eyeTV) ;)

pfflam

04-12-2003, 02:09 AM

Originally posted by Dogcow
Thats's why God invented TIVO (or eyeTV) ;) But its not that important . . . .

and it takes up time . . . .I should be writing the Great American Novel
you know what I mean?!?!

drewprops

04-12-2003, 02:45 AM

Hate to miss:
Frontline
Nova
Scientific American Frontiers

Like to catch:
Law & Order
Drew Carey
Whose Line Is It? (American version, wish I had cable for the original Brit version)
The Simpsons (natch)
CSI (original)
That 70's Show
King of the Hill (Dammit Bobby, it grew on me)

Taped and watch in binges:
News Radio
Blake's Seven
plenty of Britcoms

Bought the series on VHS/DVD
Open All Hours
Are You Being Served (note: collection 2 comes out in May)
Monty Python's Flying Circus (set)
Doctor Who
Robotech (building the series)

mrmister

04-12-2003, 05:02 AM

Lots of people keep nominating Seinfeld...while it is good, it has been out of production a number of years now. Wouldn't it be more interesting to hear what's being made NOW that you approve of...and if the answer is honestly "nothing", that will be interesting too.

agent302

04-12-2003, 08:20 AM

Don't you people watch Iron Chef? :D

Oh, and Fellowship, even my Brit flatmates agree that Are You Being Served is pure, unadulterated crap.

der Kopf

04-12-2003, 09:14 AM

The fact that noone's mentioned Friends strengthens my suspicion that the show has come a long way, baby! A looooong way downhill, anyway. They are (for the gazillionth time) rerunning the show from the original years, and it is just striking how pleasantly funny and unique the show used to be, as opposed to the cheap soap-like storyboard of one in a dozen they have stumbled onto now.

Anyway, I tend not to watch too much TV shows myself (I prefer a movie now and then), but if I do (and it happens to be something imported from Ameriland), I don't mind watching the somewhat brushed-up sitcom, a-la Frasier, Spin City. I should also mention The Simpsons, of course (though they have been on repeat so much over here - we get two shows every day - that most of it has lost its fresh) and Futurama (the little I have managed to see of it).

The real good stuff (stuff I'd tape) is probably something like the British sitcom "Smack the Pony". I think that is the BEST comedy show made, probably, since Monty Python's Flying Circus. A little while back, maybe, but I did enjoy 'Kids in the Hall' pretty much.

As you might be able to tell, I like humor, especially of the absurd persuasion. If anybody knows him, my favorite comedian-humormonger must be Kamagurka (a Belgian wonderman, doing TV, radio, cartoons, painting, music, ...). The guy is so absurd that he completes the full cycle, extreme deadly funny bordering on dullness itself. But, that must be another topic.

m1911a1

04-12-2003, 09:38 AM

Mail Call
King of the Hill
Enterprise
Fox News

Moogs

04-12-2003, 11:42 AM

Drama:

ER (last week's episode was the best one I've seen in 2 years of watching (the woman makes me do it). Paul Crane was *hilarious*)
NYPD Blue (Sipowicz smack downs and his hotty chic nekkid in the shower!)
CSI (the original - just good stuff. Well put together compared to all the other crime stopper shows)

Comedy:
Anything in the "reality" genre. Pathetic, but funny.

...and the greatest of all televised events...

THE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.

That OS X Addict, he's a smart fellow....

8)

ColanderOfDeath

04-12-2003, 12:39 PM

Sportscenter,

Sportscenter,

and.......

