Since purchasing our Roku device, that allows us to watch Netflix instant queue content on our television, we have been watching some some "classic" TV programs. Since last week I listed our top shows that we currently record on our DVR, I thought this week I would list my favorite old shows available on Netflix. These are also available to watch on the computer with a Netflix subscription.
10. Saturday Night Live -- There are early seasons and more recent seasons available, as well as compilation shows, such as the best of individual cast members. If you like SNL, you will be happy. I remember watching the first season shows and thinking it was the best thing since sliced bread when I was a kid. However, upon watching some of the early season shows again, more than 30 years later, it surprises me at how bad some of it was. There are moments of genius and lots of moments not of genius.
9. Kate & Allie -- I'll admit this wasn't the best show ever, but I am a big fan of Jane Curtain and I also love Susan St. James. I'm not proud that I like this show, but I like this show.
8. Hearts Afire -- Most people won't even remember this show, but it starred John Ritter (post-Three's Company), Markie Post (post-Night Court), and Billy Bob Thorton (pre-Sling Blade). Ritter was a Senator's aide and Post was a journalist. It is fun to see them work together.
7. South Park -- I have to be in the mood for this show, but when I am, it is funny. It seems to constantly try to outdo itself in the shock value arena, but there is no denying it is not boring.
6. The Office (US version) -- Though I've debated whether this show has "jumped the shark," with its wacky plot twists, it continues to plod along with surprises that are often funny, even if they are not believable. I wish they would be able to stay true to the making the absurdities of office life funny without going off into bizzaro land.
5. All Creatures Great and Small -- This is an amazing show that I love to watch. For those not familiar with the books by James Herriot, it is about a veterinarian in rural England in the late 1930s. The people in this show grow on you until you feel like they are your family (or you wish they were your family). Also, some of the veterinary procedures are amazingly authentic looking. Did he really have his arm in the back of that cow?
4. Worst Week -- There were only 16 episodes of this show based on a British show, but this ridiculous, silly show made me laugh out loud. This show took Three's Company-style gags to the next level. How did it not become popular?
3. The Office (original UK version) -- Ricky Gervais makes this show almost too awkward to watch, but in a good way. I only wish there were more episodes, but perhaps the quality would decrease like the U.S. vesion.
1. 30 Rock - I love this show. It only gets better on repeated viewings. It is by far the best show currently on network TV. How it recently lost an Emmy to Glee, I will never understand. Glee?
