Best television show?

[DanielBenoit]

Ingmar Bergman's Fanny and Alexander anyone? Okay, not technically television, for it was released theatrically, but originally aired on Swedish television in its full length of 312 minutes.

[billl]

I've been meaning to watch the new V, how is that??

Well, gadgetgirl is praising it to the skies! I want to tone the praise down a bit, although I do like the show. The acting is sometimes a bit iffy. The plot is a bit iffy, also--I mean, sometimes things are a bit unbelievable, or slow-moving. In my opinion, what is happening is that there are some hidden things going on, maybe surprises and twists on the way--but a few misteps here and there might lead one to believe that ANYTHING that doesn't click perfectly is maybe a mistake. Actually, I think some of it is on purpose... We'll see.

It is worth noting that the next episodes (after the hiatus) will be written and produced by a new bunch of talent, and I've seen people in other forums pretty excited about these guys (I can't remember what else they've been in, but, again, people are pretty psyched about it...)

This show has potential. The first two weren't great, in my opinion, but the next two were better, and if you have time for 4 episodes of pretty pulpy sci-fi made for TV (with decent effects now and then, as gadget girl points out), then that is the right mindset. There is still the possibility of addressing some interesting themes with this story. What would be REALLY great would be a new batch of eps that make use of the "set-up" that's been accomplished.

I also appreciate gadgetgirl's comments about fads that might be alluded to. Not sure if we're talking about the same thing, but no need to go into detail here, either way...

[Silas Thorne]

'Dexter' maybe, for all those fans of black humour and vigilanteism?

[Gadget Girl]

Well, gadgetgirl is praising it to the skies! I want to tone the praise down a bit, although I do like the show. The acting is sometimes a bit iffy. The plot is a bit iffy, also--I mean, sometimes things are a bit unbelievable, or slow-moving. In my opinion, what is happening is that there are some hidden things going on, maybe surprises and twists on the way--but a few misteps here and there might lead one to believe that ANYTHING that doesn't click perfectly is maybe a mistake. Actually, I think some of it is on purpose... We'll see.

It is worth noting that the next episodes (after the hiatus) will be written and produced by a new bunch of talent, and I've seen people in other forums pretty excited about these guys (I can't remember what else they've been in, but, again, people are pretty psyched about it...)

This show has potential. The first two weren't great, in my opinion, but the next two were better, and if you have time for 4 episodes of pretty pulpy sci-fi made for TV (with decent effects now and then, as gadget girl points out), then that is the right mindset. There is still the possibility of addressing some interesting themes with this story. What would be REALLY great would be a new batch of eps that make use of the "set-up" that's been accomplished.

I also appreciate gadgetgirl's comments about fads that might be alluded to. Not sure if we're talking about the same thing, but no need to go into detail here, either way...

The acting is sometimes a bit iffy, I won't deny that, but it's just television. Well, okay, I know there are great shows out there which have great actors who are great at acting, but I guess we can forgive them for trying, right? Maybe they'll be preferable next time.

Acceptably, some things are quite unbelievable, because we don't really know what the other creatures apart from us do when they visit another planet, now do we?

I say that the first episode was rushed, as most people have stated. However, without it, I probably would not watch the show. The pilot, for me, was good because it somehow told me that the show will be great in the first season or two. Pilots are important, because they're like one of the foregrounds of a story, telling you at firsthand whether you will like the plot or not. I tried watching the first episode of The Vampire Diaries on its premiere night last September and I can immediately say and agree to myself that I won't be ever watching a second episode from that show again.

Yes, thank you for grasping to my 'lil hints. I guess you have read my mind, billl.

[Basil]

I haven't seen the old mini-series yet. I got the DVD just in case if I decided to watch. I'm interested to know the original because the remake is quite decent in my opinion. But I know that originals are always the best.

Actually, I think the original in this case was pretty lame; it just seemed great to a bunch of kids who didn't know any better. But I have hope for the current series. The elements of the original that seemed cool at the time are yet to come in the current series, and I think they can be redone in a way that will make for some really engaging television...

[OrphanPip]

I think the first few seasons of the X-files were some of my favorite moments in TV history.

For nostalgia's sake, the original Degrassi Jr. High and Degrassi High for those of you in Canada

[Pryderi Agni]

Smallville, almost certainly...

[Taliesin]

Not a very big fan of TV shows, but I do have to note Firefly here.

[Gadget Girl]

Actually, I think the original in this case was pretty lame; it just seemed great to a bunch of kids who didn't know any better. But I have hope for the current series. The elements of the original that seemed cool at the time are yet to come in the current series, and I think they can be redone in a way that will make for some really engaging television...

Yeah, definitely. But I'm still gonna watch the original, anyway. Yesterday, I previewed some of the scenes and they made me curious. In fact, I think I'll start during this Christmas break.

I think the first few seasons of the X-files were some of my favorite moments in TV history.

My favorite seasons of The X-Files, however, were those near the end -- perhaps, from seven to nine.

[sixsmith]

'The Wire' is the best television show in history.

[Strange Aeons]

One of the best shows was really a Canada-only type of thing
That show was the Trailer Park Boys and without Ricky, Julian and Bubbles, I'd be in an asylum having nothing to nurse a nervous breakdown with haha

But really, it was a great show and very clever. What on the surface looked like low-brow humor was actually well-thought and planned comedy gold.
If anybody needs to laugh I suggest watching an episode of it.

[Lokasenna]

Can we include non-current TV?

If so, then Yes Minister/Yes Prime Minister, Fawlty Towers, 'Allo 'Allo and Blackadder must go on the list of fantastic television... if only they could make stuff like that today!

[DanielBenoit]

Fawlty Towers

Oh yes!!! Best sitcom in the history of television, IMHO. Funny how the best television shows seem to only last no more than two years (Monty Python, Twin Peaks).

[Dori]

What about The Office?!?!?!?!
(The American version, of course)

[Haunted]

'Dexter' maybe, for all those fans of black humour and vigilanteism?

Maybe? It's a huge yes!

NCIS shares the top spot on my list.