The Best Television of 2019
1. Fringe
When “Fringe” first premiered, I watched the first 3 episodes but wasn't sold. I honestly can't remember what my initial problem with the show was. I tried to pick it up again a few months later, and again, wasn't interested. As it went on without me, I began to hear rumblings from various magazines, Facebook posts, TV podcasts and Twitter. About its growth. I believe it was Entertainment Weekly's cover story stating that it was the true heir to “The X Files” that finally brought me back. This time I was immediately hooked. Currently in its 3rd season, “Fringe” is on fire. It began with Olivia, the hardworking, rough around the edges FBI agent having been taken hostage (don't want to give away too much if you haven't seen the show), with Peter (Joshua Jackson) and his eccentric genius/mad man father Walter unaware she is even missing. Now on holiday break, the show is preparing to move to Fridays, but refuses to give up. Hopefully it will find a safe home along with "Smallville" and "Supernatural."
2. Top Chef: All Stars
The previous season of Top Chef will probably make my dishonor role list, but the current season is probably my favorite. We already know the contestants (well, most of them. I didn't watch season 2 for some reason) and many of my favorites (Casey, Richard, Carla) are all back. The challenges are all very exciting so far, and I honestly don't know who is going home each week, they are all (especially now that Stephen is gone) that strong. Everyone expects Richard to win the whole thing, but I'm not sure. Carla and Casey are both very quiet, just as they were in their individual seasons. Hoping they come on strong at the end and steal it from the molecular Richard.
3. Gossip Girl
Is it just me, or does it seem as if "Gossip Girl" has been on television for more than 3 seasons? Just last year I almost gave up on the show. The characters were inconsistent (What happened to Dan Humphrey? And who is this new person pretending to be him?) the writing wasn't quite as sharp, and everything to do with Serena was blah! But in its latest season, "Gossip Girl" has rediscovered its footing. With the addition of Katie Cassidy as Juliet, the villain with a heart, the regular actors seem to have stepped up their game. And Serena has relevance again! Although the Winter break began with an odd twist with everyone against Lilly, a flawed character I truly love, I have hope that the show will continue its positive streak.
4. Lost
What an incredible final season. I think the negativity aimed at the show's final episode and final season was mostly based on the fact that the sideways world (“I thought they dismissed purgatory,” said many of the fans. NO, they said the island wasn't purgatory!) was a surprise. “Lost” was always about the characters and their journeys, but many of the shows most avid followers turned it into something else. So, what better way to end the show than with (most of) the characters sharing their last moments together before going to their own version of heaven (?).
5. Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights survived graduation. To a new network. Thanks to Direct TV, one of the best shows on television was saved from cancelation. I think that the 13 episode season worked better for the show as well. As well as the summer programming. Although I very much missed Tyra (please end up with Landry in the upcoming final season!) and had a slightly difficult time adjusting to the East Dillon vs (rich) Dillon arc, Zack Gilford more than made up for any issues I had. Watching him grieve (spoiler alert) the death of his Father was heartbreaking. Even more impressive was the story arc involving Becky's abortion. A subject that was handled realistically and bravely.
6. Mad Men
OK...forget the finale, which I found to be a complete mess. (Did they edit it down from 2 hours, or was it supposed to confuse us?) This season of "Mad Men" was an improvement over the previous one, and the show's best since the first season. Joan and Peggy ruled it for me. Hopefully Elizabeth Moss will win a Golden Globe next month, and an Emmy later on. She deserves it. The show has always worked best for me when it goes forward in time or when it deals with cultural changes. And this season, with the shift from the 60's toward the upcoming 70's we get to see people struggling to survive (Don) and others becoming more free (Peggy!) I am hoping the show nears an end soon, because I don't think I can handle many more Don voice overs or surprise engagements.
7. Cougar Town
It's Wine Wednesdays! At least that's what we call it in my house when referring to Cougar Town. I loved the show from the very beginning. But once they truly embraced the absurdity of this group of people, things really became entertaining. The jokes really pay off thanks to the fact, that although insane, the characters are based in (some sort) of reality. And it isn't all morning drinking and jokes. When Jules said goodbye to Travis when he went to college it was quite touching as well. Both Courtney Cox and Busy Phillips deserve Emmy nominations.
8. The Oprah Winfrey Show
Still one of my favorite thiiiiiiiiiiings. In it's 25th and final season, Oprah is pulling out all the stops. So many great episodes already this season. Among them, Oprah revisited the town that ostracized a young gay man with AIDS after he got in a public pool. 20+ years later the family of the now deceased man confronts the people of the town. Also noteworthy, Streisand and Redford reunite to discuss “The Way We Were,” O'Neil and McGraw reminisce about “Love Story.” And two major reunions with the casts of “The Color Purple” (including an incredible conversation with Whoopi and Oprah, who had been on the outs for several years, neither one really knowing why.) and “The Sound of Music.”
Oprah's Favorite Things - 5 Best Facial Expressions
9. Damages
After a disappointing 2nd season, I was blown away by the third season of "Damages." The Patty Hewes/Ellen Parsons relationship is one of the most interesting and unusual pairings on television. I honestly didn't care about the Ted Danson storyline, except to see Patty rip him apart yet again. But I did, however, care a great deal about Tom. Was not an easy thing to say goodbye to him, but we knew it was coming. A gimmick that continues to work incredibly well, "Damages" told us where we were headed, but still surprises us with the journey. Martin Short and Lilly Tomlin were both top notch in supporting roles.
10. So You Think You Can Dance
Even at its weakest, SYTYCD is one of the best reality shows on television. This year some of our favorite contestants came back as All Stars. At first it was a bit clunky, but as the producers figured out how to best incorporate them, the show seriously stepped up its game. And with more regular same sex pairings the choreography seemed more inspired as well. Although we lost early favorites (Alex Wong to injury and Billy Bell to “lack of character”) we were given a spectacular finale with Kent and Lauren in the top 2. I will never forget Travis Wall's break up dance with Kent and Neil. So very moving.