1. Lost
The season finale leading into the final season of Lost was fabulous. It answered just enough questions to satisfy my inquiries? but then it raised about three hundred others. This show is a mind-fuck, no joke. The final season is going to be one of the greatest events in television history.
2. Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien
Conan O'Brien finally moved into the limelight after years of earning his cult-like status in the wee hours of the morning. His zany humor is still the best of the late-night talk shows and it is showcased perfectly at his new time slot. Bringing Andy Richter back was a spectacular move too, even if his additions come in small doses. The only downside is that ass-clown Jimmy Fallon got a show?
3. How I Met Your Mother
I realize everyone is all about The Office, but How I Met Your Mother is a billion times funnier. You've got Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson. You've got Jason Segel as Marshall Eriksen. The rest of the cast is pretty good too, though not nearly as impressive. The show's witty bite constantly has me laughing. Season five returns in September; and partnered with Big Bang Theory you get an unbeatable comedy hour.
4. The Daily Show / The Colbert Report
This satirical cable news duo has been a force to be reckoned with ever since the one became two. Even though they spend the majority of their time poking fun at the news, or how others report the news, both hosts - John Stewart and Stephen Colbert - are more informative than any other news source on television. Not to mention, they're hilarious. Perhaps this is why Cronkite was so bitter.
5. Rescue Me
Dennis Leary as Tommy Gavin... he's an asshole, and yet, you love him. That's the sign of a gifted actor. If you can pull off both of those at the same time, you've got the beginnings of a great show. Also, Rescue Me has a strong writing team, not afraid to push the limits. Even though it's a cable show, I'll be damned if there aren't moments that surprise me that made it by the censors. Along with the rest of the FX lineup - Sons of Anarchy (returning with Henry fucking Rollins) and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - Rescue Me is a show to watch.
(Michael)