It’s the end of another decade; and what a decade it has been. Between 2000 and 2009, so many shows have come and gone. And when I think about it, most of my TV obsessions sprung within the past 10 years. From Smallville (which I used to love but now do not watch completely) to Veronica Mars (which I miss to this very day) to Friday Night Lights (the BEST drama right now) plus a bunch of new and amazing comedies (The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family) that replaced some classic favorites (Friends, Sex and the City), watching television pretty much ruled a part of my life the past decade.

Anyway, before moving on, you might want to read my year-end TV recaps since 2006 when I started blogging about TV. It might give some insight into how my TV watching has changed (or not) over the past 4 years:
TV in 2006
TV in 2007
TV in 2008

And now…. As a salute to the decade that was, here are some notable TV highlights between 2000 and 2009 (some personal, some general observations). The shows mentioned may not all be award-winning critical favorites; but I loved ‘em (maybe even left ‘em recently):

Smallville (2001-present)

From the time I heard about it being produced, I’ve been excited to check out Smallville, which is basically “Superman as a teenager.” The first season was everything I loved in a series: drama, action, comedy and a lot of teen angst. It became the first show I was truly obsessed with (at least in this decade). I visited websites, read spoilers, collected its music, even started a fansite of my own for the show.

The first few seasons kept me hooked, with the cliffhangers as events I always looked forward to. I kept on watching until half of the sixth season, when the stories just became less and less interesting. Plus, when I heard that the show was losing Michael Rosenbaum, quite possibly the best actor on Smallville; that was it for me. Now, the original executive producers have gone and the show still goes on… It’s now on its ninth season; and I have absolutely no idea what’s happening.

I still have the first three seasons in my DVD collection; and despite the show losing its quality in recent years, Smallville still remains in the back of my mind as a show that started my TV show obsession.

Meteor Garden (2001)

The first Asianovela I watched (and still a favorite). With only 19 hour-long episodes, the story ended quickly; but the mania that came along with it lasted quite a while. Four guys that made up the supergroup F4 became a sensation; and the Philippines never looked back. Asianovelas, until now, are a staple in television programming. Though imports still keep coming in, none of them could recreate the stir that Meteor Garden started.

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The AV Club’s List of Top 30 Best TV Series of the 00′s

I love television shows; but I haven’t watch every single one on this list. I’m not that addicted. In all fairness, I’m happy that a couple of my favorites made the list. And I really plan to watch some of these when there’s a hiatus and I could catch up… most especially numbers 1, 2, 12 and 19… maybe 6, 10, 17 and 25. Anyway, enough with the numbers. Here’s the list:

30. The West Wing (NBC, 1999-2006)
29. Wonder Showzen (MTV2, 2005-06)
28. Eastbound & Down (HBO, 2009-present)
27. Flight Of The Conchords (HBO, 2007-2009)
26. The Venture Bros. (Cartoon Network, 2003-present)
25. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (The WB/UPN, 1997-2003)
24. Dexter (2006-present)

From the gripping first season to the exciting fourth year with John Lithgow as the Trinity Killer, Dexter Morgan is the serial killer you can’t help but root for. His character has grown in so many ways; and with the kid and family he now has, things are more complicated than ever. Can Dexter have it all? We’ll see.
23. Undeclared (Fox, 2001-02)
I watched this around 2007 as a result of the praise surrounding Judd Apatow’s comedic genius. I really enjoyed it in the short time it took to watch every single episode.
22. Six Feet Under (HBO, 2001-05)
21. Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO, 2000-present)
20. Tim And Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! (Cartoon Network, 2007-present)
19. Big Love (HBO, 2006-present)
I have finished season one of this show back when it just started. It is a good show. I watched the first episode of the second season… still good. I’m still figuring out why I haven’t gotten around to watching the rest of it. I plan to, though.
18. How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 2005-present)
This show not only gives us Robin Sparkles, Slap Bets, Bro Codes and of course, Barney, it also gives us a lot of insight into relationships… presented in a hilarious way. The strongest season has been seasons two and three; but the show is still making me laugh on its fifth year. The semi-mythical “mother” is almost the last thing on our minds.
17. Firefly (Fox, 2002-2003)
16. Friday Night Lights (NBC, 2006-present)

This show deserves to be higher on the list but I’m just happy Friday Night Lights gets this sort of recognition. It’s an absolutely well-made and well-written series. People can’t help but fall in love with it once they start watching. It’s also the first show EVER, at least in my opinion, to execute a FLAWLESS SEASON when it came out in 2006. Every single episode that year was just… amazing. Season 3 is a close second. So far, Season 4 is also looking good. I can’t get enough of this show, I love it so much.
15. Veronica Mars (UPN/The CW, 2004-07)
This is another one of those shows that I absolutely LOVED. From the relationships (Veronica & her dad/Logan/Wallace/Mac/Weevil) to the mysteries, Veronica Mars is easily one of those underappreciated gems that have come out this decade. I’m a groupie. And I miss the show so much.
14. Futurama (Fox, 1999-2003)
13. 30 Rock (2006-present)
Tina Fey comes out with a winner on this one. Casting Alec Baldwin in that role was sheer genius; and the episodes are just hilarious.
12. Battlestar Galactica (2004-09)
I got hooked on the first season a while back; but I’ve been having a hard time finishing the rest of the seasons. Still, that first season alone has already proven to me how good this show is. It’s so much more complex than a regular sci-fi series. And I think that’s what makes it one of the best.
11. The Office US (NBC, 2005-present)
10. The Shield (FX, 2002-08)
9. Deadwood (HBO, 2004-06)
8. Lost (ABC, 2004-present)
I haven’t gotten caught up with the last season; but this show has gotten better and better ever since they decided to have an end to the series. Lost is definitely an iconic show, one that could easily represent television for this decade. I can’t wait to see how they end it.
7. The Office UK (BBC 2, 2001-03)
6. Breaking Bad (AMC, 2008-present)
5. Mad Men (AMC, 2007-present)
Half the time, I almost forget what happens with each episode; but the show is just such a work of art, you can’t help but be fascinated with everything that’s happening. I’ve only started watching the latest season; but it continues to be as great as when it started.
4. Freaks And Geeks (NBC, 1999-2000)

This was a show too intelligent for its time. I’m happy to have had the opportunity to watch this back in 2007. Definitely a must-watch if you love TV and love high school series.
3. Arrested Development (Fox, 2003-06)
2. The Sopranos (HBO, 1999-2007)
1. The Wire (HBO, 2002-08)

*italics: ones I watch or have watched
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Thanks to The TV Addict‘s March 2009 TV calendar, we know exactly what to expect this month. There are a number of sweeps stunts coming our way (Please refer to our crash course # 1 to understand what "sweeps" is. Plus, an answer to why it’s March sweeps this year and not the usual February sweeps.). Also, there are a couple of series and season premieres on the horizon. Here are some of the highlights:

March 3
Reaper returns to The CW for a second season!
I really missed this show. The latter part of the first season has gotten really interesting; and my brother and his wife are just getting into it. So there’s really no choice but to get the latest episodes.

March 5
[edited]
We meet the 12 finalists of American Idol season 8.
After this Wednesday’s results show, Thursday will be the Wild Card Round. Each judge gets to pick 2 contestants from the Top 36. They will perform and the final three finalists will be chosen by the judges on the same night. Exciting!

March 9
Summer Glau guest stars on The Big Bang Theory as herself.
The geeks are gonna go crazy over this Terminator star and I can’t wait to see what happens!

March 15
It’s the series premiere of Kings.
I’m not so sure what this show is about; but there’s some buzz. I’m just being the usual TV drone that I am.

March 16
Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill return.
It’s been a long couple of weeks since we last saw a new episode. I can’t wait to get my hands on them. Seriously. Everyone’s been asking me where the new episodes are. They’re finally back!

March 18
Better Off Ted premieres on ABC.
I’ve seen the promo; and I think it’s a good, quirky comedy that probably won’t be appreciated by most Americans (i.e. Arrested Development). Still, I love these kinds of shows; and I’m hoping audiences will wise up and watch it.

March 20
It’s the series finale of Battlestar Galactica.
I know I haven’t gotten all caught up; but this means I can buy the complete series on DVD soon (original, of course!).

March 30
Greek returns for a new season!
I missed this show a lot. It’s one of those light and fun shows that I really enjoy. Plus, last season’s cliffhanger really threw me. I have to know what happens next.

March 31
Cupid premieres!!!
It’s finally here! Rob Thomas’ second chance at making his old creation a hit… I really hope it’s as good, if not better, than the original. Please!

Because of reliable sources, we have updates on premieres and air dates. Also, despite having reliable sources, there are bound to be some mistakes or retractions. Here’s a quick update on the dates you should remember as a TV fan:

PHILIPPINES
ABC5
AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 6 (two-hour season premiere) will be on January 17.
Studio 23
The 64TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS will be aired live on January 16, Tuesday, 9am.
SURVIVOR: FIJI will not be aired on the network as the producers reportedly rejected their offer.
ETC
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS premieres on January 18, Thursday at 8pm.
Crime/Suspense
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA airs Mondays at 9pm with a number of replays, one of which is Thursdays at 3pm. The show has already started with the first hour of the miniseries, part one last January 8.
STANDOFF premieres January 16 at 9pm.
Star World
The 64TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS will be aired live on January 16, Tuesday, 9am with a primetime telecast at 8pm.
The 13TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS will be aired live on January 29, Monday, 9am with a primetime telecast at 8pm.
AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 6 (two-hour season premiere) will be on January 17, 6pm with a replay at 8pm.
HEROES will premiere on January 31 at 9pm (HK); but will not be airing in the Philippines (based on promos). I am pretty sure, though, that it will be aired on RPN9 (Prime Shift) so tune in for further updates.

