The TV Classics

4) The Mary Tyler Moore Show, 1970-1977

Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards

Edward Asner as Lou Grant

Ted Knight as Ted Baxter

Gavin Macleod as Murray Slaughter

Valerie Harper as Rhoda Morgenstern (1970-1974)

Cloris Leachman as Phyllis Lindstrom (1970-1975)

Georgia Engelas as Georgette Baxter (1973-1977)

Betty White as Sue Ann Nivens

From the Fall of 1970 to the Spring of 1977, Mary Tyler Moore entertained us with 168 episodes of classic comedy and script writing. An incredible cast that so complemented one another that many consider this show to be the all time greatest sitcom. Mary Richards is a thirty something woman determined to make it on her own and along the way, we're treated to some pretty funny slips and falls. She was a kind, good looking but not glamorous, intelligent woman who was sometimes over the top emotional, vulnerable yet strong in her beliefs. She was a "good girl" but would still lead us to believe that she'd succumb to a one night stand. She threw the most horrific parties but was talented in her field. She always gave the benefit of the doubt and would befriend almost anyone. The most amazing part is how Mary Tyler Moore transformed herself from Dick Van Dyke's wacky housewife Laura Petrie to Mary Richards, future producer at WJM TV, Minneapolis. By the time it was all over, the seven year run had produced 29 Emmys. Ted Knight was hysterical as Ted Baxter and while he tired of the role he played, he was a necessary part of the ensemble as I'm sure MTM and her husband Grant Tinker (producer of the show) would attest. I was a huge fan of Valerie Harper as Rhoda and her contrast to Mary. They were destined to be best friends. Rhoda's transformation during the show took place in body and soul...and for that, she received her own show due to her overwhelming popularity. Had it not been for my love of physical comedy above all, this would have been third on my list. I believe this is probably rated as number one on a good many best of..lists. Couple of things of note: No, that's not her real hair in Season 1, Yes, some dialogue is missing in the new syndicated shows, Yes, the apartment house is real and it's in Minneapolis, Yes, the office building is located in Minneapolis, and Yes, most consider "Chuckles Bites The Dust" to be the greatest episode of them all....except me. Click the MTM program logo above and go to the authority on the show.

5) The Andy Griffith Show, 1960-1968

Andy Griffith as Sherriff Andy Taylor

Don Knotts as Deputy Barney Fife (1960-1965)

Frances Bavier as Aunt Bea Taylor

Ronny Howard as Opie Taylor

Jim Nabors as Gomer Pyle (1962-1964)

George Lindsay as Goober Pyle (1964-1968)

Howard McNear as Floyd Lawson (1960-62, 64-67)

Hal Smith as Otis Campbell (1960-1967)

Betty Lynn as Thelma Lou (1961-1965)

Aneta Corsault as Helen Crump (1963-1968)

Andy and Barney were clearly the "main" characters until 1965, but the list above represents the larger family. Although many would argue that this show "jumped the shark" when Barney (Don Knotts) left, I beg to differ. Don Knotts was clearly classic in his role as Barney Fife, a 90 pound weakling whose visions of grandiosity hide a vulnerable, brittle soul. I admit, the show lost something when Barney left, but it was the character of Sherriff Andy Taylor a young version of an old wise man and benevolent helper that still appealed to the good in us all. Andy knew how to make things right no matter what the situation and would cast the credit on others at all times. Ronnie Howard as Opie and a cast of wonderful actors made this show a true classic. My favorite character on the show was actually Floyd the barber. By the way, if you ever get a chance to view it, Barbara Eden makes a guest appearance in her pre "I Dream of Jeannie" days as Ellen Brown in "The Manicurist". To this day, I have never seen a woman look that good in any film or television show. He was quoted many times during the show's duration saying this but I never tire of it, it goes something like this..."Barney...You beat everything!"

If there was ever an example of a show that I preferred in it's original black and white format, it was this show. Tough to explain that one except that Barney was included in it's first five years. Once the 70s hit, there was no room left on American TV for "down-home", rural, hayseed hilarity and the landscape changed. Shows like Petticoat Junction, Green Acres, Beverley Hillbillies and The Andy Griffith Show were abandoned in favour of shows like All In The family, Maude, The Mary Tyler Moore Show. These days, because it's such a stretch for any show to be this true, pure and well intentioned, we can actually like these shows because it evokes something in us that many think is a great parallel existance.

66) I love Lucy, 1951-1957

Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo

Desi Arnez as Riki Ricardo

Willian Frawley as Fred Mertz

Vivian Vance as Ethel Mertz

There has never been a more talented television performer than Lucille Ball and no one comes remotely close in this day and age of technology where mistakes, miscues and shortcomings can be easily covered up by mass over production. She was one in a million and though syndicated 'till the cows come home, the show's still funny! Lucy and Desi were innovators that changed TV forever. As funny as these two were, I remember an episode where Lucy was duped into thinking she could be an accomplished sculptress and had Fred Mertz (William Frawley) bent over, standing on an ottoman with a plate in his hand, striking a pose like a Greek God in his long underwear...it was classic. My favorite episodes were "Job Switching" in 1952 where the guys and girls switch places in the home and at work, and, "Lucy Does a TV Commercial" from 1952 as she tries endlessly to say the word "Vitameatavegamin". When the girls decided to live upstairs in Ethel's apartment and the guys stayed downstairs in Ricky's, that episode made me laugh...especially at the end when Lucy and Ethel wound up stuck on the roof of the apartment building with Ricky spraying water on them. I believe if you break down the subplots of many of todays sitcoms coupled with the 3 camera method used in one room, you'll find all roads lead to Lucy.

