Pajiba

Because Id rather recall happier times,

X-Files Season 4

Mulder at his dreamiest, Scully had moved away from the shoulderpads...and awesome episodes Home, Never Again, Small Potatoes among others. So there.

I am fairly certain I will be alone here, but I throw my vote to Homicide: Life on the Street, Season 4. My favorite cast, the most compelling storylines, the show really hit its stride here (even though no one was watching it). It is the only show I know of that lasted 7 seasons, just because both hardcore fans and execs agreed that it was worth the investment, despite slow ratings.

I love this show.

I'd have to go with NewsRadio, Season 3.

The Sopranos season 2

This is impossible to decide. I bet there will be a million comments and all of them will be different.

This one probably won't be popular, but Law & Order Year 4. I love love love the Orbach/Noth/Hennessy years. Those were some great episodes and Jerry Orbach and Chris Noth were perfect together.

Red Dwarf Series II

Alias, Season 2

That's pretty much when it peaked, but damn that was a fine season of television.

I second Homicide: Season 4. Absolute genius

Cowboy Bebop.

Yes, it's only one season total, and yes, it's anime, but fuck me if it isn't one of the best shows ever made.

At least I didn't say Neon Genesis Evangelion.

House season IV

yes the first three seasons were wet-spaghetti medicine surviving only because House is such a great character, but the fourth season was fraking awesome. just see the finale House's Head/Wilson's Heart. It has been a source of not inconsiderable pain to me that House's mainstream appeal seems to totally negate any Pajiba love.

Dexter Season I

If you would have told me circa 2004 that Michael C. Hall (who I really couldn't stand) would have his own cable show, one that is arguably superior to Six feet Under and that Peter Krause (mancrush)stars in a craptastic network soap opera with Donald Sutherland,I would have laughed in your face. Irony is a motherfucker.

I'd be comfortable with either Tammy's or techa's pick- they're both worthy shows.

I like NewsRadio a lot because, beginning with their 20th episode, they started using Led Zeppelin album titles for episodes, until they ran out of titles.

And Season 4 happens to be my fave for Homicide, also.

Boston Legal, season 2. I still love it, but think it's on the wane now.

Denny Crane!

House season IV

yes the first three seasons were wet-spaghetti medicine surviving only because House is such a great character, but the fourth season was fraking awesome. just see the finale House's Head/Wilson's Heart. It has been a source of not inconsiderable pain to me that House's mainstream appeal seems to totally negate any Pajiba love.

Dexter Season I

If you would have told me circa 2004 that Michael C. Hall (who I really couldn't stand) would have his own cable show, one that is arguably superior to Six feet Under and that Peter Krause (mancrush)stars in a craptastic network soap opera with Donald Sutherland,I would have laughed in your face. Irony is a motherfucker.

Since Buffy, Firefly, and Freaks and Geeks have already be represented (plus other shows, like The Wire, which I know I am supposed to watch, but haven't yet) I'm gonna vote for Lost, Season 1.

sorry about the double comment (and the HTML tag mistakes)

Holy junk, Mama's Family! God bless Vicki Lawrence and her rolled down knee highs.

Having said that, I'm throwing my dork hat in the ring for Farscape Season 2. "Crackers Don't Matter". 'Nuff said.

Now I will go stick a Cherry Coke Zero in the freezer and clean a bathroom.

X-Files, Homicide--both great choices I can get behind.

Because no one seems to have mentioned it yet, I'll throw in Lost, either S1 or the most recent season. It's not because I love the show to pieces--of course I do--but because like several of your other choices (Twin Peaks springs to mind), Lost has done something unprecedented with the medium.

I'm not talking about the mass fan hysteria or even the online content--I mean simply what the storytellers have done with/to the basic process of telling a story within the structure of a serialized television program.

The fact that they have a compelling story and an ensemble cast of mind-blowing talent to tell it with doesn't hurt, either.

The Tick: The Animated Series (season one)
I don't know if they made a second season of this, but during the cartoon explosion of my high school career, this was the best thing to come out of Saturday Morning TV. The best part is that watching this now, you see that Adult Swim programming is totally based off of geeks who loved this show back in the day and wanted to bring back the randomness and humor that was a cartoon hero yelling "Spoon!"

If Homicide: Life on the Street is not on the list, I will lead the mutiny, drive the murdertank, alert Godopus to smite down the staff and also find a way to wipe the site with some sort of internet fecal matter. I don't even care what season it is, just holy batfuck it needs to be on the list.

Seeing as how you put no limitation on multiple comments, only the number of entries per comment, I'm voting for another one.

Band of Brothers!

It's a miniseries, does that count?

I saw the Mama's Family picture, and only part of the title and thought, 'What!?' Although it would have been an extraordinary nutsack of a choice. My white trash family did faithfully watch Mama's Family every week though, and laughed heartily.

My vote is for the 4th season of Lost. I know that many people will cry foul on that and claim a recency bias, but all I could think when watching each episode was that it was the best TV I've ever seen. And I've been a TV junkie for a good 30 years.

thaf, I love both seasons of Dexter thus far, but I thought all the secondary actors stepped it up quite a bit for Season 2.

30 Rock, Season 2.
Alec Baldwin improvising Tracy's mom and dad in a therapy session might be the funniest thing I have ever seen on television.

I'd have to go with Homicide 5 rather than 4. However, that show's gotta be on the list. No "Homicide", none of your precious "Wire".

(YEEES, I'm gonna get around to watching it)

Blackadder Goes Forth.

"What's for dinner, Private Baldrick?"
"Rat au Vin."
"...Rat that's been run over by a van."

X-Files Season 4

Lost Season 1

Alias Season 1

Sex and the City Season 3

Heroes Season 1

My So Called Life Season 1

Twin Peaks Season 1

I'm going old school and picking Seinfeld season 7. Jason Alexander and Julia Louise-Dreyfuss will always be two of my favorite comedic actors, and this season featured some of my favorite moments: George's engagement and subsequently the shocking death of his fiance Susan (oh you wily envelope glue), spongeworthiness, the Soup Nazi, BOSCO, "If Relationship George walks into this room he will kill Independent George!", the stealing of the rye bread, Sue Ellen Mishke's bra top, Mrs. Costanza's dolly doppleganger...so many scenes that made me cackle. I attribute much of my warped sense of humor to growing up with this show.

Nip/Tuck: Season 2

WTF Those were all the 20 seasons?!

AND NO BATTLESTAR GALACTICRACK?!

for shame. ;-;

I'll have to add season 1 of Ren and Stimpy, season 3 of Beavis and Butthead, I SECOND Season 4 for X Files, and Chappelle's Show season 2.

I love that Seinfeld season too, Julie!
But I think I prefer the season that had Puddy's man-fur and Jerry's purse, and Puddy's Jesus fish and christian rock stations. :D
Oh and George working for K-uger! (I'm not even sure they are all in one season.)

one? just one? this is so unfair. this choice is so hard I demand a movie be made about it. and I demand Meryl Streep to play my part. wait...

and so it is "Northern Exposure" season either 2 or 3, you cant make me pick that too!

when I was 12 i wrote a newspaper to protest the fact that italian tv was showing the episodes completely out of order, oh the innocence!

It was difficult, but I would have to go with season 2 of ER.
The awkwardness of the beginning was gone, the show had this great footing, a solid cast, and the plots were interesting and involving.
Plus, this was also before all the cast departures started, which confused the hell out of me. Although Laura Innes' addition that season proved to be a huge benefit to the series.

The one that immediately jumps into my head is Greg the Bunny. I know the network screwed it up, but I still quote from that show almost daily and continue to convert people to the program, blah.

[On dogs]
"Warren: What do humans see in these things, anyway? If I wanted someone to lick my face and poop on my lawn I'd get back together with Farrah Fawcett."

Julie, although I can't change my demand for Homicide you make a damned good case.

I'm probably going to get yelled at, but I really loved The Critic. I'm not sure how many seasons it lasted but if I catch a rerun in the early mornings on comedy central, I will sit down and laugh my ass off. I thought it was really overlooked.

I'm going to have to get on the "LOST" season one train here. I didn't get into the show until just before season three (I'm usually more than a little late to these things) but I have to give it credit for being such an epic television show, revealing layers ever so slowly.

For the format and brilliantly tangled storylines it beat ouy my beloved "Dexter" and "30 Rock."

Homicide. Since others have mentioned season 4, I'll go with it. Certainly it contains some of my favorite episodes -- Bayliss coming apart at the seams in Requiem for Adena, the Edgar Allen Poe episode, Russert questioning the sniper copy cat, Meldrich's wedding. And so on.

I'm also partial to season 2 of Angel. And season 2 of Dead Like Me.

Wait. We only get one season of one show? Bastards. Fine.

Homicide. Season 4.

I think I'd have to vote for either The O.C., Season 1, or Doctor Who, Season 2.

Nobody will agree, but I would like to say Season 1 of Tim & Eric Awesome Show Great Job, just because if I get the title out there (hopefully) more people will watch it. One of the best sketch comedy shows ever (Kids in the Hall is and will always be #1 in my book). John C. Reilly as Dr. Steve Brule is the BEST!

My "real" vote would be for HBO's OZ. Since I have to pick a season, I guess I'll pick Season 1...can't resist Beecher as a fish getting a swastika on his ass and then going loco with a fire extinguisher in the final episode. Season 5 is a runner-up.

Ha! Loob, Puddy's man fur is so great. "It looks like a dead bear!" I considered going with season 8, if only for the chicken roaster episode and how awesome it is watching Jerry and Kramer morph into each other. :)

Word to those who picked X-Files season four, that's a great one.

Lost season 1 or 4. its gonna be on there somehow.

That 70's Show, Season 5

My fav show and season. If I could pick a second it would be Lost Season 4 or Family Guy any season, but I can't so really it doesn't count!

Gilmore Girls season 2!

Come on. You know that show was way clever. And Lauren Graham is amazing. Show the series some love.

X-Files Season 4 all the way.

Peep Show season 4

Technically, Angels in America was a miniseries not a series.

But I'm going to ignore that. I loved it. The (stacked) cast was magnificent, the interwoven stories were beatiful. I think Mary-Louise Parker was better here than in Weeds. I also have a serious love-hate thing with Emma Thompson, and I thought that she shone.

I had to check a couple times to make sure this hadn't already been mentioned. Seriously, am I missing something here?

The Office (US): Season 2

As much love as I have for the British Office, it's always felt more like a mini-series to me. Season 2 of the American Office (besides being the first full season) was where the show really started to feel less like an American version of the UK Office and more like a beast of its own making, but before the kind of jarring third season shake-up. Definitely the best season of a consistently funny and innovative series.

Oy, this is a tough one, but I have to follow my girly, caffeinated, annoyingly wordy heart and take Gilmore Girls, Season Two.

Julie, Oh god the chicken roasters!
"Oh, I'm stressed!"
That might be Jerry's best episode ever! :D

Venture Bros. Season 2.

Yeah, sure, it's just a cartoon. But it's some of the best satire on television and god help me if it isn't one of the few things that makes me laugh out loud on a regular basis. And I mean cackling like a mad man.

This just makes it in the 20 years, but I'm going to have to go with

The Wonder Years, Season 1 (only because I have to pick one season).

I was the exact age as Kevin and Winnie, and all their stories hit close to home. The family dynamic was wonderful and poignant as well. I loved this show.

The Music Licensing Powers That Be - I want this series on DVD, so get on it!

I agree with both News Radio Season Three and Gilmore Girls Season Two.

