The Top 300 Greatest TV Shows of All Time: FBG Consensus: 50 Lists received. 2: Seinfeld 1: Breaking Bad (9 Viewers)

[krista4]

Ozark? I'm now 0-5 in ever seeing the last five, but at least the others (Stranger Things, Lost, Fargo, Arrested Development) were shows I'd heard of. What even is this?

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

I've said it a zillion times but one of the best thing about the 80's were the child empowerment films. The Goonies, E.T., Stand By Me, The Neverending Story, etc.

Stranger Things nails that trope and actually improves upon it. It's an all time great show.

Now...Can I get all the seasons on physical 4k disc please?

For me it got to feel like Ready Player One in that they overdid the references and pushed the nostalgia button too much.

What? You don't like The Shining? I like the blast from the past thing.

By the way, I'm counting on you to raise Jeopardy to a lofty place in the countdown.

Alas, I didn't realise this would be fun, so I didn't submit a list. I regret this. My rankings would be way different.

You know you and anyone else that didn't do a list can still post one for us to over analyze and possibly mock? I'm interested in how your rankings would be different?

I guess I could. Might try that since the theme draft is over. I'm in umlaut withdrawal.

 

[Chaos34]

Ozark? I'm now 0-5 in ever seeing the last five, but at least the others (Stranger Things, Lost, Fargo, Arrested Development) were shows I'd heard of. What even is this?

Jason Batemen, Laura Linney and Julia Garner make for a very solid cast. Financial advisor/money launderer gets in deep trouble with a Mexican cartel in Chicago. His solution is to set up a bigger laundering operation in the seclusion of the Ozarks to solve his problems. Things don't go so smoothly but Marty Bird is the classic duck, smooth on the surface paddling like hell underneath. If you can get a little committed to those three characters it's a pretty good ride. 4 seasons. It lacks the humor and coolness of Justified, but the setting, stories, and Ozark cime scene have a similar vibe. I didn't rank it, forgot about it when making my list, but I made all 4 seasons, so... binge a bit and see if you're compelled.

 

[Runkle]

Ozark? I'm now 0-5 in ever seeing the last five, but at least the others (Stranger Things, Lost, Fargo, Arrested Development) were shows I'd heard of. What even is this?

The pilot is great. Watch that episode and see if you're not instantly hooked.

 

[Ilov80s]

Ozark? I'm now 0-5 in ever seeing the last five, but at least the others (Stranger Things, Lost, Fargo, Arrested Development) were shows I'd heard of. What even is this?

It’s a Netflix show from recently I believe. My wife and I didn’t care for it and dropped it after a few episodes. It’s definitely going for a Breaking Bad kind of thing.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I think serialized TV shows have a two built in problems.

First, there's always the threat of cancellation so the showrunners start with a collective one hand tied behind their back. There's no way of planning out a show where the season fit together perfectly for 3, 4, 5 etc. seasons because there's no way to know it'll last that long.

Second, it seems to me that the longer they go, the more the audience gets invested in how they WANT the story to proceed and/or end. When the story doesn't go the way they hoped, there's an increased dissatisfaction with it. Three of my favorite shows are Battlestar, Lost, and Westworld. All three have received the same criticism of "started great, ended lousy". And I just don't get it.

I think what is required is similar to the "suspension of disbelief" idea. Let the story tell what it wants to tell and don't worry so much if the t's and I's aren't crossed and dotted perfectly - it's just a story. Sometimes it's easier to suspend that disbelief/give leeway than it is others, no doubt.

This is a really good post.

 

[BassNBrew]

How many television shows came from commercials?

Some of the most notables:
Ted Lasso
the Geico Caveman
The California Raisin Show
Hey Vern, It's Ernest!

I always thought they could've made an entire show about the Waaaaaaaaazzzzzzzuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuupppp guys.

True....True.

