Top 10 Broadcast Television Shows of 2011

This is my top 10 list of my favorite shows on broadcast television in 2011. This list doesn't include my favorite show of the year, which is American Horror Story, because it is on cable television. I've restricted this list to broadcast television because I'm currently at my house in Punta Gorda, FL, and we don't have cable or satellite TV here. We use an over-the-air digital antenna. Interestingly, we can't get a CBS station here over-the-air. I did include one CBS show in this list, but it is not currently running.

One show that did not make this list, The Biggest Loser, is not on the list because, though I am addicted to the show, I have issues with it and how it works. I think it is a little sick that it uses temptations as part of a game of losing weight. Isn't it a little sick? I admit I do watch it sometimes, but I hate myself for it.

You also might notice that my list is heavy on the comedies and light on dramas. I guess that is just the way I roll. Here's my list of Top 10 Broadcast TV Shows:

10. Glee - I do have issues with this show not having any basis in reality, but you can't deny that it is fun to watch, even if it is to just roll your eyes at the outfits they put Kurt and Blaine in.

9. Raising Hope - There are two very good reasons to watch this show: Martha Plimpton and Cloris Leachman. They are both very funny. The writing is uneven, but has its moments and is often creative.

8. The Middle - My favorite characters in this show are Sue and her ex-boyfriend Brad, the super-stereotypical gay that Sue doesn't have a clue is gay. Brad isn't on often, but when he is, he is fabulous. Even without Brad, the show is often funny.

7. Saturday Night Live - Although this show is a gazillion years old, it still can be water cooler fodder. Kristen Wiig doing Suze Orman and Fred Armisen doing Joy Behar are some recent highlights. It is often not funny, but it can be very funny... just like from day one. I remember loving it back in 1975 with Gilda Radner and the other Not Ready for Primetime Players. Even then, there were lots of duds.

6. The Office - This has been a year of big change on this show, and the verdict is still out if it can survive without Michael Scott. However, some of its best shows were the last ones of last season when Michael was leaving. When he and Holly finally got together on that rooftop, I was really moved. It was good.

5. Big Brother - I know this is a terrible show, but it is a train wreck I can't not watch. Don't judge me.

4. Dowton Abbey - From the ridiculous (Big Brother) to the sublime (this). This was such a good show on PBS and I'm VERY excited a second season is coming in January.

3. Modern Family - Everyone seems to love this show and I hear how great it is all the time. I would have expected with all the hype that it wouldn't be that good, but it really is very good. Though the Cam character is another over-the-top gay, there are people even more flamboyant in the world. You could have knock me over with a feather when I found out the actor  that plays him, Eric Stonestreet, is straight.

2. The New Girl - This is my favorite new broadcast show of the year and best new comedy. Zooey Deschanel is laugh-out-loud funny as the nerdy girl with a heart of gold. Me like.








and my #1 favorite broadcast television show is...

1. 30 Rock - You got to love Tina Fey's smart and funny show about the behind-the-scenes shenanigans of a network comedy show. I watch it over and over.