News Radio and Northern Exposure are great choices. A few years back I caught Northern Exposure reruns in the afternoons on A&E. I had forgotten what a really good show that was. Until the craptastic last season of course, but isn't that the way it always is?

Monty Python's Flying Circus Series 2

The list of incredible hilarious and equally influential comedy sketches in this series are too numerous to mention here.

You can find a complete listing here

This is where Python really hit its stride and made some of the best sketch comedy in history.

How has no one even MENTIONED this yet?

90210: Season 4

There really isn't any question it's the best. Long live Brenda Walsh.

Ha ha ha! Loob I love the scene with Newman and the broccoli.

Jerry: Newman, you wouldn't eat broccoli if it were deep fried in chocolate sauce.
Newman: [eats a piece, spits it out] Vile weed!

I'm going to have to watch some Homicide, the love for it in this thread has me intrigued.

I agree with the posters above who picked Dexter s1 and Lost s1 but..

Frak it, I'm going with season 4 Battlestar Galactica. Even if that season doesn't technically finish until 2009. Even if Farscape was already chosen.

The Office: Season 2 (US version)

"The Injury" for best. episode. EVER. And "Booze Cruise". And "Casino Night". And "Office Olympics". Ah hell, all of them

Angel, Season 4.

By that time they were getting no new viewers. In fact, viewership was probably down from the Buffy audience. And Buffy was dwindling. It was already at season 7, ending, and at the end of it's rope.

And what no one realized was that the Angel creators decided to make the greatest season ever, drawing on 3 seasons, (and three hundred years) of mythology. A self-reflexive examination on the end of the world.

Sure, they had done the apocalypse before, but in this case, the end of the world lasted ALL SEASON LONG - and you got a chance to see how one LIVES in the apocalypse.

It was truly brilliant.

I'm giving it up for Futurama: Season 4, the final and greatest season of the series (not counting the movies). I cried twice during the season (the only show to make me do so), during Jurassic Bark and The Devil's Hands Are Idle Play Things. Shame it had to end, but at least it ended on a high note.

Oh, GAH. This IS hard! Some of my favorite shows are represented here: X-files, Lost, Alias, and HOMICIDE, I totally forgot how good that show was. However, if I had to pick ONE season of ONE show (assholes!! shakes fist), I'd have to go with 'Dexter' Season 1.

The main reason for it is that this show took a fucked up subject (a serial killer of serial killers and other baddies) and made me WANT to watch it. I have a bit of a squeamish nature and was frankly a little afraid to netflix the season (yes, I used netflix as a verb, shut up) but it totally won both me and my husband over. And it takes ALOT to win my husband over.

Lost Season 4.

I rewatched the series after the Season 4 finale, wanting to revisit the story equipped with knowledge I didn't have back then. (Yes, I'm a geek. Shut up, Dustin). And while season 1 was excellent, Season 4 took their approach to a whole new level.

And Season 4 made me cry more. And I'm a sucker for shows that can wring tears from me so effectively.

Oh, and of course, Season 4 had Michael Emerson. 'Nuff said.

24 season 5

Northern Exposure season 4.

The town dynamics are so perfect and comfortable and this point that they could do anything. It also features some of my favorite episodes:
"Ill Wind" features some sweet Maggie-Joel hookups. The aftermath is done brilliantly, keeping basically the same dynamics as before.
"Revelations" is one of my favorite Chris episodes where he vacations at a monastery and lusts after another monk, questioning his strong heterosexuality.

Can I share some personal pain? In my entire town there are only three Starbucks, and they are closing all three!
Today my venti mocha frappuchino was extra big and thick (that deserves a dirty), because they loved me for my loyalty.
I'm fairly disconsolate.

Chapelle Show, either season.

Queer as Folk, Season One. Carping aside, the show is WAY better than the English original - in the Brit version of the show, Brian and Justin (their equivalents, that is) have no arc, and exist only to embody cliches. People can complain all they want about Americans stealing shows from the other side of the pond and shitting all over them, but in this case, the longer seasons, and the tighter connection between seasons ("series"), common to American TV paid off - as well as, I think, a decision to make the show more than just a travelouge of gay urban life. I mean, Brian has a plausible, nuanced character arc that lasts the whole five seasons of the show, from the first moment you see him, to the last scene of the final episode - steady, never doubling back to recapture some element of his persona considered necessary to the show's "magic," and delivered more than capably by Gale Howard. And he's just one of many great actors playing great characters on the show - this series definitely deserves a place at the table.

Not to sound like a broken record, as I've suggested it twice already, but without a doubt, I vote for Alias: Season Two. Season One was great, but Season Two had the added layer of awesome with Sydney's mother (played to perfection by the wonderful Lena Olin). Plus, this is the season with the Super Bowl episode that basically turned the show on its head - so much goodness in 24 episodes. Plus a great twist to close the season.

My So-Called Life (the first and only season)

House: Season Two
Season One is all about Vogler, Season Three drearily follows Tritter and his obsession with locking House away and turning his closest friends against him, Season Four was about the mockery of an interview process for doctors and adding 30 extra cast members, but Season Two? Ohhh Season Two. By far my favorite. Twenty-four glorious episodes of racial jokes toward Foreman, eating disorder comments at Cameron and making Chase do ridiculous bitch work for jumping up his ass at any possible opportunity. No other characters coming in and making a fuss and throwing my guy off his game. Some of the best episodes of the series are from this season (more from this than any other) including "Skin Deep," "All In," and "Euphoria Pts. 1 & 2." We see the progression of his Vicodin dependence and his actual need for his relationships with Wilson and Cuddy. The depth of his character is first called into play in Season Two, and it's the only season where I can pick a disk at random and be happy watching it whenever.

I would've said Veronica Mars I or II, Firefly, Buffy III, Arrested Development II, or Freaks and Geeks so thank Godtopus I don't have to decide between those.

Loob, look on the bright side: your town has been rid of the wretched Vivanno Nourishing Blends(TM). It's so much more than a smoothie... will make you surprisingly regular.

I may be biased because I don't have Showtime so I haven't seen Season 2 yet, but I have to suggest season 1 of Dexter. I haven't been that riveted by television in a long time, if ever.

I'm going to go with LOST, too, but with Season 4. I can't remember being so engrossed and thoroughly entertained by a television show in a long time. It made me look forward to Thursday nights again, and that's saying something.

'Life on Mars' season 1 (if UK shows are allowed, that is). I had seriously never seen anything quite like it, I devoured the box set in a day & a night and immediately ordered season 2. Awesome stuff.

If UK shows aren't allowed, I'll pick Weeds season 1.

Mr. Show, season 4.

Oz: Season 1

I second the nomination with force. Tom Fontana, finally unleashed from St. Elsewhere and Homicide, gets to flex his darker side in a brilliant Shakespearean prison drama.

Oz was mind blowingly gripping tv starting from the intro "Prisoner ####: Murder. Life without Parole", the violence, the rawness of the setting, moving onto the characters, new and old, fleshed out each week. The overall episodic arc of the first season was briliiant especially Tobias' descent from clean cut lawyer to unhinged violent offender and the prison riot and takeover at the last episode (if I remember correctly.)

This show was full of violence and heartache. The stories outside the prison also show how much the bars and walls of life are not so literal. For these prisoners prison was all but inevitable.

The mere fact that I still squirm looking at Chris Meloni, JK Simmons and Harold Perrineau in anything else speaks to the quality of their work on Oz.

Alon, while I, too, appreciate that series form Monty Python, I have to point out that the broadcast season of 1970 certainly does not qualify as being from the last 20 years.

Battlestar Galactica, Season One

Ron Moore and company have yet to recapture the awesomeness of that first season.

Hands down, peeps, Season 1 of "24"! I wouldn't take calls when it aired, I planned dinner parties around watching it (so as to not be entirely anti-social), and my parents could NOT stop watching the DVD 4 years later. I know there must be shortcomings and incontinuties, but I haven't rewatched it since it originally aired & it was on my antenna (gasp!) equipped TV. It invigorated a stale medium. It pumped my adrenaline to watch (removing the fingerprints, anyone?) and I was thoroughly engrossed with its recaps and previews. Heck, I even sought out commercials and (shudder) started to read about television and movies online! If I had only known this show secretly was injecting me with more than one type of crack...

But, when Nina double (triple?) crossed Jack and killed his wife I just about died. I know main characters come and go, but it usually feels it's about actor contracts, never just for the sake of the story.

The Office Season 2

Lost Season 1

Battlestar Galactica season 3
the parallels to Iraq were brilliant.

LOST Season 4 (or S1 in the alternative).

'Homicide' was great, and paved the way for The Wire, but feels somewhat dated to me watching on dvd, and does not hold up that well when placed side-by-side w/ The Wire (or other subsequent cable tv dramas for that matter).

I was going to go with the Seinfeld season 3, but I suspect Seinfeld is one of the two shows not posted about yet. So I vote for:

Newsradio, season 3

Phil Hartman, I miss you.

"Loob, look on the bright side: your town has been rid of the wretched Vivanno Nourishing Blends(TM). It's so much more than a smoothie... will make you surprisingly regular.
Posted by: artificialsweet at July 30, 2008 3:35 PM"

heehehe Thanks art. :)

Nah, I'm still bummed. And not even by the vivannos.

Hm. I shall have to choose Season 1 of Lost. That entire season had me on the edge of my chair. (Well, technically, the edge of my bed, since I watch most television in my bedroom.) It's pretty much dead to me now, but Season 1 and me, man, we were seriously in love. It was suspenseful, none of the characters were completely annoying yet (I'm looking at you, Kate/Jack/Sawyer), the backstories were exciting and intriguing, and the whole thing was fresh and unique in addition to being well-written tv.

Season 2 started out so well, but kind of started to dip towards the end. Season 3. I can't even talk about it. (I can only say, the whole season was summed up by the Paolo and Nikki debacle: the creators clearly had no vision for the characters, and then they let the masses dictate what to do with their show.) Toward the end of season 4, it began trying to reconcile with me, but I'm unsure. I don't want to get hurt again, you know?

But season 1... now that was compelling television.

Also, Loob, you can move to my town. We're getting one soon!

24 season 1

I am going to have to go with Alias season 2. Love Michael Vartan!

Spaced!
I couldn't choose a season though

Thanks Anastasia. :D
Maybe you can bung one in a jiffybag for me. xD

AWG! I just remembered, the hubster bought me this awesome Starbucks cup that looks just like the plastic frappuchino glasses, but it is insulated reusable fancy plastic, and even has a reusable straw! How it will torment me from now on! All empty and whatnot.

Clone High. Yes it's just a cartoon, but it's hilarious, insanely addictive, infinitely quotable, and dearly missed.

I'm so conflicted...I'm still fuming at Andre Bragher for agreeing to be on the same planet, much less the same show as Ray Romano...but Homicide was an awesome, awesome show....

Still, I guess I'll give my vote to HOUSE season 2, for all the reasons already stated above and also just cause I want to fix him and bone him so bad (the character, not the actor).

And I have to second, third, fourth, whatever the US Office Season Two. Best season of television, hands down.

The Office Season 2

I would have said either Lost Season 1 (I have a sneaking suspicion that it might make an appearance as #18 or 19 anyways) or Seinfeld - but how could I possibly pick ONE season?

Lost - Season 4

It may be too recent to be eligible, but this last season of Lost was some of the best network television I have seen in years. After coming off of a good not great third season the writers jumped off the excellent finale and kept us guessing until the very end.

The introduction of flash forwards made every moment spent on the island all the more intense. We knew who was going to leave but we didn't know how or why, or what happened to those left behind.

As the season neared its' conclusion the pieces starting falling into place like tumblers in a lock. It may be cliched but it was absolutely riveting seeing it all come together in the end.

