DISPATCH FROM SALT LAKE: MY LONG WEEKEND ON ANOTHER PLANET
By JOHN YOUNGREN
SALT LAKE CITY – So, what did you do for Memorial Day Weekend?
Here is what I did: Served as a panelist at CONduit 12, a Salt Lake City science fiction convention that took place at the Wyndham Hotel downtown on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Yes. While you were in the sun, barbecuing or taking a little road trip somewhere with the kids, I was stuck in a cramped Salt Lake hotel with people dressed like Klingons, wizards and "Star Wars" characters.
While you were in the pool, I was on another planet.
How did this come about? Tricky question. Throughout the ‘90s, as many of you know, I wrote TV columns and entertainment articles for the Standard-Examiner in Ogden and, later, the Salt Lake Tribune. Somewhere along the way, I admitted in print that I had been influenced by and was a fan of the original "Star Trek" TV series. In another column or three, I admitted I’d become enthralled by "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" – and this was before that show caught on.
So the CONduit people graciously embraced me and asked me to serve as a moderator on a panel they put together a few years ago. That went well, I thought. In the years since – and though my professional TV writing career since went defunct (with the exception of the award-winning "Pop Stew," of course) -- I would still receive mail from them from time to time. And a few weeks ago, a letter arrived asking me to take part in CONduit 12.
I explained to the event organizers that I wasn’t working for the Tribune anymore, but they would have none of it. They asked me to come anyway, providing me with free admission to all three days of the convention and asking me to serve on four – that’s four – panels over the three days.
My first panel was pretty basic: I was one of three "experts" tapped to speak about "Special Effects vs. Effective Storytelling," essentially a panel discussion about the value of big-budget special effects in a blockbuster motion picture. The hour quickly turned into an analysis of the new "Star Wars" film, "Attack of the Clones."
Our group – and there were about 30 or so science fiction fanatics in the room besides our semi-distinguished panel – was pretty rabid in their feeling that the new "Star Wars" movie is a great example of how a shitty story and poor acting can’t be saved by whiz-bang special effects.
I agreed, not wanting to be lynched by the two teenagers in the back of the room dressed like some kind of war lords. In fact, my posture pretty much became: "Story wins over special effects every time. If you don’t have a good story, no amount of special effects razzle-dazzle is going to save it."
That got a lot of nods, so I kept riding variations of the theme until the one-hour discussion was over. At one point, feeling strong, I referenced a 1966 "Star Trek" episode called "The Devil in the Dark," in which special effects were either very limited or cheesy – but still called the episode a classic because "Trek" producer Gene Coon had written a wonderful tale of conflict and drama.
Scary thing is, most of the folks in the room – especially the war lords – followed all the references. "These are my people," I thought.
Later in the day, I was featured on a panel entitled, "Modern Monsters: TV’s New Creations." Though the topic-matter seemed a bit vague to me, the discussion quickly evolved into a debate over the merits of good and evil in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," so it played into my wheelhouse. A lady dressed as a nun – some kind of variation on a costume in Tim Burton’s "Nightmare On Elm Street," I think – was the moderator, who postulated that the real-life tragedies of Sept. 11 might be what drives the evil characters in some of these shows.
When it came my turn, I took a moment to remind the group that most of what we were talking about was fictional escapism – and that fantasy villains created for television programs aren’t the same as real-life terrorists who kill thousands of people. "This all comes from someone’s imagination," I said.
Some of the people in the room seemed to get that.
A woman with some kind of Christmas tree on her head then wanted to talk about why "people have to die so stupid" [sic] on TV, which led to a lengthy debate about the handling of characters’ departures from long-running TV shows. One well-meaning lad – dressed as himself, I’m truly afraid – took that opportunity to lament the last year or two of any long-running TV show, in which the series seems to go to hell because "they want to experiment."
I agreed with that, but took it a step further. "Often, when a show is in its last year or two, you’ll see a key actor or two leave, or maybe they try to juice the ratings by introducing a new character or situation," I said. "But the most damaging thing to a show is when its creator departs. A show can’t exist without its visionary."
I referenced a few modern TV producer/writer types who have successful shows. Then I mentioned "The X-Files," which was a good example of a show that went to hell in the past couple of years because a key actor left and they took things in crazy, stupid directions.
That started a young woman in our group – dressed like a geisha, from what I could tell, though I’m not sure if that had anything to do with science fiction – crying. Seriously.
"I loved the ‘X-Files’," she said, through her sobs. "I’m so sad it’s gone."
A fellow dressed from head-to-toe as Anakin Skywalker – right down to the light saber hanging from his belt – gave me a dirty look as I tried to assess the geisha’s tears.
I asked her if she thought the last two years of the show were as good as the first seven. If she didn’t, she demonstrated my point.
"Well, I really haven’t watched it in the past 3-4 years," she finally said, tears drying a bit. "But I have the tapes of the first seasons, and I always thought it was so good. But now I work on Sunday nights, so I haven’t been able to watch it as much."
Oh.
That answered that question, I thought, glancing off Anakin with a come-and-get-me stare.
