50. Vengance Unlimited: If you don’t like Friends, you are probably watching this.
Location: ABC, Thursdays at 8 EST. Show Type: DramaGenre: Crime and PunishmentSynopsis: If he thinks you’re guilty, he’ll punish you.Has it spawned imitators?: It may. Too violent and sadistic for it’s own
good.Would NBC deem it "Must See"?: Nope. They’re too busy showing
awful "comedies".Character you won’t see anywhere else: The vengeful Mr. ChapelApocalyptic Sign: Police Regulations.Things only a fan would know: The show was originally to be named after the star
character.Strengths: People like violence.Weaknesses: Not enough to miss Friends.How often I watch: Nope.Ranking Reasoning: You thought Sipowicz from NYPD Blue was rough, this guy takes the cake. Originally deemed too violent to show, ABC figured it would stick it on Thursdays where no one would see it. Then, it would have justification to pump up the action on it’s other shows. Despite the presence of Madsen, one of the most unappealing shows on TV today.
49. Candid Camera: Those Funt boys are at it again.
Location: CBS, Fridays at 8:30 EST. Show Type: Reality-basedGenre: Video PlaybackSynopsis: Big Brother is watching, and he’s a prankster.Has it spawned imitators?: The early precursor to both America’s Funniest
Videos and Cops.Would NBC deem it "Must See"?: Their version, Blooper & Practical
Jokes, is a mainstay.Character you won’t see anywhere else: Suzzane Sommers (We can only hope.)Apocalyptic Sign: n/a There will never be a shortage of idiots to film.Things only a fan would know: New host is son of old host.Strengths: Cost $14 to make, name recognition, sporadically funny.Weaknesses: Not exactly the model of creativity. Low production values.How often I watch: When I’m drunk.Ranking Reasoning: Imagine a show that debuted in the 60’s still going strong today. Saved by the Bell? Close, but this one is a wee bit older. CBS has paired it with Kid Say … to create a hole-filling hour with cheap, disposable TV.
48. Early Edition: Touched By an Angel Clone not as popular.
Location: CBS, Saturdays at 9 EST. Show Type: DramaGenre: Angels on Earth (or at least in the news)Synopsis: Man reads tomorrow’s paper, changes the future.Has it spawned imitators?: It is the cross between Angel and Quantum LeapWould NBC deem it "Must See"?: Literate people who believe in God. Not
exactly NBC’s fare.Character you won’t see anywhere else: That delivery cat.Apocalyptic Sign: A paper shortage.Things only a fan would know: The numerous Angel and Promised Land cross-overs.Strengths: It’s on the right network. Creative premise.Weaknesses: Not interesting. Story-of-the-week format is better executed
elsewere.How often I watch: Once.Ranking Reasoning: The first show to cash in on Touched By an Angel’s popularity. However, this clone is not as entertaining and has not found as strong an audience. Passable fare, sure. But not groundbreaking.
47. Cops: The Revolution will be Televised.
Location: Omniscient, but originated on FOX. Show Type: Reality-basedGenre: Video PlaybackSynopsis: Cameras capture criminals being bad.Has it spawned imitators?: The entire FOX lineup.Would NBC deem it "Must See"?: Homicide,
of all shows, has borrowed from Cops style.Character you won’t see anywhere else: That crystal-meth dealer who lives in
a trailer.Apocalyptic Sign: n/a. This show will never die.Things only a fan would know: Which police department Hasn’t been featured.Strengths: Cheap to produce. Has been on forever. On all the time. Theme song.Weaknesses: Pretty much the same action in every episode.How often I watch: How can you not?Ranking Reasoning: Another true innovator, it took Candid Camera to the next level by tracking the Boys in Blue fighting crime. We’ve all seen it now: the chases, the drug dealers, the wife-beaters, and everyone else who lives in Florida. But what makes it memorable makes it disposable. Who can tell the difference between showings?
46. Beverly Hills 90210: Still on after all those years.
Location: FOX, Wednesdays at 8 EST. Also in syndication.Show Type: DramaGenre: Twenty-somethings hanging outSynopsis: Young, rich folk sleep with each other, then whine about it.Has it spawned imitators?: The poster child of Spelling Productions.Would NBC deem it "Must See"?: You better believe it!Character you won’t see anywhere else: The men’s sideburnsApocalyptic Sign: Dylan returns. (oh, wait…)Things only a fan would know: Who was in the original cast.Strengths: Name recognition, Spelling’s guidance.Weaknesses: For a show begun about high schoolers, it’s losing it’s
focus.How often I watch: Only when nothing else is on.Ranking Reasoning: One of the most influential shows of the 90’s. Friends is a funnier version, and Buffy would have been unthinkable without it. But as time goes on, the show is losing it’s relevance in the growing world of Dawson’s Creek and Felicity. Expect this one to fade away before too long.