There were a couple issues but overall the elegance of the plot overcame any minor short comings. It was just beautifully constructed television and easily one of the best I have seen in years.

I'm going to break from my usual lurking here to throw in a vote for Blackadder Goes Forth.

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of "NewsRadio" being on the list. Aside from having a sort of remarkable cast, it was the first American sitcom that I can remember watching that was willing to jump into the absurd (wife hunt, the Titanic episode, sMatthew), and that made me love it. In fact, when you look at a show like "30 Rock", the structure and tone are really similar. I don't know enough about television history to say that we could or couldn't have one without the other, but I think there's enough evidence to get an article out of it. God I loved that show.

Save the humanoids!

Sheesh... not only pick a show, but the best season. I'll go with LOST, but it's a toss-up between season 1 and 4. 4 set the bar high for the rest of the series and was a game-changer in that it was the first season of writing where the writing team knew when the end point was. Season 1 really defined what a serial show was all about and brought in fans to a sci-fi'ish show that normally wouldn't watch a sci-fi show. I'll go with season 1 just because it seems there's currently more votes for season 1 and this show needs to be on this list.

please don't disown me, pajiba, but:

the oc, season 1

i can't help but love it. don't judge me.

"I'm going to break from my usual lurking here to throw in a vote for Blackadder Goes Forth.
Posted by: Marriott67 at July 30, 2008 4:01 PM"

Alright Marriott! You and me baby!

Firefly - Season Only

I will say despite the massive downturn Lost took in Seasons 2/3 (4 was a bit better), Season 1 was pretty incredible. Tightly packed, well-plotted and ending with a good cliffhanger (kidnapping of Walt, NOT the hatch).

Alias Season 2

Dr. Who. I've been watching this show since 1964 and I've seen episodes that don't even exist anymore. BWA-hahahahaha.

While I prefer David Tennant's Doctor to Christopher Eccleston's, I really liked some of Eccleston's episodes better. My favorites have to be "The Empty Child / The Doctor Dances" which introduced Capt. Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) into the mix.

This one brings me to a three-way tie amongst what I consider three of the best seasons of television to date:

1. Popular, Season 1. As far as cult hit status goes, look no further than the awesome Mary Cherry clip compilations on YouTube. The show only lasted two seasons and remains the delight of so, so many in my social circle. It's funny, it's touching, and darn it, it's just good TV. This show gave us Mean Girls before Tina Fey made them mainstream.

2. Roseanne, Season 2. Becky gets drunk. Beck farts in public. Jackie becomes a cop. The first Halloween episode is aired. For those of us raised as proud white trash, we finally gained a hero in this sitcom, and this season was arguably the funniest of them all.

3. Will and Grace, Season 3. Featuring guest shots by Sandra Bernhard and flashback episodes like "Lows in the Mid-80s," this was hands-down the funniest and most watchable season of a great tv sitcom. It broke ground and made gay and lesbian life accessible to mainstream America. WAG was a phenomenon in and of itself, and this season in particular deserves to be recognized.

hmmmm...was Friends ever included? I know folks in these here parts might not like the show but I think at least one of those seasons has to be included. I'll go with:

Friends, season 4

Its a toss up between The Sopranos and Angel. The Sopranos is probably better overall. But I gotta agree with Withnail about season 4 of Angel.

Season 4 was some of the most intense tv I've ever seen. Like Withnail stated, the whole season deals with the apocolypse. You have Angelus and Faith return. Wesley seeks redemption. Cordi, who had turned into a great character and hero, is tragiclly possessed essentially. And Angel has to make some tough decisions at the end.

Like Buffy there are some very strong moments that stick out throughout the series. But overall there is one season that encompases the themes of the show a bit better than the rest. As hard as it is not go with Spike and Illyria of season 5 I'm going with season 4.

I know 30 Rock is the cool kids' choice for best comedy right now, but as awesome as that show is, it will never be able to touch the perfection of The Office Season Two. Starting off with The Dundies (I feel God in this Chilli's tonight! Second drink! Tiny Dancer/Dundie!) and ending with that amazing finale (which actually warranted the hour-long treatment), this season included many classics--The Injury, Booze Cruise, the Christmas episode, Office Olympics--as someone mentioned above, really, all of them. Lots of people have tired of the JAM saga, but for that second season, it was written, performed, and paced beautifully. This is one of the few shows that can break your heart right before rupturing your stomach--from Michael's inspirational "Never give up" to Jim followed almost immediately by his episode-ending "revelation" to Dwight: "It's a fake wheel, dummy."

This is a MUST.

Most of my favorites are already on the list. I'm very tempted to go with Lost - Season 1, or even Season 4. I am also very tempted by Battlestar, though I'd have a harder time selecting which season.

But my ultimate selection will have to be My So-Called Life - Season 1. This is the one show I truly miss; the first time TV broke my heart by cancelling a great series and I learned to distrust it like a syphilitic ex-girlfriend.

SOPRANOS Season 6, just for that final epi that tied it all together (or did it???)...
People STILL argue about what happened after the lights went out- and that, in my humble all-knowing opinion, is brilliant.

Wow. Decisions, decisions. I have agreed with much that has been said already, though I probably will have to go with Lost, season 4. It was intense, unflinching in its grasp on me for the whole season. The flash forwards were a new element that took the game to a whole new level. This was the show that I talked to people about at work, and if, God forbid, I hadn't had a chance yet to watch it, I threatened a fate worse than death to anyone who might reveal too much. But the bottom line for me was that several times throughout the season, it grabbed my heartstrings and gave them an almighty tug...pushing me to tears at times. THAT is good television, folks.

My So-Called Life, Season 1

ok I've tried but I cant do it and since many broke the rules of just one show and since i'm a wonderful sheep I'll go along and say that i also pick:

Quantum Leap, season 5,
if only for the heartbreaking last episode

Moonlighting season 2
people they had Orson freaking wells introducing an episode, wanna top that?

Gilmore Girls season 1 or 2

Spaced season 2

the wonder years season 2

I have a thing for pop culture reference and for seasons 2, clearly.

I second the person who mentioned Futurama season 4. I cry every damn time I see "Jurassic Bark." Really, anything that puts dogs and emotional music together makes me weepy, but this episode really makes me lose my shit.

Also adding: Home Movies season 4. This is seriously one of the funniest shows ever made and it's a shame more people haven't even heard of it. There seems to be a serious prejudice against Adult Swim shows, which sucks. Also, Yay for the person above who mentioned Tim & Eric. Brule's Rules make me laugh every time.

Oh, and one last addition: Band of Brothers, the best WWII anything, ever.

Battlestar Galactica, Season One

Ron Moore and company have yet to recapture the awesomeness of that first season.

Posted by: Mike G at July 30, 2008 3:42 PM

I second the nomination. I still wonder if I might be a secret Cylon.

I would absolutely say X-Files, Season 3, 4 or 5 (my vote is for 5, but you can make a case for any of those being the best). But personally I just think this should be an on-going Pajiba column (because you guys don't have enough work to do), not stop at twenty.

I'd actually say Angel Season 5. The addition of Spike and Illyria, plus the new setting and the resolution of so many hanging plot threads made the viewing experience highly satisfying, and the show's ultimate cancellation all the more heartbreaking.

Also, Doctor Who Season 3 was just amazing. ("Blink," anyone?)

Seinfeld, Season 3. Inspired a generation of television comedy (30 Rock, Always Sunny, Curbed)

I second "30 Rock," Season 2.

However, I think I have to risk being shoved out of the virtual Pajiba door and throw "Friends," Season 3 out there. The big break-up always gets me, Monica works at a 50s-themed roller diner, Christine Taylor goes bald, and Tom Selleck and John Favrou both act as recurring characters.

Noxbu and Susiemoss, I loved and still love Friends as well. Yes it received a juggernaut of press and attention and overexposure blah blah blah. It was still a really fucking funny show up until about the 6th season. Season 4 was my favorite, Chandler in a Box and The One With the Embryos are two of my favorite episodes of ANY show.

"What was Monica's nickname as a field hockey goalie?"
"Big fat goalie!"

Lost, Season 4

No explanation necessary.

Have to go with the other Alias Season 2 suggestions.

Wow. Decisions, decisions. I have agreed with much that has been said already, though I probably will have to go with Lost, season 4. It was intense, unflinching in its grasp on me for the whole season. The flash forwards were a new element that took the game to a whole new level. This was the show that I talked to people about at work, and if, God forbid, I hadn't had a chance yet to watch it, I threatened a fate worse than death to anyone who might reveal too much. But the bottom line for me was that several times throughout the season, it grabbed my heartstrings and gave them an almighty tug...pushing me to tears at times. THAT is good television, folks.

I'll go with House Season 2. Season 1 has "Three Stories", but season 2 is probably overall stronger. The end of season 4 was good, but the beginning was not nearly as strong. Somehow I just wasn't fond of the elimination bit.

The Office, season 2. Criminal that it hasn't been written up already.

SEASON 3 X-FILES! (DPO, Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose, 2Shy, War of the Coprophages ("are you sure it wasn't a girlie scream?"), Syzygy, Grotesque, Pusher, Hell Money--just to name a few of the best!)

I'd have to agree with many of the posters here in naming Battlestar Galactica, Lost, Dexter, Futurama, X-files, Angel, The Sopranos...

But I just wanted to be the first to mention The Shield, Season 5, with Forest Whitaker stealing every scene he's in.

Wonderfalls, Season 1! So funny and romantic and hilarious and sweet.

Spaced season 2. So perfect.

X-Files season 4

or Lost season 4

Dead Like Me, season 2

Dexter, best show eva, season 2 was rockandroller with the perfect answer to "now that hte ice truck killer is out of the picture, what season-long story arc can there be?" SUCH balls.

Sopranos, season 2

I have to second everyone who mentioned Angel Season 4. I have NEVER been on the edge of my seat the way I was every week during that year, before or since. Connor's betrayal! Dark Wesley! Possessed Lilah-killing Cordy! Squicky, practically-incestuous sex! Angel and Connor singing "Jasmine" to the tune of "Mandy"! Faith saving Angel's ass! The awesomeness cannot be understated!

I would also like to second the noms for Cowboy Bebop and LOST (any season). Tho, the end of Cowboy Bebop just upset me for days. What IS it with tragic characters named Spike??

Part of me wants to go patriotic with season 1 of Corner Gas; there's a lot of funny there...part of me wants to pick an early Frasier season, but I can't decide which one...llp, I freakin' love you for mentioning Greg the Bunny--that show was a'ight! *heehee*

However, I must put aside my inclination to pick a relatively unknown/unlikely choice, and back a potential (and highly deserving) winner:

My vote goes to The Office season 2, for reasons mentioned by folks above. Additionally, in a sea of reality crap, the show seemed to herald the return of (some) good network sitcoms, so it holds a very special place in my heart.

My vote would have to go to season 1 of the Sopranos. It's hands down the most influential television season in the last 20 years and it's damn funny, exciting and fascinating.

Oh yes, Dr. Who season 3, "Blink" was very cool. Of course it's a weird one in that the Doctor really doesn't appear in it.

Gilmore Girls season 2

homicide: life on the street i don't know which season--one of the earlier ones, my memory is foggy...just not the one where pembleton couldn't yell in "the box" because of his condition.

The Riches, Season 1

annnnnd I know we're only supposed to post one but
My So-Called Life, Season 1

I vote Dr. Who, Series 4.

David Tennant is yummy and the finale rocked my face off. (In a geeky kind of way)

My vote goes to Babylon 5 - Season 3: The little show that could found its stride at this point. Subtitled "Point of No Return" you have everything you could want out of great storytelling - poignant drama, intense action, betrayal, and plenty of humor.

