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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: Admiral Yi on March 28, 2023, 04:23:19 PM

Title: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 28, 2023, 04:23:19 PM
What's your favorite.

Law and Order for me.  A whodunit and a smart courtroom procedural crammed into one densely written hour of high quality TV.  Some of the greatest eye candy ever.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: viper37 on March 28, 2023, 05:20:00 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 28, 2023, 04:23:19 PMWhat's your favorite.

Law and Order for me.  A whodunit and a smart courtroom procedural crammed into one densely written hour of high quality TV.  Some of the greatest eye candy ever.
If I have to pick one not too old, not sci-fi... Boston Legal.
Legal drama, a spin off of The Practice, which was all drama, but Boston Legal was much more humorous, with James Spader and William Shatner as leads.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: frunk on March 28, 2023, 05:49:16 PM
The first ten seasons of the Simpsons.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Grey Fox on March 28, 2023, 06:47:30 PM
Americans shows? Friends

French Canadian show? Stuff you never heard of.  :D
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Savonarola on March 28, 2023, 07:44:26 PM
The Muppet Show
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: mongers on March 28, 2023, 07:44:33 PM
'I, Claudius'.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: grumbler on March 28, 2023, 08:09:40 PM
Hill Street Blues
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: viper37 on March 28, 2023, 09:29:33 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 28, 2023, 06:47:30 PMFrench Canadian show? Stuff you never heard of.  :D

La P'tite Vie
Les Boys
Omertà
Temps Dur
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: HVC on March 28, 2023, 09:31:34 PM
Doesn't mash still have the record for most viewed final?
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: celedhring on March 29, 2023, 01:00:58 AM
Twin Peaks.

Would have said The Simpsons but I feel all those decades of zombie Simpsons have dilluted its legacy.

Seinfeld probably my third choice.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Josquius on March 29, 2023, 02:00:54 AM
Band of Brothers was on BBC iirc so counts?
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Syt on March 29, 2023, 02:10:30 AM
Quote from: Josquius on March 29, 2023, 02:00:54 AMBand of Brothers was on BBC iirc so counts?

Produced by HBO, though, IIRC.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 29, 2023, 02:11:00 AM
Quote from: Josquius on March 29, 2023, 02:00:54 AMBand of Brothers was on BBC iirc so counts?

Cheating.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: mongers on March 29, 2023, 08:13:57 AM
My Top 10  TV programmes by category:

   Drama                     Comedy            Lt. entertainment
1   I, Claudius             Dad's Army            Morecombe and Wise
2   Hill Street Blues     Yes Minister            Generation game
3   The Wire                     Faulty Towers    Starsky and Hutch
4   6 Wives of HenryVIII Porridge              Treasure hunt
5   Survivors             Sienfeld
6   Happy Valley             Cheers   
7   River                     Not the Nine O'clock News   
8                                         Allo Allo   
9                                Alex Sayle's stuff   
10                                The Fast Show   
                                Monty Python   
                                     Q8   
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: grumbler on March 29, 2023, 02:28:43 PM
Not sure whether Would I Lie to You is comedy or light entertainment, Mongers, but it should be on your list somewhere.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: mongers on March 29, 2023, 03:01:26 PM
Quote from: grumbler on March 29, 2023, 02:28:43 PMNot sure whether Would I Lie to You is comedy or light entertainment, Mongers, but it should be on your list somewhere.

It is Grumbler, I did a couple of other lists and updated light entertainment to  included it,  just didn't get around to posting them.

And yes Bob Mortimer is brilliant in it.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Caliga on March 29, 2023, 03:05:45 PM
Golden Girls. :wub:
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Savonarola on March 29, 2023, 03:42:05 PM
Quote from: HVC on March 28, 2023, 09:31:34 PMDoesn't mash still have the record for most viewed final?

Yes, something like 105 million.  There were some broadcast problems with the Seinfeld finale, but it really wasn't that close (something like 75 million) that it would have likely overtaken MASH.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 29, 2023, 04:23:30 PM
Quote from: mongers on March 29, 2023, 08:13:57 AM3   The Wire

HBO
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: mongers on March 29, 2023, 04:44:56 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 29, 2023, 04:23:30 PM
Quote from: mongers on March 29, 2023, 08:13:57 AM3   The Wire

HBO

Yeah, I wondered about that, because it was first shown here on a UK terrestrial channel, BBC2 I think.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Josephus on March 30, 2023, 05:25:40 PM
Yeah, the original run of Twin Peaks, for me. Probably had a lot to do with being the right demographic at the time, and all that, but yeah, loved it.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Eddie Teach on March 31, 2023, 04:04:35 AM
I presume Netflix counts as cable.