45. Caroline in the City: First in a series of Must See Disapointments
Location: NBC, Mondays at 9 EST. Show Type: ComedyGenre: Workplace Hi-jinksSynopsis: Cartoonist lives and lovesHas it spawned imitators?: Suddenly Susan, Fired Up, Veronica, Naked Truth …Would NBC deem it "Must See"?: Perpetuator of the notion that
"Must See" isn’t all that.Character you won’t see anywhere else: Caroline's cartoon is more animated
than these clowns.Apocalyptic Sign: The continued rise of Ally McBeal's
ratings.Things only a fan would know: How many times Richard and Caroline have attempted
to get together. (Hint: It’s more often than Ross & Rachel.)Strengths: Lea Thompson’s star power.Weaknesses: Everyone else.How often I watch: A couple of times during the first year.Ranking Reasoning: Caroline is the ultimate tease. First, NBC places it in position to succeed b/t Seinfeld and ER. Add the fact that they have milked the star-crossed-lovers plotline between Richard and Caroline so much, it’s now a running gag. Here’s hoping that they put this animal out if it’s misery.
44. Fantasy Island: New Adventures don’t last.
Location: ABC, Currently on Hiatus Show Type: DramaGenre: Angels (or Devils) on EarthSynopsis: Visitors are treated to a supernatural vacation.Has it spawned imitators?: It’s a sequel.Would NBC deem it "Must See"?: Maybe. It lasted about as long as a Must
See show.Character you won’t see anywhere else: Tatu. (at least in the
original)Apocalyptic Sign: n/a. The show’s already canceled.Things only a fan would know: "I watched it!"Strengths: name recognition, Star power by McDowell and creator Barry Sonnefield
(MIB)Weaknesses: No longer on the air, no midgets.How often I watch: I watched it once.Ranking Reasoning: Already gone, this show had a good chance to succeed. However, fans found that the new Mr. Roarke was too dark, and the new show did not live up to comparisons of the Ricardo Montalbon version. And it’s a shame too. While not in the upper echelon of shows, it was a guilty Saturday night pleasure.
43. Brother’s Keeper: One of those TGIF shows.
Location: ABC, Thursdays at 9:30 EST. Show Type: ComedyGenre: Family FareSynopsis: Does it matter?Has it spawned imitators?: Not a chance.Would NBC deem it "Must See"?: A show aimed for kids? Maybe for TNBC.Character you won’t see anywhere else: n/a. If you're looking for
creativity, keep movin'.Apocalyptic Sign: The newest N'Sync CD. (All the viewers tune out.)Things only a fan would know: What happens on the show.Strengths: On after Sabrina and before 20/20.Weaknesses: The show.How often I watch: Never.Ranking Reasoning: Yet another time-filler on the TGIF lineup. They got rid of Urkel for this? At least he was entertaining. This show ain’t.
42. The Hughleys: Promising Rookie still looking to find it’s groove.
Location: ABC, Tuesdays at 8:30 EST. Show Type: ComedyGenre: The Traditional Family Sitcom.Synopsis: Middle class African American family life.Has it spawned imitators?: If this show makes it big, expect numerous duplicates.Would NBC deem it "Must See"?: Too much family. Not enough coffee
shops.Character you won’t see anywhere else: Hughley seeks to avoid the
traditional stereotypes (unlike his new competition The PJs).Apocalyptic Sign: Jim Crow Laws.Things only a fan would know: Chris Rock is an executive producer.Strengths: An actual original idea. Rock’s star power.Weaknesses: Hasn’t caught on yet. Will have to avoid becoming cliché.How often I watch: I’ll catch a little bit before Spin City.Ranking Reasoning: DL Hughly is capable of being funny without being low-brow. And if the writers can keep the show fresh and avoid the usual sitcom trappings, this show has some potential. Until then, it’s a nice diversion, but little else.
41. Walker, Texas Ranger: Nothin’ But Chuck.
Location: NBC, Saturdays at 10 EST. Also in syndication.Show Type: ActionGenre: Crime and PunishmentSynopsis: Texas crime fighter kicks a lot of butt.Has it spawned imitators?: See Martial Law.Would NBC deem it "Must See"?: Doesn’t fit the normal NBC drama
mold.Character you won’t see anywhere else: That Walker fellow.Things only a fan would know: Chuck Norris actually sings the show’s theme
song. Apocalyptic Sign: see aboveStrengths: People love to see our favorite martial artist.Weaknesses: The rest of the show.How often I watch: Will catch the last fight if I tune into the news early.Ranking Reasoning: Not too many reason to watch other than to see Walker beat some criminals up. In that respect, it’s a great show. In any other case, it’s not.
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