7) Taxi, 1978-1983

Judd Hirsch as Alex Reiger

Danny DeVito as Louie Depalma

Marilu Henner as Elaine Nardo

Christopher Lloyd as Jim Ignatowski

Jeff Conaway as Bobbi Wheeler

Tony Danza as Tony Banta

Andy Kaufman as Latka Graves

Recognize any of these names? James L. Brooks, Stan Daniels, Ed Weinberger, Glen and Les Charles, etc. If you've ever enjoyed shows like Mary Tyler Moore and Cheers...you know all about their talents. Although the show was based on the Alex Reiger character, the show didn't revolve around him but rather around the characters of the Sunshine Cab Company. The chemistry of the cast and the perpetual failures of its characters were both true to life and no doubt laid the groundwork for shows like Seinfeld. 14 Emmys in 5 seasons was quite a record but not enough to keep it on the air, despite terrific writing...Emmy's don't carry with them any guarantees of immortality. I believe it's one of those shows that stuck by its writing principles as opposed to the almighty ratings point. This show should have had a longer run...hindsight is 20/20. For those of us that recognise the genius that was Danny DeVito because he starred in a long list of movies we won't give a rat's p'tooie about in years to come...step forward. DeVito was classic as Louie and his sparring sessions against Alex, Elaine, Bobby and Tony were incredible. To make it more off the beaten track, his exchanges with Andy Kaufman and Christopher Lloyd( Latka and Jim) showed us the depth of the show...that it never relied on punchline humour.

8) The Dukes of Hazzard, 1979-1985

John Schneider as Bo Duke

Tom Wopat as Luke Duke

James Best as Roscoe P. Coltrane

Sorrell Booke as Jefferson Davis "Boss" Hogg

Catherine Bach as Daisy Duke

Denver Pyle as Jesse Duke

Sonny Shroyer as Deputy Enos Strate

Rick Hurst as Deputy Cletus Hogg

Christopher Mayer as Vance Duke ( Season 5 Eps 87-105)

Byron Cherry as Coy Duke ( Season 5 Eps 87-105)

Ben Jones as Cooter Davenport

Waylon Jennings as The Narrator

Armed with a 1969 426 Hemi underneath the hood of the General Lee, this classic Dodge Charger was as big of a name as any character in the series...a series that all family members could enjoy. The Dukes was a likeable show and just as easy to critisise from people who had nothing better to do than pick apart a show that was tremendously popular. Sure, the storylines were repetitive but the producers were simply giving America what it wanted and up above the 49th parallel, we ate it up as well. You throw together a couple of "good 'ol boys" raising hell, the patriarch holding it all together, the beautiful country girl with the killer legs and the bumbling key stone cops and you have the makings of some fun comedy-action-adventure. Toss in a few character actors, country star drop ins from time to time, key guest appearances and fresh faces every week and you have yourself an entertaining hour of television. Jesse was "the Shepherd", The boys were "The Lost Sheep", and Daisy was "Bo Peep", at least on the CB radio, which was used frequently to keep abreast, out of harms way and one step ahead of the law and the bad guys. James Best was hilarious as Roscoe P. Coltrane. I point this out because when the contract dispute during Season 5 brought in the new Duke boys, I was still a faithful fan because even though Bo and Luke were the better of the cousins, it was Boss and Roscoe that kept me glued. This is one of those programs, like CHiPs that people find themselves backtracking and sometimes denying they watch. This web site is unashamed in its favourites list and "The Dukes" is one of the best! The cast reunited on a couple of occasions for made for TV movies like Dukes of Hazzard Reunion(1997) and Dukes of Hazzard:Hazzard in Hollywood(2000). In August of '05, The Dukes of Hazzard opened in theatres worldwide and earned over a hundred mill, not a bad attempt but Jessica Simpson just didn't do it for me, playing the part of Daisy Duke. Prequels seem to be in fashion these days as another Dukes of Hazzard movie recently went straight to DVD, a prequel called "The Beginning"(2007). I actually preferred this second attempt and thought Daisy, played by April Scott was incredible.

9) CHiPs, 1977-1983

Erik Estrada as Officer Frank "Paunch" Poncerello

Larry Wilcox as Officer John Baker (1977-1982)

Robert Pine as Sergeant Joe Getraer

Paul Linke as Officer Grossman

Randi Oakes as Officer Bonnie Clark (1979-1982)

Michael Dorn as Officer Turner (1980-1982)

Brodie Greer as Officer Baricza (1977-1982)

Like The Dukes of Hazzard, I find many who won't admit just how much they liked this show. I've been goofed on for years for my dedication to CHiPs. I know it's dated and cheesy but I watched it as a child and remember how much I looked forward to every episode where Rick Rosner would stage some really impressive accident, then the song would start, the opening credits would roll and I was geeked to watch another exciting episode that usually consisted of Ponch and Jon playing detective as well as street cops, a little late 70s/early 80s pop culture thrown in for good measure complete with the family atmosphere and comradery of the police headquarters. Paunch and Jon ruled. I even have my own copy of the "CHiPs 99" movie. Erik Estrada was on top of the world with his mirrored glasses, colgate smile and chick magnet looks while Jon played his sensible, cool under pressure, sharp as a tack partner. It has long enjoyed a run on TBS Superstation for the past number of years, though buried in the wee hours of the morning, I still get the opportunity to tune in once in a while. Want more information on the "CHiPs" phenom, click to go to "CHiPs Online".

10) Bewitched, 1964-1972

Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stevens

Dick York as Darrin Stevens (1964-1969)

Dick Sargent as Darrin Stevens (1969-1972)

Agnes Moorhead as Endora

David White as Larry Tate

Alice Pearce as Gladys Kravitz (1964-1966)

Sandra Gould as Gladys Kravitz (1966-1971)

George Tobias as Abner Kravitz (1964-1971)

Marion Lorne as Aunt Clara (1964-1968)

I think the real comedy came from the occasional guest appearances of Paul Lynde playing Uncle Arthur or Bernie Koppell who could play anyone under the sun. This show wasn't the funniest in the world but I think its real appeal, aside from the beautiful Liz Montgomery was the way the show tapped into the cultural topics and themes of that era. While many will say the show is way too dated, a little light on the punchlines, the show was superbly performed by veteran actors and a great director who knew how to broaden the attraction. William Asher, at the time, married to Liz, helped create a character that worked a little magic on a broad demographic. Why she didn't capture an Emmy is really quite puzzling. Must've been a real stretch for Liz to curtail the stunning glamorous looks in order to come across as the token 60s housewife, a far cry from the women of today. If you look closely and understand her portrayal, she's a stay at home mom with the true conviction of her beliefs to stand against the the witch's council for what she believed in..a true testament to independence. I think the movie version starring Nicole Kidman was the right actress and the right time to do it. Click on Liz and head to Vic's Bewitched page, this guy lives and breathes Bewitched.

