Anyone fancy taking part in a Top 50 TV shows poll?

[Mr Trick]

24. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-present)

Second Michael Schur show to make the list (they maybe more ). A good example of a comedy which could have been boring but which is livened up by Schur's quirky and charming style. Plus the cast are pretty damn talented too. It has achieved longevity in part because of a loyal and passionate fan base.

 

[Mr Trick]

23. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)

Its odd to look back at the original 60's series as a bit of a flop now (and strangely low on this list). But it paved the way for this at the time more successful updating of the formula. Next Gen gave a nice fresh paint of coat to the space adventure series. Despite mixed reviews for the early seasons, it sustained itself and ended up having a remarkable 7 seasons. Over the run Patrick Stewart made himself a household name as a very distinct but alternative Captain to Shatner's Kirk. And characters such as Lt. Commander Data (the deadpan, but self-aware Brent Spiner), the Klingon Lieutenant Wolf (Michael Dorn with a tender but brooding presence), Jonathan Frakes' Maverick Commander William Riker, and Marina Sirtis as Commander Deanna Troi did much to add to the diversity of the Star Trek Universe. Of course there were a few duds in there, everybody hates Wesley right? The series is also notable for debuting The Borg race. Will this be the last Star Trekking adventure on this list? Time will tell....

 

[Mr Trick]

22. Mad Men (2007-2015)

The series which put cable network AMC on the map as far as producing high quality television. It made names of most of its lead cast and made a generation fall in love with lead John Hamm (even if his character is a bit of a dick and the actor should change his name!). The series has style to die for and is packed with rich character arcs and powerful satire on the times and masculity. Many awards and fan fair followed. Maybe 7 seasons was stretching a point though?...

Coming up next time one of the most loved comedy shows not only of the past decade but maybe ever.

 

[Mr Trick]

As we head for the top twenty this next entry goes out to @Evil Seal (sorry I lost your write up for it!).

21. Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)

Lets get this out the way first of all. The first season of Parks and Recreation (6 episodes long) isn't very good. The problem was that creators Michael Schur (making his third appearance on the list) and Greg Daniels (The Simpsons), made the mistake of making it too similar to one of their previous shows The Office. To the point that lead character Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) felt like a female version of Michael Scott. From the start of Season 2 on wards things changed for the better and Parks became IMO one of the most consistent comedy shows of all time. It has a fantastic ensemble cast of characters who all add something different to the mix. Leslie is the enthusiastic, but goofy politician we all need right now (her friendship with Rashida Jones' "Ann Perkins!" is one of the best female friendships of recent TV). Ron is the perfect deadpan, straight talking boss (his Alta-ego Duke Silver is one smooth cat!). Tom is a likable trickster who has good growth and punches above his weight with the ladies (including dating Tatiana Maslany in S6!). April Ludgate introduces us to the deadpan charms of Aubrey Plaza. A pre-Hollywood Chris Pratt makes wannabe rockstar/FBI agent Andy Dwyer somehow likeable (how refreshing that him and April get together in S2 and stay together for the rest of the show). That's before we even get to Rob Lowe sending himself as touchy feelin' health freak Chris Trigger, plus the joys of Jerry/Garry, Donna and Ben. As Evil Seal said its one of the best for character growth. The season 3 finale might be one of the favourite season endings ever. Season 4 is my personal favourite. Parks and Rec is like a comedy version of the West Wing, a show to give us all hope and believe that there are good, honest people working in government and politics.

 

[Mr Trick]

Into the top twenty we go and another Star Trekking adventure!

20. Star Trek: Enterprise (2001-2005)

The 4th Trek series to appear and it puts in a strong appearance breaking into the top 20. Despite only four seasons Enterprise has grown in reputation over time, with some of the darker storylines of any Trek show and Scott Bakula as a charismatic, likeable Captain. The series also returns to The Borg character. One of the stranger things about the series is it has a theme sung by Russell Watson?

Next time a series which is considered by many to be one of the greatest ever.

 

[Mr Trick]

19. The West Wing (1999-2006)

A staple of this Golden era of Television. Just like Whedon with Buffy, Aaron Sorkin created a whole new language and approach to politics as TV drama. A show to make you feel better about politics. Even the main theme is inspirational. It maybe due a reboot

Here's more from @HowiMetdaSlayer "Sorkin's magnum opus featuring a stellar cast including Richard Schiff, Rob Lowe, Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, Elisabeth Moss & the indelible Martin Sheen. Not too mention countless guest & recurring stars including Amy Adams, Mary Louise Parker, Marlee Matlin, Janeane Garafalo, Alan Alda & many more. The perennial award winning landmark series broke new ground with it's witty 'walk & talk' banter, cinematic scope, and multiple ongoing story lines. I think this series was nearly as important as it's peers The Sopranos & Six Feet Under in showing what could be done on TV. As well as bringing established movie stars back to the 'small screen'." And well said too!

Coming next time another crown jewel of modern TV (and no the word crown isn't a clue).