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Some people say that we are living in a “Golden Age of Television.” I am one of those people. It’s so good, you guys! Sure, there are some shows that have come and gone and that will be missed, like Arrested Development, The Wire, The Sopranos, and Party Down. But there are plenty of great shows still on the air RIGHT NOW! Wow! What a world. “But what about all the crap that is on the television, like Something Something Kardashians, and Sarah Palin’s Vagina Dentata?” What about it? There has always been terrible television on television. FACT. But there has never been this much great television on television. On that note, here are the 10 best TV shows of 2010 (FULL DISCLOSURE: I kind of forgot that Party Down’s second season aired this year until I started writing this introduction, and it might have made it on the list instead of one of the other shows, but I’m not saying which one and I’m too lazy to change things now. Consider it the MOST HONORABLE of MENTIONS.) Oh wait, let me check, is it still the holidays and are we all still flush with the spirit of generosity and enthusiasm and getting presents? Yup. So guess what: another day, ANOTHER $50 Amazon Gift Card. You know how this works, I think, but if you don’t know how it works, let me tell you how it works: share this list with the 5,000,000,000,000 friends and a few enemies you have made on Facebook, and you will be eligible to win. “Sounds less like the spirit of the holidays and more like an attempt to get more traffic to the site.” Oh hush, Dr. Scrooge. (And as if there is ever any other reason, even without the carrot of a cash prize, to post a list? What, you think blogs really want you to be more informed about kittens wearing casts?) Good luck. GREAT TELEVISION.
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Let the outrage over what has been left out begin!
Where is Raising Hope??
Maybe next time top 20. There is seriously a lot of good TV going on.
Burt is such a good character, awesome character good job
Cutest baby on TV? Cutest baby on TV.
tied with
I seriously love Burt.
“Please don’t kiss me on the lips again.”
“Well, stop saying things that make me want to!”
I liked to put on my outrage hat for Parks and Rec. Who doesn’t love Ron Swanson? Puppies love Ron!
If this were a BEST TV CHARACTERS of 2010 List, Ron Swanson would be spots 1-9. Spot 10 would be Peggy Olsen.
You misspelled “Frank Lapidus”
1. Ron Swanson
2. Frank Lapidus
3. Troy Barnes
4. Ron Swanson
5. Burt Chance
6. Ron Swanson
7. Ron Swanson
8. Ron Swanson
9. Abed Nadir
10. Ron Swanson
my mom said the exact same thing to me when i posted my top shows on my blog.
yes, my mom reads my blog and i find that TBS very funny.
LAPIDUS !!!
00. Roger Sterling
Umm, Walking Dead just for ugly-ass Carl and that weird thing he calls a face?
Mean.
thought it was quotation mark “Carl” unquotation mark
ENHANCE!!!!!!!
The first episode was brilliant. Subsequent episodes, not so much.
Gabe, you already shared this list with everyone I would have told about it (#nofriendo). So can we split this gift card, or what?
For me, this year was all about Adventure Time. I really, really love that show.
I feel like that show belongs on Adult Swim at 3 AM. What a weird, trippy show. I love it.
Me too ! Oh and when Kate Beaton’s fat pony starred in that one episode, I almost fainted.
Seriously, if that’s not a Golden Age Cartoon then I DON’T KNOW WHAT IS.
And Flapjack! Flapjack is really good, too.
speaking of shows that will be missed, there is a veronica mars tweetathon today in hopes for the wb to make a movie. just use #veronicamarsmovie in your tweets
also you can beg the wb to make this happen by sending the tweet to @wbpictures or emailing them at VeronicaMarsMovie@warnerbros.com
there is also a facebook group called “i would go see veronica mars the movie”
sorry if this came off like an ad to buy the best new purse or to meet a cougar, but damn i miss that show – best tv show of EVER.
What about Two and a Half Men.
Psyche
I half agree. The Psyche half.
Gabe, do you mean season 4 of Friday Night Lights or season 5 of Friday Night Lights or season It Doesn’t Matter Because That Show Is So Great And I Am Going To Miss It So Much.