12) Seinfeld, 1989-1998

Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis Dreyfuss and Michael Richards.

All you Seinfeld junkies are no doubt wondering why I put Seinfeld all the way down to number 12. Seinfeld was the mainstay of NBC's much heralded or rather more so brilliantly marketed "Must see TV" Thursday night lineup. The writing was superb but then again, if you're writing a script based on life experiences and the show is about nothing, how much of a stretch did you require with the imagination? I say this with a certain degree of sarcasm, this show was incredible. I loved the show and like so many others didn't catch on to it until much later than it's inaugural season. I'm unrepentent when I say the reason I watched this show was purely for Jason Alexander and Michael Richards. You could have replaced Jerry and put a chimp in Elaine's place and I still would have watched. C'mon...don't overanalyze this any...schtick is funny and the over the top antics of George and Kramer was a hoot! How could you not like George Castanza's insecurities and neurosis while Cosmo Kramer was so "out there" we start comparing that one friend we had at some point in our life to one of these 2, or for that matter 4 people. How the hell did George talk himself into so many jobs, did Kramer even have a job, could anyone dance as bad as Elaine, and couldn't Jerry have been more selective with friends? When Kramer would hear the sound of Mary Hart's voice his body would explode in contortions or the way he entered Jerry's apartment, maybe the way he indicates he's annoyed at you or excited. Those outbursts of wit, truthfulness and agreement were legendary. Like he did so often in King of Queens, Jerry Stiller stole every scene he was in and Wayne Knight was off the hook as Newman. The show could tap into pop culture and along the way...created it. I.E. "Yadda, yadda, yadda", "Master of your domain", etc.

13) The Carol Burnett Show, 1967-1978

Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence, Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, Lyle Wagoner and guest stars.

Do you remember when you first saw "As The stomach Turns" ? One of several unforgettable recurring skits on one of the greatest variety shows in TV history. How about Eunice from "Mama's Family"? Most will agree, the funniest part of this show, bar none, was when Harvey would laugh at Tim...out of character. These two were paired in plenty of acts together and after producers saw the effect that Tim had on Harvey, I'm certain they knew what they were doing. The skit itself may have been mediocre but Tim Conway would absolutely crack Harvey Korman up using his own brand of ad libbing mixed with the written script. These legendary fits of uncontrollable laughter are forever etched in my mind in giving me some of the most entertaining television ever. I used to watch the show in reruns when I had my first radio job. I'd get home at 2 in the morning and still be wired from work...so I'd fix something to eat and watch the Carol Burnett Show...man I laughed hard at those two! I will always maintain, there has never been any more genuine comedy in this world than Tim and Harvey's screw ups on this show. The fact that, after 1972, CBS placed it in its killer Saturday night lineup didn't hurt it much either. Back then it was "All in the Family", M*A*S*H, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Bob Newhart Show followed by Carol Burnett.

14) Unsolved Mysteries, 1988-1999

Robert Stack, Keely Shay Smith

There have been a number of this "type" of show and all have served their purpose. I recall the success of shows like "Rescue 911" and still, to this day, "America's Most Wanted". The difference with this program and what none can duplicate is the haunting narration of Robert Stack and the aura and atmosphere this guy projected. Whatever the story, he added a certain edge about it that made this a highly addictive show for me. It would seem hard to accept that Robert Stack, at the time of his death, was 84 years of age. It still airs in reruns on Lifetime Network in the U.S. and I consider this program instrumental in helping a great cause through it's unique presentation.Do you remember being in the house alone at the time this was on..and that night's episode just happened to have a ghost story...about that young woman in her bridal outfit that runs across the road from the road in a Chicago neighborhood right out of a cemetary. Tell me you didn't feel your butt clench whenever Robert Stack would say "Join us next week, Perhaps you too...can help solve a mystery"

15) Golden Girls, 1986-1992

Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McLanahan, Estelle Getty

Yeah I know, you're thinking how did a sitcom about 4 aging chicks make it to the top 20 of a guy who's still relatively young. Well, just like "Grumpy Old Men" did with two movies, it took a cast of seasoned veterans of stage and screen to show us how comedic timing works. This show had a wonderful cast and was damn funny. I laughed at this show ! While Estelle Getty certainly stole the show when it came to the scathing rhetoric, it was Beatrice Arthur who displayed the best comedic timing and facial expressions. She was incredible and I just howl everytime she has a comeback to any of the girls, especially her angry, sharp and blunt retorts to Rose and her silly St. Olaf stories. Rue McLanahan made an appearance on Hope and Gloria recently, I've seen Betty White in guest appearances as well. Bea Arthur has kept relatively away from the public eye and Estelle Getty has been fighting a long battle with Alzeimers.

16) All In The Family, 1971-1979

Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, Sally Struthers

Although the argument as to whether this was the greatest sitcom of all time rages on, there can be no doubt as to who the greatest sitcom CHARACTER of all time was. Carrol O'Connor played Archie Bunker, a brash, in your face, bigoted, opinionated and cruelly uneducated blue collar worker that had the world figured out and it was his mission in life to make sure the world "dummied up" to his views. The classic battles between Archie and "Meathead" made this show so memorable and served to show us just how incredibly silly we are when we subscribe to these all too frequent intolerances and prejudices. I had thought of rating "Archie Bunker's Place" in my list but this often underappreciated and under rated show deserves to go hand in hand with it's predecessor. Both were great shows!

17) Evening Shade, 1990-1994

Burt Reynolds, Michael Jeter, Hal Holbrrok, Ossie Davis, Charles Durning, Marilu Henner, Ann Wedgeworth

I have always been a fan of Burt Reynolds and if he had a hand in selecting the cast for this outrageous show, then it furthers solidifies his place in my list of favorites. Of course, much of the credit has to belong to Linda Bloodworth-Thomason who is no stranger to success in sitcom history with everything from Evening Shade to Designing Women and Hearts Afire on her creative resume along with a writing credits on M*A*S*H and Rhoda. Ossie Davis, Charles Durning, Hal Holbrook, Marilu Henner, Charlie Dell and Michael Jeter proved with the littlest of effort that comedy was born of the truly gifted. I was big on Michael Jeter and laughed at just about everything he said and did on this classic TV show from the early 90s. Jeter and Davis have both since passed on, a great loss.

