Recommended viewing

Looking for something new to watch? Let me recommend you something:

Comedies
Arrested Development Absolutely hilarious, and usually voted the best comedy ever. However you will need to watch it from the start, and it does reward intelligent viewers, so if you're looking for something dumb, this probably isn't the show.

Scrubs
It started off as more of a realistic comedy/drama, with some wackiness thrown in. The first five seasons were excellent, and then it just became a parody of itself. But still, don't let the Jumped Shark stop you from enjoying five great seasons.

That 70s Show
An easy one to get into and enjoy, this is one if you're feeling like something a bit dumber. The actors are great, they have heaps of fun together, and they truly do the kind of stupid things teenagers do without thinking. It's an easy one to like.

30 Rock
After a slow start, this is currently the best comedy on television. Tina Fey's writing is sharper, and Alec Baldwin's character is now more defined. If you can get past the slow start, this show will be a favourite for a long time to come.

The Office (US)
Has now probably surpassed the original in that while Ricky Gervais only bothered to write 13 episodes or so of his excellent show, the US producers have come out with four seasons worth of superb comedy. The first season is a bit weird to watch, but it's only six episodes, and right from the start of season two you are in for a great time.

How I Met Your Mother
Slowly gaining in popularity now people realise how funny it is, HIMYM (or 'himyam') is a well-written, cleverly-told, pretty funny comedy. Barney is the breakout star, but that doesn't mean the other characters are boring. Probably especially enjoyable if you're in your 20s and are either single or in a relationship.

Fun Dramas
Chuck
Don't get too bogged down in the details and just enjoy this show about a regular guy who is forced to be part of the international intelligence world, while maintaining his normal life. Adam Baldwin (of Firefly) is great, and Chuck's coworkers at the BuyMore provide some hilarious B-plots.

Gossip Girl
Only one-and-a-half seasons in and this show is dominating teen drama. If you enjoy getting into the emotional lives of beautiful people, then get into Gossip Girl. Enjoy the Dan and Serena, the Rufus and Lily, the Chuck and Blair, the Nate and Every Female Ever.

Californication
Although it came to a natural conclusion in season one, they've pressed ahead with a second season. If you like seeing David Duchovny's butt and various boobs, mixed in with a strong dose of LA life, this is a pretty funny show. But only if you're prepared for a lot of Mulder's butt.

Supernatural
Now I confess I haven't watched much of this show. But whenever I have, it's been pretty good. And all the reports I have are that it's fun, sometimes scary, and the main brother dudes are cool. So if you like a bit of supernatural drama, this might be one for you.

More Serious Dramas
Lost
After losing it for a while when JJ Abrams left to make Mission: Impossible, Lost is back big time. No more dragging out storylines for ages and ages. Season four was all about getting through the story and getting the action running. Some serious shizz went down in season four, and season five has apparently been awesome-crazy so far.

Rome
A sweeping historical drama, this is not an easy show to watch at times. The acting and writing are both excellent, however this is a serious show, which presents some rather confronting images. Very, very interesting for anyone who enjoys history, but be prepared for some violence and some boobies (and the occasional gold-encrusted dong. Don't ask).

True Blood
Like Twilight... except if it was made for adults and wasn't crap. Vampires are real, and they're living in public. Enjoyable to watch, lots of crazy stuff going on, but also some pretty dark undertones. People do get bitten, Janice from Mean Girls gets naked, Ryan Kwanten (aka Vinnie off Home and Away!) takes his shirt off lots... yes, it's got a lot happening. But I have to say I really enjoyed it.

Mad Men
Amoral New Yorkers working in advertising doesn't sound like a great pitch for a tv series, but... well, it is. Watching Don Draper work his magic in advertising is great, but seeing him struggle to understand who he is and what he wants is tough. Especially tough for his wife. And confusing for his mistress. Not to everyone's taste, but give it a go because you might really enjoy it.

The Wire
Sure I've been banging on about this show since forever, but hey, perhaps it might be time to listen. Other people can vouch for it. They're offering courses in it at Berkeley. Watch this show. Give it a few episodes. You'll learn a lot about how the world works. I am serious. Not joking. Serious.

Fringe
A really cool premise, which takes a little bit to setup, but I can tell you that 10 episodes in, I'm hooked. The cast is excellent, and the story is unfolding at a rapid pace. Who knew fringe science could be so captivating? And it's great to see Pacey Whitter/Charlie from the Mighty Ducks back on tv.

Other Shows
Dexter
He's a serial killer who kills bad people, the way his cop dad taught him to. And he works in the forensics department for the Miami PD. It only gets more interesting from there. Sometimes funny, sometimes incredibly tense, it's a good show.

Nathan Barley
Coming from the same stable as the Mighty Boosh etc, this show is more about parodying the pretensions of the art world. Lots of disgusting slang ("How are ya, ya greasy cock fart!") and some truly idiotic behaviour from some of the characters can make this one a weird one to watch with prudish friends. But it is also hilarious.

Flight of the Conchords
Everyone has hopefully seen this by now, but if you haven't, do yourself a favour and find a copy. Two Kiwi boys with dreams of making it big in America move to New York and try to get gigs and meet chicks. Classic songs and some beautiful comedy moments.


Well, that's it! Hope you've found something to enjoy! Anyone else have any other recommendations?