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This may have already been covered in every other comment thread ever, but you have no soul Steve Winwood.
I watched part of season 1 as well, and I couldn’t get into it. I love all these other shows… but couldn’t care about the characters in FNL. Should I just try with season 2?
Some of season 2′s plots go in a pretty weird direction. If season 1 didn’t work for you, season 2 might not work even harder.
I agree with Bookface. Season 2 is not their finest moment (although still better than so many other TV shows out there).
OKay, I will try again with season 1. I had to try twice with The Sopranos and The Wire, so it’s not unusual for me to take awhile
all of the seasons of Friday Night Lights are the best season of Friday Night Lights, except for Season 2. Which, on top of some soapy plot points, was cutoff halfway through due to the writer’s guild strike. Awkward!
Was the final Season of Lost the best thing on television this year? Probably not. It was, however, a pretty great end to a really great show that brought me a great deal of pleasure and happiness these past few years.
Plus, I really liked how it ended.
I’m with you, Mans.
I’m with you, Mans and topknot. I was into the ending. The last season tended to meander in places but it was still better than most.
I also liked the ending!
Hooray for Videogum! I haven’t found a single person “in real life” (what’s that?) other than me who liked the ending.
While lost may not have made the list for Best TV Show of 2010, rest assured that Frank Lapidus makes each and every list for Best of 2010.
FUCKING YES HE DOES
Carry on, you chill motherfucker.
That might be the best gif ever.
Hooray! Another reason for me to post my most favorite gif of all time “Hurley throwing a Hot Pocket at Ben:”
Oh no! This one’s the best toooooo!
Hurley has bad aim. I wish it had hit Ben in the face.
Ben doesn’t even flinch at a thrown Hot Pocket.
Jack’s got your back
You are killing it today, my fellow VG Mean Girl! I can’t stop watching these gifs. You would think they were Ryan Gosling gifs or something!
Happy Christmas
xoxo
John Locke
I LOVED how it ended.
The final season was spotty and i wasn’t blown away by the ending but i’m okay with the way it ended.
the only problems with the final season came when the flash-sideways just seemed pointless at times (the sawyer episode, anything kate), and the absolutely stupid jacob/man in black episode near the end which answered pretty much nothing and just made the world more confusing.
Also Gabe it’s a rule that Modern Family has to be on all these lists or Lily will bite you
Dear Lord, before we eat this meal we ask forgiveness for our sins, especially Boyd- who blew up a black church with a rocket launcher, and afterwards he shot his associate Jared Hale in the back of the head out on Tate’s Creek bridge. Let the image of Jared’s brain matter on that windshield not dampen our appetites, but may the knowledge of Boyd’s past sins help guide these men. May this food provide them with all the nourishment they need. But, if it does not, may they find comfort in knowing that the United States Marshal Service is offering fifty-thousand dollars to any individual providing information that will put Boyd back in prison. Cash or check, we can make it out to them. Or to Jesus. Whoever they want. In your name, we pray. Amen.
Just not sure about Boardwalk Empire trumping Treme. Probably the Louisiana girl in me. Otherwise, an excellent list. Though I would hope Misfits would be included if it aired in the states. (Also, RIP Terriers and Party Down)
yeah, i’ve heard good things about terriers, but missed it when it aired. started watching on i tunes but knowing that it got canceled is pretty disappointing.
It’s still 100 percent worth watching. The season stands alone well. Just sad that there won’t be more.
i have to admit that i wanted to see it because i had heard there were similarities to veronica mars… my post above can tell you that i am a fan of all things vm.
i’ve only seen one episode, but i am interested enough to watch more. good to know that the season stands alone.
Costco, I am also a metaphorical resident of Neptune, California. One of my prized possessions is a My Pretty Pony t shirt…
Terriers is absolutely 100% worth watching, or I pay you $50. Just do it/buy it/illegally download it/watch it.
It’s Donal Logue (ALWAYS excellent) partnered up with the little guy that was married to the red haired waitress in season 1 of True Blood and turned out to be the murderer of the murdered women, oops, spoiler alert. And GREAT and compelling story telling.
Zombies – BITE this show and make it walk around and do stuff again!!!
FYI: 3 1/2 Weeks until Gabe’s next True Blood recap. I’m counting down the days to not watch the show.
Plus another excuse to post True Blood gifs:
I can’t wait for season 2 of Treme.
I’m going to watch Luther and pretend it’s just Zombie Stringer Bell out for revenge.
And this post is dedicated to those we lost this year: Rubicon and Party Down. Here’s to you.
Nope, sorry- Ron Swanson and this gorgeous slab of man is missing:
Parks & Recreation forever! Jan. 20, 2011- never forget
Oh Andy. You’re fine, but you’re simple.
That’s the elegance of Andy and why I love him.
Sweater Swap
I’ll say this: I like Archer, I like The League fine, I also thought Treme was very good, but I’m not going to defend any of these shows or whine that Gabe left them off his list because it’s Gabe’s prerogative to pick what he wants. However…
IT IS AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY THAT YOU DID NOT INCLUDE PARKS AND RECREATION IN THIS LIST. NOTHING ON NETWORK TV CAME CLOSE TO BEING THIS FUNNY.
I dunno bout all of you, but Lone Star??? Sure it was only two episodes, but what a ride!
Also missing: Archer
Thank goodness I refreshed before commenting or I would have been a plagiarist commentator.
That certainly would have been embarassing. Winwood would have had to call Academic Affairs and everything.
or in the …..Danger zone!….I’ll show myself out…
You didn’t include Outsourced in your list. Way to go, racist!
Indian culture is different than mine. Lolz.
I was all set to make a bridalplasty joke, but decided no. No, I have standards.
It know, it was a surprise to me, too!
Are those standards natural, or surgically enhanced?
Something something Mad Men something. Good, now hit me with that Joan Holloway gif.
You didn’t say please!
Please.
I couldn’t find Teacherman’s gif, but I thought this might make up for it:
Good list! I agree with some of it!
I also really enjoy and would include Misfits, Hung, It’s Always Sunny…
Hung disappoints me,Thomas Jane and Jane Adams are great, but I feel like there’s something missing
I’ve since thought about this and agree. It really didn’t go anywhere this season and I vaguely remember not loving it. Hung is off the list.
I’ve also not been impressed with Big Love and Weeds. Shows I used to really like but have since gone way crazy.
I had to stop watching Weeds sometime during the Mexico season. I understand the meaning of “fiction” and can suspend disbelief so far, but things started getting too wackadoodle.
Yeah, Weeds got absolutely ridiculous. As soon as Celia got kidnapped into a guerilla war in Latin America, I was all NOPE THIS GOT DUMB.
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Misfits is an awesome show, thanks for reminding me. Nice and original and really well done, definitely a highlight.
YES, I like the Misfits appreciation beyond the GIFs of Robert Sheehan. It can get silly (particularly this series – the peanut allergy, the gorilla) but it’s a programme about teenagers with superpowers so it can easily get away with the silliness.
I’m also considering submitting something for the Monster Occurences… blog about lorry TV sometime soon.
YES more lorry TV please!!! I get my US recommendations from Videogum so need a source of UK appreciation (since we make NO shows in Australia). And my faves are UK shows- Darkplace, IT crowd, Greenwing, I could go on and on and…..
If Luther counts, then I assume all BBC shows are fair game:
That’s ok, we’ll just hop in the Tardis and get this sorted.
Is that a Werewolf Barmitzvah?
I’m with you.
I love your avatar, problematique!
Thanks!
though i haven’t gotten to the smith episodes yet, you have my axe.
He’s much better than I expected!
i’m just finishing the tennant years (season 4) right now. i did not expect to like donna as much as i do.
I really like Matt Smith as the Doctor (I probably prefer him to Tennant), although I don’t know how much of this is down to my love of Karen Gillan.
Forgetting someone…?
Oof. Best at breaking my heart. Maybe not best on TV though.
