[Screen Savers]

[Screen Savers]
Saving Television One Show at a Time

In order to truly understand and appreciate television, you need to watch lots and lots of television. Fortunately, I got started early in life, and I’m proud to say that, heading into my thirties, I am just hitting my stride. Raised on the likes of Dukes of Hazard, Knight Rider, and The A-Team, I have been enamored with the “boob tube” for twenty-five years. I wonder if that’s why I’m trying to introduce my toddler to TV at such an early age!

Screen Savers is meant to be one man’s homage to the medium that still dominates society today, more than a half century after its inception. We live in an era where the Big Three television stations of yesteryear – ABC, CBS, and NBC – have given way to hundreds of options, yet these three – along with fellow networks Fox, the WB, and UPN – still provide the vast majority of television’s best and brightest. Join me as we stroll through the best that TV has to offer today and throughout its history!

What's New in Screen Savers?

Looking Back on Seasons Past

The Best That TV Has to Offer - EVER!

10. NYPD Blue (1993-2005): With the exception of Law & Order – which is an entirely different sort of show – no drama has more successfully replaced its core characters without missing a beat. My personal favorites are the Jimmy Smits years, but the show was always classy.

9. Cosby Show (1984-1992): The anchor of what still has to be the best night of comedy ever, even if it only lasted a short while: Cosby, Family Ties, Cheers, and Night Court.

8. 24 (2001-Present): Give this a couple more seasons, and it could climb the list, especially if this season’s finale leads to even better things next year. This is one of the few shows in my life where I did not miss a single first-run episode.

7. ER (1994-Present): The constant cast changes have taken their toll, but the show’s first five years were unrivaled. The original cast – including George Clooney, Anthony Edwards, and Eriq La Salle – was truly special.

6. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003): People may criticize seasons #6 & #7, but it’s hard to argue with this show’s strong early years, especially before Angel left for his own show.

5. Friends (1994-2004): This show stopped being Must-See TV near the end of its run, but the first half dozen seasons are inspired. I can still watch the trivia game over and over again – and it kills me every time!

4. Survivor (2000-Present): This is the mother of all reality shows, with all others owing it a debt of homage. Twice a year for more than five seasons – a span covering over ten “games” – this show has provided captivating television. Memorable characters like Richard, Rudy, Boston Rob, Johnny Fairplay, and others make this show hard to forget.

3. Seinfeld (1989-1998): After an awkward season or two, Seinfeld really hits its stride in year #3, as phrases like “master of my domain,” “second spitter,” and “no soup for you” now bring instant smiles to my face.

2. Law & Order (1990-Present): There is no show I more consistently watch on reruns than Law & Order. Now in season #16, the show has been sliding since #11, but its stretch from season #5 – when Sam Waterston arrived – through season #10 is incredible.

1. Cheers (1982-1993): The king. When it comes to television shows, Cheers stands alone. Of the three notable eras, my preference would be the Woody-Diane years, with Woody-Rebecca & Coach-Diane close behind. Norm’s entrances alone make this worthwhile! It says something about the quality of the show that its supporting players were so memorable, including one (Frasier) who went on to star for another ten years.

Thank you for popping by Screen Savers. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions or comments. Many thanks to the Internet Movie Database for all the help they have given concerning cast information. Stay tuned for more updates...

[Proudest Monkeys]

Copyright © 2005 Proudest Monkeys, an Anthony J. DiPasquale Site. All Rights Reserved.