Top 6 TV Shows of 2008

Posted by: Nat on: November 18, 2008

In: Film/Television | Top 6 Lists
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Ok, so 2008 isn’t over just yet… But I doubt there’s going to be some groundbreaking new television series in the next two months. Anyway, this is usually the time of the year when all the quality television series start to taper off as we reach the summer holidays (in Australia) when all we can expect is plenty of random programs, lots of repeats and just plain slot-fillers for the non-ratings season.

Nevertheless, 2008 has been filled with some interesting/funny/weird television shows, so here’s my list of the top six television shows I actually didn’t mind watching this year:

1. House: Of course, my favourite television show– I have never missed an episode! I think it’s the best series ever created and if you haven’t seen it I urge you to watch one episode because it’s witty, entertaining, full of twists and clever plots every week, as well as unique characters that will definitely have you hooked. Not to mention, you can actually learn about the medical profession as the episodes are based on true cases, giving you an insight into the background of the patients, as well as the dramas the hospital staff face themselves.

2. Survivor- Micronesia: Survivor is where reality TV all began. This latest Survivor series shown in Australia hasn’t finished yet though America is like two seasons ahead filming like the show’s 18th season or so– incredible! Well, it’s entertaining and it may seem like it but it’s not like Big Brother at all. For one, it’s more realistic! Tribe members have to plan ahead, scheme, usually lie and both physically and mentally get into the other players heads to take out the title while trying to survive on an island (usually). It’s addictive and intriguing as you never know what strange and sneaky things people are thinking and doing. It’s a good insight into human behaviour and hey, you may even learn how to start a fire!

3. Underbelly: Well, this one’s very close to home– a series based on the real events of gangland war in Melbourne. It’s certainly good material and has proven to be quite engaging for audiences nationwide– well, except for Victoria where the series was delayed and then edited due to a court injunction. You know you’ve got some serious drama when you’re forbidden to show it to audiences. I think that only increased people’s curiosity but fair enough, it turned out to be well-deserved and there are now plans for a prequel.

4. Rove: I’ve always been a fan of the show and made an effort to watch the episodes if I had time (or remembered– Sunday evenings ain’t exactly the most convenient time), especially if one of my favourite celebrities was appearing. Anyway, Rove provides a good dose of humour for the week, and we all need to let loose and chill out once in a while. I think Australia should have more of these types of shows because good celebrities = good ratings and good entertainment for the audience. This year’s highlights were: Keanu Reeves, Hugh Jackman, Jack Black, Michael Buble, Colin Firth, Steve Carell, Will Ferrell, Kevin Rudd, Pink, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, Ben Stiller and Chris Rock.

5. Australian Idol: I started off as a fan of this show back in 2003 when Guy Sebastian won the competition and stayed tuned for the next few series. I kind of lost interest as well, the talent didn’t really appeal to me– I didn’t really see the contestants as idols and I think the last few years the winners haven’t really been able to repeat Guy’s success. Nevertheless, the show’s now in its sixth season and although I missed most of the season, I caught bits and pieces and the more I watched, the more I liked the contestants. Now this season seems to have a lot of great talent and as always, I’ve picked myself a favourite– Wes Carr. He sang some great songs (particularly the Beatles ones) and actually did them justice. As we found out tonight, he’ll be in the top two along with Luke, so good luck to him!

6. Flight of the Conchords: Well, these guys are almost Aussie– two comedians from New Zealand who provide plenty of original wit, humour, not to mention music, in a TV series that follows the guys as they seek success in the USA. The first season of the show has proved to be quite a bit hit worldwide and looks like another one is planned for 2009. It’s easy to get hooked on this show’s light-hearted atmosphere and the naivety of the two main characters (and their great-sounding New Zealand accents!), not to mention the hilarious parts played by comedians Kristen Schaal, Arj Barker and Demetri Martin and a host of other guest stars.

Of course, this list is purely my opinion and based on my viewing experiences. No, I haven’t watched every show on aired on TV so by any means, feel free to let me know what programs you think were worth watching in 2008.