USA
NBC
STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP and HEROES will come out with new episodes on January 22.
The CW
ONE TREE HILL will come back starting January 17.

Feel free to comment for any corrections or confirmations. Be updated with PinoyTVJunkie’s TV Calendar.

The critically-acclaimed television series is finally premiering here in the Philippines. Although it has been aired on Cinemax, only one cable service provider has that particular movie channel.

Crime/Suspense will start to air Battlestar Galactica early this year. This blog will keep you updated on any developments regarding premiere dates and schedules.

Crime/Suspense is on Sky Cable channel 50.

My favorites are so diverse, so you’re bound to find something you love or end up loving. Here are another 3 of my present TV show favorites. I just figured I’d round up the top six before moving on to the rest of the shows I love… Past and present.

They are Prison Break, One Tree Hill and Battlestar Galactica. Diverse, right? Each show takes me to locations and situations that are so different from each other; but in the end, they all entertain.

Prison Break
where/when to catch it: Philippines: Crime/Suspense (Mondays at 10pm), USA: Fox (Mondays at 8/7c)
number of episodes i’ve watched: 24 episodes (1.01-2.02)
brief description: (from TV.com) This drama focuses on a prison designer who gets himself thrown into one of his own prisons to help his falsely accused brother escape death row. Described as in the vein of The Great Escape , the series will unfold over 22 episodes, charting the course of a single break.
why i started watching: Around this time last year, I was already gearing up for the fall season and Prison Break just happened to be one of the first ones to air. I’ve read a lot of buzz surrounding the show; so being the highly influenced TV viewer that I am, I decided to check the pilot out. After all, I’m not too busy acquiring other shows just yet.
why i still watch it: Why not? And believe me when I say that this show keeps you hooked to the very end. It has some of the best cliffhangers; and some of the most unbelievable situations. It may fly out of reality sometimes; but come on, it’s television! We have got to keep things interesting; and this show makes that happen.

One Tree Hill
where/when to catch it: Philippines: ETC (Tuesdays at 8pm), USA: The CW (this fall starting September 27, Wednesdays at 9/8c)
number of episodes i’ve watched: 67 episodes (3 seasons)
brief description: (from TV.com) Aside from a love for hoops, it would seem that Lucas and Nathan are two young men with little in common, but they are bound by the dark secret that they share the same father. Arrogant and assured, Nathan is the star of the high school basketball team and hails from a wealthy family. Quiet and driven, Lucas is the only child of a single working mom. He is also a legendary playground basketball player.
After growing up on opposite sides of the tracks in the same small town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, the two boys’ lives suddenly collide when a twist of fate puts Lucas on Nathan’s high school basketball team.
why i started watching: It was about two years ago when ETC launched on Sky Cable; and this was one of the shows I immediately checked out (aside from The OC, Queer Eye, etc). I’m a sucker for teen-oriented shows and movies… Dawson’s Creek, 10 Things I Hate About You, Never Been Kissed, so it was sort of obligatory to at least give this show a try.
why i still watch it: What’s great about this show is that it just keeps getting better and better. There’s a huge difference from when the show started to where the stories are now. Complications arise. New people come and go. People die. Characters fall in love and break each other’s heart. I’m a sucker for those kinds of things. And One Tree Hill doesn’t run out of it. It may have some flaws here and there… with cheesy lines scattered all over the place… Nevertheless, I find myself glued to the stories of the beautiful people that populate the small town.

Battlestar Galactica
where/when to catch it: Philippines: Cinemax (check website for listings), USA: Sci-Fi Channel (this fall starting October 6, Fridays at 8/7c)
number of episodes i’ve watched: 2-part miniseries and 12 episodes
brief description: (from TV.com) The Cylons, created by humans to help them but has rebelled, launch a massive attack against the humans and wipe out the Twelve Colonies, sending the 47,000 survivors on a desperate search for the fabled 13th colony–Earth.
whyi started watching: Everybody kept on raving about this show. From podcasts to the TV sites I frequently visit, they just won’t stop talking about the damn thing! At that time, this show was not shown where I am (until recently) so I had no choice but to find out what the buzz was all about by acquiring such episodes online. I haven’t fully caught up and I’m way behind the US; but I’m watching the series slowly but surely.
why i still watch it:  I’ve had my share of sci-fi shows; but this one is the most un-sci-fi sci-fi show I’ve ever watched. The war against Cylons is beside the more interesting stories of politics, relationships and the human condition. It is absolutely awesome how the stories are weaved out… It all just happens to be set in outer space. I know it will keep getting better as I step onto the second season; but already this show is one of my top favorites.