The rest of the panels were equally as interesting. On Saturday, I sat on a panel called, "The Chick is in the Mail: The Rise of the Kick-Butt Heroine in Television & Movies." A woman with purple bunny ears on her head and a really heavy Klingon woman both boasted of their love for "Buffy." Christmas Tree head lady started talking about "Quantum Leap." A fellow said I was "dating myself" when I referenced yet another original "Star Trek" episode. Given this crowd, I didn’t like the phrase, "dating myself."
The nun lady carried a stuffed "Count Von Dracubear," a stuffed bear dressed like Dracula she set in front of her when she spoke.
I wandered around the dealer room, dodging Star Fleet officers and exchanging friendly nods with the convention’s big honored guest, actor Jack Donner – who played Romulan Commander Tal on an original "Trek" episode called "The Enterprise Incident" – as I passed by his table.
I considered whether to attend panels in which I wasn’t a panelist, including "The Progression to the Dark Side: The Fall of Anakin Skywalker," "Mythic Sex" (I’m sure there’s a lot of that going on), "It’s Dead Jim: Alien Contact for Those Who Want To Survive," "Buffy, The Musical Sing Along" and a discussion called, "The Geekest Link."
The paragraph in the program teasing that panel said, "Do you think you know your science fiction stuff? Are you The Geekest Link?"
I thought about my 1966 Gene Coon "Star Trek" reference.
Then I shuddered and left the building. I’m not sure I want to know the answer.
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TOP 37 POST-SCRIPT: Predictably, I heard a few cat calls following publication of my "Top 37 TV Shows of All Time" on "Pop Stew" earlier in the week. Most missed was "The Andy Griffith Show." Most maligned (among my choices) was "Spenser: For Hire." And my own greatest mistake? Not including "The West Wing" (a personal favorite; one of the best-written and acted dramas of the past 20 years) on my list. That should have replaced something.
Top 38, anyone?
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That’s it for this time. Tune in again soon for another exciting edition of the one and only, award-winning "Pop Stew!" Or, direct your comments to johnyoungren@earthlink.net
Tuesday, May 21, 2002
A ‘POP STEW’ LIST: MY OWN ‘37 GREATEST TV SHOWS OF ALL TIME!’
By JOHN YOUNGREN
So, did you see it?
In honor of its 50th anniversary celebration this year, TV Guide put together a list of its "50 Greatest Shows of All Time." The list, which was released earlier this month, is based on the following criteria, according to TV Guide editors: "[These are] the best of the best, from Day 1 to last night: Quality, innovation and the ability to stay in our lives year after year after year. These are the series we watched regularly – and will watch again. And again."
If you saw the issue, you saw the list – which has since been further promoted, on the Internet, on a separate TV Guide television special and by various other magazines in this spring of overwhelming TV nostalgia. All of which is OK. For, as regular "Pop Stew" readers know, I’m a big fan of lists myself – I think they’re fun, and always sure to spur debate.
Which is why (no surprise), I have a little list of my own coming up.
But first, TV Guide’s list – to whet your appetite:
1. Seinfeld; 2. I Love Lucy; 3. The Honeymooners; 4. All in the Family; 5. The Sopranos; 6. 60 Minutes; 7. The Late Show with David Letterman; 8. The Simpsons; 9. The Andy Griffith Show; 10. Saturday Night Live; 11. The Mary Tyler Moore Show; 12. The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson; 13. The Dick Van Dyke Show; 14. Hill Street Blues; 15. The Ed Sullivan Show; 16. The Carol Burnett Show; 17. Today Show; 18. Cheers; 19. thirtysomething; 20. St. Elsewhere; 21. Friends; 22. ER; 23. Nightline; 24. Law & Order; 25. M*A*S*H; 26. The Twilight Zone; 27. Sesame Street; 28. The Cosby Show; 29. Donahue; 30. Your Show of Shows; 31. The Defenders; 32. American Family; 33. Playhouse 90; 34. Frasier; 35. Roseanne; 36. The Fugitive; 37. The X-Files; 38. The Larry Sanders Show; 39. The Rockford Files; 40. Gunsmoke; 41. Buffy the Vampire Slayer; 42. Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In; 43. Bonanza; 44. The Bob Newhart Show; 45. Twin Peaks; 46. Star Trek: The Next Generation; 47. Rocky and His Friends; 48. Taxi; 49. The Oprah Winfrey Show; 50. Bewitched.
Say whatever you want about the TV Guide list; I was thoroughly entertained. And it got me thinking about a similar list of my own.
Only in my case, I’m not sure I can cover 50 years – I’m not as old as the nation’s favorite TV periodical. I’m 37. So, what if we go with my "Top 37 Shows of All Time?"
Beyond that, my criteria is similar to TV Guide’s – quality, innovation, blah, blah, blah. But I have two more rules: One, I actually have to have watched the series in question. In other words, I wasn’t old enough to see "Playhouse 90," so it won’t make my list.
And second is a more personal caveat: These are shows I sometimes simply enjoyed – critics, ratings or popular taste be damned.
That said, here are my Top 37:
1. "M*A*S*H," CBS. Though its last couple of years, in the post-Radar era, got on my nerves, I’d argue that the CBS war comedy was consistently one of the most well-written, innovative shows on television. Watching the first year on DVD, in addition to a couple of recent retrospective specials, proves the point: "M*A*S*H" was never rat-a-tat joke humor, but always (relatively) sophisticated, character-driven storytelling.
