_Dave's Faves - TV Shows
by TedKnightShyamalan | created - 21 Jul 2012 | updated - 10 Feb 2018 | Public- Instant Watch Options
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1. Magnum, P.I. (1980–1988)
TV-PG | 48 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
The adventures of a Hawaii-based private investigator.
Stars: Tom Selleck, John Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley, Larry Manetti
Votes: 28,802
"Now I know what you're thinking and you're right..." this show is awesome.
2. Barney Miller (1975–1982)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Drama
The Captain of the NYPD 12th Precinct and his staff handle the various local troubles and characters that come into the squad room.
Stars: Hal Linden, Abe Vigoda, Max Gail, Steve Landesberg
Votes: 7,320
Some shows stand the test of time. When I was a kid I'd watch this show (reruns) along with WKRP, Sanford & Son, Too Close for Comfort, What's Happening, Different Strokes, etc. While the others can be enjoyable for nostalgia the writing on this show was top notch. All of it took place in a police precinct/2 rooms and it was and still is quite clever and entertaining.
3. Cheers (1982–1993)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Drama
The regulars of the Boston bar "Cheers" share their experiences and lives with each other while drinking or working at the bar where everybody knows your name.
Stars: Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, George Wendt
Votes: 61,750
4. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A chemistry teacher diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine with a former student in order to secure his family's future.
Stars: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Betsy Brandt
Votes: 2,121,450
5. Strangers with Candy (1999–2000)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy
A 46-year-old ex-drug addict returns to high school as a freshman.
Stars: Amy Sedaris, Paul Dinello, Stephen Colbert, Greg Hollimon
Votes: 6,566
6. Mr. Show with Bob and David (1995–1998)
TV-MA | 27 min | Comedy
This is a sketch-comedy show. The twist here is that all of the sketches (even the monologue) are connected in some strange way.
Stars: Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, John Ennis, Jay Johnston
Votes: 10,518
Raunchy and at times very well written.
7. Lost (2004–2010)
TV-14 | 5,445 min | Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
The survivors of a plane crash are forced to work together in order to survive on a seemingly deserted tropical island.
Stars: Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Yunjin Kim, Evangeline Lilly
Votes: 592,575
An excellent show I avoided watching till the fourth season when a neighbor and friend insisted I catch up. Watched it all on DVD and caught up to watch the last season on TV. Sure some people complain that the ending wasn't all that fantastic (which I disagree with) but even so, the ride was great.
8. Quantum Leap (1989–1993)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
During an experiment into time travel, a scientist finds himself trapped in the past, "leaping" into the lives of different people, sorting out their problems and changing history in hopes of getting back to his own life in the present.
Stars: Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell, Deborah Pratt, Dennis Wolfberg
Votes: 36,307
9. The Benny Hill Show (1969–1989)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
A skit based show with Benny Hill, often containing smutty humour.
Stars: Benny Hill, Henry McGee, Jackie Wright, Bob Todd
Votes: 5,493
10. M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
TV-PG | 25 min | Comedy, Drama, War
The staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation.
Stars: Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr
Votes: 63,489
11. Wonder Showzen (2005–2007)
TV-MA | 30 min | Animation, Comedy
An all-cynical, all-evil absurdist variety show that parodies the classic educational PBS shows of the 1970s, made up of old cartoons and educational films, children, and puppets from one's worst nightmares.
Stars: Vernon Chatman, John Lee, Alyson Levy, Evan Seligman
Votes: 4,862
If Sesame Street met an acid trip this would be it. Seriously messed up but hilarious.
12. Too Close for Comfort (1980–1987)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
In liberal San Francisco a conservative cartoonist tries to keep his two daughters, who rent an apartment below him, safe. In season 6 the cartoonist buys a small-town newspaper in Tiburon.
Stars: Ted Knight, Nancy Dussault, Jim J. Bullock, Deborah Van Valkenburgh
Votes: 2,692
While not nearly as cleverly written as other shows on this list, you've got to love Ted Knight.
13. Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Family
A gifted young teen tries to survive life with his dimwitted, dysfunctional family.
Stars: Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Justin Berfield, Erik Per Sullivan
Votes: 141,989
14. Family Guy (1999–2024)
TV-MA | 22 min | Animation, Comedy
In a wacky Rhode Island town, a dysfunctional family strives to cope with everyday life as they are thrown from one crazy scenario to another.
