The first decade of this new millennium is nearly over and it’s time to star looking back at what moved, excited and upset me in 2010 in the entertainment world. Today I’m taking a gander at my favorites in television from the past year. So, let’s rank the shows I loved the most and celebrate a few other special people and programs.
My Top 15 Shows of 2010:
1. Modern Family: The Emmy winning sitcom is consistently the funniest and smartest show on TV.
2. Glee: There’s nothing like it and I can’t get enough. Plus they have great guest stars (Gwyneth Paltrow anyone?)important storylines, wonderful music and Emmy winner Jane Lynch!)
3. Lost: It was one of the best dramas in TV history and it went out as it began~ beautifully, action packed, full of emotion and mystery.
4. Dexter: who knew they could follow up a brilliant season with crazy killer John Lithgow so well? But picking up the pieces after Rita’s death became easier once Julia Stiles came along and gave Michael C. Hall’s Dexter an ingenious revenge plot. Loved it!
5.Cougar Town: this show is the wackiest most unsung comedy on television with a wonderful ensemble. Seriously, why aren’t more of you watching it?
6. 30 Rock: while it’s been a little uneven this year, it’s still brilliant and even a lackluster episode is absolutely hilarious
7. Nurse Jackie: Edie Falco rocks and this dramedy never hits a false note in its fascinating portrayal of an addict nurse.
8. Hot in Cleveland: This “old-fashioned” sitcom is simply a laugh riot. The ensemble is brilliant and it feels like home when I watch it. Betty White is an icon, Wendie Malick is divine, Jane Leeves is fantastic. Oh and I’m gonna be on episode 3 of the second season in February! So watch it!
9. Parks and Recreation: the show really came into its own in season 2 and the cast is lead by the hysterically talented Amy Poehler. Season 3 starts on January 20th. You better watch cuz I’m gonna be on that episode too!
10. The Big C: Laura Linney is an acting treasure. She makes flawless choices and brings me to tears through my laughter on this great dramedy about a woman dealing with a terrible cancer diagnosis.
11. The Good Wife: this ensemble drama about Chicago lawyers and politics got even more fascinating in season 2 and features a ridiculous well of talented actors like Emmy winners Archie Penjabi, Julianna Marguiles, and Christine Baranski alongside Chris Noth, Josh Charles and Emmy nominee Alan Cumming.
12. Ugly Betty: In its final season, Betty hit all the right notes returning to its hilarious, sharp-witted and heartfelt roots anchored by the brilliance of America Fererra, Vanessa Williams (now stirring up much-needed trouble and giggles on Desperate Housewives) and the dynamic duo of Michael Urie and Becki Newton.
13. Fringe: it’s the best sci-fi drama on TV. It’s a mind-bender that keeps you glued to your television no matter what alternate universe we’re in. And John Noble needs an Emmy stat!
14. Damages: Emmy winner Glenn Close got some amazing support from Emmy nominees Martin Short and Lily Tomlin on this potboiler of a thriller this year and kept us guessing til the end.
15. Raising Hope: the best new sitcom this season finally gives Martha Plimpton the TV vehicle she deserves with this dysfunctional white trash family comedy. Plus Garret Dillahaunt and Cloris Leachman are ridiculously funny.
~Honorable Mention: The Closer (thank goodness Kyra Sedgwick finally won her much deserved Emmy!)
TOP REALITY COMPEITION SHOWS:
1. So You Think You Can Dance (the Best reality competition show on TV by far. The talent is amazing~ Lauren, Robert, Kent, Alex “frikken” Wong, the All Stars to name a few. And Cat Deeley is the best and most fashionable host on TV to boot)
2. RuPaul’s Drag Race (Who knew RuPaul’s TV comeback would be so hilarious, fascinating, dramatic and tense? Um, RuPaul, that’s who!)
3. Survivor (“Heroes v. Villains” was the perhaps the best cycle in the show’s history at least since the original season in Borneo)
4. Top Chef (Great casts, great judges, great challenges, and now an Emmy winner!)
5. Project Runway (finally back in fashion with a fantastic cycle featuring awful Gretchen and Ivy and the super talented Mondo who should’ve won!)
6. The Amazing Race (the old stalwart is still great)
7. Dancing with the Stars (Spring edition with Nicole Scherzinger… oh and we’re going to pretend this past fall edition never existed)
8. Top Chef Just Desserts (I wanted to eat everything they made! And Yigit is perhaps the most adorable reality winner ever!)
9. American Idol (um, worst season ever, but I’m still soooo addicted)
10. America’s Next Top Model (Yesh, I’m still watching and the recent high fashion edition gave the show its strongest top 4 to date)
Best TV Movie: Temple Grandin
Best Reality Show (Non-Competition): Kathy Griffin Life on the D List
TV MVPS: Jane Lynch (Glee, Do Something, Two and a Half Men), Neil Patrick Harris (Emmys, How I Met Your Mother, Glee)
Best Guily Pleasures: Human Target, White Collar, V
Breakout Drama Performer: Jennifer Carpenter, Dexter
Breakout Comedy Perforrmer: Busy Phillips, Cougar Town
Sad Goodbyes to Shows We Lost this Year: Lost, 24, Ugly Betty, Better Off Ted
Gone too Soon: Lone Star
~And special props to Grey’s Anatomy for returning to its juicy goodness over the past year~ quite a feat for a show in its 6th season.
So, what were your favorites this year? Do you agree with me or are you wondering where Mad Men is? (um, it’s well done, but not my cup of tea). Let me know your thoughts and faves below.