I'll say The Office for comedy, 24 for action, Twin Peaks for drama.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: celedhring on March 31, 2023, 04:14:51 AM
Quote from: Josephus on March 30, 2023, 05:25:40 PMYeah, the original run of Twin Peaks, for me. Probably had a lot to do with being the right demographic at the time, and all that, but yeah, loved it.

I actually was a bit too young when it came out to appreciate it, but it was a craze over here.

Saw it later, when I was at college (the library had the LaserDisc edition), and loved it ever since.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Admiral Yi on March 31, 2023, 06:16:17 AM
My #2 I'm going Letterman.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Iormlund on March 31, 2023, 09:40:09 AM
Quote from: celedhring on March 31, 2023, 04:14:51 AM
Quote from: Josephus on March 30, 2023, 05:25:40 PMYeah, the original run of Twin Peaks, for me. Probably had a lot to do with being the right demographic at the time, and all that, but yeah, loved it.

I actually was a bit too young when it came out to appreciate it, but it was a craze over here.

Saw it later, when I was at college (the library had the LaserDisc edition), and loved it ever since.

Craze is the correct word. My best friend even had the Diary, and I remember reading it at school with her.

And as a very young teen, the eye-candy was much appreciated.  :D
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: celedhring on March 31, 2023, 09:44:36 AM
Quote from: Iormlund on March 31, 2023, 09:40:09 AM
Quote from: celedhring on March 31, 2023, 04:14:51 AM
Quote from: Josephus on March 30, 2023, 05:25:40 PMYeah, the original run of Twin Peaks, for me. Probably had a lot to do with being the right demographic at the time, and all that, but yeah, loved it.

I actually was a bit too young when it came out to appreciate it, but it was a craze over here.

Saw it later, when I was at college (the library had the LaserDisc edition), and loved it ever since.

Craze is the correct word. My best friend even had the Diary, and I remember reading it at school with her.

And as a very young teen, the eye-candy was much appreciated.  :D

The college library also had the diary  :lol:
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Barrister on March 31, 2023, 11:48:38 AM
Star Trek
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Duque de Bragança on April 02, 2023, 07:05:32 AM
Twin Peaks.

A bit young at the time, but still aware of the new era of T.V, it ushered, as in more cinematic.
Rewatched it on blu-ray recently.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: mongers on April 02, 2023, 07:25:12 AM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on April 02, 2023, 07:05:32 AMTwin Peaks.

A bit young at the time, but still aware of the new era of T.V, it ushered, as in more cinematic.
Rewatched it on blu-ray recently.

I think I was too Old for it, so never got into it.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Duque de Bragança on April 02, 2023, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: mongers on April 02, 2023, 07:25:12 AM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on April 02, 2023, 07:05:32 AMTwin Peaks.

A bit young at the time, but still aware of the new era of T.V, it ushered, as in more cinematic.
Rewatched it on blu-ray recently.
I think I was too Old for it, so never got into it.

 :lol:

Already an old geezer by early '90s? Wow.  :D

Or was it Angelo Badalmenti's theme? Extremely famous.

I had more trouble with the third season, 25 years after, at least in the beginning. Ending a bit rushed (too soon?) as well but interesting.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Admiral Yi on April 02, 2023, 02:02:44 PM
I'm with Mongers.  I never got twin peaks.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: mongers on April 02, 2023, 07:14:32 PM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on April 02, 2023, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: mongers on April 02, 2023, 07:25:12 AM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on April 02, 2023, 07:05:32 AMTwin Peaks.

A bit young at the time, but still aware of the new era of T.V, it ushered, as in more cinematic.
Rewatched it on blu-ray recently.
I think I was too Old for it, so never got into it.

 :lol:

Already an old geezer by early '90s? Wow.  :D

Or was it Angelo Badalmenti's theme? Extremely famous.

I had more trouble with the third season, 25 years after, at least in the beginning. Ending a bit rushed (too soon?) as well but interesting.

Duque you've given me an idea.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Josephus on April 03, 2023, 05:25:45 AM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on April 02, 2023, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: mongers on April 02, 2023, 07:25:12 AM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on April 02, 2023, 07:05:32 AMTwin Peaks.