Stars: Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Mila Kunis
Votes: 362,945
15. Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988–1999)
TV-14 | 90 min | Comedy, Sci-Fi
In the not-too-distant future Joel Robinson is held captive by Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank, forced to watch B-Grade movies on the Satellite of Love with the help of his robot friends: Cambot, Gypsy, Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot.
Stars: Joel Hodgson, Michael J. Nelson, Trace Beaulieu, Kevin Murphy
Votes: 25,788
16. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)
TV-PG | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before.
Stars: Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton
Votes: 135,244
The only Star Trek worth watching in my opinion.
17. The Fall Guy (1981–1986)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
The adventures of a film stuntman who moonlights as a bounty hunter when movie work is slow.
Stars: Lee Majors, Douglas Barr, Heather Thomas, Markie Post
Votes: 8,882
18. Sanford and Son (1972–1978)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
The misadventures of a cantankerous junk dealer and his frustrated son.
Stars: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, LaWanda Page, Don Bexley
Votes: 10,714
19. WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
The misadventures of the staff of a struggling Top 40 rock radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Stars: Gary Sandy, Gordon Jump, Loni Anderson, Howard Hesseman
Votes: 11,176
20. Dream On (1990–1996)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
Martin Tupper is a book editor in Manhattan, recently divorced from Judith, a psychologist. Martin's life is filled with fantasies and sexual thoughts, many times coming in the form of black-and-white shots from old TV shows and movies.
Stars: Brian Benben, Denny Dillon, Wendie Malick, Chris Demetral
Votes: 3,790
21. Head of the Class (1986–1991)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy
A laidback teacher provides needed guidance about life for a special class of exceptional students.
Stars: William G. Schilling, Jeannetta Arnette, Dan Frischman, Robin Givens
Votes: 3,372
22. Friends (1994–2004)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy, Romance
Follows the personal and professional lives of six twenty to thirty year-old friends living in the Manhattan borough of New York City.
Stars: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc
Votes: 1,083,185
23. Arrested Development (2003–2019)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy
Level-headed son Michael Bluth takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. But the rest of his spoiled, dysfunctional family are making his job unbearable.
Stars: Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett
Votes: 323,230
24. Amazing Stories (1985–1987)
TV-PG | 30 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Truly amazing, fantastical, funny, and odd, and sometimes scary, sad, and endearing stories are portrayed. Many famous actors, actresses, and directors made guest appearances.
Stars: Charles Durning, Douglas Seale, Louis Giambalvo, Sharon Spelman
Votes: 6,393
25. Mad About You (1992–2019)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Romance
Mad About You centers on the trials and tribulations of a married couple living in New York.
Stars: Paul Reiser, Helen Hunt, John Pankow, Leila Kenzle
Votes: 25,076
26. House M.D. (2004–2012)
TV-14 | 45 min | Drama, Mystery
Using a crack team of doctors and his wits, an antisocial maverick doctor specializing in diagnostic medicine does whatever it takes to solve puzzling cases that come his way.
Stars: Hugh Laurie, Omar Epps, Robert Sean Leonard, Jesse Spencer
Votes: 509,486
27. Two and a Half Men (2003–2015)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy, Romance
A hedonistic jingle writer's free-wheeling life comes to an abrupt halt when his brother and 10-year-old nephew move into his beach-front house.
Stars: Jon Cryer, Ashton Kutcher, Angus T. Jones, Conchata Ferrell
Votes: 279,640
28. The Office (2005–2013)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy
A mockumentary on a group of typical office workers, where the workday consists of ego clashes, inappropriate behavior, and tedium.
Stars: Steve Carell, Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson
Votes: 705,552
29. Night Court (1984–1992)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
An eccentric fun-loving judge presides over an urban night court and all the silliness going on there.
Stars: Harry Anderson, John Larroquette, Richard Moll, Charles Robinson
Votes: 17,760
30. Sealab 2021 (2000–2005)
TV-14 | 11 min | Animation, Short, Comedy
The drama of an oft-doomed aquatic colony and its personnel, who hate each other.
Stars: Harry Goz, Erik Estrada, Ellis Henican, Brett Butler
Votes: 8,327
31. The Venture Bros. (2003–2018)
TV-14 | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The bizarre escapades of pseudo-heroic scientist Dr. Rusty Venture, his competent, high-strung bodyguard, and his two overenthusiastic sons.
Stars: Christopher McCulloch, James Urbaniak, Doc Hammer, Michael Sinterniklaas
Votes: 27,967
32. Invader ZIM (2001–2006)
TV-Y7 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
An alien named Zim from the planet Irk is sent on a secret mission to conquer Earth, not realising that his leaders were just trying to get rid of him and hoped that he would die. Once there, Zim manages to disguise himself as a human child, but one boy named Dib sees through his disguise.