2. "The Tonight Show" starring Johnny Carson, NBC. No other TV personality was as influential, no other program was as evolutionary and oft imitated than Carson’s 30-year wonder, which spanned generations and continues to inform late-night television to this day. In addition, the cool Carson was (and is) truly the king. The memory of seeing his show taped live in 1987 remains one of the great thrills of my life.
3. "Seinfeld," NBC. It’s popular for us all to be on the "Seinfeld" bandwagon these days – and the late, lamented NBC sitcom is certainly among TV’s best. But I was there from the beginning – when NBC placed a four-episode order of a little show called "The Seinfeld Chronicles" long before anyone was paying attention. It truly had great promise. Seinfeld’s humor held up then, and holds up now.
4. "L.A. Law," NBC. Steven Bochco and David E. Kelley teamed up for this groundbreaking legal drama, the first show in television history I regularly taped for later watching on the VCR. Its first five years were mind-blowing TV – and the inspiration for a host of legal dramas to come, including "The Practice" and even "Ally McBeal." Plus, Harry Hamlin’s original character of Michael Kuzak was one of the great crusading TV lawyers of all time.
5. "thirtysomething," ABC. Though underappreciated at the time, this ABC relationship drama – a seminal program of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s – continues to have its place among my personal TV best. Its stories on the marital woes of lead characters Elliott and Nancy always rang true, and Ken Olin’s beleaguered Michael was a sort of articulate, neurotic Everyman.
6. "Today Show," NBC. Since I’ve been part of America’s 8-to-5 working world, no other show has played a more vital role in my day-to-day life. In 2002, I literally wake up every morning to Matt and Katie and what’s happening "today."
7. "Late Show with David Letterman," NBC/CBS. Its look and title have changed over the years – dating back to Letterman’s first network entry, a morning show on NBC that I forced my late grandmother to sit through with me each day one summer. But there has always been one constant: The off-the-wall irreverence of the host, a true television icon and perhaps the most influential performer of the past 25 years in terms of my own sense of humor and sensibility.
8. "Star Trek: The Next Generation," syndicated. You’ll find the original "Star Trek" further down on this list, so we’ll get to that in a moment. But "TNG" brought the concept to whole new levels throughout the ‘90s – coupling its original science fiction premise with purely human, ensemble acting and metaphorical storytelling, on par with any great ensemble drama of the past 20 years.
9. "Friends," NBC. Everyone knows I love this show. Everyone knows I want to be Jennifer Aniston’s luuuuuver (what’s Brad Pitt got that I don’t got, besides hair, stardom and loads of money)? But here’s one you haven’t considered before: "Friends" may truly be among the most innovative comedies in television history, as it has demonstrated by the continuing story arcs (more akin to drama than comedy) established for each of its core characters. People may quibble, but "Friends" is true to itself, first and foremost.
10. "The Larry Sanders Show," HBO. Garry Shandling’s cable comedy about the behind-the-scenes activity of a late-night talk show (not unlike the "Tonight Show") is one of the great underrated television comedies of the ‘90s, superbly well written and well directed with a sophisticated comedic flair and break-the-wall storytelling sense.
11. "ER," NBC. It’s been hit-and-miss in recent years, but NBC’s Thursday-night mainstay was memorably intense, especially in its early seasons. Its pilot and a first-season episode, "Love’s Labor Lost," are among the best editions of any show, ever. And, even I have to admit: When Anthony Edwards’ Dr. Mark Greene died a couple of weeks ago, I wept like a baby.
12. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," WB/UPN. Difficult not to rank this higher, especially after its sixth season has proven to be as darkly moving, overall, as any in the series’ history. Creator Joss Whedon’s mythical saga is one of TV’s most well-written and articulately conceived dramas, centered as it is around one of the most underrated actresses working today, the sexy Sarah Michelle Gellar.
13. "Cheers," NBC. I was hit-and-miss in the early days of NBC’s benchmark comedy, still so identified with its "Must See TV" brand. But once I settled into its rhythm (and avoided episodes which focused too much on Carla or Cliff), I came to appreciate the characterizations and sophisticated storytelling of this influential workplace sitcom.
14. "NYPD Blue," ABC. It’s made a surprising comeback in the past year, just when I was convinced it had drawn its last breath or two. And "Blue’s" early years – with Jimmy Smits – were consistently among TV’s best. But I’m still most partial to a breakthrough, how-brilliant-was-that? first season, led by the mercurial David Caruso as the much-missed Det. John Kelly.
15. "Saturday Night Live," NBC. Where does "SNL" fit in on your list? After 25 years, there have been so many different stars, eras and characters, it’s difficult to quantify. Consider: Chevy Chase. John Belushi. Gilda Radner. Bill Murray. Eddie Murphy. Billy Crystal. Chris Guest. Phil Hartman. Mike Myers. Dana Carvey. Kevin Nealon. Jan Hooks. Dennis Miller. Adam Sandler. David Spade. Jon Lovitz. Will Ferrell. Tina Fey. Jimmy Fallon. Where does one begin and another end? Don’t you have memories from every generation?
16. "The Rockford Files," NBC. Mike Post’s jangling theme music was only one reason I loved this show. On top of that was a funny, cliché-busting storytelling sense and the undeniable charm of star James Garner, who made Jim Rockford the most appealing detective in TV history.
17. "SportsCenter" with Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann, ESPN. It’s become a bit passe now – the clever banter behind the sports highlights. And the (now separated) Patrick and Olbermann inspired too many lame sports anchors across the country, many of whom could barely read a score, much less deliver a joke. But when the two were at their peak in the mid-‘90s, "SportsCenter" was must-see sports TV, anchored by the glib, witty pair, so perfectly matched in terms of tone, knowledge and temperament.
18. "Behind the Music," VH-1. Inspired by A&E’s "Biography," "BTM" is addictive television of the 2000s for those of us who grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s. What’s Journey doing now? REO Speedwagon? Foreigner? How come it’s so damn addictive? How come I can’t watch just one?
19. "Star Trek," (the original series), NBC. I’m one of the thousands of children who discovered this drama after school, in the mid-70s, years after it had been taken for granted and eventually canceled by a shortsighted NBC. While I caught up late, I made up the difference by becoming a fanatic – devouring books about "Star Trek," reading letters and articles about "Star Trek," even starting my own science fiction newsletter, "Star Entries." I created a TV show called "Star Odyssey." And I’d write fiction and non-fiction stories all inspired, to a degree, by the original "Star Trek." The episodes look a bit cheesy now – and the series it spawned were far superior, in terms of storytelling and special effects. But I know this: "Star Trek" is the reason I write, to this day. It is the reason I got into the business I continue to pursue. Arguably, it set me on a lifetime course of writing, communications and media.
20. "The X-Files," Fox. Another drama I discovered late – but have made up for by purchasing a number of previous seasons on tape and DVD. At its peak – years 3, 4 and 5, in my opinion – "The X-Files" was unlike anything ever seen on TV, owing though it did to old episodes of "The Twilight Zone." Still, while much was always made of alien conspiracies, the show’s "The Truth Is Out There" mantra and mythology storyline, the true heart of "The X-Files" was the beating chemistry of Agents Mulder and Scully, played with such conviction by David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson.
21. "Spenser: For Hire," ABC. This detective series, based on the hit line of mystery novels by Robert Parker, never quite lived up to its pedigree – especially in later seasons when producers started tinkering a bit too much with a winning formula. Nevertheless, like Rockford, Spenser (played by the late Robert Urich) was an everyman private eye – believable, intelligent, human and sardonic.
22. "Beverly Hills, 90210," Fox. People might laugh, but in its first four years, "90210" was as well written as any teen drama in TV history. It inspired a host of imitators, including "Dawson’s Creek" and "Felicity" (some have said the whole WB network was inspired by "90210"). In later years, once stars like Shannen Doherty and Luke Perry left, the show dissolved into a pot of soap, but in its early seasons, "90210" was truly influential, semi-groundbreaking television.
23. "Frasier," NBC. When it’s on its game, "Frasier" is TV’s most consistent comedy – featuring urbane, sophisticated, character-driven storylines often built on farce and circumstance and one of the strongest ensemble casts in TV sitcom history. While many viewers center on the fussy habits of Frasier and his brother Niles, "Frasier" can also deviate from talky plotlines and surge into laugh-out-loud physical comedy rarely seen done with such aplomb.
24. "Bonanza," NBC. Another after-school pleasure throughout the ‘70s, "Bonanza" endured for more than 14 years on network TV and remains a template for epic family drama, despite its western frame and format. The Cartwrights – Ben, Hoss, Little Joe and Adam (who left too soon) – were an iconic television brood. Plotlines could be a bit predictable – did any Cartwright man just get himself a girlfriend without her dying of a stray gunshot? – but "Bonanza" was TV drama in the grand old ‘60s tradition.
25. "The Practice," ABC. Sure, it’s gotten a bit off track in the past year or two (what David E. Kelley drama doesn’t)? Sure, it can be – at times – over-the-top and hyper-dramatic. But when it’s on its stride, which is often, "The Practice’s" firm of underdog attorneys, fighting on the side of right, is a compelling, provocative mix of legal ethics and tangled, twisting morals.
26. "The Simpsons," Fox. The fact that many regard it as "simply a cartoon" often undercuts television’s longest-running animated program. But pop culture buffs and anyone who enjoys rapid-fire sight gags, laugh-out-loud plot points and celebrity lampooning has to love "The Simpsons," a far cry from your father’s "The Flintstones."
27. "Sesame Street," PBS. You know what’s fun these days? Come into an episode of "Sesame Street" while channel surfing. You’ll be amazed at how many of the gags, lines and lessons have double and triple meanings, even after all these years. Many things my teachers taught me have faded from memory, 30 years later. But I can still remember those "Sesame Street" aliens, standing outside the window and making the "burrrrrring" sound along with a ringing phone.
28. "Hogan’s Heroes," CBS. Watching this series now, it’s hard to forgive the fact that it’s set in a German POW camp during World War II – in other words yes, we’re getting big laughs out of Nazis. And, yes, the basic premise of "Hogan’s" was an exercise in suspended disbelief – those wacky Germans never caught on, did they! But the fact is, when I was kid, that theme song would play and then I just wanted to be Hogan. No TV character was so glib, so funny, so smart and so cool.