 

[guru_007]

Ozark I thought was really good - as mentioned previously Bateman, Linney and especially Garner shined in the series. But, I just had issues with a lot of the ancillary themes/plot lines of the show to think it should rank that high. The hillbillies had that kind of drug empire? The whole Ben thing I didn't really like either. And I hated the political spin. I thought they would have done better to focus more on the family and I thought the hotel again with the local had potential but they kind of let that fall to the wayside.
I found it utterly ridiculous that Bateman could remain so calm when the cartel was around as well, but I can suspend my level of disbelief a bit with that.
Acting I'd give it a 9/10. Story lines fell short though, maybe 5/10. I enjoyed it but I can definitely see how people would not care for it. Surprised it was this high.

 

[zamboni]

Ozark I thought was really good - as mentioned previously Bateman, Linney and especially Garner shined in the series. But, I just had issues with a lot of the ancillary themes/plot lines of the show to think it should rank that high. The hillbillies had that kind of drug empire? The whole Ben thing I didn't really like either. And I hated the political spin. I thought they would have done better to focus more on the family and I thought the hotel again with the local had potential but they kind of let that fall to the wayside.
I found it utterly ridiculous that Bateman could remain so calm when the cartel was around as well, but I can suspend my level of disbelief a bit with that.
Acting I'd give it a 9/10. Story lines fell short though, maybe 5/10. I enjoyed it but I can definitely see how people would not care for it. Surprised it was this high.

RE: the bolded. I thought the Ben story arc was amazing, such a powerhouse performance by Tom Pelphrey and a much deserved Emmy nomination for that guest role.
ETA: That one episode was also an amazing performance by Laura Linney and really shifted the Wendy character.

 

[guru_007]

Ozark I thought was really good - as mentioned previously Bateman, Linney and especially Garner shined in the series. But, I just had issues with a lot of the ancillary themes/plot lines of the show to think it should rank that high. The hillbillies had that kind of drug empire? The whole Ben thing I didn't really like either. And I hated the political spin. I thought they would have done better to focus more on the family and I thought the hotel again with the local had potential but they kind of let that fall to the wayside.
I found it utterly ridiculous that Bateman could remain so calm when the cartel was around as well, but I can suspend my level of disbelief a bit with that.
Acting I'd give it a 9/10. Story lines fell short though, maybe 5/10. I enjoyed it but I can definitely see how people would not care for it. Surprised it was this high.

RE: the bolded. I thought the Ben story arc was amazing, such a powerhouse performance by Tom Pelphrey and a much deserved Emmy nomination for that guest role.

Oh, I know a lot of people liked it. I didn't though.

 

[zamboni]

Ozark I thought was really good - as mentioned previously Bateman, Linney and especially Garner shined in the series. But, I just had issues with a lot of the ancillary themes/plot lines of the show to think it should rank that high. The hillbillies had that kind of drug empire? The whole Ben thing I didn't really like either. And I hated the political spin. I thought they would have done better to focus more on the family and I thought the hotel again with the local had potential but they kind of let that fall to the wayside.
I found it utterly ridiculous that Bateman could remain so calm when the cartel was around as well, but I can suspend my level of disbelief a bit with that.
Acting I'd give it a 9/10. Story lines fell short though, maybe 5/10. I enjoyed it but I can definitely see how people would not care for it. Surprised it was this high.

RE: the bolded. I thought the Ben story arc was amazing, such a powerhouse performance by Tom Pelphrey and a much deserved Emmy nomination for that guest role.

Oh, I know a lot of people liked it. I didn't though.

Understood - it's all subjective. That one Ben episode is probably the one blew me away the most since one show's penultimate episode we'll get to later on.

 

[guru_007]

Oh, and in regard to Lost & Survivor - my wife loves(d) both of those shows. Maybe the only two shows I can think of that she likes to watch as soon as they come out. I tried Lost for an episode or two, and then I was completely out. I loathe all reality tv, so refuse to watch Survivor at all.
Lost was definitely a water cooler show when it came out, every one was talking about it, posting about it on social media, etc... I see why it ranked so high.
And survivor I don't get the appeal at all, but I mean 48, 50, 100 seasons can't be wrong. Even though I feel they do the same thing over and over and over again, show probably will continue forever or until they actually kill someone.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

And survivor I don't get the appeal at all, but I mean 48, 50, 100 seasons can't be wrong. Even though I feel they do the same thing over and over and over again, show probably will continue forever or until they actually kill someone.

Agree with this.