18) Gunsmoke, 1955-1975

James Arness, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis, Milburn Stone, Dennis Weaver, Buck Taylor, Roger Ewing

Quite frankly, he was my hero and no actor in his role in any television show convinced me more of his legitimacy than James Arness as Marshall Matt Dillon. What can you say about a show that ran for 20 years? Although I favored the latter episodes of this classic western, I'd never turn away from any showing currently seen on TV Land and the Western Network in the U.S. The barbs that shot back and forth between Doc and Festus was fodder for the next episode or the unfinished story between Matt and Miss Kitty. Many would argue that if the two had actually come together in something more than what we were teased with, it may have spelled an early end for the show. I never get tired of viewing the reruns and with 2 decades worth of material, you have plenty to keep you occupied. One of my favorite characters on the show was Quint Asper, the half white/half cherokee played by Burt Reynolds.

19) The Beachcombers, 1971-1992

Bruno Gerussi, Robert Clothier, Pat John, Jackson Davies, Rae Brown, Reg Romero, Charlene Aleck

I grew up watching this show on the CBC, our public broadcaster here in Canada that feeds us a never ending barrage of Canadian content . I had been exposed to this show from a very early age in a 2 channel universe and like so many childhood programs, it grows on you and you carry that feeling with you as an adult. The longest running drama series in Canadian television history ran for 19 seasons. Bruno Gerussi was Nick Adonidas, Robert Clothier was Relic and Pat John was Jesse Jim, along with Molly, Sarah, The Constable and a few other notables, the show was a mixture of comedy and documentary packaged in a half hour show. I recall watching this show on Sunday nights right after "The Wonderful World of Disney". Despite its lighthearted tone, the show broke new ground both in casting native Canadians as series regulars and in tackling tough topics usually ignored on all other programs in Canada and the U.S. like First nations Land claims.

20) The Honeymooners, 1955-1956, 1971

Jackie Gleason, Art Carney, Audrey Meadows, Joyce Randolph, Sheila McRae, Jean Kean

With the recent death of Art Carney at the age of 85, TV Land in the U.S. ran a marathon on the Honeymooners. Like "I Love Lucy", this show clearly was a success due to the talent of its players. Jackie Gleason was incredibly funny with the most superb of comedic timing. Art Carney's portrayal of Ed Norton, his good buddy and neighbor complemented Gleason's Ralph Kramden character. This relationship and the adventures that ensued has been used as the starting point for many programs since. Ralph Kramden would get himself involved in just about any scheme to move himself up the financial ladder and often convinced his buddy Norton to go in on it. Audrey Meadows was priceless as his acid tongued wife Alice. Filmed in front of a live audience, the "classic 39" episodes will live in infamy

21) Happy Days, 1974-1984

Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Anson Williams, Donnie Most, Erin Moran, Scott Baio, Marion Ross, Tom Bosley

I could spend a fair bit here trying to explain how the series got off the ground from the pilot, through to the decision on Fonzie's leather jacket to the discussion on the shows renaming...but I won't. This web site is not about bringing you my wealth of knowledge on certain tv shows and the like but rather what stood out for me personally. I had a poster of the Fonz in my bedroom right there next to my Elvis shot back in the late 70s. Garry Marshall had already been a success and was still hard at work on another successful show (The Odd Couple) when work began on Happy Days. With Marshall's innovation and the chemistry between the stars on and off camera, Happy Days endured for a decade with an infectious blend of characters and fresh storylines. This was a great show and I never get tired of watching it. Maybe it hit home in the 70's with this sitcom idea about life in the 50's, I'm not sure but whatever Marshall had in mind...it worked. The recent 30 year anniversary special reminded how cheesy, campy and corny the show was, but it was great to see everyone( except Al Molinaro) show up for the taping. I think this was a cast that got along well and led to its longevity. Ronn Howard became one of the most powerful directors in movies, Henry Winkler produced McGyver and has seen lots of cameos in big movies, Anson Williams does much better behind the camera than in front, Tom bosley and Marion Ross continue to enjoy success. This was a talented group of performers.

22) The John Laroquette Show, 1993-1996

John Laroquette, Daryl "Chill" Mitchel, Chi McBride

I can't tell you how enthusiastic I was when I first viewed this show back in '93. I said, Holy %^$&, NBC has a great show here. It's funny, edgy, and dark. This wasn't punchline, insert your joke here, humour...it was superbly written and intelligent. It was a refection on all of us. While I enjoyed the shows entire run, albeit short, it seemed to trivialize the situations and circumstances as season # 3 hit. Laroquette plays John Hemingway, a former alcoholic who works at a St. Louis bus depot that provides the base and home for a "gong show" of characters...the so called "seedy" side of society or rather what we perceive as this anyway. This show maintained my rather dubious attention span to the point where it was a must to see this show every week. Too bad though, it had just a four year run and NBC really dropped the ball on this one. I thought this was the most innovative show in years. This is one of the greatest "what might have been" examples in TV history in my opinion.

23) North of 60, 1992-1998

Tina Keeper, Tom Jackson, Dakota House, Tracey Cook, Gordon Tootoosis, John Oliver, Robert Bockstael, Peter Kelly Goudreault

If you're not from Canada, you may have a hard time siding with me on this one. Today's actors are not as over the top as those years ago were but the fact remains, in many shows and movies, people just don't react that way to many stimuli. The actors in this show were so true to life that it was simply uncanny. The story's were fresh and the atmosphere that it created was unequaled by many who've attempted. This ensemble drama took place in the fictitious town of Lynx River, Northwest Territories, but was actually shot in Bragg Creek, Alberta. This program was a 90 episode journey of a northern Canadian native town created by Barbara Samuals and Wayne Grigsby. You can still catch the show in reruns on Canada's Aboriginal Network, APTN.

24) Star Trek, The Next Generation, 1987-1994

Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Levar Burton, Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden, Michael Dorn, Marina Sirtis, Denise Crosby

OK, OK...before you run that spiel where you think I'm a trekkie and I should be hanging out at conventions dressed in Klingon garb with nary a friend but my Enterprise communicator pin...stop now! This was a quality show with some pretty good characterizations. I'm a big fan of Patrick Stewart simply for his depth and range. This guy is incredible from X Men to Shakespeare to Scrooge himself. I remember catching Jonathan Frakes on an old episode of "The Dukes". I have to say that my favourite recurring character was Picard's nemesis "Q", a brilliantly conceived mind numbing enemy that helped win alot of mainstream votes from people like me. A class show...and yes...this will P.O. some die hards, but Picard was the best Captain...there ...I said it!

25) Bonanza, 1959-1972

Michael Landon, Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, Pernell Roberts

I got hooked on this show at an early age during the reruns of Saturday mornings. Like so many of the westerns of it's generation, it had a long life but there was more to Bonanza than most others. Like "The Rifleman" from years previous, the Cartwrights were not the law, but they could be counted on by the local Sherriff to right the wrongs of many a desparado who dared disrupt the lives of the good citizens of Virginia City and the Ponderosa. OK, that was a little cheesy but then again so was the announcer-like personnas of Lorne Greene and Pernell Roberts. The realism was provided by the lovable Dan Blocker as "Hoss" and the legendary Michael Landon as "Little Joe". While Gunsmoke's plotlines were found at the jail and at The Longbranch Saloon, Bonanza's were either in the streets of Virginia City or at the Ponderosa. It was a safe haven and a refuge that made the show so appealing.

26) Fraggle Rock, 1982-1986

Gobo, Mokey, Red, Boober, Wembley, The Gorgs, Uncle Travelling Matt, Gerry Parkes, The Doozers

If there was ever a show that showcased parallels between universes, it was Fraggle rock...especially for children. Jim Hensen's classic creation Fraggle Rock was a show that featured a complex of underground caverns perceived by it's inhabitants as the centre of the universe. Five friends making their way through life encountering obstacles, enhancing friendships, solving problems, asking advice and exploring the world. This program's appeal was immense and I remember it like it was yesterday. The talent exhibited by Jim Hensen and his pupeteers, coupled with the writing's broad spectrum allowed many different age groups to be captivated by its message. It had a 5 year run on HBO and of course we in Canada were immediately exposed to it on CBC Television on Sunday nights.The very thought of the 30 minute work week that the Fraggles had to endure and their relationship with the Gorgs and the Doozers was a parallel to our own advancement of society and co existance between classes. These silly little creatures sang, danced, swam like fish and kept bumping their heads while running at top speed through their cavern dwellings. Great show...don't lie...you loved it!

27) The Dick Van Dyke Show, 1961-1966

Dick Van Dyke, Morey Amsterdam, Rose Marie, Mary Tyler Moore, Richard Deacon, Carl Reiner, Larry Matthews, Anne Morgan Guilbert

Created by Carl Reiner, The Dick Van Dyke Show has to be a favourite of any true connassieur of classic TV. The Kennedy era and aura was alive and well during its run and the Dick van Dyke show ushered in a new age in television. Carl Reiner wrote much of the material based on his behind the scenes working as a writer for Sid Ceasar's "Your Show of Shows" from the 50s. While Reiner actually played Rob Petrie in the pilot episode, he would be replaced in a hurry by Dick Van Dyke, a physical comedian who worshipped Stan Laurel (Laurel and Hardy) as was evident in his bits. Van Dyke plays Rob Petrie, a comedy writer for The Allan Brady Show who, along with his young attractive wife (Mary Tyler Moore) played both the professional and home versions of a young suburbanite that appealed to early 1960s America. Van Dyke, along with Morey Amsterdam and Rose Marie would show us the inner workings of life in a comedy writers world at a successful television show preparing material for their on air star Allan Brady (played by Reiner). At home, it was a new age in television as the CBS cameraman just couldn't keep his lens off Mary Tyler Moore's behind in those capri pants or getting full shots of those incredible legs while she was wearing a dress. While Mary went on to the hugely successful Mary Tyler Moore show, this was a very different beginning for her and allowed her to exercise her comedic timing and talents having been taken fresh from television commercials for the most part. This show was funny on it's own, due to the physical comedy of Van Dyke and the classic storylines written by Reiner...it was the start of what we now refer to as "situation comedy"

28) The Six Million Dollar Man, 1974-1978

Lee Majors, Richard Anderson, Martin E. Brooks, Lindsay Wagner

If there's one classic example of being blindly led by a show from my wonder years, it's The Six Million Dollar Man. Y'know, it boggles my mind how many web sites chose to ridicule a show that became a cult classic and part of the American subculture. There's a reason why Kenner Toy Company made a mint off those action figures, the show was wildly popular.It would be too easy for me to wine about how notoriously cheap Universal was with their special effects and how lame some of the plotlines were or how ridiculous it was that only one eye could see that far or why the right arm was the only one that was bionic. As a preteen, none of that mattered to me...this was The Six Million Dollar Man and he kicked ass. If you were looking for a "Leonard Maltinesque" review here...better step off now. Hey guys...do you remember making that noise with with your mouth as you ran after your buddies in slow motion pretending to be Colonel Steve Austin. That was fun and what our childhood was all about. I do, however, remember being tortured over the two part episode where Steve fights the Sasquatch. I recall having a nightmare the night of the episode and vehemently denying it was the result of that particular program.