Highlights: the secession from the Earth Alliance's dictatorship, Peter Jurasik (Londo) vs Andreas Katsulas (G'Kar), the arrival of Melissa Gilbert (trust me on that), one hell of a cliffhanger.

Wait! DR. HORRIBLE'S SING-ALONG BLOG.

OK, there's only 3 episodes, and they're less than 15 minutes each, but I've watched them 172 times each now, and I'm still not tired of them.

Well, if we're going to go with web-series, I have to go with Making Fiends. Hilarious.

Hmmm, I named all the TV shows because I understood "one season of one show" to mean you can't say: The X-Files Season 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; not that you could only make one selection.

Am I wrong?

Scrubs season 1. Fantastic cast, funny, heartfelt, and one of the first sitcoms to break free from the laugh track. Also, Zach Braff had yet to become an extraordinary nut sack.

i'm gonna be a dorkas malorcas and add Doctor Who Season 4 (the new one).

While the end wasn't as strong as past seasons, the interaction between Donna and the Doctor absolutely makes this season my favorite. David Tennant and Catherine Tate had a lot of fun and it shows. The arcs are interesting and so are the individual episodes.

Doctor Who season 1. Quite simply, everyone is working at their A game because they had to. They transformed a show that had been the butt of jokes for years into a taut, emotional, beautiful story of redemption and hope. And yes, that may sound silly and sappy and ad-like, but it's true. What other family show has savage attacks on Rupert Murdoch ("The Long Game"), reality TV ("Bad Wolf"), and the Blair administration's willingness to go to war ("Aliens of London" and "World War Three")? It's one of the most homosexuality-positive shows I've seen in my entire life - just look at Capt. Jack Harkness, a gorgeous man's man conman, who we only find out later is pansexual. If you don't cry during "Father's Day," when Rose tries to save her father from being hit by a car in 1987, I don't know you. And all throughout, we see the gradual shift of the Doctor from a man horrendously damaged by the events of the Time War, where he had to destroy his own people, into someone who would choose to be a coward any day.

It's gorgeously written, beautifully shot, and don't even get me started on the acting. To be honest, I think it's head and shoulders above every other season yet.

Venture Brothers, Season 2

Wow, a lot of people here really like House. Now I don't feel as un-cool for liking it, too.

spoiler alert: do you need spoilers for a season of television from 6 years ago?

Alias - Season 2: The season kicks off with the revelation that Syd's mom (whom Sydney had thought dead for most of her life) is the big bad she'd been chasing throughout most of Season 1, and after Spy Mommy turns herself in, we get to deal with crazy tension between Spy Daddy & Spy Mommy and Vaughn & Spy Mom (due to her killing his CIA Agent pops during her days as a KGB op). Then Syd and Vaughn take down SD-6 (and FINALLY get to hook up, after a season and a half of smoldering looks in their Sub-Basement of Desire), which results in Sydney having to deal with trust issues from her former partner and co-workers. Etc, etc, oh, and her best friend/roommate was assassinated and cloned (um...sort of), and then attempted to off her, resulting in one of the best girlfights ever. AND THEN, as if all that wasn't enough, Syd wakes up after said girlfight and realizes that she's lost two years of her life, her fucking boyfriend is MARRIED, and her Spy Daddy's in PRISON. One of the best years of television, ever, partially written and/or directed by JJ Abrams, Ken Olin, and Roberto Orci, and fabulously acted by Jennifer Garner, Victor Garber, Lena Olin, Ron Rifkin, Michael Vartan, and Bradley Cooper, as well as the rest of the fantastic supporting players. This is fucking Alias, bitches.

Apparently I have been spelling "dorkas malorcas" wrong all these years.

My So-Called Life Best teen angst TV ever.

Hmmmmm.... so for me it comes down to
1. Felicity Season 1
2. Gilmore Girls Season 2
3. Weeds Season 1
4. 30 Rock Season 2
5. The Office Season 2

Geez, this is difficult...but I guess my one vote has to go to the Office Season 2. It was just delightful and fun full of moments that became (at least for my roomates and myself) legendary.

***(Wait can Mad Men Season 1 count, even though Season 2 has just started? Cause if so, I'm changing my vote. I haven't seen a show I love this much in years!)

My So-Called Life. Dead Like Me's first season. Frasier season 4. Can't decide!

Chappelle's show
Chappelle's show (Chappelle's show)
Chappelle's show (Chappelle's show)
Owwwww! Whoo-hoo-HOO! Whoo-hoo! Yeah, yeah!
Let's start the show!

Season on... um, t.... no, er... oh, well, it's gotta be... but...oh, shit, DECIDE ALREADY!

Season one.

Oz, season 1.

Alias Season 1

Why you ask?

From the initial scene with a tied-up redheaded Spy Barbie (Sydney Bristow) being tormented by the Sadistic Dentist of Asian Persuasion (SDAP) to the most awesome cliffhanger ending ever with a tied-up Goth Spy Barbie asking "Mom?", season one was a non-stop thrill ride. Sydney Bristow, a normal modern college student with a fabulous boyfriend, great friends, and a nice life, suddenly has her life turned upside down by the people that she works for. Nothing is what she thought it was. Her anger and her grief propel her into Director Devlin's office to express everything she thought that she knew. She is no longer leading a double life, but a triple life with her commitments to school/friends, SD-6, and the CIA. She gets a handsome Michael Vaughn as a handler and his ridiculously funny sidekick, Agent Weiss. Her father is nothing that she thought and as the season goes, the relationship between them only becomes better. Jack Bristow (Victor Garber) is not a good man and has done some not-so-nice things, but genuinely loves his daughter. The majority of the season is spent with Syd working missions for her ultra evil boss, Arvin Sloane (Ron Rifkin), a man of no redeeming qualities, while forwarding information back to the CIA. Syd's best friend, Will Tippin (Bradley Cooper), keeps investigating the mysterious death of a friend and winds up getting into a lot of bad things, only to be rescued by Syd. This season also introduces the hotness that is Julian Sark (David Anders) as a man of questionable loyalties, smoking hot British accent, and the ability to rock a leather jacket. The first season is a joy to watch and the pilot of the show is simply one of the best pilots that I have ever seen.

I also agree with the awesome that is season 2, but due to what it brought about in season 3, i.e. the COW, I cannot in good faith submit it.

Hmm... This is a tough one. You've already covered my favorite TV show(Six Feet Under), my second favorite TV show(Veronica Mars) as well as many other great TV shows(Sex and the City, The Simpsons, Arrested Development, South Park, etc...) And since mini series are out(Poor Angels in America), the show I would do is Daria, but all five seasons blend into one, and are mostly all great, or Nip Tuck/My So-Called Life but those were either already reviewed or began to suck come Season Three. So, without further adieu, I give you my suggestion:
Wonderfalls, or My Favorite Canceled TV show.
Wonderfalls, for those who may not know what it is is a show by the creative mind behind Dead Like Me and Pushing Daisies. In this case, a girl can do something fantastic, not revive the dead, but she can communicate with, get this, inanimate objects. With a deformed plastic lion as her side kick, our protagonist, Jaye, deals with her life as a sales person at a souvenir store for the Maid of the Mist. And if that doesn't peak your interest, it has a young(er) Lee Pace before he was The Piemaker, before he made out with a girl named Chuck in a body bag, and much before he dated a dead girl, he was the love interest of Jaye. You wouldn't want to miss out on this, and it might just be the one thing that keeps me sane until Pushing Daisies returns.

SCfuckingTV
any season, really.

I forgot to add in my justification for season one of Alias something.

Season one also introduced Syd's arch-nemesis, Anna Espinosa (Gina Torres). She is evil, sneaky, and down right awesome.

Firefly fans, this was before Firefly and yes, she is smoking hot in this show too.

Northern Exposure. Technically, the first two seasons were only half-seasons, so season 1/2 is the best. (Failing that; Season 1).

I kind of can't believe that this show doesn't get more love on this site but....

Parker Lewis Can't Lose, first season

It has always seemed to me that TV shows like Arrested Development and 30 Rock owe a big debt to this quirky little gem. You really had to pay attention to get all of the layers of jokes. The writing was funny, the characters were so excellently lovable-even scary Ms. Musso and annoying little sister. Plus! Parker's hair? and his shirts?

This show was a family favorite and my real world gauge to see who else was kind of a geek who would later turn out OK high school kid like I was. There are dirty dirty things I would do to get this show on DVD but apparently there are no plans to release it.

Season two of 'As Time Goes By'
Season One of 'Psych'
Season One, Two, Three of "the Closer"
Season 2 of "The Girlmore Girls"

And, people from across the pond, stop yammering about how brilliant the Doctor Who finale is! The second half won't air in the States until Friday (50.5 or so hours from now).

X FILES Season 4

Sopranos, season 1

and I hope you stick your guns and toss out every comment that votes for more then one show.

The Prisoner (1st and only season). Great spy show, great mystery, great social commentary, and all around great mindfuck to boot.

Failing that I'd get behind any season of Monty Python's Flying Circus (minus the unfortunate Cleese free final season) or a season of The Kids in the Hall (couldn't tell you which year I like best though).

the office season 2 (US version)

Cracker, season two.
Not only are the individual stories compelling (particularly "To Be a Somebody" which features one of the most surprising major character killoffs of all time) but the season long descent of Jimmy Beck into madness is as harrowing as anything ever shown on TV.

blast, i missed the part in the intro that says the winning writer will need time to rewatch the season. i suppose my Parker Lewis nom will have to die on it's poor, locked in the Sony Pictures vault vine.

still, helluva good show and it's got me going clip crazy on youtube. I guess I never really noticed the sexual tension between Frank and Ms. Musso.

@pea-
good call! both making fiends (coming soon to nickalodeon) and big bunny-esp. BB can still knock my on my ass!

agree with House- don't make me choose a season!

and as the weirdo that i am: survivor, season one. naked fat guy!

And, people from across the pond, stop yammering about how brilliant the Doctor Who finale is!

Now now, it's well known that I have little sympathy for Americans who refuse to use the internet for its stated purpose in acquiring BBC broadcasts.

That said, if you're hearing a majority of favorable reviews that's odd, as it was pretty darn controversial (I liked it myself, but it's not kittens and butterflies, to be sure).

how i met your mother season 1
NPH!

Babylon 5, season 3.

Alias Season 2

How can u guys fail to mention the;

The Hills- Season 2????????????

How imaginative and spell binding was it??????????

I kid I kid.
Man I hate the whole of MTV reality shows with a passion. The head of that department should be shot in the fucking brains.

I'm voting for Heroes- Season 1. It's gone down in my estimations however. I just dont care enough about the characters now.

Eureka, Season One.

Excellent premise, and the show had not yet degenerated into the Star Trek-meets-James Bond parody of itself which was Season Two. Plenty of mystery and Mad Science, in combination with great dialogue and general silliness made this Season one of the few shows I would actually bother watching on TV.

Favorite character: Henry Deacon (played by Joe Morton), the boiler-suited and grease-stained garage mechanic who used to work on the Space Shuttle and can now fix anything (including fusion reactors) ... with the odd "improvements" tossed in for good measure.

Venture Bros Season 2 !!!

I will be the only one to put in a vote for this. But since I am a Trekkie, I am contractually obligated to proclaim my undying love on the internet for Star Trek at every given opportunity, as well as memorize a list of "Enterprise" continuity flaws.

My vote - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Season 6. I would have said Season 7, but for the Dax replacement.

