What's On the Telly?

I feel quite pathetic admitting this, but there is something about the anticipation of the season of television show premiers each fall (even though it has most definitely not felt like autumn this week).  Maybe it has something to do with the back-to-school jitters that corresponded with returning shows and new series on the telly.  I don't do the back-to-school jitters anymore, and I honestly don't even watch a lot of television, but I do still feel a twinge of excitement when I realize it's time for the season premiere of a good show. 

So what are my favourite shows currently on television (because if we're discussing all-time favourites, that might be a bit difficult to determine.  After all, I still have much respect for David the Gnome...)?  Here are my top five, in no particular order:

The Amazing Race.  I know it's considered a reality show, but it's worth watching.  Teams (usually in pairs) race around the world for chance to win a million dollars and lots of other cool prizes.  With my perpetual wanderlust, this show is naturally ones of my faves.  However, it's also really cool to see the transformation some contestants make as they experience other cultures and begin to loose their prejudices.  And of course, it always affords some hilarious moments.  We usually have a group of friends that gather with us on Sunday evenings to watch the show and being with loved ones makes the experience even better.

The IT Crowd.  If you've spoken with me at all in the past month, you must have heard me proclaiming from the hilltops this as my new favourite show.  Really, this is by far the funniest show I have ever seen on television.  The series follows three coworkers in the IT department of Reynolm Industries.  Moss is a slightly socially awkward Brit with a side-parted afro (yes, an afro with a side part), and Roy is his sometimes-over-the-top Irishman coworker.  During the first episode, their boss hires Jen, who knows nothing about computers, to become their new supervisor.  What ensues is pure hilarity.  They just wrapped series four across the pond, and series five will begin next summer.  Rumor is that a sixth series has already been commissioned as well.  Apparently, they are also debuting an American version of the show on IFC...but you know the Americans usually muck up a quality British comedy.

The Office.  This is actually one time where we cousins were able to take a British comedy and get it right.  Nothing offers the classic awkward moments, unexpected moments, and pure comical genius like this show.  Admittedly, it was much better before Pam and Jim were actually together.  Their tenuous relationship was the centre of the show, and once it was resolved, the writers seemed to be grasping at straws more often than not.  I hope they actually end the show soon so that they go out on a high note, rather than stretching out the series into the land of low-ratings.  Take a clue from Ricky Gervais, my friends.

Spooks.  Oh goodness.  Nothing satisfies my need for some intense British drama and quick wit like this show.  The show follows Section D of MI-5 as they defend the Britain against domestic and foreign threats.  Be warned, the show is intense and the writers are ruthless.  Believe me, they are not afraid to kill off any of the main characters!  I don't know how many times I've finished an episode with my jaw in my lap as I say to myself, "Did so-and-so really just get shot in the head?" and "Did so-and-so really just fall off the grid like that?"  That's what keeps the show so realistic I suppose- there is no mercy is the world of espionage, friends.  Though Section D has gone through a number of different officers, Harry Pearce remains their faithful leader as the team works to catch terrorists, protect Britons' safety, and enforce security.  Even though the show is a drama, there is still a great bit of comedy throughout the show.  Series nine premieres in Britain this fall, and series eight can be seen on some PBS stations and on BBC America soon.

30 Rock.  This show is fast-becoming my favourite American comedy as The Office fizzles out.  Based loosely on Tina Fey's experience as the head writer of SNL, 30 Rock is the best thirty minutes of comedy on Thursday evenings.  Originally, 30 Rock didn't get very high ratings, but the audience has grown over the past few seasons; tonight is the season five premiere.  The show gets great guest stars, but I am most satisfied with Alec Baldwin's portrayal as Jack, the man sent in to retool the show for which Liz Lemon is head writer.  Tracy Morgan's character has the best one liners ("Live every week like it's Shark Week!"), but Jack McBrayer as the quirky and dedicated NBC page never fails to make me giggle.

To what shows do you look forward?