29. "Hill Street Blues," NBC. Not as slick as the shows that succeeded it Thursday nights at 9 (10 Eastern and Pacific), "Hill Street" was still instrumental in the evolution of police show, network storytelling and characterizations and ensemble drama. Created by Steven Bochco, who’d go on to do so much great work, "Hill Street" was a slightly absurd but nevertheless soulful look at the inner workings of a major metropolitan police precinct. But, as Bochco would later perfect in shows like "L.A. Law" and "NYPD Blue," the police work became secondary to the characters’ foibles, habits and relationships – the true soul of "Blues."
30. "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," CBS. Mary, Mary, Mary. That cat’s meow and the cap in the air were trademarks of the closing and opening credits, respectively, of this sitcom – but "Mary" may be most memorable for its success as one of television’s first workplace comedies, proof that you can build a sitcom "family" around people who are friends and colleagues. Its genuine laughs aside, that lineage inspired many half-hour comedies to follow, from "Cheers" to "Friends."
31. "Starsky & Hutch," ABC. That red Torino with the white racing stripe came squealing through the alley and TV’s toughest undercover cops were on the case. From their hip clothes (including Starsky’s blue racing sneakers, which inspired everyone in my sixth grade class) to their big guns and tough attitudes, Starsky and Hutch were the quintessential TV detectives of the mid-to-late ‘70s, before the "Hill Street Blues" gang took all the fun out of busting the bad guys. When I was a kid, I wanted that damn Torino. Hell, I still do.
32. "Batman," ABC. I laugh now at the campy stories, over-the-top acting, cheesy props and cliffhanger endings. But all that shows is that this is another series that worked on so many different levels. Because when I was a kid, I used to watch it and jump around during the fights (towel tied around my neck), punching my sister and scaring my dog. I had about 11 toy Batmobiles. And I wanted to be Batman. Hell, I still do.
33. "Late Night" with Conan O’Brien, NBC. I was quite a pessimist when O’Brien took over David Letterman’s desk once Dave made the jump to CBS in the early ‘90s. And Conan was all-but-unwatchable in the early going. But he developed a sense of humor, confidence and pacing that were all his own. And these days, Conan’s little show is a late night gem, as funny and innovative as anything that’s been in the time period, ever.
34. "Felicity," WB. I know – a bit of a surprise. But four years of collegiate drama – and storylines that could be alternately inspiring and infuriating – demonstrated the program’s mettle; an appealing cast, led by star Keri Russell, made this another teen drama that will stand the test of time.
35. "Happy Days," ABC. Yes, it got dumb. Yes, somehow Fonzie (played by Henry Winkler) gradually became a super-human being, with powers beyond all human capacity. Yes, Ron Howard left. Yes, the last year or three were all but unwatchable. But at its peak, in 1975, ’76 or so, no show was hotter or more fun to watch. "Ayyyyyy," was a catchphrase, like "Sit On It!" and "Whoa." Yes, I wanted to be the Fonz. Hell, I still do.
36. "The Odd Couple," ABC. A precursor to every great, well-directed, well-acted sitcom since, the television version of "The Odd Couple" was pure genius, if only because of the well-written scripts, terrifically balanced characters and the one-on-one "did you see that?" charisma of stars Tony Randall and Jack Klugman.
37. "Alias," ABC. It’s only been around a single season, stands up against none of my other criteria and could be outclassed by any number of other TV shows from the history books. Still, that Sydney Bristow (played by Jennifer Garner) is one hot superbabe spy. And that’s enough for me.
Hey, it’s my list – remember?
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Sorry it’s been so long – thanks for being patient. And yes, that’s it for this time. Tune in again soon for another exciting edition of the one and only, award-winning "Pop Stew!"
By JOHN YOUNGREN
So, did you see it?
In honor of its 50th anniversary celebration this year, TV Guide put together a list of its "50 Greatest Shows of All Time." The list, which was released earlier this month, is based on the following criteria, according to TV Guide editors: "[These are] the best of the best, from Day 1 to last night: Quality, innovation and the ability to stay in our lives year after year after year. These are the series we watched regularly – and will watch again. And again."
If you saw the issue, you saw the list – which has since been further promoted, on the Internet, on a separate TV Guide television special and by various other magazines in this spring of overwhelming TV nostalgia. All of which is OK. For, as regular "Pop Stew" readers know, I’m a big fan of lists myself – I think they’re fun, and always sure to spur debate.
Which is why (no surprise), I have a little list of my own coming up.
But first, TV Guide’s list – to whet your appetite:
1. Seinfeld; 2. I Love Lucy; 3. The Honeymooners; 4. All in the Family; 5. The Sopranos; 6. 60 Minutes; 7. The Late Show with David Letterman; 8. The Simpsons; 9. The Andy Griffith Show; 10. Saturday Night Live; 11. The Mary Tyler Moore Show; 12. The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson; 13. The Dick Van Dyke Show; 14. Hill Street Blues; 15. The Ed Sullivan Show; 16. The Carol Burnett Show; 17. Today Show; 18. Cheers; 19. thirtysomething; 20. St. Elsewhere; 21. Friends; 22. ER; 23. Nightline; 24. Law & Order; 25. M*A*S*H; 26. The Twilight Zone; 27. Sesame Street; 28. The Cosby Show; 29. Donahue; 30. Your Show of Shows; 31. The Defenders; 32. American Family; 33. Playhouse 90; 34. Frasier; 35. Roseanne; 36. The Fugitive; 37. The X-Files; 38. The Larry Sanders Show; 39. The Rockford Files; 40. Gunsmoke; 41. Buffy the Vampire Slayer; 42. Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In; 43. Bonanza; 44. The Bob Newhart Show; 45. Twin Peaks; 46. Star Trek: The Next Generation; 47. Rocky and His Friends; 48. Taxi; 49. The Oprah Winfrey Show; 50. Bewitched.
