Friday, December 30, 2011

The 10 Best Shows of 2011

TV had its ups and downs in 2011.  It had it's failures, like 'Pan Am,' 'Charlies Angels,' and Charlie Sheen.  But it also had its success stories, the welcome return of Tim Allen to prime time TV in 'Last Man Standing' and the continued dominance of cable TV as a provider of top notch television.  2011 was a great year for TV.    Here are, in my opinion, the 10 best shows of the year:

10.  Men of A Certain Age - TNT - I was extremely disappointed to see this show go.  A well written, well acted comedy-drama about 3 middle-aged friends expertly played by Ray Romano, Scott Bakula, and Andre Braugher.  One of the most underrated shows of the last few year.  Sadly TNT cancelled it after its 2nd season concluded.


9.  How I Met Your Mother - CBS - I'm not sure why this show doesn't get as much appreciation from the critics.  In my opinion, it is still one of TV's strongest comedies.  Consistently funny and a great cast.  With all of the Charlie Sheen nonsense that went on earlier this year, this show became overlooked for the steady performer that it is. 


8.  Rescue Me - FX - This very dark, often hilarious show ended its 7 year run with a superb season.  Denis Leary's 93 episode turn as Tommy Gavin, a NYC Firefighter whose life was forever changed by 9/11 stands as one of the best and most underrated performances in the last 10 years.


7.  Curb Your Enthusiasm - HBO - Larry David took his act to New York for season 7 and the laughs just kept on coming.  From Michael J. Fox as Larry's newest adversary, to the Palestinian Chicken episode, Larry David showed this show still has a lot of life left in it.  


6.  Southland - TNT - Nothing has been done more on TV than cop shows.  But every once in a while once comes along that has staying power.  Over the years we've seen shows like 'Hill Street Blues,' 'Wiseguy,' '24,' and 'The Shield' as unique drama series that left a lasting mark on TV.  'Southland' still has a way to go before it matches the status of the aforementioned series, but right now it is hands down the best cop show on TV.  


5.  Parenthood - NBC - Now in it's 3rd season, this family drama keeps getting better and better.  It boasts the best ensemble cast on the 4 major networks.   Peter Krause and Monica Potter's attempts to connect with their autistic son give this show a healthy dose of realism and heart.   It's so rare for a show to evoke such emotion week after week, but Parenthood succeeds on every level.


4.  Modern Family - ABC - In just it's 3rd season, Modern Family has become the gold standard for TV comedy.  The show never fails to produce laughs, each and every episode.    Ty Burrell continues to amaze and has become the best comedic actor on TV.  


3.  Boardwalk Empire - HBO - This series started as a show about bootlegging and corruption in Prohibition era Atlantic City, but is has evolved into a study of what people will do to survive and the ways that they will justify their behavior.  This series has grown better as each season has progressed and ended season 2 with a big shock that few shows have the guts to make.


2.  Homeland - SHO - Easily TV's best new drama, this riveting series became Sunday night's must watch show.    What makes this show so good, among other things, is that viewers  are initially unclear about who is telling the truth.  Damien Lewis and Mandy Patinkin's performances are among the years best. But it's Claire Danes turn as bipolar CIA agent Carrie Mathison that is the most amazing performance of the year.  If Danes doesn't walk away with a Best Actress Emmy there should be an investigation.


1.  Breaking Bad - AMC - As good as 'Homeland' was, 'Breaking Bad' was even better.  Honestly, did any show have as great a season as this show did?  One of the best seasons of any show in recent memory, ended with one of the best season finales of all time.  In it's 4th season this show has never been better. The amazing performances of Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul were almost overshadowed by Giancarlo Esposito's incredible and terrifying performance as Gus, TV's best villain.  We can't wait to see where this show goes next and wherever it goes, we know it will continue to be the most riveting hour on television.