1. Glee – Both critics and fans have been singing the praises of Glee. Producer and writer Ryan Murphy shows us he has a deep connection and understanding with teens in the underrated and glorious Popular (1999). Murphy turned to darker fare with Nip/Tuck. His return to the teen genre is a total triumph. This new hit traces the lives of the struggles of the students in the high-school Glee club. It’s a show, set to music. Kudos go to an all-star cast! However, fan favorite Sue Sylvester (a character that you don’t know whether to love or hate) will hopefully reach her champion expectations when portrayer Jane Lynch wins a Golden Globe. Glee is nominated for four Golden Globes.
2. Modern Family – The times they are a changin’. The days of your typical husband, wife 2.5 children families are, for the most part, extinct. Now there are parents, stepparents, siblings, step siblings and same-sex partners, many with children. Although this may sound like a recipe for disaster, Modern Family manages to combine all of the ingredients and make a comedic success. Ed O’Neil plays against his Al Bundy character and is the glue that helps hold his “modern-day” extended family together. Modern family is nominated for the best television or musical comedy Golden Globe.
3. Vampire Diaries – Oh, Kevin Williamson, we’ve missed you! Joey and Dawson ruled the Creek for years and years. Your angsty team drama formula still holds true. Who cares that the hero is a vampire or the heroine’s best friend is a witch. You’ve simply modernized the themes of love, independence and longing for a Twilight/Harry Potter audience. Viewers be warned; good and evil is subjective and who you root for can change from episode to episode. Grab the popcorn, put on a turtleneck and enjoy the show!
4. Community – Very few shows would take the risk of having the lead character be ashamed of returning to college to complete a college degree. However, when your antihero is played by Joel McHale and he is supported by a band of misfits, including Chevy Chase and Danny Pudi, you know the show is going to at least make you giggle. Make way for hysterical laughter. Our lead is an attorney whose lie on his resume ensures that he is primed to get “schooled.”
5. Bored to Death – Jonathan Ames, you have created a monster … a massive intellectual comedy. The lead character, also named Jonathan Ames, (Jason Schwartzman Rushmore) is a writer who is struggling to complete his second novel. He freelances for a wealthy magazine owner (Ted Danson) and finds support and solace from his best friend Zach Galifianikis (The Hangover). Ames has always been a detective novel fiend, so he decides to post an ad on Craig’s List for an unlicensed private detective. The wry comedy in each episode is an adventure for the viewer. If you have lost faith in comedies, Ames can help you find your funny bone again.