Say whatever you want about the TV Guide list; I was thoroughly entertained. And it got me thinking about a similar list of my own.
Only in my case, I’m not sure I can cover 50 years – I’m not as old as the nation’s favorite TV periodical. I’m 37. So, what if we go with my "Top 37 Shows of All Time?"
Beyond that, my criteria is similar to TV Guide’s – quality, innovation, blah, blah, blah. But I have two more rules: One, I actually have to have watched the series in question. In other words, I wasn’t old enough to see "Playhouse 90," so it won’t make my list.
And second is a more personal caveat: These are shows I sometimes simply enjoyed – critics, ratings or popular taste be damned.
That said, here are my Top 37:
1. "M*A*S*H," CBS. Though its last couple of years, in the post-Radar era, got on my nerves, I’d argue that the CBS war comedy was consistently one of the most well-written, innovative shows on television. Watching the first year on DVD, in addition to a couple of recent retrospective specials, proves the point: "M*A*S*H" was never rat-a-tat joke humor, but always (relatively) sophisticated, character-driven storytelling.
2. "The Tonight Show" starring Johnny Carson, NBC. No other TV personality was as influential, no other program was as evolutionary and oft imitated than Carson’s 30-year wonder, which spanned generations and continues to inform late-night television to this day. In addition, the cool Carson was (and is) truly the king. The memory of seeing his show taped live in 1987 remains one of the great thrills of my life.
3. "Seinfeld," NBC. It’s popular for us all to be on the "Seinfeld" bandwagon these days – and the late, lamented NBC sitcom is certainly among TV’s best. But I was there from the beginning – when NBC placed a four-episode order of a little show called "The Seinfeld Chronicles" long before anyone was paying attention. It truly had great promise. Seinfeld’s humor held up then, and holds up now.
4. "L.A. Law," NBC. Steven Bochco and David E. Kelley teamed up for this groundbreaking legal drama, the first show in television history I regularly taped for later watching on the VCR. Its first five years were mind-blowing TV – and the inspiration for a host of legal dramas to come, including "The Practice" and even "Ally McBeal." Plus, Harry Hamlin’s original character of Michael Kuzak was one of the great crusading TV lawyers of all time.
5. "thirtysomething," ABC. Though underappreciated at the time, this ABC relationship drama – a seminal program of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s – continues to have its place among my personal TV best. Its stories on the marital woes of lead characters Elliott and Nancy always rang true, and Ken Olin’s beleaguered Michael was a sort of articulate, neurotic Everyman.
6. "Today Show," NBC. Since I’ve been part of America’s 8-to-5 working world, no other show has played a more vital role in my day-to-day life. In 2002, I literally wake up every morning to Matt and Katie and what’s happening "today."
7. "Late Show with David Letterman," NBC/CBS. Its look and title have changed over the years – dating back to Letterman’s first network entry, a morning show on NBC that I forced my late grandmother to sit through with me each day one summer. But there has always been one constant: The off-the-wall irreverence of the host, a true television icon and perhaps the most influential performer of the past 25 years in terms of my own sense of humor and sensibility.
8. "Star Trek: The Next Generation," syndicated. You’ll find the original "Star Trek" further down on this list, so we’ll get to that in a moment. But "TNG" brought the concept to whole new levels throughout the ‘90s – coupling its original science fiction premise with purely human, ensemble acting and metaphorical storytelling, on par with any great ensemble drama of the past 20 years.
9. "Friends," NBC. Everyone knows I love this show. Everyone knows I want to be Jennifer Aniston’s luuuuuver (what’s Brad Pitt got that I don’t got, besides hair, stardom and loads of money)? But here’s one you haven’t considered before: "Friends" may truly be among the most innovative comedies in television history, as it has demonstrated by the continuing story arcs (more akin to drama than comedy) established for each of its core characters. People may quibble, but "Friends" is true to itself, first and foremost.
10. "The Larry Sanders Show," HBO. Garry Shandling’s cable comedy about the behind-the-scenes activity of a late-night talk show (not unlike the "Tonight Show") is one of the great underrated television comedies of the ‘90s, superbly well written and well directed with a sophisticated comedic flair and break-the-wall storytelling sense.
11. "ER," NBC. It’s been hit-and-miss in recent years, but NBC’s Thursday-night mainstay was memorably intense, especially in its early seasons. Its pilot and a first-season episode, "Love’s Labor Lost," are among the best editions of any show, ever. And, even I have to admit: When Anthony Edwards’ Dr. Mark Greene died a couple of weeks ago, I wept like a baby.
12. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," WB/UPN. Difficult not to rank this higher, especially after its sixth season has proven to be as darkly moving, overall, as any in the series’ history. Creator Joss Whedon’s mythical saga is one of TV’s most well-written and articulately conceived dramas, centered as it is around one of the most underrated actresses working today, the sexy Sarah Michelle Gellar.
13. "Cheers," NBC. I was hit-and-miss in the early days of NBC’s benchmark comedy, still so identified with its "Must See TV" brand. But once I settled into its rhythm (and avoided episodes which focused too much on Carla or Cliff), I came to appreciate the characterizations and sophisticated storytelling of this influential workplace sitcom.
14. "NYPD Blue," ABC. It’s made a surprising comeback in the past year, just when I was convinced it had drawn its last breath or two. And "Blue’s" early years – with Jimmy Smits – were consistently among TV’s best. But I’m still most partial to a breakthrough, how-brilliant-was-that? first season, led by the mercurial David Caruso as the much-missed Det. John Kelly.
15. "Saturday Night Live," NBC. Where does "SNL" fit in on your list? After 25 years, there have been so many different stars, eras and characters, it’s difficult to quantify. Consider: Chevy Chase. John Belushi. Gilda Radner. Bill Murray. Eddie Murphy. Billy Crystal. Chris Guest. Phil Hartman. Mike Myers. Dana Carvey. Kevin Nealon. Jan Hooks. Dennis Miller. Adam Sandler. David Spade. Jon Lovitz. Will Ferrell. Tina Fey. Jimmy Fallon. Where does one begin and another end? Don’t you have memories from every generation?
16. "The Rockford Files," NBC. Mike Post’s jangling theme music was only one reason I loved this show. On top of that was a funny, cliché-busting storytelling sense and the undeniable charm of star James Garner, who made Jim Rockford the most appealing detective in TV history.
17. "SportsCenter" with Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann, ESPN. It’s become a bit passe now – the clever banter behind the sports highlights. And the (now separated) Patrick and Olbermann inspired too many lame sports anchors across the country, many of whom could barely read a score, much less deliver a joke. But when the two were at their peak in the mid-‘90s, "SportsCenter" was must-see sports TV, anchored by the glib, witty pair, so perfectly matched in terms of tone, knowledge and temperament.
18. "Behind the Music," VH-1. Inspired by A&E’s "Biography," "BTM" is addictive television of the 2000s for those of us who grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s. What’s Journey doing now? REO Speedwagon? Foreigner? How come it’s so damn addictive? How come I can’t watch just one?
19. "Star Trek," (the original series), NBC. I’m one of the thousands of children who discovered this drama after school, in the mid-70s, years after it had been taken for granted and eventually canceled by a shortsighted NBC. While I caught up late, I made up the difference by becoming a fanatic – devouring books about "Star Trek," reading letters and articles about "Star Trek," even starting my own science fiction newsletter, "Star Entries." I created a TV show called "Star Odyssey." And I’d write fiction and non-fiction stories all inspired, to a degree, by the original "Star Trek." The episodes look a bit cheesy now – and the series it spawned were far superior, in terms of storytelling and special effects. But I know this: "Star Trek" is the reason I write, to this day. It is the reason I got into the business I continue to pursue. Arguably, it set me on a lifetime course of writing, communications and media.
20. "The X-Files," Fox. Another drama I discovered late – but have made up for by purchasing a number of previous seasons on tape and DVD. At its peak – years 3, 4 and 5, in my opinion – "The X-Files" was unlike anything ever seen on TV, owing though it did to old episodes of "The Twilight Zone." Still, while much was always made of alien conspiracies, the show’s "The Truth Is Out There" mantra and mythology storyline, the true heart of "The X-Files" was the beating chemistry of Agents Mulder and Scully, played with such conviction by David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson.
21. "Spenser: For Hire," ABC. This detective series, based on the hit line of mystery novels by Robert Parker, never quite lived up to its pedigree – especially in later seasons when producers started tinkering a bit too much with a winning formula. Nevertheless, like Rockford, Spenser (played by the late Robert Urich) was an everyman private eye – believable, intelligent, human and sardonic.
22. "Beverly Hills, 90210," Fox. People might laugh, but in its first four years, "90210" was as well written as any teen drama in TV history. It inspired a host of imitators, including "Dawson’s Creek" and "Felicity" (some have said the whole WB network was inspired by "90210"). In later years, once stars like Shannen Doherty and Luke Perry left, the show dissolved into a pot of soap, but in its early seasons, "90210" was truly influential, semi-groundbreaking television.
23. "Frasier," NBC. When it’s on its game, "Frasier" is TV’s most consistent comedy – featuring urbane, sophisticated, character-driven storylines often built on farce and circumstance and one of the strongest ensemble casts in TV sitcom history. While many viewers center on the fussy habits of Frasier and his brother Niles, "Frasier" can also deviate from talky plotlines and surge into laugh-out-loud physical comedy rarely seen done with such aplomb.
24. "Bonanza," NBC. Another after-school pleasure throughout the ‘70s, "Bonanza" endured for more than 14 years on network TV and remains a template for epic family drama, despite its western frame and format. The Cartwrights – Ben, Hoss, Little Joe and Adam (who left too soon) – were an iconic television brood. Plotlines could be a bit predictable – did any Cartwright man just get himself a girlfriend without her dying of a stray gunshot? – but "Bonanza" was TV drama in the grand old ‘60s tradition.