Has to be Northern Exposure. Much love for the quirky characters, the scenery, the inevitable crocheted rug in every single lounge room.

Rob Morrow walked the line between irritating and endearing, Janine Turner was luminous (pre crazy Christian yoga phase - I mean Christian yoga? what the???) and John Corbett, well what more could you want? Oh. I know! A super chef/yeti. Adam Arkin was a favourite always.

For me, season 3 stands out. Mainly for the combination of trebuchet and piano. A match made in heaven!

Well, I have to vote for X Files, Seasons 3 or 4.

Honorable mention to Cowboy Bebop and My So-Called Life.

ALIAS SEASON 2! It was so, so good.

also, penny, way to ruin the season for anyone who hasn't seen it... right?

It's probably too late, but I had to delurk long enough to add my vote to Homocide, season 4. So many great moments in that season (Lily Tomlin, anyone?) and Pembleton remains the hottest thing ever on television.

Sports Night season 2 - They did away with the laugh track, brought together Filliam H. Muffman, and featured an arc involving porn star Devinn Lane. Combine that with the rapid-fire dialog that goes along with any Aaron Sorkin show and you have a pretty damn good season of television.

My So-Called Life. 'Tis the awesome.

Battlestar Galactica - Season One

Every season's been stellar, but Season 1 was groundbreaking and heartbreaking in its simplicity and power. It was more tightly focused back when it started, examining the social fallout from genocide, the psychology of identity, bunker mentality, and above all the immediacy and desperation of the flight from Caprica. Unpolished Starbuck, unconflicted Apollo, Roslin at her most righteous, Adama on top, the stern, though flawed, father. Efffin' amazing TV--not without nuance or shading, but still stark and graphic. The first half of season one dealt with the most immediate concerns of the survivors: from "33" through, say, "You Can't Go Home Again" the eps dealt with individuals set in a slightly larger struggle for the basics of survival: escape, water, trained manpower..the second half (most markedly in "Flesh and Bone," but continuing through "The Hand of God" and the two-part "Kobol's Last Gleaming") set the stage for the more complicated evolution of human society--its politics, its religion, its general unraveling and re-raveling.

You can see it in microcosm in the amazingly well-done turn by James Callis as Gaius Baltar. Remember when Baltar's biggest problem was the invisible Six he kept talking to all the time? Throughout the arc he progresses from simple defensive reactions to planning, plotting, conflict and doubt and radical swings of belief that set him up for his eventual, disastrous, presidency.

Such a powerful, smart, wrenching show.

I wrestled with the simple awesomeness of Galactica on fire (on fucking fire!!!) in the atmosphere of New Caprica in Season 3, and Michelle Forbes' Emmy-worthy, intense Admiral Cain in Season 2, but Season 1 hit it out of the park and set the tone for everything that followed, so that's gotta be the one.

BSG season 3.

so i just realized that i broke the rules by suggesting any or every season of sctv. sad thing is that it won't matter, since nobody else would vote for it.

now it's officially a PROTEST VOTE!

I am going the all animation route, folks:

Batman The Animated Series Season One

Gargoyles Season Two

Avatar The Last Airbender Book 3: Fire

Venture Bros Season Two

Brak Show Season One

Sealab 2021 Season Two

Futurama Season Four

Moral Orel Season Two

Sopranos Season 4

Rescue Me: Season 2

Sopranos Season 4

Oh, and if i hadn't already voted for Alias, it'd be It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, fo sho. ROCK, FLAG, and EEEEAGLE! *sigh* I fear I may have been too hasty in my voting.

Season 2 of The Office (US). Combine laugh-out-loud hilarity with the slow burn of Jim and Pam, one of the finest relationships ever depicted on TV, and you've got a winner.

"The Office" (UK), season 2.

"Oz", season 2.

"The Adventures of Pete & Pete", any season.

Lost, season 4. The best season of television in nearly a decade.

Alias, Season 2

It was, and remains, riveting television. Unfortunately the series jumped the shark and it was all down hill after season 3 but seasons 1,2 and 3 were brilliant.

Battlestar Galactica, season three. Sheer awesomeness.

I also have to agree that Angel, season four and Gilmore Girls, season two were made of win. But my vote goes to good ol' BSG.

HAHAHAHA .... oh god you guys are killing me ... seriously, I can't stop laughing.

Scrubs... I'm having trouble deciding between Seasons 1, 3 and 5, but I think I'm going to go with 5 because it had some of my favourite episodes (although it also had KEITH).

I'm going to agree with those who have said Gilmore Girls season 2. Fantastic!

Futurama, seasons 3 and 4.
Black Books - season I can't decide.
The Office (US) - season 2 (I haven't seen the UK version yet, but I'm WORKING ON IT!)

And, well, I really liked Doctor Who season 3 as a whole, even if I preferred Donna as a companion (then again - she shares my name, so I'm a little biased). I know "I really liked it" automatically makes it one of the greatest seasons in television history, which is why I mentioned it here.

I agree with:
Futurama season 4. I watched Jurassic Bark after putting my dog down and lost my shit all over town.
And:
Clone High. Clever, hilarious, relevant and zany without coming across as being douchebaggy.

...I can't believe I used the word "zany". Thank you word of the day toilet paper.

Oh, I'm sorry - Futurama season 4. Way to make a comment without reading the actual post.

"The Wire," season four

I can read directions!

Futurama Season 4 - Love the whole series, but season 4 definitely has some of the best moments - "The music's bad and you should feel bad!"

Sopranos Season 5

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Season 2

Chappelle's Show Season 2

Futurama, season four.

Also, it astonishes me how blatantly the directions have been ignored! Don't you people want your votes counted?

I have got to go with Futurama Season 3. Season 4 is just as good, but season 3 is where they really hit there stride. I've watched every episode countless times and they're still hilarious.

I just looked quickly, but no NYPD: Blue nomination? Season 1 was ground breaking, showed ass not seen before on primetime and actually featured a version of David Caruso that could act. Seriously, go back and look and he could do it.

holy crap, so i have to choose between the sopranos, the x-files, cowboy bebop, and lost? and 30 rock? and the office?

okay, this is cheating, but for the sake of conversation, i'm gonna say:

the office season 2

lost season 4

30 rock season 2

x-files season 4 or season 6 (probably 4, though, because 6 didn't seem like a regular x-files season)

sopranos season 4 (getting to know johnny sack, pie-o-my and ralph's death, carmela+furio; 6 so far is pretty good, but i'm only halfway in, so i can't judge)

cowboy bebop

actually, screw it. there's no way the sopranos is gonna be left out, so:

HERE'S MY REAL CHOICE:

lost season 4

Spaced: Series 2

You know that Tim and Daisy love each other and "Babylon 5 is a big pile of shit!!"

my real choice is the same as above, but i also loved:

24 season 1

and i STILL enjoy watching seinfeld, so that show should be on the list. i don't know the seasons though....

also, the british version of coupling - any season of that show except the horrid last one without jeff/ aka the show's heart/ best character/ token welshman.

Well we can all assume that one of the last two PLANNED seasons is BSG, becuase i would firebomb someone's house if they didn't name that, since you guys keep mentioning it in references and in passing. I'm all for another animated series as previously mentioned my the other hounds, like Cowboy Bebop or The Tick. (CB especially since it's just so damn good), not to mention Venture bros, but that might be to.... different for Dustin to handle, since he's unable to wrap his head around the flight of the conchords ( :) ),
my vote for the other ones for non cartoon series definitely goes to Lost (which i have a feeling might be the other chosen spot).

Seinfeld's also a sound bet.

But regardless, I know you guys will dedicate yourself to the final choice whole heartedly and with good reason. I have complete faith, so I don't feel all that obligated to voice my opinion rabidly. Here's looking forward to it!

I agree with the votes for X-Files Season 4 and Lost Season 4.

Did you people read the bit that said to choose only one show?

For me, it'll always be the second series of The Office. The British one, of course, which manages to emote in one episode what the American one rams down the viewers throat again. And again. And again. Case in point: Tim and Pam have a crappy day, redeemed only by the fact that they endured it together in one of the episodes. One. And this same theme is reprised over and over again in the second series of its American counterpart -- "Office Olympics", "The Client" and others. We get it! Subtlety isn't something to be avoided at all costs.

Whoops. Read: Tim and Dawn.

My vote is for Nip/Tuck: Season 2.

Sure, it was still outrageous and over the top, but it featured great acting from all the regulars, and most of all, showcased a fantastic villain in Ava Moore (Famke Janssen, in one of the most unfairly ignored performances in Emmy history). The only drawback to this season is that it spawned the terrible season 3, which started the downhill descent of the whole series. But still. Great writing, great acting, amazing season.

Damn, so many good choices.....

X-Files s. 3 & 4 (Home is fucking scary!!!, Clyde Bruckman's is awesome)

Doctor Who s. 3 & 4 (Blink still freaks out my family)

Lost s. 1 & most recent rocked my brains out

24 s. 1 & 3 (Jack in the truck after cutting off Chase's hand...brills)

SFU, Sopranos, House....all great choices....but here are my 2

DEADWOOD any cocksuckin' season

**Saturday Night Live season 1, when it was funny and groundbreaking

**The Prisoner 'nuff said

**fall outside the guidelines, but dammit, I don't care!!!!!

Oh, crap, I forgot ROME

That was pretty badass, too. Ok, so that was more than 2...so I lied, shoot me thru the interwebs...

Late for the party again (dammit), and joining the choir on Angel Season 5 & Dead Like Me Season 2.

I'm not ashamed to say that I've seen so few episodes -- much less full-ass seasons! -- of any of these shows (DVD and DVR be damned) that I know I'm not qualified to speak up at all. Oh well. When my opinion is informed it tends to be colorless. Having said that...

Chappelle's Show, season 2!!!

This is a season (cable-stunted as it was) I did see, and it was breathtaking. Hell, the weight of the expectations created by this show just about crushed the man! The Niggar Family is the single most incisive commentary on race relations in this country that I've seen or heard in...ever.

It would also be great to see a sketch show tossed in with all the scripted dramedies.

Am I the only one around here who gives a shit about the rules!
The Prisoner
Sopranos Seasons 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Freaks & Geeks
24 seasons 1-4
The Big Lebowski
NBC Nightly News Season 33

American Dreams
Season One

Not enough people watched this show, it was PHENOMENAL. Everyone is raving about Mad Men now, being a 60's period show, AD did it first, and did it better.

I've learned 2 valuable lessons about Pajiba commenters today.

1. Ya'll mother fuckers don't read directions.
2. You can't be trusted. For all the bitching and moaning in past comment threads about '"The Sopranos" better be on this list!' less than ten of you picked it, five of whom don't count cause they didn't read directions...

But hey, at least you have good taste.

However, there is one caveat: So that you are all under the same limitations as many of us were when putting together the list, please name only one season of one show in your comment.

One show people. One show.

Friends Season 4. Yeah I said it and don't act like you didn't watch it. It was 1995 and there wasn't a damn thing on tv then. You watched it and you liked it. "We were on a break!" Classic. It was when the entire human race learned about peeing on a jellyfish sting. They even made up a game show for chrissakes. There are babies (3 of them!), there is a wedding, there is London, there is Fergie (the duchess, not the disgrace), there is a chick AND a duck. Everything you could ever want in a television season. If only it had free porn, wait, IT DOES!

Dexter, season 1

My picks:

- Clone High
- My So-Called Life
- Weeds (Season 2)
- Gilmore Girls (probably any season but one?)

If UK shows are allowed:
- Shameless Series 1
- Coupling Series 2
- Doctor Who Series 2
- Spaced Series 2

Homicide: Life on the Streets. Any season that will get it on the list.