 

[Scoresman]

21 - The X-Files​

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror
Score: 896
Average Rank: 32

Two FBI agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.

List Breakdown

whoknew 9
simey 10
Atomic Punk 11
shuke 18
Dr Octopus 18
turnjose7 20
KarmaPolice 20
Bottomfeeder Sports 22
Dan Lambskin 24
Scoresman 28
landrys hat 31
Runkle 35
Yo Mama 36
Jayrod 37
ilov80s 38
Tick 40
BLOCKED PUNT 43
Psychopav 44
Brutal Penquin 45
Frostillicus 46
Nick Vermeil 51
Todem 55
Hastur 56

 

[Gally]

21 - The X-Files​

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror
Score: 896
Average Rank: 32

Two FBI agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.

List Breakdown

whoknew 9
simey 10
Atomic Punk 11
shuke 18
Dr Octopus 18
turnjose7 20
KarmaPolice 20
Bottomfeeder Sports 22
Dan Lambskin 24
Scoresman 28
landrys hat 31
Runkle 35
Yo Mama 36
Jayrod 37
ilov80s 38
Tick 40
BLOCKED PUNT 43
Psychopav 44
Brutal Penquin 45
Frostillicus 46
Nick Vermeil 51
Todem 55
Hastur 56

Never seen it. How does it compare/contrast to Fringe (which on the surface seems like a similar premise)?

 

[Scoresman]

21 - The X-Files​

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror
Score: 896
Average Rank: 32

Two FBI agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.

List Breakdown

whoknew 9
simey 10
Atomic Punk 11
shuke 18
Dr Octopus 18
turnjose7 20
KarmaPolice 20
Bottomfeeder Sports 22
Dan Lambskin 24
Scoresman 28
landrys hat 31
Runkle 35
Yo Mama 36
Jayrod 37
ilov80s 38
Tick 40
BLOCKED PUNT 43
Psychopav 44
Brutal Penquin 45
Frostillicus 46
Nick Vermeil 51
Todem 55
Hastur 56

Never seen it. How does it compare/contrast to Fringe (which on the surface seems like a similar premise)?

I havent seen Fringe but it's very similar and for sure influenced it. There's really two parts to The X-Files. The procedural "Monster of the Week" episodes, and then there's the mytharc which involves Mulder's search for aliens and his family's connection to it. You can focus on either and only watch those episodes if you dont want to commit to so many episodes.

And like most shows that go on as long as it did, the quality does drop with time. But those early seasons were REALLY good.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

21 - The X-Files​

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror
Score: 896
Average Rank: 32

Two FBI agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.

List Breakdown

whoknew 9
simey 10
Atomic Punk 11
shuke 18
Dr Octopus 18
turnjose7 20
KarmaPolice 20
Bottomfeeder Sports 22
Dan Lambskin 24
Scoresman 28
landrys hat 31
Runkle 35
Yo Mama 36
Jayrod 37
ilov80s 38
Tick 40
BLOCKED PUNT 43
Psychopav 44
Brutal Penquin 45
Frostillicus 46
Nick Vermeil 51
Todem 55
Hastur 56

I'm going through a rewatch of this now. I never realized how rough the first two seasons were. We were lucky that FOX had such little content at the time or it may have got cancelled before the greatness happened.

 

[Gally]

I'm going through a rewatch of this now. I never realized how rough the first two seasons were.

What was "rough" about it?

 

[steelerfan1]

21 - The X-Files​

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror
Score: 896
Average Rank: 32

Two FBI agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.

List Breakdown

whoknew 9
simey 10
Atomic Punk 11
shuke 18
Dr Octopus 18
turnjose7 20
KarmaPolice 20
Bottomfeeder Sports 22
Dan Lambskin 24
Scoresman 28
landrys hat 31
Runkle 35
Yo Mama 36
Jayrod 37
ilov80s 38
Tick 40
BLOCKED PUNT 43
Psychopav 44
Brutal Penquin 45
Frostillicus 46
Nick Vermeil 51
Todem 55
Hastur 56

Never seen it. How does it compare/contrast to Fringe (which on the surface seems like a similar premise)?

i'm a weirdo with horrible taste, but I enjoyed Fringe more than The X-Files. Edited to add, that a show that didn't make the top 300 in Millennium I preferred more than The X-Files as well.

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

24 - Arrested Development​

Comedy
Score: 859
Average Rank: 30.1

Level-headed son Michael Bluth takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. But the rest of his spoiled, dysfunctional family are making his job unbearable.

List Breakdown

@kupcho1 1
turnjose7 2
UncleZen 5
Barry2 10
Don Quixote 12
Bottomfeeder Sports 14
landrys hat 19
Pip's Invitation 20
Dan Lambskin 22
ilov80s 29
whoknew 31
Frostillicus 31
Maik Jeaunz 32
Sullie 33
Binky 37
AAABatteries 49
Dr Octopus 50
The Gator 53
Scoresman 57
Gally 62
BLOCKED PUNT 63

Arrested Development

I guess being the "responsible one" in my world isn't so bad after all.

 

[KarmaPolice]

21 - The X-Files​

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror
Score: 896
Average Rank: 32

Two FBI agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.

List Breakdown

whoknew 9
simey 10
Atomic Punk 11
shuke 18
Dr Octopus 18
turnjose7 20
KarmaPolice 20
Bottomfeeder Sports 22
Dan Lambskin 24
Scoresman 28
landrys hat 31
Runkle 35
Yo Mama 36
Jayrod 37
ilov80s 38
Tick 40
BLOCKED PUNT 43
Psychopav 44
Brutal Penquin 45
Frostillicus 46
Nick Vermeil 51
Todem 55
Hastur 56

I'm going through a rewatch of this now. I never realized how rough the first two seasons were. We were lucky that FOX had such little content at the time or it may have got cancelled before the greatness happened.

Sure, the look of the show is a bit "rough" by today's standards, but I am a bit surprised by this comment. I re-watched the first season a couple years ago and was hooked instantly again.

Maybe it is a bit of that Buffy syndrome as I rewatch that, and I just can't get over my love of the show and even the lesser episodes have great character moments. IMO the slight knock on the show is that the big alien conspiracy plot is probably what people think of when they start the show, but that is a small % of episodes. I was just scanning THIS wikipedia page that notates the mythology episodes. I could see people getting squirrely in the first couple seasons as the f/x are dated and there are only 13 of those episodes in the first 49 as they really find their feet. I think my favorite stretch is that middle Season 3- Season 6 run, including the movie.

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

23 - Lost​

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror
Score: 882
Average Rank: 29

The survivors of a plane crash are forced to work together in order to survive on a seemingly deserted tropical island.

List Breakdown

Barry2 7
timschochet 7
John Madden's Lunchbox 13
Dan Lambskin 14
Pip's Invitation 15
shuke 16
Tick 19
Nick Vermeil 23
Maik Jeaunz 24
Scoresman 31
Yo Mama 31
Gally 33
Bottomfeeder Sports 35
Rand al Thor 37
AAABatteries 38
The Gator 40
landrys hat 42
Brutal Penquin 44
kupcho1 46
Instinctive 47
Frostillicus 47

Lost

I was teased and looked forward to watching this first run. Then life got in the way. I already knew everyone was disappointed by the ending by the time I restarted watching this. I was disappointed to be watching it late, but not disappointed in watching it.

 

[KarmaPolice]

21 - The X-Files​

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror
Score: 896
Average Rank: 32

Two FBI agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.

List Breakdown

whoknew 9
simey 10
Atomic Punk 11
shuke 18
Dr Octopus 18
turnjose7 20
KarmaPolice 20
Bottomfeeder Sports 22
Dan Lambskin 24
Scoresman 28
landrys hat 31
Runkle 35
Yo Mama 36
Jayrod 37
ilov80s 38
Tick 40
BLOCKED PUNT 43
Psychopav 44
Brutal Penquin 45
Frostillicus 46
Nick Vermeil 51
Todem 55
Hastur 56

Never seen it. How does it compare/contrast to Fringe (which on the surface seems like a similar premise)?

i'm a weirdo with horrible taste, but I enjoyed Fringe more than The X-Files. Edited to add, that a show that didn't make the top 300 in Millennium I preferred more than The X-Files as well.

IMO Fringe knew what is was a little more - it had a different tone and was a bit more "fun", and it came out 15 years later so some of the campy f/x were improved. X-Files took itself a little too seriously at times. Plus it has the benefit of having less than 1/2 the episodes.

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

21 - The X-Files​

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror
Score: 896
Average Rank: 32

Two FBI agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.

List Breakdown

whoknew 9
simey 10
Atomic Punk 11
shuke 18
Dr Octopus 18
turnjose7 20
KarmaPolice 20
Bottomfeeder Sports 22
Dan Lambskin 24
Scoresman 28
landrys hat 31
Runkle 35
Yo Mama 36
Jayrod 37
ilov80s 38
Tick 40
BLOCKED PUNT 43
Psychopav 44
Brutal Penquin 45
Frostillicus 46
Nick Vermeil 51
Todem 55
Hastur 56

The X Files

I liked it better early when it was more episodic and less of a common thread running through the episodes, but that was just a small gripe.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Oh, and in regard to Lost & Survivor - my wife loves(d) both of those shows. Maybe the only two shows I can think of that she likes to watch as soon as they come out. I tried Lost for an episode or two, and then I was completely out. I loathe all reality tv, so refuse to watch Survivor at all.
Lost was definitely a water cooler show when it came out, every one was talking about it, posting about it on social media, etc... I see why it ranked so high.
And survivor I don't get the appeal at all, but I mean 48, 50, 100 seasons can't be wrong. Even though I feel they do the same thing over and over and over again, show probably will continue forever or until they actually kill someone.

Your wife sounds cool.

Survivor has gotten much safer since someone almost died in season 32 (and some other contestants that season got serious infections). If a death happens, it’ll be from someone doing something they weren’t supposed to do. In season 44, one guy climbed a giant rock, fell off of it and landed on his shoulder. After a few more days he had to be pulled from the game. If he’d landed on his head, he might have died.

ETA: The French and Bulgarian versions still exist despite someone dying.

 

[whoknew]

21 - The X-Files​

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror
Score: 896
Average Rank: 32

Two FBI agents, Fox Mulder the believer and Dana Scully the skeptic, investigate the strange and unexplained while hidden forces work to impede their efforts.

List Breakdown

whoknew 9
simey 10
Atomic Punk 11
shuke 18
Dr Octopus 18
turnjose7 20
KarmaPolice 20
Bottomfeeder Sports 22
Dan Lambskin 24
Scoresman 28
landrys hat 31
Runkle 35
Yo Mama 36
Jayrod 37
ilov80s 38
Tick 40
BLOCKED PUNT 43
Psychopav 44
Brutal Penquin 45
Frostillicus 46
Nick Vermeil 51
Todem 55
Hastur 56

Never seen it. How does it compare/contrast to Fringe (which on the surface seems like a similar premise)?

I havent seen Fringe but it's very similar and for sure influenced it. There's really two parts to The X-Files. The procedural "Monster of the Week" episodes, and then there's the mytharc which involves Mulder's search for aliens and his family's connection to it. You can focus on either and only watch those episodes if you dont want to commit to so many episodes.

And like most shows that go on as long as it did, the quality does drop with time. But those early seasons were REALLY good.

It also has a great episode that was banned from Fox after the initial showing.

Home

ETA: Wonderful, Wonderful

 

[Scoresman]

20 - Late Night with David Letterman​

Talk Show
Score: 931
Average Rank: 28.7

David Letterman hijinks and interviews

List Breakdown

shuke 4
krista4 7
Binky 10
Eephus 11
Pip's Invitation 13
UncleZen 18
Nick Vermeil 20
Hastur 23
titusbramble 24
Tau37 24
Dr Octopus 25
gr00vus 30
Rand al Thor 31
Atomic Punk 33
Tick 35
Psychopav 36
Scoresman 39
Runkle 39
Jayrod 45
Shaft41 46
John Madden's Lunchbox 57
Yo Mama 61

 

[Scoresman]

That covers the NBC and CBS shows combined.

 

[Keith R]

There's a lot here lately that I never saw at all or saw 1-2 episodes at most.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I'm going through a rewatch of this now. I never realized how rough the first two seasons were.

What was "rough" about it?

The acting seemed stiff and the story lines were dull.

 

[Yo Mama]

20 - Late Night with David Letterman​

Talk Show
Score: 931
Average Rank: 28.7

David Letterman hijinks and interviews

List Breakdown

shuke 4
krista4 7
Binky 10
Eephus 11
Pip's Invitation 13
UncleZen 18
Nick Vermeil 20
Hastur 23
titusbramble 24
Tau37 24
Dr Octopus 25
gr00vus 30
Rand al Thor 31
Atomic Punk 33
Tick 35
Psychopav 36
Scoresman 39
Runkle 39
Jayrod 45
Shaft41 46
John Madden's Lunchbox 57
Yo Mama 61

Oh wow, I thought this was going to be one of my remaining two shows to be outside the top 300 (assuming the cbs and nbc voting was split or something). I pretty much know one that won’t make the cut, but my other miss will be a surprise now (it’s one of two possibilities).

 

[Pip's Invitation]

20 - Late Night with David Letterman​

Talk Show
Score: 931
Average Rank: 28.7

David Letterman hijinks and interviews

List Breakdown

shuke 4
krista4 7
Binky 10
Eephus 11
Pip's Invitation 13
UncleZen 18
Nick Vermeil 20
Hastur 23
titusbramble 24
Tau37 24
Dr Octopus 25
gr00vus 30
Rand al Thor 31
Atomic Punk 33
Tick 35
Psychopav 36
Scoresman 39
Runkle 39
Jayrod 45
Shaft41 46
John Madden's Lunchbox 57
Yo Mama 61

This was some of the best comedy on TV in the ‘80s. It was unique and deeply weird. I was obsessed with making lists, so Letterman making lists funny was a revelation for me.

 

[Psychopav]

26. Stranger Things: 91/90 (wow!)
25. Fargo: 93/85
24. Arrested Development: 75/85
23. Lost: 86/89
22. Ozark: 82/86
21. The X-Files: 74/85
20. Late Night with David Letterman: 100/79 (note: RT lists this as "Late Show with..." and says it aired from 1993-2015, "2 seasons" so I think this is the CBS version and the NBC version would be --/-- as it does not appear to be listed)

 

[Sullie]

I think Late Night w/David Letterman from 82 to around 93 was innovative, fun, loose and just absolutely amazing and really enjoyable to watch. I think around the time he was passed over for the Tonight Show, to me, he seemed to become angry, bitter and spiteful and I just didn't think he was fun to watch any longer so he lost me in the 90's and this kept me from putting his show on my list.

 

[Scoresman]

19 - Friends​

Comedy
Score: 948
Average Rank: 25.9

Follows the lives of six 20-something friends living in Manhattan.

List Breakdown

Pip's Invitation 4
AAABatteries 5
Gally 7
Maik Jeaunz 9
UncleZen 9
Todem 9
BLOCKED PUNT 16
Tick 16
Dr Octopus 17
Jayrod 18
John Madden's Lunchbox 20
Dan Lambskin 25
simey 30
zamboni 33
Instinctive 33
The Gator 34
turnjose7 35
Atomic Punk 45
Tau37 51
Rand al Thor 63
landrys hat 64

 

[Scoresman]

I tried watching Friends when it was airing, hoping it would be akin to Seinfeld, but it was a huge disappointment for me. Can't stand the theme song and hated most of the characters.

 

[Gr00vus]

20 - Late Night with David Letterman​

Talk Show
Score: 931
Average Rank: 28.7

David Letterman hijinks and interviews

List Breakdown

shuke 4
krista4 7
Binky 10
Eephus 11
Pip's Invitation 13
UncleZen 18
Nick Vermeil 20
Hastur 23
titusbramble 24
Tau37 24
Dr Octopus 25
gr00vus 30
Rand al Thor 31
Atomic Punk 33
Tick 35
Psychopav 36
Scoresman 39
Runkle 39
Jayrod 45
Shaft41 46
John Madden's Lunchbox 57
Yo Mama 61

This was some of the best comedy on TV in the ‘80s. It was unique and deeply weird. I was obsessed with making lists, so Letterman making lists funny was a revelation for me.

The Brother Theodore segments are some of the funniest things I've seen on tv.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Friends is almost always funny,

Except when they put Joey and Rachel together - everyone hated that.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

I tried watching Friends when it was airing, hoping it would be akin to Seinfeld, but it was a huge disappointment for me. Can't stand the theme song and hated most of the characters.

"Your job's a joke, you're broke, your love life's D.O.AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY"

 

[Tick]

Top 10 Times Square Christmas Movies
Top 10 Fears of Snuggles the Fabric Softener Bear

 

[Pip's Invitation]

19 - Friends​

Comedy
Score: 948
Average Rank: 25.9

Follows the lives of six 20-something friends living in Manhattan.

List Breakdown

Pip's Invitation 4
AAABatteries 5
Gally 7
Maik Jeaunz 9
UncleZen 9
Todem 9
BLOCKED PUNT 16
Tick 16
Dr Octopus 17
Jayrod 18
John Madden's Lunchbox 20
Dan Lambskin 25
simey 30
zamboni 33
Instinctive 33
The Gator 34
turnjose7 35
Atomic Punk 45
Tau37 51
Rand al Thor 63
landrys hat 64

Huh, I didn't expect to be the high ranker here.

To use that NBC marketing phrase, Friends was must-see TV for me in the '90s. It was the epitome of "these people are interesting and I just want to hang out with them and see what they do." The episode where Joey-Chandler and Monica-Rachel played a quiz game hosted by Ross with the winner getting the better apartment is one of the funniest moments in TV history. Ross got Flanderized but other than that, the show was pretty consistently good over its long run. And the list of guest stars is jaw-dropping.

 

[Tick]

I think Late Night w/David Letterman from 82 to around 93 was innovative, fun, loose and just absolutely amazing and really enjoyable to watch. I think around the time he was passed over for the Tonight Show, to me, he seemed to become angry, bitter and spiteful and I just didn't think he was fun to watch any longer so he lost me in the 90's and this kept me from putting his show on my list.

If a show was amazing for over a decade, I can’t see leaving it off your rankings.

 

[BlackCrowes]

didn't like Friends after London

 

[Andy Dufresne]

19 - Friends​

Comedy
Score: 948
Average Rank: 25.9

Follows the lives of six 20-something friends living in Manhattan.

List Breakdown

Pip's Invitation 4
AAABatteries 5
Gally 7
Maik Jeaunz 9
UncleZen 9
Todem 9
BLOCKED PUNT 16
Tick 16
Dr Octopus 17
Jayrod 18
John Madden's Lunchbox 20
Dan Lambskin 25
simey 30
zamboni 33
Instinctive 33
The Gator 34
turnjose7 35
Atomic Punk 45
Tau37 51
Rand al Thor 63
landrys hat 64

Huh, I didn't expect to be the high ranker here.

To use that NBC marketing phrase, Friends was must-see TV for me in the '90s. It was the epitome of "these people are interesting and I just want to hang out with them and see what they do." The episode where Joey-Chandler and Monica-Rachel played a quiz game hosted by Ross with the winner getting the better apartment is one of the funniest moments in TV history. Ross got Flanderized but other than that, the show was pretty consistently good over its long run. And the list of guest stars is jaw-dropping.

Rachel: Oh oh... he's a trans... a transponster!
Monica: THAT'S NOT EVEN A WORD!
"

 

[Snoopy]

I tried watching Friends when it was airing, hoping it would be akin to Seinfeld, but it was a huge disappointment for me. Can't stand the theme song and hated most of the characters.

I tried watching it a couple times. Became nauseated after a couple minutes.

 

[BlackCrowes]

ag

19 - Friends​

Comedy
Score: 948
Average Rank: 25.9

Follows the lives of six 20-something friends living in Manhattan.

List Breakdown

Pip's Invitation 4
AAABatteries 5
Gally 7
Maik Jeaunz 9
UncleZen 9
Todem 9
BLOCKED PUNT 16
Tick 16
Dr Octopus 17
Jayrod 18
John Madden's Lunchbox 20
Dan Lambskin 25
simey 30
zamboni 33
Instinctive 33
The Gator 34
turnjose7 35
Atomic Punk 45
Tau37 51
Rand al Thor 63
landrys hat 64

Huh, I didn't expect to be the high ranker here.