Best at making me watch the re-runs on TNT even if I’ve seen it a million times, or it’s an episode I don’t like.
Best on my Netflix Instant queue! (I’m only on season 3, don’t tell me what happens!)
Yay! Another convert.
Forgetting someone’s first role?
You forgot True Blood!!!
Haha, just kidding. Barf.
I like True Blood. I realize it is not VIDEOCOOL to do so, but alas, I do.
You guys, am I the only person on the planet who watches In Treatment? I literally do not know a single other person who watches it. It’s so good! I’m just finishing Season 2 now, but I bet Season 3 (which just wrapped) was just as great as the first two. Seriously, this show is incredible. It has a level of character development you won’t find ANYWHERE else. Kimmy Gibbler seal-of-approval and recommendation.
You are not alone, I also love that show! It is always filling my DVR up. Highly recommended by steak as well.
Very late to the comment thread, but how good is that show! I watched the original Israeli version which was great, too. Season three is amazing, especially the Friday 5:00 appointments.
YES, THIS.
Does Amy Ryan ever blink?
I have only seen the first 5 weeks of of Season 3. I love it so much. Why doesn’t everyone else?
Picking Breaking Bad without having seen it’s latest season?
As it should be.
Breaking Bad is god’s gift to man. as of right now, best show on tv.
I was on the second to last photo and was wondering, WHERE IS LOUIE? It must be next, right? Right.
I did the exact same thing. I’m so happy to see both Louie and Justified on here.
A round of Thunder Muscle and an honorable mention for The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret. Will Arnett stole the show on that one. I remember one episode he told a woman that her bush smelled like Chinatown during a heatwave.
Also, Modern Family #1
IFC is an odd channel, but it was definitely a very funny show.
AMC has started airing Breaking Bad from the beginning. So I’m super late and I’ve only been able to watch the pilot…but WOW! So great!
I’m watching it on Netflix, disk by disk, and the next one just can’t come fast enough. I’m waiting for the last disk of Season 2. I know Bryan Cranston gets a lot of awards and buzz, but what about Aaron Paul? That guy’s awesome x 1,000 (and a quote machine).
Here’s my nomination:
And for good measure, Jon Hamm’s Jon Ham.
http://i53.tinypic.com/1z5i6id.gif
Damn it, Jon Hamm’s Jon Ham!
Dear God, I’d hit that. EAT THAT HAM, HAMM!
Also, this:
Good Lord, this is perfection.
Best show.
The Soup, Daily Show and Colbert Report are essential television programs.
This one wins best TV show in my heart each and every year:
#whedonnerdforlife
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You should watch Deadwood. I haven’t watched Justified yet because it makes me miss Deadwood. Justified needs a little more Al Swearengen. Miss you Deadwood!
Really? I have the total opposite opinion and think he is an amazing actor. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s hot as shit.
Boardwalk Empire really picked up around the time this guy showed up.
I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to use this Mad Men joke since I watched the season finale two weeks late. With your permission, I would like to deliver that joke now.
… “Her?”
hell yes her she is hot
I agree with Winwood. I agree with Winwood? Wow. So much to process right now.
Are you serious!? Not even a mention of Dexter!
i’m glad someone gave friday night lights some love, it’s been having one of its best seasons (and i’m just a little but ashamed to admit that i’ve cried during EVERY episode this season).
I know I say this everytime Gabe mentions it, but LUTHER IS THE WORST. Ham-fisted with both the script and the acting. Seriously read some Rebus novels, or watch some episodes (preferably the John Hannah ones), they are indescribably better than what Luther even set out to be.
Good job not putting The Walking Dead on the list!!! A+++
I know it has a long storied history of dumbness, but Fringe has really been firing on all cylinders since it came back after the midseason hiatus. Every episode of Season 3 has been on point (I would go so far to say that the only show with a better first half season this fall was Community, and only just). I know I will probably be flamed for this, but if you stopped watching during Season 1 when it was terrible and awful you should really check it out now. It’s the golden age of Fringe!
Modern Family is missing.