Stars: Andy Berman, Richard Steven Horvitz, Rikki Simons, Melissa Fahn
Votes: 22,540
33. Frisky Dingo (2006–2008)
TV-MA | 11 min | Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi
A philandering billionaire playboy who moonlights as the superhero, Awesome X, faces against his greatest adversary, Killface, but finds balancing his business and superhero lives difficult.
Stars: Adam Reed, Eric Sims, Neal Holman, Stuart Culpepper
Votes: 7,631
34. The Xtacles (2008)
22 min | Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Following the abduction of Xander Crews (a.k.a. "Awesome X") The Xtacles take up work doing odd jobs for President Stan.
Stars: Rachael Harris, Gary Anthony Williams, Marshall Bell, Michael Ian Black
Votes: 351
35. Eagleheart (2011–2014)
TV-14 | Action, Comedy
In this parody on cop shows, a mad-dog US Marshal bent on justice battles crime his way and has only two less-than-perfect partners and a stodgy boss to rely on.
Stars: Chris Elliott, Maria Thayer, Brett Gelman, Jack Wallace
Votes: 2,154
36. Party Down (2009– )
TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy, Drama
A group of actors move to Los Angeles to make it big, but end up working as caterers.
Stars: Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Ryan Hansen, Martin Starr
Votes: 37,035
37. Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law (2000–2007)
TV-MA | 15 min | Animation, Short, Comedy
Third-rate superhero Harvey Birdman gets a new lease on life when he becomes a lawyer.
Stars: Gary Cole, Stephen Colbert, Thomas Michael Allen, John Michael Higgins
Votes: 12,113
38. The Young Ones (1982–1984)
TV-14 | 35 min | Comedy
The crazy and sometimes surreal comedic adventures of four very different students in Thatcher's Britain.
Stars: Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Planer, Christopher Ryan
Votes: 16,374
39. Austin City Limits (1975– )
60 min | Documentary, Music
Established singer-songwriters and acclaimed newcomers perform country, blues, rock, folk, bluegrass, and related styles of music from Studio 6A of public television station KLRU (formerly KLRN) at the University of Texas at Austin.
Stars: Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, John Prine, Jason Isbell
Votes: 324
40. The Kids in the Hall (1988–2021)
TV-14 | 25 min | Comedy
The TV series of the Canadian sketch comedy troupe that, more often than not, puts bizarre, unique, and insane twists in their skits.
Stars: David Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney
Votes: 11,071
41. Bottom (1991–1995)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
Two perpetually bored and broke flatmates waste their days in a futile struggle to get laid, earn cash, and not kill one another.
Stars: Adrian Edmondson, Rik Mayall, Steven O'Donnell, Christopher Ryan
Votes: 14,087
42. Posh Nosh (2003– )
10 min | Comedy
A post-modern comedy series that spoofs the world of upper-class food.
Stars: Arabella Weir, Richard E. Grant, Joanna Lumley, David Tennant
Votes: 553
43. Dinner for Five (2001–2005)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Talk-Show
Actor/Director Jon Favreau hosts an evening with four Hollywood friends (four different people or combinations of people each episode), who casually discuss the craft of acting and the business of celebrity over dinner.
Stars: Jon Favreau, Faizon Love, Peter Berg, Kevin James
Votes: 955
44. QI (2003– )
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy, Game-Show
A comedy panel game in which being Quite Interesting is more important than being right. Sandi Toksvig is joined each week by four comedians to share anecdotes and trivia, and maybe answer some questions as well.
Stars: Alan Davies, Stephen Fry, Sandi Toksvig, Bill Bailey
Votes: 33,525
45.
American Masters (1985– )
Episode:
Buster Keaton: Hard Act to Follow
(1987)
TV-14 | Documentary, Biography, History
A look at Buster Keaton, an early star of film comedies.
Votes: 86
46. Vicious (2013–2016)
TV-MA | 23 min | Comedy
Freddie Thornhill (Sir Ian McKellen) and Stuart Bixby (Sir Derek Jacobi) are an old gay couple who have been together for nearly fifty years. Their lives now revolve around entertaining their frequent guests and hurling insults at each other at every opportunity.
Stars: Derek Jacobi, Ian McKellen, Frances de la Tour, Iwan Rheon
Votes: 9,650
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