Sportscenter

Sportscenter has gone to shit. The highlights are still the same although there are somewhat fewer these days. But the hosts all think that they are ****ing comedians. Way too much schtick. I'll take my athletics with a little less flava please, thank you.

curiousuburb

04-12-2003, 12:53 PM

Farscape - (best sci-fi)
The West Wing - (best writing)
Hockey Night in Canada - (best sport)

interesting that nobody mentioned that war show on all the other channels

(although the "Iraqi Information Minister Comedy Hour" gets some votes)

superkarate monkeydeathcar

04-12-2003, 01:06 PM

life with bonnie (abc)

michael palin's travels (http://palinstravels.com/) - sahara (bravo)

dinner for five (http://www.dinnerforfive.com/) (jon favreau's talk show) - independent film channel

CosmoNut

04-12-2003, 01:08 PM

Originally posted by der Kopf
They are (for the gazillionth time) rerunning *Friends* from the original years, and it is just striking how pleasantly funny and unique the show used to be, as opposed to the cheap soap-like storyboard of one in a dozen they have stumbled onto now.

I was watching the 1st Season DVDs the other day at a friend's house, and I thought the same thing. It was REALLY funny! They've lost a lot since then.

My votes:

COMEDY --
Scrubs: Always clever, and a good final message.
Everybody Loves Raymond: True to life.
Who's Line...: Makes me exceed my weekly laugh quota.

DRAMA --
Ed: Intelligent, funny, heartfelt, and true-to-life.
The West Wing: Intelligent and well-written, and lets me make fun of left-wing Democrats.
Without a Trace: I watch it a lot and enjoy it.

Mac OS X Addict

04-12-2003, 05:16 PM

Originally posted by Moogs
...and the greatest of all televised events...

THE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.

That OS X Addict, he's a smart fellow....
8) Why thanks Moogs. :) Hockey Night in Canada is simply the best and NHL playoff hockey is like religion up here especially when you got Canadian teams playing. Go Leafs Go!!!! Go Sens Go!!!!! Go Oilers Go!!!!! Go Canucks Go!!!!! Up here we cheer for all the Canadian teams because we want at least one to win Lord Stanley's Cup.

Ebby

04-12-2003, 08:49 PM

Comedy:
1) Simpsons
2) Malcom in the Middle
3) 3rd Rock

Drama-ish:
1) Enterprise
2) Firefly
3) Outer Limits

Ebby

04-12-2003, 09:06 PM

Originally posted by pfflam
its one Drug commercial after another

I completely agree. And guess what, those anti-XXXXX commercials are sponsored by the Ad Council. The Ad Council also makes the *&^$!# banner ads on AI. Now, I have a list of the people/organizations/companies who make my life a living hell; it's not very long, but they are near the top. So if you ever wanted to practice sending hate mail, you know of a good target.

Aahh, that felt good. I haven’t ranted for a long while. I feel so relaxed. :D There's more where that came from, baby! 8)

BRussell

04-12-2003, 10:53 PM

The best show on television: The World Poker Tour (http://www.worldpokertour.com/) on the Travel Channel.

pfflam

04-12-2003, 11:07 PM

Originally posted by BRussell
The best show on television: The World Poker Tour (http://www.worldpokertour.com/) on the Travel Channel. That actually sounds worth getting cable

I love poker . . . well, for small amounts

BRussell

04-13-2003, 12:37 AM

pfflam it's a great show - Wednesday evening, reruns on Saturday afternoon. What's great is that they spy on their cards so you know what they've got in their hands. Fun to watch.

thuh Freak

04-13-2003, 03:55 AM

Originally posted by BRussell
pfflam it's a great show - Wednesday evening, reruns on Saturday afternoon. What's great is that they spy on their cards so you know what they've got in their hands. Fun to watch.
thats kind of scary. i hope they dont show it live, or else there'd be crazy Lock, Stock-style cheating going on.

comedy:
simpsons [best show evar®™©. there was a time when i got 3 episodes a day, plus i watched more than a few of my personal copies; i called those good times. now i can only catch like 2eps/day and i still have less time for my own viewings: woe is me]
tds w/js [sometimes i follow into col quin, but hes a bit too right leaning for me]
seinfeld, but often conflict with simpsons and forgetfulness
friends [i flip betwen this and seinfeld cuz they tend to run opposing on reruns; but i'd favor seinfeld in a draw]
3rd rock [but they moved it off of time]
cheers and all in the family late nite on nickelodeon.