25. "The Practice," ABC. Sure, it’s gotten a bit off track in the past year or two (what David E. Kelley drama doesn’t)? Sure, it can be – at times – over-the-top and hyper-dramatic. But when it’s on its stride, which is often, "The Practice’s" firm of underdog attorneys, fighting on the side of right, is a compelling, provocative mix of legal ethics and tangled, twisting morals.
26. "The Simpsons," Fox. The fact that many regard it as "simply a cartoon" often undercuts television’s longest-running animated program. But pop culture buffs and anyone who enjoys rapid-fire sight gags, laugh-out-loud plot points and celebrity lampooning has to love "The Simpsons," a far cry from your father’s "The Flintstones."
27. "Sesame Street," PBS. You know what’s fun these days? Come into an episode of "Sesame Street" while channel surfing. You’ll be amazed at how many of the gags, lines and lessons have double and triple meanings, even after all these years. Many things my teachers taught me have faded from memory, 30 years later. But I can still remember those "Sesame Street" aliens, standing outside the window and making the "burrrrrring" sound along with a ringing phone.
28. "Hogan’s Heroes," CBS. Watching this series now, it’s hard to forgive the fact that it’s set in a German POW camp during World War II – in other words yes, we’re getting big laughs out of Nazis. And, yes, the basic premise of "Hogan’s" was an exercise in suspended disbelief – those wacky Germans never caught on, did they! But the fact is, when I was kid, that theme song would play and then I just wanted to be Hogan. No TV character was so glib, so funny, so smart and so cool.
29. "Hill Street Blues," NBC. Not as slick as the shows that succeeded it Thursday nights at 9 (10 Eastern and Pacific), "Hill Street" was still instrumental in the evolution of police show, network storytelling and characterizations and ensemble drama. Created by Steven Bochco, who’d go on to do so much great work, "Hill Street" was a slightly absurd but nevertheless soulful look at the inner workings of a major metropolitan police precinct. But, as Bochco would later perfect in shows like "L.A. Law" and "NYPD Blue," the police work became secondary to the characters’ foibles, habits and relationships – the true soul of "Blues."
30. "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," CBS. Mary, Mary, Mary. That cat’s meow and the cap in the air were trademarks of the closing and opening credits, respectively, of this sitcom – but "Mary" may be most memorable for its success as one of television’s first workplace comedies, proof that you can build a sitcom "family" around people who are friends and colleagues. Its genuine laughs aside, that lineage inspired many half-hour comedies to follow, from "Cheers" to "Friends."
31. "Starsky & Hutch," ABC. That red Torino with the white racing stripe came squealing through the alley and TV’s toughest undercover cops were on the case. From their hip clothes (including Starsky’s blue racing sneakers, which inspired everyone in my sixth grade class) to their big guns and tough attitudes, Starsky and Hutch were the quintessential TV detectives of the mid-to-late ‘70s, before the "Hill Street Blues" gang took all the fun out of busting the bad guys. When I was a kid, I wanted that damn Torino. Hell, I still do.
32. "Batman," ABC. I laugh now at the campy stories, over-the-top acting, cheesy props and cliffhanger endings. But all that shows is that this is another series that worked on so many different levels. Because when I was a kid, I used to watch it and jump around during the fights (towel tied around my neck), punching my sister and scaring my dog. I had about 11 toy Batmobiles. And I wanted to be Batman. Hell, I still do.
33. "Late Night" with Conan O’Brien, NBC. I was quite a pessimist when O’Brien took over David Letterman’s desk once Dave made the jump to CBS in the early ‘90s. And Conan was all-but-unwatchable in the early going. But he developed a sense of humor, confidence and pacing that were all his own. And these days, Conan’s little show is a late night gem, as funny and innovative as anything that’s been in the time period, ever.
34. "Felicity," WB. I know – a bit of a surprise. But four years of collegiate drama – and storylines that could be alternately inspiring and infuriating – demonstrated the program’s mettle; an appealing cast, led by star Keri Russell, made this another teen drama that will stand the test of time.
35. "Happy Days," ABC. Yes, it got dumb. Yes, somehow Fonzie (played by Henry Winkler) gradually became a super-human being, with powers beyond all human capacity. Yes, Ron Howard left. Yes, the last year or three were all but unwatchable. But at its peak, in 1975, ’76 or so, no show was hotter or more fun to watch. "Ayyyyyy," was a catchphrase, like "Sit On It!" and "Whoa." Yes, I wanted to be the Fonz. Hell, I still do.
36. "The Odd Couple," ABC. A precursor to every great, well-directed, well-acted sitcom since, the television version of "The Odd Couple" was pure genius, if only because of the well-written scripts, terrifically balanced characters and the one-on-one "did you see that?" charisma of stars Tony Randall and Jack Klugman.
37. "Alias," ABC. It’s only been around a single season, stands up against none of my other criteria and could be outclassed by any number of other TV shows from the history books. Still, that Sydney Bristow (played by Jennifer Garner) is one hot superbabe spy. And that’s enough for me.
Hey, it’s my list – remember?
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Sorry it’s been so long – thanks for being patient. And yes, that’s it for this time. Tune in again soon for another exciting edition of the one and only, award-winning "Pop Stew!"
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