Here it is. The post you've all been waiting for. It's Phil's Top 10 TV Shows of 2005!
You will notice that several shows from last year's list are no longer present. Each has a good reason. The BBC version of "The Office" wrapped up its run and is producing no new episodes. Likewise, "The Sopranos" had no new episodes air in 2005, although it will return in March, 2006. Same with "Da Ali G Show" which sadly had no new episodes air this year. "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" was still funny but there was no national election to drive it. "The Simpsons" had an off-year and its writers are duplicating plotlines they've already done many times before. "Curb Your Enthusiasm" also had an off-year. "The Amazing Race" was excellent in the spring but the fall's family edition was a big disappointment with minimal international travel. And "The O.C." just got really dumb.
So that means there are EIGHT new shows on the list. Without further adieu, here it is...
1) "Lost" - Must see viewing. Can't wait to watch it on TiVo. Must see it live as it airs. What's in the hatch? Who are the others? Where is Walt? What's with all the animals on the island? What is Ana Lucia's problem? So many questions!
2) "Everybody Hates Chris" - Chris Rock is a creative genius. This show is hilarious. And as someone who also grew up in Brooklyn during the '80s, it is very relatable.
3) "Entourage" - Another hilarious show with great characterizations. Each week produces a series of quotable lines. A vast improvement over its first season.
4) "How I Met Your Mother" - Neil Patrick Harris steals his scenes but no show better and more realistically depicts the NY dating scene. And I AM the main character, Ted.
5) "Rome" - Great historical fiction. The story of Caesar's conquests and assassination is told through the eyes of two fictional soldiers - a new version of Rosencrantz and Gildenstern.
6) "Grey's Anatomy" - Move over "ER". This is the best hospital show on TV.
7) "The Office" (U.S. version) - Not AS good as the British version but still funnier than most of what's on television. Steve Carrell brings a different dimension to the character that Ricky Gervais perfected and they master the faux documentary style.
8) "The West Wing" - After a few off-years, the show has been revitalized with the campaign between Jimmy Smits and Alan Alda. Tragically, John Spencer who played Leo McGarry passed away over the weekend so it will be interesting to see how the show deals with his death.
9) "Survivor" (Palau & Guatemala versions) - Still the best reality show on TV. 2005 produced two good versions with Tom, an NYC firefighter winning Palau, and Danni, a KC sports radio host, winning Guatemala. But both seasons were dominated by Stephenie who was the sole remaining tribe member in Palau and then returned for Guatemala where she came in second.
10) "24" - It's easy to forget about "24" since it airs from January through May but this year's version was as action-packed and compelling as any other. The show returns in January. Those opposed to routine government torture of terror suspects should be warned.