I will never get over that show; it'll haunt me for the rest of my life.

American Dreams-Season 1

This show was an amazing family drama that, unfortunately, very few people watch. It is was not always historically accurate (mostly with background music), but the writing and acting were brilliant. It's a shame that it didn't get more than three seasons.

Seinfeld, Season 4.

The irony, the wit, the grounded-in-reality-ness, the lying, the girlfriends, the situations... the funny. Seinfeld raised me. When I meet someone around my age (21), it's very easy to tell if they were a Seinfeld viewer; mock someone, and see if they join in. Seinfeld looked at the world with a cynic's eye, but it also picked out little moments of everyday brilliance and amplified them into hilariousness.

If Seinfeld isn't one of the two remaining shows, it damn well better be the 20th.

Runner-ups:

The Office (UK) Season 2

Lost Season 1

Mad Men, Season 1. The writing, the production values, the slow-burning character development! It's finely crafted unlike anything our disposable, machine-stamped, fast food world offers these days.

I loved American Dreams too, but I don't think it was of the same caliber as Mad Men. They hit all the cookie-cutter era-relevant plot point, but it didn't have the down and dirty guts that Mad Men does.

Another vote for Newsradio, Season 3.

For the love of all that's frakking holy: Battlestar Galactica, Season One.

Homicide Season 4

Loob... I feel your pain, the only Starbucks in a 40 minute drive is closing down tonight. I was crying into my Venti Caramel Latte... Its a sad day and now I have to choose another coffee house and there is only 13 available in my town...

As for the TV shows I have to say Gilmore Girls Season 2 aswell

"The Office," US, Season 2
I love that season. The PB&J, Dundies, Chili's. I need to buy that one of these times.

Venture Brothers Season 2 - It is the deepening of the characters, the world, and the satire and parody of season 2 that made Venture not just great and funny, but sublime.

Runners Up:
Firefly
OZ season 1
Cowboy Bebop
All runners up because other have mentioned them and said what needed to be said.
Action hasn't been mentioned yet, but it is also a runner up because not all the episodes actually aired during it's season and those unaired episodes are part of what makes the show so damn great.
Action began as pitch black comedy, but with the final episodes raised the black til it enveloped the comedy. It hit the black apex when the 'Weinsteins' violated Illeana Douglas' former child star hooker with a heart of gold so badly that the years of abuse and use just hit their breaking point and she just had to leave town. But there was some redemption in that act - she had enough of a soul left to be able to get of town, Jay Mohr's producer had no soul left.

Millennium-Season 2.

You've got Lance Henrickson and Terry O'Quinn fighting for the soul of the world. This season was better than ANY X-Files season. By far. Bill Macy as a devil! The classic Charles Nelson Reilly episode. This season also provided us with 'A Room with No View'. 'Lost' wishes they could come up with someone as evil as Lucy Butler. I could write a book on the last two episodes of the season. Anyway, it's a travesty that 'Millennium' season 2 hasn't gotten the praise it justly deserves.

The O.C., Season 1.

Dexter Season 1

The Office, Season 2

oops, The Office, Season 2 (US version)

I wanted to pick a Northern Exposure or a Gilmore Girls season, but I am in the end going for the underdog:
Clone High , say WHAAAAAT!

I've gone back and forth with this one; there are just so many, but in the end, I think it has to be Dead Like Me Season Two. The first season was great, don't get me wrong, but it's nice to have George over her whole guilt thing about reaping people, plus it includes one of the great television moments in history in which fresh out of the police academy Roxy shoots Mason under the table in Der Waffle Haus. And while I would have loved the show to have continued, the Halloween finale with Roxy as the Badass Witch of the North West Daisy as a cop and the Trick-or-Treat serial killer was brilliant.

Stargate SG1 S7
What, more than one guy picked freaking Angel and you judge ME??!!

Wow, only a handful of votes for the Sopranos, Season 2? i.e. the season that not only cemented HBO's claim to rule turn-of-the-millennium TV programming, but resulted in TV Guide declaring it the greatest tv show of all time. Well, put me down for one vote on its behalf.

The show went into slow but steady decline after this season, but perhaps that's only because the subsequent seasons suffered from their comparison to the show's earlier heights.

Well, anyway, I can understand why the staff might shy away from the Sopranos... perhaps they feel like they can't say anything about it that hasn't been said many times before. But any list like this that includes a Farscape and ignores the Sopranos basically loses all credibility. I'm hoping they'll come around eventually.

In other words, I'm starting to suspect that kickyass dude might have a point after all.

Black Books Season 3.
Probably the funniest season of anything ever (possibly level with blackadder goes forth, but edging it out in my opinion)

Dial-up is evil, not only cause it takes so long to browse around, but because if i go over to the Pajiba section that shows what the other Top Seasons were, because there's no title except within the big pictures... well, then. that's all I'm doing today.

But, I'm gonna take a chance that I have more or less kept up, and not chosen to post about something already there.

First, let me say, if we really ARE allowed to post multiple times, then my full support goes to the guys who voiced out Battlestar Galactica Season One, Lost Season One (although I could go for Two, as well), and the guys voting for House. I'd weigh in for those, as well. And Friends... man, could anyone ever doubt the impact that show had. It's true, dying is easy, comedy is hard.And I'm sure i'll be referring to the comments list for a long time to come to look up gems I might have missed.

Oh, and JAY, you'd really like The Wire. I loved Homicide as well, what I was able to see of it , and I read both Simon's books. Trust me, he doesn't fade or grow stale as he gets older.Watch it. It's a pleasure, not a duty.

But I'm going to throw in my vote for The Shield, Season Two. And let me describe why. I came across it, unlike so many other shows I see these days, as a weekly broadcast on regular TV over here. And what I couldn't believe about it was that somehow,no matter what, things for the characters just kept getting worse and worse as they spiralled further and further into a hole while at the same time getting closer and closer to their goals.

The Shield is about a small team of corrupt cops in Los Angeles, the Strike Team. They're all a little dirty, but they all believe they're doing the right thing too, keeping the streets clean in a realistic way while skimming a little off for themselves for doing a job that risks their lives and pays little. Some of them have bigger flaws than others, and the line that each one won't cross is differently placed for all of them.

From the beginning the Strike Team of The Shield has been a tight group that nevertheless keeps a few secrets within it,and in Season Two, their primary goal is to take down the Armenian money train. The team has inadvertently discovered where the Armenian Mafia is going to be collecting their money for shipment in a few weeks, and they decide to hit it. Much of the throughline for the season is about the planning and rehearsal of the night of the robbery, which has to be done in such a way that no police get called and the Strike Team's identities are never known, since either the Armenian Mob or their own fellow police officers would destroy the Team if they ever found out.

All of this has to be balanced with their own duties as a major-crimes-type unit, while still managing their own fragmenting personal lives and keeping off the scent the Internal Affairs-minded police , including their own captain, who are sniffing the Strike Team out, convinced -- quite rightly -- that something is not kosher.

The twists that these four have to negotiate while trying to keep all these conflicting drives in play is nerve-wracking; at one point I commented to a friend that the tagline for the show should be "The Shield: It Just Keeps Getting Worse".

Later Seasons have had some great guest stars like Glenn Close and Forrest Whittaker, and I don't think ANY finale can ever compare to the end of Season Five. But, taken as a whole, this particular year was a great ride. The last shot of the last episode of Season Two can absolutely contain all the things said and unsaid, seen and unforeseen.

Futurama - Season 4

Seriously, haven't any of you guys ever SEEN Popular?

"Shut you dirty whore mouth, player player!"

Classic one-liners, folks.

Being that I have to live with the above poster and don't want to live in fear of my life, I'm going to concur:

Popular Season 1. No question.

"Nic...do you have the power of telekinesis?"

"Not since I got on Wellbutrin...why?"

FarScape Season 3. Green Eyed Monster, Fractures, Scratch n'Sniff, Season of Death, Revenging Angel, Infinite Possibilities 1&2, Into the Lion's Den 1&2, Incubator...all insanely good episodes showing the cast at their very best.

and of course that was already listed and I even commented...shows how rabidly I love this season!

Babylon 5 Season 4. There's been some votes for 3 which would be deserving to, but some of the episodes near the beginning of s3 weren't on par with the later ones.

ok, this is much harder than i realized. i've narrowed it down to these three and thats only because you picked most of my favorites (and thanks for introducing me to Twin Peaks).
Queer as Folk Season 3, I love the political shit.
Wonderfalls
Dead Like Me Season 2

Xena: Warrior Princess Seasoon 3

Season 3 had the most powerful story arc, known to us hardcore nutballs as "The Rift," in which Xena and Gabrielle's friendship hits rock bottom (not as in "I'm never talking to you again" rock bottom, but more as in "drag the bitch behind a horse and throw her off a cliff boombox-style" rock bottom) as a result of the events of the heartbreaking "Maternal Instincts." The musical episode (yes, kids, Xena did it before Buffy, and way better) "The Bitter Suite" was a creative and bold way to bring the two of them back together without completely solving their issues (these things take time, y'all). The season ends with the two-parter "Sacrifice," in which Xena and Gabrielle both have to face the monsters they've created - Callisto and Hope. Those who scoff at Xena as a silly kiddie action show have certainly never seen Season 3 (unless your childrens' programming includes feral sex on a horse, which, okay, sure, at Pajiba wouldn't surprise me).

Or you could go with Mama's Family. Mama's ass gives Kim Kardashian's ass an inferiority complex. Holla! But only one of the seasons with Bubba and not those other pesky, suspenders-less youngsters, please.

X-Files Season 4 or

Quantum Leap Season 5 (final season).

Clone High, Season One (only season). Fuck India for getting it taken off the air.

i'm with janana on this one- the oc, season one. don't hate. appreciate the total tongue-in-cheek humor and spot-on timing and peter gallagher's eyebrows. it was a good show, dammit. well. until it became the marissa hour, but thankfully in later seasons she tumbled into a slut spiral and totally died. but season one was where it's at. i will share stable room with captain oats and princess sparkle any day.

Life on Mars Series 1
Life on Mars Series 1
Life on Mars Series 1
Did I mention Life on Mars Series 1? ("You're surrounded by armed bastards")
Or...
Father Ted Series 1 (The greatest comedy ever made), and still inside the 15 year limit..
Because after all, TV isn't just for America....

"Loob... I feel your pain, the only Starbucks in a 40 minute drive is closing down tonight. I was crying into my Venti Caramel Latte... Its a sad day and now I have to choose another coffee house and there is only 13 available in my town...
Posted by: notfrequentposter at July 30, 2008 11:36 PM"

I'm suckin on my FINAL venti mocha frappuchino! As we speak!
It's mingled with tears.
Mmmmmmm salty. Shut up, Cartman.

Spaced season 2 - 'Gone' is probably my favourite 26 minutes of television ever.

I'm backing up the Dexter/BSG coalition. Unless they've already made it to the list, that it.

They get my vote. Pick your season, both shows stand up against anything else on TV at the moment.

The Office (UK) Season 1

Free love on the freelove freeway

I must throw in my vote for Dexter, Season One. I have a funny feeling Lost will show up in one of the last two spots, and as much as I love shows like Spaced and Doctor Who, they're not gonna get enough votes here. So Dexter it is!

Max Headroom: 20 Minutes Into the Future, 1987 / 1988 season.

At one season, there's only one season to choose from. At 1987/88 with a little indulgence from the judges it's barely w/in the 20 year threshold. Certainly not an "old" feeling show. If anything it was far, far too new, with more in common with many of the more modern selections for the top 20 - Farscape, Firefly, Buffy, Deadwood, and more.

In its own more obscure way, as groundbreaking as Blade Runner. Managed to visit most of the major dystopian themes in its one short season, using the conceit of a crusading reporter to allow free access to all aspects of a crumbling, class-ridden society. Surprisingly nuanced performance by Matt Frewer, in dual roles as reporter Addison Carter, and his doppelganger, the mind-image "Max" who lives and moves freely in the network, the as yet unnamed system of tubes that interconnects everything.

Jiminy Christ, people. I was just skimming the comments and a ton of your votes aren't going to be counted because you can type words but can't read them apparently. List as many shows as you'd like to choose, but choose only one.

I love Friends Season 4 and Band of Brothers as well.

But I'll go with House, Season 2.

And should all those who chose "The Office, Season 2" and DIDN'T put either US or UK be disqualified? Only like one or two made references to the US season 2, the rest are like "great moments" and "loved the relationships," which helps precisely dick.

I know a lot like the US version by virtue of numbers, so that might be the assumption to make (I'm from the US, and the UK version has that something the US doesn't come close to, called SUBTLETY. I do enjoy both though.).

But I say void 'em.

God, this is hard. Quite honestly, if I was going with my truest choice, it'd be something from "As If" (the UK version) or, as Donal said above, "Father Ted". But then I'd be casting a vote for something that 99% of the posters here wouldn't even have, and sweet as that would be, I'd rather cast my vote for a truly brilliant season of television that actually stands a vague chance of being recognised here:

Alias - Season 2

Really and truly blew me away. Took the more formulaic elements of season 1 and then, halfway through the season, threw them right the fuck out the window and started over. And the entire Francie arc rocked beyond the telling of it. Add in Lena Olin (who was never used as well again) and oodles of pretty (oh Bradley Cooper, why won't you love me back?) and I can't resist it.

Honorable mentions go to Buffy Season 3 (which I'd have picked if season 2 hadn't made the list already), Angel season 5 (season 4 annoyed me too much with the crap-ass Cordy storyline) and Dead Like Me season 2 (Rites of Passage blew me away). That said, having actually read the intro piece (seriously, people - one season of one show) my vote is with Alias.

You guys already covered Arrested Development - and beautifully, might I add - so I'll go with 30 Rock, Season Two.

Yeah, The Office is pretty genius, blah, blah. But NOTHING beats Werewolf Bar Mitzvah.

Snath nailed it, Cowboy Bebop was short lived, but phenomenal.

gets my vote.

Elfrieda, I love you and will you marry me? Xena Season 3 was my choice from the moment I saw the topic.

That season had it ALL; drama (heartbreaking, beautiful drama), comedy, action, 3 naked Gabrielles, and yes, a musical. And yes, as mentioned, way before Buffy and way better.

S3's standout eps were: The Quill is Mightier (for the humor and aforementioned naked dancing Gabrielle's); Maternal Instincts (oh, the heartbreak); Bitter Suite (Hearts are Hurting still gets me); One Against an Army ("even in death Gabrielle, I will never leave you"); and of course, Sacrifice. It dredges the old wounds back up and attempts to deal with them. And without words, just the facial expressions Xena and Gabrielle share at the end, during the sacrifice... if there's one episode of one TV show that can always make me cry, it's this one. Beautiful TV.

I'm going to have to go with those who have voted for Gilmore Girls season 2.

Seriously, guys, Seinfeld. I'm pretty stunned it isn't mentioned more above - one of the most influential and POPULAR series of all time. I'd go with Season 4 but anything between 4 and 7 would be fine.

Carnivale - Season 2

Impossible task, but my pick is also X-Files, Season 4

Slings and Arrows. Best TV I have ever watched. Hard to pick a season. S1 Hamlet, S2 Macbeth, S3 King Lear. Since I must choose, season 2. The casting, dialog, interwoven plots of this series were outstanding. The only downside is that is was over after 3 seasons.

The Office (Am. 2), Battlestar, Roseanne, The Office (Brit, 2), honorable mention: King of the Hill

Damn, this is hard, and the comments of others have only made it harder. I am totally nuts about the X-Files; I have probably spent more time watching that show than any other (except maybe Law & Order). But my love is spread out over too many seasons and too many episodes. Cowboy Bebop is a hell of a choice, but I doubt enough people will pick it. (And if I went the anime route, I'd really have to go with Revolutionary Girl Utena, my favorite thing in the history of everything.)

Alias would be awesome, but I can't say I liked season two as much as everyone else. For me it will always be season one, with Sydney's constant tightrope walk trying to fulfill multiple assignments at once while keeping Dixon and Sloane in the dark. (Plus, season one had the revelation that Jack tried to save Danny's life, hands-down the most powerful moment of the series for me. God, I love Jack so much. Also, favorite line from him: "I'm going to tell you what you are apparently DYING to know.") And I can't ignore season one of NYPD Blue. Ah, David, how did it all go so wrong? Oh, right, you turned into an asshole prima donna. Watching the reruns of The Office season two on TBS recently really drove home how funny and brilliantly paced that season was. And Jim spraying Michael in the face was a comedy supernova.

So what's my vote? My So-Called Life. As tempting as the others are, that show was so poignant I would be ashamed not to pick it.

The Office season 2 - love the show - love the season

"Am I the only one around here who gives a shit about the rules!
Posted by: Johnny Anonymous at July 30, 2008 10:27 PM"

heehee Awesome Lebowski reference, Johnny! :D

Since Wheden was already represented with Firefly, I am voting for Roseanne season 2 (or three but I think whoever also voted way up above voted for season 2 I will just agree). While not a deep, sweeping drama, this was the first sitcom I ever really enjoyed.

I haven't seen a lot of the above listed shows because I got rid of my tv and cable about three years ago, but I just want to share the Doctor Who love with the other commenters. The revival of this series has been phenominal.

After reading the comments, I'd like to change my vote, please--

OZ, season 1!

The Golden Girls- Season 4

Monk- Season 1

I vote for DAY 1 of 24 and Season 1 of Weeds

Almost 300 comments and not one follow-up comment in support of 90210!?

Clearly, I have nothing in common with you people.

I'm out.

Kamikazi Feminist: I think Lee Pace was Jaye's BROTHER, wasn't he? Her love interest was somebody else, who I don't think has done much work since.

Anyway, good show. I'm still thinking about my vote...

24 Season Five
Alias Season One
Doctor Who Series (Season) Two

Crap, I forgot reasons:
- 24 Season Five: Gut punch ending and a solid story line, mixed with a gut punch beginning and tension throughout the season. It was the most thrilling, exciting, and amazing season of the show.
- Alias Season One: Everything was still new and shiny, and Sydney was still getting her footing. But the kicker is The Box part I and II. Gotta love McKenas Cole.
- Doctor Who Series Two: The only subpar episode was Fear Her, and even that was entertaining. Still posesses the best finale for a season of Doctor Who EVER, and its the only season I can say doesn't have its "iffy" episodes. (Though, I'm starting to think Donna was the best companion, if not the one who the audience had the most emotional reaction to. See Journey's End for proof.)

What about Brotherhood ( on Showtime ). I know it's reasonably new with only two seasons under its belt but it really is utterly brilliant. Either season would be good.

Alias-Season Two, so so much.

Late to the party, as usual (was travelling all of yesterday afternoon). I'd love to second the Seinfeld love with season 7, for the reasons already mentioned, as well as add Battlestar Galactica Season 1. Why season 1? There's still something about it, five years later, that still feels exciting, fresh and vibrant. Something of the "joy of discovery" still rings with it. The cylons were still a mystery, the mysticism was kept in check and it still felt like "sci-fi that doesn't know it's sci-fi," to use Stephen King's words (I think it still does, but with things like the Eye of Jupiter and such, the show has moments that feel decidedly more sci-fi than it once did). Plus, it's a short season, so there's less saggage in the middle.

This past season of Lost was remarkable. For me, it was even better than season 1 because the writers seemed to take on the challenge of getting the show back on track. They couldn't mine the flashbacks/backstory anymore. Season 4 elevated Lost from a really good show to a great one.

However, my vote goes to Alias season 2. The awesome nature of this season has been explained sufficiently in some of the comments above, so no need for me to explain.
I'm also happy Roseanne has been mentioned above too. I grew up with this show. The earlier seasons reminded me of my family, they still do. Show some love for Roseanne, people.

Because I see the tally rising, I must throw my vote at BSG, season 1. I loved the season 2 stuff with Admiral Cain -- that midseason cliffhanger was the most intense cliffhanging i've ever felt -- but it looks like the votes are going for 1, so 1 it is.

30 Rock. Season 2.
Hands down.

Since I cannot believe that Sopranos has not already been selected as nr. 18 or 19, my vote goes to Alias Season Two, which really was awesome television, and featured the goddess-like Lena Olin as Spy-Mommy.

Totally agreeing with Nate:

Sports Night - Season Two.

Nearly every episode makes me laugh and cry like a big old cliche, every time I watch. The play between Peter Krause and Felicity Huffman is fantastic, along with everyone else on the show. And I love that when people see that the series is among my modest DVD collection, they get confused because it "has to do with sports"... no. No it doesn't. It has to do with hysterical.

I'm loving a lot of other people's choices, but I have to go with Life on Mars season 1. I have watched those eight episodes an insane number of times and they just refuse to get old. And the acting is phenomenal.

Yeah, I'm an idiot and forgot to read the purpose of this, so eager am I to post my own opinions.

My vote is for Futurama Season 4.

Curb Your Enthusiasm, Season 3. By this season, the mechanisms of the show felt like old friends, and the story arc works really well, right up to the glorious crescendo of swearing in the final episode. It's flawless.

I was gonna go with an early season of The X-Files. Season 4 sounds good to me.

Battlestar Galactica Season 1
(the show that made me realize I don't hate all Sci-fi)
or

The Office (US) Season 2
(The show that made me realize I don't hate all American sitcoms)

holy ramblings batman, over 300 comments

I wonder if its be long enough for me to vote for The Sopranos season 1 again without getting caught.

To quote Riddler:
"I loved American Dreams too, but I don't think it was of the same caliber as Mad Men. They hit all the cookie-cutter era-relevant plot point, but it didn't have the down and dirty guts that Mad Men does."

True, but Mad Men also appeals to a different demographic. American Dreams was a family-oriented show, whereas Mad Men certainly isn't. It's a far more sex-driven show, (because sex sells, unlike family-centric TV.)

"Kamikazi Feminist: I think Lee Pace was Jaye's BROTHER, wasn't he? Her love interest was somebody else, who I don't think has done much work since.
Posted by: lf at July 31, 2008 10:09 AM"

You are correct. Jaye's love intrest was Tyron Leitso, whom I have only seen since in a godaaawful Uwe Boll movie! :)

*interest* yeezh

Pajiba Staff, out of curiosity, is it frustrating or expected how many people don't read the preceeding article before posting?

"Kamikazi Feminist: I think Lee Pace was Jaye's BROTHER, wasn't he? Her love interest was somebody else, who I don't think has done much work since.
Posted by: lf at July 31, 2008 10:09 AM"

You are correct. Jaye's love interest was Tyron Leitso, whom I have only seen since in a godaaawful Uwe Boll movie! :)
Posted by: Loob at July 31, 2008 12:25 PM

Great Googamooga! I just read that he is in yet another Uwe Boll movie, out this year! Called "Seed".
Um.. Way To Go with your career choices there, T.

Rossanne season 4 or 5, made me miss my family.

First season of Rome.

Johnny Anonymous, I was about to give up hope for mankind, until I saw you picked the Prisoner's only season as well. Good for you.

As for everyone else, seriously, put this show on your Netflicks right now. And maybe we can hold the voting for a couple of weeks while you do.

Just because no one else has said it:

Degrassi High Season 1 (the old school show - not the Next Generation - and not the Junior High years).

Ah, hell! Why don't we just say Season 2 and leave it at that? Alias, Gilmore Girls, Dead Like Me and The Office.....all great.

I had no intention of ever watching Alias but there was nothing else on the night it premiered and it became habit. With the introduction of SpyMommy, the emergence of Sark and the revelation of Evil Francie (not to mention Sydney's shrinking outfits( in Season 2, who could resist.

I certainly should not have been watching Gilmore Girls, which I believe automatically revokes your mancard in several states, but the dialogue created by Amy Sherman-Palladino once she found the rhythym of her charcters in Season 2 is too impressive to pass up.....plus it made me wish I could find a Laurelei someplace.

Dead Like Me just started to find it's voice in Season 2, minimg the humor in death. It was the first Season on DVD I ever purchased because I was too damn cheap to pay for Showtime for one show. I think Bryan Fuller parlayed what he had left in the Dead Like Me tank to create Pushing Daisies as well.

Lastly, The Dundies, Office Olympics and Casino Night are legends to those of us who are cubicle-ridden. I'll never see a George Foreman grill or hear Islands in the Stream again without giggling my ass off.

So....Season 2 it is!!!!

Gilmore Girls, Season 2

Though Lost, Season 1 and The Office, Season 2 are both wonderful.

Lemme delurk for a second...

Farscape, Season 2

Some of the most hilarious episodes from the show (Crackers Don't Matter!) and the only time I've almost been moved to tears because of an animatronic puppet (The Way We Weren't). Also, Aeryn Sun is my hero.

Now I'll retreat back to the shadows.

I'm picking Carnivale, season 2. If you have any self respect, please watch this series immediately.

But I would also like to mention the following series, that I haven't seen mentioned AT ALL (travesty!!!):

Samurai Jack
Monarch of the Glen (I'm a fucking sucker for Scottish accents.)
FUCKING GOLDEN GIRLS!!!!! I can't choose one season, otherwise this would be my choice. Come on; do Estelle a solid.
Webster (He's the cutest little kid to live in a grandfather clock ever!)

season one of mad men was pretty great!

Season 2 of the Gilmore Girls. Heck yeah.

Gabs, are you by any chance a member of the XOC (http://xena.yuku.com/)?

Two votes for Xena S3, bitches! Now if everyone else keeps voting for two or more seasons at once, XWP stands a chance . . .

I revise my 2 votes down to one:

Clone High - season one (of one). See my previous post for the obvious reasons.

Lost, season 4.

Screw you, rulemakers! You can't hold me down!

I don't really care if my picks are repeated above - I'm just chiming in my support.

Northern Exposure, Season 3: This is when the show really got its stride, pulling away from it's original premise as a fish-out-of-water comedy and settling into an ensemble show. The dynamics between Holling and Shelly are explored, and we see the touching relationship between Ed & Ruth. Adam and Eve make their first appearances, and even the taciturn Marilyn is explored when the visiting mute "Flying Man" takes a fancy to her.

Also: Dead Like Me, Season 1: One season too long to be included on the killed before its time article, but Dead Like Me is very much a show that was axed before it could hit its peak. As it stands, season 2 was good - but the first season does the heavy lifting to find the balance between black humor, dry wit, and showing the honest, raw stumbling steps of dealing with grief. Filmed in candy colors, with happy music and snappy rejoinders strewn amongst some truly stunning visuals, the first season is still permeated with death and loss.

And yeah, Office, American, Season 2.

There really needs to be some sort of system for where we can switch our votes if the show we vote for is the 18th or 19th pick. Like:

1.) Super Awesome Show
2.) Super Awesome Spinoff
3.) Less Awesome Than Super Awesome But Still Pretty Awesome Show

That having been said, I'm going with Newsradio, season 3.

Gabs, are you by any chance a member of the XOC (http://xena.yuku.com/)?

Negative. I've been there, since a while back someone on LJ invited me over, but never actually joined.

A-to-the-men for the Golden Girls love. (thanks, Boo). Votes also go to It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Season 3), The Office (USA, Season 2) and House (Season 2).

Negative. I've been there, since a while back someone on LJ invited me over, but never actually joined.

Gotcha.

NICE! My friend recommended me a very interesting place ☆☆☆"NYwealthyMatch . c o m""""""""☆☆☆ If you've ever been there you will know what I mean....

LOST SEASON 4

One of the few preexisting shows to benefit from the writer's strike. All Killer. No Filler.

Cowboy Bebop!

I'll bet you anything #18 and #19 are 'The Sopranos' and 'Seinfeld', seasons whatever.

(thanks, Captain[ess] Obvious!)

The Office (US), season 2

I dunno. All I know is that reading these lists, I need some motherfucking weed in a pill. I spent all this money on a treadmill, and it's working perfectly. I can put the subtitles up and watch or read any book I'm more than halfway through by setting on the control panel. So I don't have to hack my way through 8 miles; and to fully marry all my favorite vices into one, I need your help. Ban smoking, whatever whatever. Just write your Congress person and help a brother out.

League of Gentlemen seasons 1, 2 and 3.
South Park Seasons 3 and 8.
Larry Sanders!
The Daily Show early years, Kilborn up to Carell/Colbert/Stewart.
Chapelle's Show Seasons 1 and 2
Jeopardy!
Inside the NBA/NFL
Space Ghost Coast to Coast
The Wire Seasons 1 and 5

and Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman, the Sarah Silverman Program, and Tracey Takes On just cause I want to jump all of their bones.

Damn, people. I know that we, for the most part, are a group of barely functioning alcoholics, clit-trickin' murdering fiends, and panda enthusiasts*. But, for the love Godtopus, please read the THREE paragraphs ahead of the comments section. ONE season of ONE show or nothing! Posting about ten different shows will only ensure that not a damn one of your picks will count. I know it's a difficult thing to do. It's like trying to rub one out while simultaneously making a grocery list and watching the world's most boring porno, One Penis, One Vagina**. But, them's the rules. After you get your "official" vote out you're more than welcome to discuss all your other favorites. I personally love Wonder Showzen, but I've always had a soft spot for puppets and hallucinogens.

Considering all the bitching that's resulted from these guides, I would really be interested to see what show and season is picked. And I just don't want to see the results skewed because of an avoidable technicality. Though, I must admit, I'm mostly campaigning to the people who voted/will vote along my lines(Lost, so all you other motherfuckers can step to the left, if you haven't already). Why? Because the show is amazing, because Benjamin Linus always has a plan, and definitely absolutely not just to justify some girl/me who forced her/my boyfriend to grow his hair out into luscious man-locks, wear a sweaty wife-beater, and speak like an ex-Iraqi torturer turned assassin while I take advantage of him in the sandbox/beach at our local park/island***. Definitely not that last one.

*: Those of us with standards.
**: Coming soon to VHS.
***: We'll meet again DC Parks department.

Avatar: The Last Airbender - Season 2

Phenomenal stuff. Stunning character development, emotional maturity in a kids show not seen since Bruce Timm's Batman, but in the context of an huge quest narrative. This got darker and darker while never loosing the humour.

It also introduced a frankly batshit insane antagonist and went for a mega downer ending, while dealing with notions of service, duty and the impossible struggle against the ambitious evil that resides within man - sound like a recent rather good film?

The animation was knocked up a notch too with the fighting styles becoming more pronounced and beautiful in their representation.

Some of the finest television that will ever grace our screens.

Lost Season 4

Chappelle's Show Season 2

The Sopranos Season 4

BEST EVER

Spaced season 2

Mo(meaux): Corner Gas, Season 1 is a great pick! I have a friend from small town Saskatchewan who can't watch that show because it reminds him uncomfortably of his childhood.

Emma: What's this?
Oscar: What do you mean, 'what's this?' I'm naked.
Emma: Well, I didn't think you were holding a wrinkly purse.

I have to say Twitch City would be another great Canadian pick. I love you Don McKellar, you clever little man.

Why hasn't anyone mentioned DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES season 1. C'mon that very first season was really good and definitely had its charm as oppose to that shit which followed.

Corner Gas is fucking awful.
as a Canadian, i am ashamed of it.

I Claudius. Check it out..seriously. It's great, but...it's a miniseries so it probably doesn't count for the purpose of this list...so I'll go w/ Buffy Season 3 (even if Season 2 already made the list). My favorite Big Bad in Mayor Wilkins, the introduction of Buffy's dark twin, Faith, and kickass eps like "The Zeppo" and "Doppelgangland."

I love Corner Gas! It is extremely dry and witty and thoroughly awesome. I can't wait for season 5 to come to dvd, since it doesn't hit tv regularly here in Aus.

THE DEFINITIVE LIST

In order:

1. Friday Night Lights 1
2. The Office (US) 2
3. Firefly
4. Rome 1
5. Freaks & Geeks
6. The Sopranos 1
7. The Larry Sanders Show 2
8. The Office (US) 3
9. Buffy The Vampire Slayer 1
10. The Wire 1
11. Entourage 2
12. The Office (UK) 1+2+
13. Rome 2
14. Rescue Me 1
15. Mad Men
16. Malcolm in the Middle 2
17. Keen Eddie
18. Arrested Development 1
19. Decisive Battles (History Channel)
20. Battlestar Galactica 1

21+. Harsh Realm, Cracker (US), Chapelle's Show, Office (US) 1, Arrested Development 2, FNL 2, Survivor 1+2, The Apprentice 1, Top Chef 1-4; plus all other Buffys, Sopranos, Malcolms, Wires, Entourages, Larry Sanders, various Simpsons, L&O's, and SNL's; then comes everything else ever broadcast.

Unworthy sequel seasons that should be on no one's list (a.k.a. The Godfather Part III Syndrome): Rescue Me, Battlestar Galactica, The Office (US) season 4, Survivor, The Apprentice

A special demerit to Fox for unnecessarily destroying four classic series in their infancy: Firefly, Keen Eddie, Harsh Realm, Arrested Development (and perhaps we can mention Undeclared here). NBC has a much better track record in general (see FNL) but deserves mention with Fox for their premature euthanasia of one of the very best shows of all time, Freaks & Geeks.

If these series had been produced during today's Basic Cable Renaissance they might have survived on F/X, SciFi, Bravo, USA, TNT, or -- who would've guessed? -- AMC. Better to see a show descend into mediocrity, like Rescue Me or Galactica or The Office (hopefully season 5 will be a rebound), than to be aborted in its prime for reasons having nothing to do with artistic quality. If only for the sake of closure.

Now every channel from Animal Planet to C-SPAN3 wants a critically acclaimed Flagship Show to give itself the air of respectability. A&E, for instance, a once-decent station, could give itself a kick in the ass by rescuing flailing network shows to counterbalance their Bill Curtis tabloid schlock/bowdlerized Sopranos reruns. And they should hurry, because soon the networks will stop producing watchable television altogether.

Someone up there (Mick J?) made a good point--I'd better specify that, while they're both great, I meant The Office *US* Season 2 gets my vote.

Though to be fair, I'd have used the regional lingo and called it "Series 2" if I meant the UK version!

Hey, nice to see some Corner Gas love out there. And to those who mentioned Black Books and Father Ted, A-freakin'-MEN! That's some great comedy there.

The Hubster would like to put his vote in for Wonderfalls.

To be clear, I already voted for Blackadder Goes Forth,
but damn there have been some fantastic entries! This has been hard!