To use that NBC marketing phrase, Friends was must-see TV for me in the '90s. It was the epitome of "these people are interesting and I just want to hang out with them and see what they do." The episode where Joey-Chandler and Monica-Rachel played a quiz game hosted by Ross with the winner getting the better apartment is one of the funniest moments in TV history. Ross got Flanderized but other than that, the show was pretty consistently good over its long run. And the list of guest stars is jaw-dropping.

Rachel: Oh oh... he's a trans... a transponster!
Monica: THAT'S NOT EVEN A WORD!
"

agree. probably the best episode of the series.

"Actually, its 'Miss' Chnandler Bong"

 

[steelerfan1]

19 - Friends​

Comedy
Score: 948
Average Rank: 25.9

Follows the lives of six 20-something friends living in Manhattan.

List Breakdown

Pip's Invitation 4
AAABatteries 5
Gally 7
Maik Jeaunz 9
UncleZen 9
Todem 9
BLOCKED PUNT 16
Tick 16
Dr Octopus 17
Jayrod 18
John Madden's Lunchbox 20
Dan Lambskin 25
simey 30
zamboni 33
Instinctive 33
The Gator 34
turnjose7 35
Atomic Punk 45
Tau37 51
Rand al Thor 63
landrys hat 64

Huh, I didn't expect to be the high ranker here.

To use that NBC marketing phrase, Friends was must-see TV for me in the '90s. It was the epitome of "these people are interesting and I just want to hang out with them and see what they do." The episode where Joey-Chandler and Monica-Rachel played a quiz game hosted by Ross with the winner getting the better apartment is one of the funniest moments in TV history. Ross got Flanderized but other than that, the show was pretty consistently good over its long run. And the list of guest stars is jaw-dropping.

BIG FAT GOALIE!

 

[Uruk-Hai]

The episode where Joey-Chandler and Monica-Rachel played a quiz game hosted by Ross with the winner getting the better apartment is one of the funniest moments in TV history.

That episode was the high point of the show, in my opinion.

 

[zamboni]

didn't like Friends after London

Definitely starting turning down a bit for me as well when Chandler and Monica got together but the first several years were so strong that it still ranked highly for me.

The episode where Joey-Chandler and Monica-Rachel played a quiz game hosted by Ross with the winner getting the better apartment is one of the funniest moments in TV history.

Agree - probably the apex of Friends scenes.

What is Ross’ job?

Good stuff

 

[Pip's Invitation]

ag

19 - Friends​

Comedy
Score: 948
Average Rank: 25.9

Follows the lives of six 20-something friends living in Manhattan.

List Breakdown

Pip's Invitation 4
AAABatteries 5
Gally 7
Maik Jeaunz 9
UncleZen 9
Todem 9
BLOCKED PUNT 16
Tick 16
Dr Octopus 17
Jayrod 18
John Madden's Lunchbox 20
Dan Lambskin 25
simey 30
zamboni 33
Instinctive 33
The Gator 34
turnjose7 35
Atomic Punk 45
Tau37 51
Rand al Thor 63
landrys hat 64

Huh, I didn't expect to be the high ranker here.

To use that NBC marketing phrase, Friends was must-see TV for me in the '90s. It was the epitome of "these people are interesting and I just want to hang out with them and see what they do." The episode where Joey-Chandler and Monica-Rachel played a quiz game hosted by Ross with the winner getting the better apartment is one of the funniest moments in TV history. Ross got Flanderized but other than that, the show was pretty consistently good over its long run. And the list of guest stars is jaw-dropping.

Rachel: Oh oh... he's a trans... a transponster!
Monica: THAT'S NOT EVEN A WORD!
"

agree. probably the best episode of the series.

"Actually, its 'Miss' Chnandler Bong"

The episode where Joey-Chandler and Monica-Rachel played a quiz game hosted by Ross with the winner getting the better apartment is one of the funniest moments in TV history.

That episode was the high point of the show, in my opinion.

Agree - probably the apex of Friends scenes.

We have a consensus. So it is written.