A bit young at the time, but still aware of the new era of T.V, it ushered, as in more cinematic.
Rewatched it on blu-ray recently.
I think I was too Old for it, so never got into it.

 :lol:

Already an old geezer by early '90s? Wow.  :D

Or was it Angelo Badalmenti's theme? Extremely famous.

I had more trouble with the third season, 25 years after, at least in the beginning. Ending a bit rushed (too soon?) as well but interesting.

Yeah, once we got past Bob, and Laura Palmer, the show got silly and stupid.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Duque de Bragança on April 03, 2023, 07:58:22 AM
Well, some complained from the second season back then, with some merit, so let's say the first season.  :P
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Duque de Bragança on April 03, 2023, 08:17:22 AM
Quote from: mongers on April 02, 2023, 07:14:32 PM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on April 02, 2023, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: mongers on April 02, 2023, 07:25:12 AM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on April 02, 2023, 07:05:32 AMTwin Peaks.

A bit young at the time, but still aware of the new era of T.V, it ushered, as in more cinematic.
Rewatched it on blu-ray recently.
I think I was too Old for it, so never got into it.

 :lol:

Already an old geezer by early '90s? Wow.  :D

Or was it Angelo Badalmenti's theme? Extremely famous.

I had more trouble with the third season, 25 years after, at least in the beginning. Ending a bit rushed (too soon?) as well but interesting.

Duque you've given me an idea.

So now people will blame me.  :D
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: grumbler on April 03, 2023, 10:49:23 AM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on April 03, 2023, 07:58:22 AMWell, some complained from the second season back then, with some merit, so let's say the first season.  :P

Yeah, I don't think that I ever even finished the second season.  It's one of those shows that should have stopped when they finished the story.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Valmy on April 03, 2023, 10:57:06 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 28, 2023, 06:47:30 PMAmericans shows? Friends

Definitely the best traditonal American sit com. I agree.

As for shows got to go with the Simpsons.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Josephus on April 04, 2023, 06:02:03 AM
Speaking of Twin Peaks jumping the shark. What about the reboot a few years back? That was totally unncecessary.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Sheilbh on April 04, 2023, 06:08:35 AM
The Simpsons.

I'd go for Frasier as the great sitcom  :ph34r:
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: CountDeMoney on April 06, 2023, 12:21:34 PM
Barney Miller. By the time Season 2 got going, it became the perfect one act play.

But NBC's Hannibal was a work of art.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Barrister on April 06, 2023, 12:53:21 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on April 06, 2023, 12:21:34 PMBarney Miller. By the time Season 2 got going, it became the perfect one act play.

You can watch some episodes on Youtube.  I have to admit they're pretty good.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: crazy canuck on April 06, 2023, 01:05:59 PM
Late to the thread, but Hillstreet Blues. 

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, this one wins the flattery contest.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: grumbler on April 06, 2023, 08:45:36 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on April 06, 2023, 01:05:59 PMLate to the thread, but Hillstreet Blues. 

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, this one wins the flattery contest.

It also helped that the show had one of the best title themes ever.  I can still remember hearing that theme every week and feeling "this next hour is going to be great."

Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Eddie Teach on April 09, 2023, 05:07:37 PM
I never even watched the show and I remember that theme.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Grey Fox on April 09, 2023, 06:32:47 PM
That's a great theme.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Josephus on April 10, 2023, 05:32:12 AM
STNG?
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: Tonitrus on April 10, 2023, 08:38:07 PM
Quote from: Josephus on April 10, 2023, 05:32:12 AMSTNG?

You're gonna make grumbler counter with Babylon 5.
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: HVC on April 10, 2023, 08:41:57 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on April 10, 2023, 08:38:07 PM
Quote from: Josephus on April 10, 2023, 05:32:12 AMSTNG?

You're gonna make grumbler counter with Babylon 5.

I uno reverse with DS9
Title: Re: Best Non Cable TV Show of All Time
Post by: crazy canuck on April 11, 2023, 05:33:00 PM
Quote from: grumbler on April 06, 2023, 08:45:36 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on April 06, 2023, 01:05:59 PMLate to the thread, but Hillstreet Blues. 

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, this one wins the flattery contest.

It also helped that the show had one of the best title themes ever.  I can still remember hearing that theme every week and feeling "this next hour is going to be great."


 :yes: