(These are, in order, the 10 shows I enjoyed, respected, desired, and loved the most that aired new episodes in 2007.)
A couple things to get out of the way before we get into the list:
- I don't have HBO or Showtime so if you like the edgier stuff they show (ie Sopranos, The Wire, etc.) I just haven't seen it.
- These rankings are based on episodes that aired in 2007, so the last half of last season and the first half of this season in most cases.
Honorable Mentions:
The Biggest Loser - I've always enjoyed this show if for no other reason than the amazing transformations. But season 4 added a great twist with a vindicated exiled black team (under the tutelage of returning trainer Jillian) dominating and eventually eliminating the reds and blues. This season also so gameplay from contestant Neil where he purposefully regained 17 pounds in a week to make sure his teamate was eliminated. The overall production quality is too weak to consider this as the best, but it was a fun season to watch for sure.
CSI - 8 seasons in and still a great show to watch. My favorite episodes are always the episodes that stray a bit from the format and take some risks (like the one involving the testing of a CSI board game) but from week to week the overall quality is a bit of a roller coaster (for instance, I could have completely done without the Grissom love story arc). Still more good than bad for the show that started the procedural drama craze nearly 8 years ago.
My Name is Earl - Earl has been slipping creatively but not much. The acting is still top notch and it's still a very funny show but it just seems like the writers have run out of idea. The prison storyline was a way for the writers to escape the list gimmick, but isn't that what made the show in the first place? Now that Earl is out of the slammer and has dealt with his karma collapse maybe we can get back to the Earl we used to know and love.
Mythbusters - There are so many things to love about this show. The blowin' stuff up testosterone, the scientific Mr. Wizardish experimentation, and the chemistry of the hosts just to name a few. But I think the thing I like the most is the consistency of fresh myths and urban legends to explore and the gusto in which they do it. This is one show that seems to be on all year long and they are still coming up with new ideas. In fact, The MacGyver special, where they test to see if MacGyver could really do the things he was shown doing on the show, coming in February is assurance that Adam, Jamie, and the crew will be on my list again next year.
So You Think You Can Dance - This show remains one of the most honest Reality Shows on TV. What I mean when I say that is that this is a show that is truly looking for the best undiscovered dancer in America. There are no Sanjaya's or Boy Shakira's in the finalists just for entertainment purposes and there is a real level of education that happens when you watch. Even without Benji competing this season (though his sister did, and he was a guest choreographer) it was a show worth watching.
do you remember that girl who threw up in chi town on sytycd? i know her. she was in benjis wedding. she does think she can dance.
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