Topic: List of the Very Best TV Shows

[Tatyana]

Live at the Apollo.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_at_the_Apollo_(TV_series)

I really don't understand why people like Arrested Development, I didn't think it was very funny.

However, Live at the Apollo has introduced me to numerous hilarious stand up comics.

[ricree]

With so many other HBO shows mentioned, I'm surprised I haven't seen Rome get a mention yet.

[Plastique]

With so many other HBO shows mentioned, I'm surprised I haven't seen Rome get a mention yet.

I found it only okay. It lacked that intangible quality that makes things must-watch.

[Calinthalus]

I want to put in an honorable mention for Psych.  I know it's a beer and pretzels mystery show...but I could watch it back to back.

I was watching a couple of episodes off my DVR yesterday with my son and noticed that the guide lists them as "paranormal" which kinda made me laugh.

[Copyleft]

MASH and Star Trek (original) and Doctor Who (classic) are all excellent choices.

I wish I could recommend the Daily Show and the Colbert Report, but they're sadly very time-bound. You can't really 're-watch' old episodes and get the same impact, although I strongly recommend never missing a current episode.

[seamas]

Green Acres
Arrested Development
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Cheers
Twilight Zone
Monk
30 Rock
Seinfeld

[alexbutterfield]

The Office [UK]
Peep Show
Extras
The Wire
The Inbetweeners

[MisterMarc]

MST3K  (Joel and Mike)

[/thread]

[lukebourassa]

The West Wing
The Sopranos
The Wire
Deadwood
The Office (both are great I think, though the US version has degraded with time)
Arrested Development
Generation Kill
Twin Peaks (unfortuntely the show loses steam 75% of the way through)
Mad Men
Louis
The Killing
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Game of Thrones
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Futurama
30 Rock
X-Men (cartoon series)
The Wonder Years

[jt512]

Green Acres
Arrested Development
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Cheers
Twilight Zone
Monk
30 Rock
Seinfeld

I know that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but Green Acres?  What's next: Laverne and Shirley?

[seamas]

Green Acres
Arrested Development
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Cheers
Twilight Zone
Monk
30 Rock
Seinfeld

I know that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but Green Acres?  What's next: Laverne and Shirley?

 
No.

Green Acres--after the first season was totally subversive and absurdist. It is a very surreal show and the jokes, scenarios and set-ups were often much more crafted/complex than anything else around--almost a Lewis Carrol type of absurdity.

On the surface it almost looks like the other (high concept) shows that were on at the time, but taken to a different level.  The writers has a lot of freedom and used it.

[PANTS!]

Its where I got a portion of my dadaist humor sensibilities.  For better or worse.

Still wouldn't call it a best, but it was a very good show.  Eva Gabor brings the show quality down with her befuddled performances.  And they went to the "She can't cook" well too many times.  Still, well ahead of it time - like half a century or more ahead.

[karirafn]

I can't believe no one has mentioned THE best show ever: QI

QI (Quite Interesting) is a British comedy panel game television quiz show created and co-produced by John Lloyd, hosted by Stephen Fry, and featuring permanent panellist Alan Davies. Most of the questions are extremely obscure, making it unlikely that the correct answer will be given. To compensate, points are awarded not only for right answers, but also for interesting ones, regardless of whether they are right or even relate to the original question. Conversely, points are deducted from a panellist who gives "answers which are not only wrong, but pathetically obvious", typically answers that are generally believed to be true but in fact are not. Points are also often deducted if an obvious joke answer is given. These answers are known as forfeits. In addition, bonus points are often awarded or deducted for various challenges or incorrect references to a certain thing or place, varying from show to show.

QI David Mitchell - Heaven For Atheists

Also, Top Gear.

[Chandler]

Continuing with British shows:

Fawlty Towers

[jt512]

M*A*S*H (best. show. ever. nobody can tell me otherwise)
X-Files (well... until David Duchovny left)
Pushing Daisies
Law and Order: SVU (until they started playing musical ADAs)

And for mini-series, I really liked Stephen Fry's tour of America. :3

I can't imagine how David Duchovny leaving anything could make it worse.

Jay