29) Battlestar Galactica, 1978-1979, 1980

Lorne Greene, Richard Hatch, Dirk Benedict, Jane Seymour, John Colicos, Laurette Spang

The short life span of the original Galactica only furthered its significance. The characters in Galactica are remnants of the twelve colonies, founded by the twelve tribes of humans that left their home planet of Kobol which became uninhabitable. The lost thirteenth tribe was said to have colonized Earth. After years of war, the twelve colonies and the Ceylons are about to sign a treaty, a mere ploy by the Ceylons ( a robot empire being aided by the evil human Bultar) to lure them away from their human home planets. Zac and Apollo ( Rick Springfield and Richard Hatch) find out about this, race back to warn the Battlestar Galactica, but it's too late, the others are destroyed. Commander Adama (Lorne Greene) can't do anything but save the lives of his own aboard the Galactica and round up the rest of the survivors of the twelve doomed colonies and pursue the mytical thirteenth colony...earth. The show ran for 15 episodes in 1978-1979 and was revived in 1980. The show did well in the ratings but the cost per episode was just too much to justify. A remarkable show that clicked on the heels of George Lucas' Star Wars but its stay was short. I wish I could have made it simpler to explain but that's the jist. If you heard Lorne Greene explain it, you may not be as challenged as you no doubt are right now.

30) The Paper Chase, 1978-1979, 1983-1986

John Houseman, James Stephens, Tom Fitzsimmons,

I think the most amazing thing about this show is the tender age that I first started to view it at. I loved it from Day 1 and almost felt the fear and respect that these fictitious law students felt towards their professor. Based on Harvard law school, The Paper Chase premiered on CBS in 1978 and ran for one season though critics praise and sluggish numbers. In 1983 it was picked up by Showtime Network and ran for another 4 seasons. The series followed the existance, the pursuits, pains, the development of law student James T. Hart (James Stephens) on his journey through the law program at a prestigious Eastern U.S. University. In his path and there to stump him, ground him, guide him and hamper him is his greatest fear and the man he respects most: Prof. Charles W. Kingsfield, played brilliantly by John Houseman. Most will say the first season was its best, the Paper Chase was based on the 1973 movie of the same name. This was an intelligent, superbly portrayed TV show that still now has a cult following.

31) The Waltons, 1972-1981

Richard Thomas, Ralph Waite, Michael Learned, Will Geer, Ellen Gorby, Jon Walmsley, Judy Norton, Eric Scott, Mary McDonough, David W. Harper, Kami Cotler

...and that was just the family members, there were a few cast regulars in there to. I have decided to put this show on the list at this lofty pedestal even though I can't remember most of what I saw as a child but have been re-introduced to it today. The Waltons is currently being shown on the Hallmark Channel and TV Land in the United States and still enjoys a tremendous following. There have long been critics of the show and by todays cynical standards, such a wholesome show would no doubt be laughed into the dirt. Shame on them for mentioning God or saying their prayers, LOL. Though many would argue that Walton's Mountain didn't depict the true hardship of the 1930s Depression era, understanding the show's intention goes beyond this and I get it, I actually get it. Why can't families pull together like these guys, is it that cheesy to see a constant vine of support that made up this multi generation family living under one roof. Maybe as my years advance, I am becoming more appreciative of a message so evident but seriously lacking in many shows today. Based on the writings of Earl Hamner Jr. and mirroring his own existance growing up in a parallel world called Spencer's Mountain, the shows appeal was it's good will. What I liked about it also is that it didn't show this family in the depths of poverty as so many families were wading through during these tough years. They were a family that welcomed us viewers into their home every week and we got to see what outsiders influences would affect the general structure of this tightly knit family unit.

32) Magnum P.I., 1980-1988

Tom Selleck, Jonathan Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley, Larry Manetti

I guess in retrospect, turning down the lead in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" may have been perceived as a less than wise decision. While Harrison Ford benefited from the success of Indiana Jones, Tom Selleck still managed to become a household name as the lead in Magnum P.I. It's my belief, as popular as he was and still is, Tom Selleck has always been underrated as an actor and deserved to be a bigger box office icon than he turned out to be. I loved him in "Quigley Down Under." Magnum P.I. was set in Hawaii amidst all the beauty of Oahu's north shore and featured Thomas Magnum, an ex naval officer who becomes a private investigator. He lives in an extravagant guest house, drives a 308 GTS Ferrari belonging to Robin Masters, the always absentee owner who hired Magnum to test his security. What gets really testy is the relationship of Thomas and Jonathan Quayle Higgins, a former British officer in charge of the actual running of Masters' estate. These gentlemen often clashed but mutually respected one another although that didn't seem evident on many occasions. His reluctant partners are his Vietnam vet buddies Rick and T.C. who often get dragged into Magnum's cases simply because of their contacts and knowhow on the island. Donald Bellisario was the real brains behind the show although the initial concept has to be credited, at least half, to Glen A. Larson. This show may have been dismissed by some as all glamour and little substance but if you remember anything about the show you can't possibly ignore or downplay the chemistry between Selleck and Hillerman, the fresh storylines and the acting talents of it's lead. I loved this show from the opening song from Mike Post to the definitive narration of Tom Selleck. It was cool to be a fan of this show while it was on air and certainly never lost it's luster or was looked upon as corny as time went by. (See Miami Vice)

33) W.G.B., 1980-1983

Greg Malone, Tommy Sexton, Ron Hynes, Glenn Simmons, Sandy Morris, Kelly Russell, Paul "Boomer" Stamp, Ian Perry, Jaymie Snyder

This one may be more specific to the culture of the far east...the far east of Canada that is. If you're American, you probably never heard of this show. If you're Canadian, or from "up along", you probably don't have enough culture in your system to know of this show. If you're from Newfoundland, possibly Atlantic canada or a Newfoundlander that lives in another part of the country...this show was God! Dammit, did he have to go and name a freakin "regional" show and throw this thing right off course? If you're from Canada's 10th province, the Republic of Newfoundland and a child of the 80s, this show was a no miss. I recall the band coming to Burgeo, way back when, and being held to the highest, like they were icons of the entertainment industry. A talented band brimming with top notch entertainers from our very own province matched with the cultural and physical comedic genius of Greg Malone and Tommy Sexton (1957-1993). It was a half hour variety/sketch comedy show that made us laugh during the early 80s and we were nuts for these guys. Maybe we got caught up in our own,...I mean to be able to watch a show that was being produced in our very own capital city with local talent that entertained us to a grander extent than any other CBC program of its time...whatever the reason...they were unforgettable. Tommy has passed, Greg is still part of the local landscape (albeit in a lower profile), Ron became a cult fav among songwriter geeks and Glenn continues to rock. I wish I could say thank you to these guys.

34) Emergency!, 1972-1977

Randolph Mantooth, Kevin Tighe, Robert Fuller, Bobby Troupe, Julie London, Deidre Hall

One of those shows you remember from your childhood but unfortunately haven't had much of an opportunity to view in today's reruns. Considering it's basis for existance, this show would probably fit well in today's television mix, I mean, after all, it's a show based on real 911 calls. Emergency! followed the daily responses of two paramedics at Station 51 in Los Angelos, Firefighter John Gage (Mantooth) and Firefighter Roy DeSoto (Tighe). I remember seeing Kevin Tighe in Patrick Swayze's film, Roadhouse, playing the part of the nightclub owner of the Double Deuce. Here's another piece of useless trivia, the firefighters sometimes came into contact with the two fellows from Adam 12. This show was great, I just wish I could still catch it today.

35) Diff'Rent Strokes, 1978-1986

Gary Coleman, Dana Plato, Todd Bridges, Conrad Bain, Charlotte Rae

What's interesting about this show is that my entire knowledge and love for this classic program is based entirely on what I remember from my childhood because I haven't seen it in reruns since, although, for the record, TV Land in the US was showing it just a couple of years ago. Lets put aside the troubled adult lives of the former child-star actors and the death of Dana Plato. I remember the show very fondly because during it's duration, I was quite young and everything that Arnold Jackson (Gary Coleman) did or said, I thought was hysterically funny. Another in a long line of "fish out of water" shows that depicted a rich white man and his daughter adopting the two black children of his former, now deceased servant. Phillip Drummond (Bain) adopts Arnold and brother Willis as a deathbed wish of their mom and his former employee. The show spawned two spin-offs "The Facts of Life" and "Hello Larry", the latter, starring McLean Stevenson lasted about as long as a tank of gas in my Jeep. I remember like it was yesterday, the show was a must back in the days when I would kill before I missed an episode of "The Dukes", "BJ and The Bear", "Diff'Rent Strokes", and Battlestar Gallactica.

36) Welcome Back Kotter, 1975-1979

Gabe Kaplan, Robert Hegyes, John Travolta, Ron Palillo, Laurence Hilton-Jacobs, John Sylvester White

I loved this show so much, I named my basketball team that I coached back in the 90s "The Sweathogs". I educated my young players on what a sweathog was and by the time the year was done, we improved our play from remedial to academic. Yeah...I know, the show wasn't exactly thought provoking, overly produced and riddled with a message for the masses but it was a hit for some time and left me with fond memories. Gabe Kotter (Kaplan) returns to his old high school to teach a bunch of remedial high schoolers and we are treated to the typical high school issues like drugs, marks, teacher-student relationships, racism, etc. The first three seasons were wonderful but the fourth season sucked and no doubt led to its demise. The fact that the actors looked older than regular teens in the first place meant it was a ticking time bomb and John Travolta's star was shining a little too bright to contain. It's strengths were the writing of Gabe Kaplan, the one liners with Mr. Woodman involved, and the dialogue between the sweathogs. Who can ever forget the opening and closing music, everytime the song plays, my mind goes back and I get a certain feeling, a certain mood...very unique.

37) Too Close For Comfort, 1980-1987

Ted Knight, Nancy Dussault, Deborah Van Valkenburgh, Lydia Cornell, JM J. Bullock, Audrey Meadows

Actually, the show was called The Ted Knight Show during its final season and was ready for production in the Summer of '86 when Ted Knight passed away from cancer. Like so many American sitcoms, it was based on a British version, this one called Keep It In The Family. Ted Knight played Henry Rush, a cartoonist whos best work was creating "Cosmic Cow", his wife Muriel was a former band singer and successful photographer. Henry's two beautiful daughters Sara and Jackie lived downstairs. Sara's friend, Munro Ficas was a constant pain in the ass to Henry, coupled with his daughter's everyday problems, it was an entertaining half hour of T.V. from a veteran that gave us some of the greatest moments of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. First cancelled by ABC in '83, it enjoyed a new life in syndication which continued to produce original episodes with changing cast members until 1986.

38) The King of Queens, 1998-2007

Kevin James, Leah Remini, Jerry Stiller, Victor Williams, Patton Oswalt, Gary Valentine, Nicole Sullivan, Larry Romano

I mean...this shouldn't be classified as an original concept...should it? Regular schmo, overweight, security issues with an overbearing, gorgeous, albeit intelligent wife. Doug Heffernan is a courier driver while his wife Carrie works at a real estate development firm. Jerry Stiller steals a lot of laughs in this show as he plays Carrie's wacko dad Arthur, like his Seinfeld days, is off the hook funny. Combine this with his buddies, Deacon, Spence and Danny, you have the classic "boy will never grow up" situations. Guaranteed, this show will be remembered long after the final episode and sometimes it takes a finale to do that. While the show has been strong, there haven't been too many comedies in the new milenniun that have actaully stayed in the top 10 very long. It's an age old thing, wife gives the orders and the husband figures it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission so he does some classic stupid things. A very funny show!

39) ALF, 1986-1990

Max Wright, Anne Schedeen, Andrea Elson, Benji Gregory, John LaMotta, Liz Sheridan, Josh Blake, JM J. Bullock and Paul Fusco.

For a brief time starting in September 1986, ALF, short for Alien Life Form, was one of the hottest things on television, a successful toy and a cartoon. Eclectic was a good way to describe a show that combined the appeal of the Muppets and the family scenarios that envelope most situation comedies. Gordon Shumway (ALF's real name) crash lands his spaceship in the backyard of the Tanner residence. Willy and his family take ALF in and protect him from being found out by the military police or anyone else for that matter. The real comedy is that Willy and his wife Kate should seek protection from ALF as he lands them in hot water continuously in a curiously close to "I Dream Of Jeannie" situation. This was a very funny show and I laughed hard. The best writing came from the barbs that flew from ALF to Willy brilliantly portrayed by veteran Max Wright who had a nervous demeaner that brought out the worst in his alien house guest. Writer, director, producer and creater Paul Fusco brought us ALF as the voice and puppeteer.

40) WWE Monday Night Raw, 1993-present

Vince McMahon, Dwayne Johnson, Terry Bollea, Steve Williams, Paul Levesque, Michael Hikkenbottom, Bret Hart, Kurt Angle, Mark Calloway, Jerry Lawlor, Jim Ross

Now, I'm not going to get into a long winded write up on why I like professional wrestling, why it entertains me, its legitimacy of it or how much knowledge I've collected. It is what it is, another hour of scripted television that allows us to escape into the never ending battle of good and evil with a hint of sports and athleticism. I make no apologies for liking the show and I still make it a point to watch it and Smackdown every week. This show has taken professional wrestling from a niche based, specific demographic hour of TV to something that has appealed to a more mainstream audience. In light of characters like Stone Cold, The Rock, The Heartbreak Kid, The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan, wrestling is big business. The age old question of "Is it real", has been known to wrestling fans long before it was ever admitted. Wrestling is an escape where the outcome may be rigged and scripted, but the abilities required and injuries sustained are very real. I guess you have to make up your mind what's real. Wrestling has it's share of demons like the seemingly short life span of many of them as well as drug use and steroid abuse. When Vince McMahon's WWE was feeling the heat from their main rival WCW owned by Ted Turner, the Monday Night Wars were hatched and it was a great run of over the top skits, performances, matches and player trading with Monday Night Raw versus Monday Nitro. These days, McMahon is the only true player having bought out his rivals WCW and ECW. There has been a new player lately called NWA/TNA, on the upswing and no where near the size of WWE, but that could all change if we tune in like we did in the late nineties.

41) The GoBots, 1983-1987

Voices: Rene Auberjonois, Arthur Berghardt, Bernard Erhard, bob Holt, Marilyn Lightstone, Lou Richards

This rip off of The Transformers shouldn't be my favorite cartoon...should it? I mean first of all, it was based entirely on an existing show, a more successful one that still lives to this day. I became addicted to this show because it had a certain appeal with it's comedy writing and closer to human side of these robots that morphed into vehicles. On Gobotron, the team of Guardian GoBots stage a weekly good versus evil war against the Renegade GoBots who have nothing on their mind but enslaving planet Earth and using its resources to conquer Gobotron. Sixty five episodes were made in a collaboration between Hanna barbera and Tonka toys. Many call the GoBots the poor man's transformers, but despite it's limited run and the fact that toy companies have changed hands and so have the GoBots, the original from the 80s was great...I loved this show

42) Ned & Stacey, 1995-1997

Thomas Haden church, Debra Messing, Greg Germann, Nadia Dejani

One needed a place to stay, the other needed to be married in order to land the big fish at work...get promoted. A marriage of convenience is orchestrated between Ned Dorsey and Stacey Colbert. Ned Dorsey appears to be an ego-maniacal, self absorbed, arragant guy obsessed with climbing the ladder. Stacey is an intelligent, liberal valued journalism major who, through, tough times and possible bad decisions finds herself in need of some help...the kind of help that Ned can afford. Just to make a sitcom interesting and keep us wanting more, they tease us with Ned's human redeeming qualities and Stacey's vulnerability, furthering a possible love connection. If the show wasn't cancelled, we probably would have reached that milestone. Despite Messing's eventual success in Will & Grace and her obvious talent, Thomas Haden Church was absolutely "spot-on" in his portrayal of Ned. some of the funniest one liners, reactions, retorts, comedic timing and pure talent have come in the form of Ned & Stacey. Like The John Laroquette Show, someone dropped the ball on this one. A real gem. Oh and for the record, this show never "jumped the shark"

43) Bosom Buddies, 1980-1984

Tom Hanks, Peter Scolari, Wendy Jo Sperber, Donna Dixon, Holland taylor.

So...when the opening credits play and the theme song is Billy Joel's, "My Life", you know this one's gonna be dated. Before Hanks became one of the biggest movie stars on Earth and before Scolari played Michael, the bumbling, hyperactive, hypersensitive and incredibly shallow tv producer on Newhart...there was Bosom Buddies. Miller- Boyett Productions, who would later give us Family Matters, Step by Step, and Perfect Strangers among others, were the brains behind this one. Two buddies looking for dirt cheap rent and armed with little or no options, disguise themselves as women in order to stay at the Susan B. Anthony Hotel...for women only. The guys are in advertising where Kip is a graphic artist and Henry is a writer and I can only remember how hip this show was in its time. Tom Hanks, who would later go on to be an Academy award winner in some of the most famous and critically acclaimed movies in modern history, got his start in comedy and I'm not talking about Splash and Big.

44) Perfect Strangers, 1986-1993

Bronson Pinchot, Mark Linn Baker, Melanie Wilson, Rebecca Arthur

Another sitcom that'll get you that stare. Y'know, the one that says "You can't come up with a better show on your list than that one"? Fortunately, I could care less that the list includes less of shows that claim reality overtones or that repetitive crime scene investigation theme. It's a combination of "fish out of water" and "fred and barney". Balkie is a shepherd from the country of Mypos and comes to America to stay with his cousin Larry. Cousin Larry always has a scheme to get ahead, get rich, get girls, etc and the most unlikely help comes to his rescue...Balkie. Balkie comes across as naive and innocent while Larry has the mistaken impression that he has the answers. It was great physical comedy. It was far fetched and totally ridiculous but I thought it was a classic TV sitcom that pitched the idea of what a truly great situation comedy should be.

45) Roseanne, 1988-1997

Roseanne, John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, Lecy Goranson, Sarah Chalke, Michael Fishman

I just love a show that personifies, glorifies and typifies common white trash, makes me feel like my life isn't a total waste. This show, though over the top with it's dialogue, rang closer to home than many of care to admit. Though dogged by the tabloids for years(and with good reason) Roseanne had an eye for who to cast in her sitcom. She obviously knew what she was doing with the ease at which actors John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf and Sara Gilbert played off her. Great comedy that was original and yet stunk up the joint when it ended with one of the most irritating and confusing final seasons in television history. For 7 of it's 8 season run, it was Top 10, matter of fact, it was Top 3 for 5 seasons. I'd tell you how many awards it won but Emmys and Golden Globes mean as much to me as the calorie count in an Aero bar.