drama:
law and order [i like the old episodes, and the new; but not the spinoffs so much]
west wing [although i dont always agree with their politicking, the show gives me hope for the president, and a bit more faith in the government while i watch it]

other:
if i can catch a 9-ball gaim on epsn[23..] i watch it.
if nothign else, i go thru hbo, tmc, ifc, sundance et al for flicks, usually to my dismay.

funny thing is, that list represents my shortened teevee time. ther was a time when i'd watch all those shows, and more. before i wrote those all out, i felt like i watched only a small amount of television. i gotta get more of a life.

gordy

04-13-2003, 01:15 PM

Top 3:
Alias
24
The Practice

Honorable mentions:
Buffy (um, The Vampire Slayer, hello!)
Friends (new & old)
old Matrin episodes on USA
Okay, and Americal Idol--yeah, I said it!

Dallenb

04-13-2003, 01:55 PM

1) Most anything on the History Channel, especially Modern Marvels.

2) Some of the shows on The Learning Channel, except any of the foofy house decorating shows like Trading Spaces :err:

3) Hmm...I dont really watch much TV to start with. The news is disgustingly over dramatized, sitcoms are boring, and reality TV just plain sucks.

sammi jo

04-13-2003, 02:22 PM

Current Affairs: Mosaic (WorldLink TV)
Drama: West Wing
Comedy: Fox News, Jon Stewart
Cartoon: Simpsons, original Tom and Jerry
Sci Fi: Star Gate, Farscape, any TNG (anything with Patrick Stewart in fact :wow:
+ anything on THC, TLC, Discovery Channel or Animal Planet.

Whisper

04-13-2003, 08:25 PM

Daily Show
South Park*
Good Eats

Iron Chef is good too, but those are probably the three top ones for me.

*Sometimes South Park gets a little too offensive for me though.

superkarate monkeydeathcar

04-13-2003, 08:58 PM

oh yeah, i didn't even include my fave food tv shows...

mario eats italy (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_it/0,1976,FOOD_9974,00.html) or
molto mario (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_mb/0,1976,FOOD_9980,00.html)

wolfgang puck : cooking class (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_wm)

iron chef (http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_ic/0,1976,FOOD_9970,00.html)

my tv is either tuned to to food tv or nickelodeon when my boys are around.

tacojohn

04-13-2003, 10:50 PM

That 70's Show
South Park
Scrubs
The Screen Savers
Fresh Gear
Motor Week
Daily Show
Crank Yankers

chweave1

04-13-2003, 11:03 PM

Reruns:
Cheers
Cosby Show
TNG (although TNN has a terrible knack for replaying the
most boring episodes over and over and over again. They
never replay the really good ones.)

New Stuff:
South Park
Crank Yankers
Hardball with Chris Matthews
Buchanan and Press
Crossfire

torifile

04-14-2003, 12:01 AM

Originally posted by sammi jo

snip
Comedy: Fox News
snip

:lol: Good one. :) You don't pass up any chance to rail against the right, do you, sammi jo? You've got more energy than I. :)

tonton

04-15-2003, 12:07 AM

Best shows:

Action/Drama/Comedy: Angel
Comedy: Futurama
Drama: The Practice

pscates

04-15-2003, 01:37 AM

Originally posted by Dallenb
Hmm...I dont really watch much TV to start with. The news is disgustingly over dramatized, sitcoms are boring, and reality TV just plain sucks.

If there have ever been any truer words spoken at AppleInsider, I'm certainly not aware of them.

:)

It's funny: those are probably my three most-despised genres or programming types, especially the last one: reality TV. Ugh! And I honestly am not aware of any truly, legitimately funny sitcoms, except the occasional "Friends". Maybe Joey or Chandler will have a good line that will make me chuckle, but that's about it.

There's funny stuff on TV (Daily Show, Kilborn, Dr. Phil, etc.), but not the standard "husband, wife, smartass kids, wacky neighbor" horsecrap fomula network sitcom.

:rolleyes: