We had fun making our list of the Top 10 2007 Shows of 2007. This is the first time we’ve asked for help from the readers in rounding out the list and it was real cool to get all their input as well as to see the different shows everyone suggested. There were 56 different shows submitted by our readers to consider along with our list.
Overall, there were a few shows that showed up regularly. “Heroes”, “The Office”, and of course “Veronica Mars” received a ton of votes. One show that stood out with votes that is not included on the list is NBC’s “Friday Night Lights”. We admit we have never seen the show but after it came in 3rd in the reader votes we’ll have to take a look.
Thanks to the readers who helped us decide on the list. For their efforts, we are giving away a DVD of “Veronica Mars Season 3.” As we made up this list we take into consideration 3 votes: Dave, Thomas, and the reader submitted.
We also chose a reader at random for the “Veronica Mars” DVD and we’d like to thank Sarah who was our winner. Thanks for all who voted.
The CW’s freshman show, “Reaper“, edged out fellow newcomers “Pushing Daisies” and “Californication” to land at #10. With the creative input of indie-God Kevin Smith, “Reaper” was able to bump the other newbie shows to start our list.
What it’s about: On his 21st birthday, Sam learns his parents have pledged his soul to the Devil and now he’s obligated to retrieve souls on the earthly plane that have escaped from Hell while working his day job at a warehouse home improvement store.
Why it’s on the list: Great writing (souls get turned in at the DMV) and great characters, including Ray Wise (The Devil), make “Reaper” a fun watch. Tyler Labine (Sock) fills the role as Sam’s best friend and comic relief with flying colors.
There’s a lot of Sam and Sock in us which is why we like “Reaper” so much. We both worked similar crummy, retail jobs and did about as much work as these two.
Highlight moment: The Devil gives Sam a vessel each week to capture a soul. That vessel varies according to Sam’s abilities. However, the Devil’s sense of humor gives Sam vessels such as Dustbusters, hairdryers, and remote control cars. The best vessel was the snowglobe where Sam must capture a rogue soul played by the great Patton Oswalt. When Sam goes to turn in the vessel at the DMV, he finds them on vacation and has to put up with the smart-ass Oswalt for a week.
Dave’s rank: 10
Thomas rank: 10
Readers rank: 10
Watch a Clip:
Reaper
What it’s about: 30 minutes. Ha!
Animated series about a bizarre New England family, lead by thick-headed dad Peter Griffin, who is as tactless as he is clueless. His harried wife Lois struggles to maintain normality in their home life but can’t seem to control him.
Why it’s on the list: Some shows push the envelope. “The Family Guy” takes a dump in the envelope and mails it the FCC weekly. We love the Griffins for their never ending pop culture references and crazy characters. No other show talks to our generation of Nintendo and cable TV freaks more than “The Family Guy.”
Highlight moment: A full, hour-long episode that was a send-up of “Star Wars.” The episode, named “Blue Harvest” after a Star Wars production codename, featured the cast of Family Guy taking over the world of Star Wars. George Lucas even gave the crew full license to use his universe which makes the episode that much better.
Dave’s rank: 7
Thomas rank: 8
Readers rank: 12
Watch a Clip:
Family Guy Full Episode – Believe It Or Not Joe’s Walking On Air
Mike Rowe, host of “Dirty Jobs”
What it’s about: Host Mike Rowe travels to world trying his hand at the “Dirty Jobs” that people do. For anyone that has ever had a nasty job, this show is for you.
Why it’s on the list: Host Mike Rowe is down to earth and not afraid to get his hands dirty. He’s also quite the smart-ass, which is his best characteristic. You might know Mike Rowe from his other jobs as Ford Truck spokesman and narrating for “American Chopper”, “American Hot Rod”, and “Deadliest Catch”Dirty Jobs”, as well as other Discovery specials and series like the popular “Shark Week”. However, Rowe may have had the worst job of anyone when he was a late night personality on QVC in the early 90′s!
Highlight moment: We can’t even begin to tell you about all the “Dirty Jobs” that Rowe has faced. The show is not afraid to get gross and dirty by any means. The “Really Dirty Animals” episode saw Mike Rowe try to capture water snakes to take back to a lab for tagging. He gets bitten a lot which will make you cringe. Also, in the lab he needs to force the snakes to vomit to check their eating habits. Not for the timid!
Dave’s rank: 9
Thomas rank: 7
Readers rank: 15
Watch a Clip:
Nasty Hog Buffet – Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe
A look at the nasty crap hogs eat.
What it’s about: “The Daily Show” is a nightly news series presenting an alternative and humorous perspective on trends, pop culture, current events, politics, sports and movies. “The Colbert Report” keeps the ball rolling with Stephen Colbert as he gives his take on the issues of the day and why everyone else is just plain wrong.
Why it’s on the list: Both shows are fantastic, in-your-face social commentaries with witty writing and topical guests. It’s also one of the funniest and most influential programs on TV.
Highlight moment: Stephen Colbert goes back on “The Daily Show” to announce he will declare his run for President on a classier show. On the “Colbert Report”, which follows immediately, Stephen makes the news official.
Dave’s rank: 8
Thomas rank: 5
Readers rank: 8
Watch a Clip:
The Daily Show
The Colbert Report
Kristen Bell and cast of “Veronica Mars”What it’s about: Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars is a student who progressed to college for Season 3 and moonlights as a private investigator under the wing of her detective father.
Why it’s on the list: Kristen Bell is smart, sassy, and super hot. See our review here. That pretty much sums it up. If you like her in “Heroes” you’ll love her in “Veronica Mars”.
Highlight moment: Veronica Mars invades a sorority and pretends to be a drunk college girl. Nice….
Dave’s rank: 6
Thomas rank: 6
Readers rank: 4
Watch a Clip:
What it’s about: After their airplane crashes in the Pacific, 48 survivors are forced to adapt to life on a deserted island. As they get to know each other, some become friends, others enemies and some stories remain to be told. Each survivor seems to harbor their own secrets and dark pasts and confront their own personal demons on the island.
Why it’s on the list: Despite some ups and downs over the last few years, “Lost” still remains a mystery that has its hold on us. Season 1, we believe, is one of the finest Television moments in decades. Season 2 faltered due to over complication like adding characters and not answering mysteries.
In Season 3, the producers listened to their fans and brought back more of the character drama we love. The addition of Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man) as story editor has helped to replace talent like writer Javier Grillo-Marxuach, who left after the 2nd season.
Highlight moment: The Season 3 finally featured a true “WTF!” moment in the last half as we tried to figure out the timeline and who was in the coffin.
Dave’s rank: 5
Thomas rank: 4
Readers rank: 7
Watch a Clip:
Lost Season 4 Preview
What it’s about: Three buddies (and one girl) who own and run their neigborhood watering hole strive to find a balance between friendship and business only to fall prey to purely personal interests again and again.
Why it’s on the list: It’s like Seinfeld on crack!
“Sunny” is addictive and off-the-wall with such episodes dealing with dumpster babies, setting people on fire, and going on welfare to make money. This crew of misfits shows off the darker side of us all. They’re selfish and greedy people who ignore other peoples problems.
Danny DeVito came on board in the second season as Dennis and Dee’s dad and has brought the show up to a new level. Well, … actually a little lower to the gutter. “Sunny” continues to sink to new levels each week which is the shows charm.
Highlight moment: Danny DeVito and Charlie trip out on acid at tryouts for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Dave’s rank: 4
Thomas rank: 8
Readers rank: 5
Watch a Clip:
Add to My Profile | More Videos
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 3 Preview
What it’s about: An American remake of the hit British mockumentary series of the same name, set in the workplace of a paper company, that follows the daily follies of an odd group of employees and their tyrannical boss.
Why it’s on the list: Fantastic writing and great characters.
“The Office” is helped written by the cast (and not a room of hired writers) and they interact wonderfully. They pay special attention to the supporting characters, like the creepy Creed, which gives “The Office” a wide spectrum of personalities that viewers can relate to. Anyone that has ever worked in an office environment can relate to this show at some point.
Highlight moment: Michael Scott organizes a “Fun Run” to support victims of Rabies. This is after he runs over one of his employees in the parking lot and he finds out she was bitten by a raccoon.
Dave’s rank: 3
Thomas rank: 3
Readers rank: 2
Watch a Clip:
The Office – Local Ad Full Episode
What it’s about: What happens when otherwise ordinary people find out they have superpowers? All strangers at first, it is slowly revealed they they are all connected somehow as a greater conspiracy unfolds as well as a global danger of a nuclear bomb that they seem predestined to stop. As the mysteries of who they are and the dangers they face as individuals and a group unfold, they band together, one at a time, to save the world and possibly each other.
Why it’s on the list: It’s a live-action comic strip. Action, mystery, and cool super powers mix in with the ensemble cast. Like “Lost”, we are caught up in the great production and writing on a weekly basis. The lovable Hiro (Masi Oka) steals the show and is both of our favorites. A continual flow of good guys and bad guys who plot against each other to such a degree you don’t know whose side they’re on makes for great fun. For Example, The Horned Rimmed Glasses dude, Noah Bennet (Jack Coleman), is the perfect mix of good and evil.
Highlight moment: Hiro finds his father’s killer and give him a great revenge.
Dave’s rank: 2
Thomas rank: 2
Readers rank: 1
Watch a Clip:
Heroes – Kindred Full Episode
The Cast of Dexter
What it’s about: A polite, handsome, well-respected lab technician for the Miami Dade police department who also happens to be sociopathic serial killer has learned to rein in his homicidal impulses with the help of his foster father and murders only those who truly deserve it.
Why it’s on the list: “Dexter” is one of the most unusual concepts brought to TV in years and it succeeds. Strong writing and excellent acting drive this series of a turmoiled serial killer who just happens to work for the Miami Police Department. Quite the conflict.
Dexter Morgan (Michael C Hall) takes a unique trip in the journey of a hero, a term we use loosely. Even though he’s a cold-blooded killer, he sticks to his “Codes” and “Morals” and goes after people he deems unfit for society. Throughout the series, Dex encounters various trials and revelations about himself which he must overcome.
Season 1 deals with Dexter and another serial killer in the area. Miami’s not big enough for 2 serial killers! Season 2 wraps up with Dexter’s struggling with the FBI finding his stash of bodies while he tries to define himself.
Addictions, murder, and sex help cast the darkest show on TV. Michael C. Hall continues to chalk up Best Actor nominations with good reason for his stellar portrayal of Dexter. He controls the role of the obsessive and heartless Dexture with masterful skill in every minute he is on the screen. “Dexter” has set new ratings for Showtime with its Season 2 premier and we believe is the best pay-TV show now that the “Sopranos” is off the air.
Dave’s rank: 1
Thomas rank: 1
Readers rank: 6
Watch a Clip:
Dexter Season 2 Promo
