Channel 4 are planning a countdown show to find the top 10 TV shows of the past 10 years, and The Guardian are asking for suggestions. So, I thought I'd post my own top 10 here, in ascending order:
10. Big Brother (2000-present)
Love it or hate it, this is a trailblazing reality show responsible for most others. I've never understood why people dislike this voyeuristic gameshow, which is ideal people-watching triviality for summer.
9. Peep Show (2003-present)
Creative and stimulating black comedy that speaks to disaffected twentysomethings everywhere; brilliantly performed, uniquely filmed, perceptively written, and very funny.
8. Breaking Bad (2008-present)
A newbie on the list, but this is dark drama at its finest. A superb performance from Bryan Cranston as the terminally ill teacher embracing crime to provide for his family.
7. Battlestar Galactica (2003-09)
An impressive evolution of cheesy '80s trash into hard-hitting allegorical drama; a fine example of sci-fi coming of age on TV. Operatic, bold, intelligent and exciting.
6. Dexter (2006-present)
Incredibly entertaining serial-killer thriller; a gripping series with a delicious high-concept premise, blessed with a magnificent performance from Michael C. Hall.
5. Mad Men (2007-present)
Meticulous and astonishingly well-crafted drama set in the almost-alien '60s, full of perfect performances and consistently delivering multi-layered, intelligent scripts.
4. Doctor Who (2005-present)
Hugely enjoyable revival that's reclaimed its national treasure status and single-handedly pulled Brit telefantasy into the 21st-century to compete on the world stage.
3. The Office (2001-03)
A world-conquering sitcom with a mockumentary format, but the UK original remains the most incisive and hilarious, topped by the sheer genius of Ricky Gervais' performance.
2. 24 (2001-present)
The show most responsible for the serialized nature of many dramas since its debut, at it's pinnacle it's been the most addictive and astonishing TV action-thriller ever. Possibly the most interesting pop-culture response to 9/11 and the Bush era.
1. Lost (2004-10)
Epic, complex and imaginative drama that's become a benchmark for serialized sci-fi on a massive scale. Great cast, knotty ideas, emotive themes; it's made fanatics of people not traditionally drawn to sci-fi thanks to strong characters, a gripping mystery that keeps evolving, and a seemingly inexhaustible stream of twists and shocks.
Agree? Disagree? Feel free to comment and offer up your own Top 10 below.
