TV Showdown – My Top Picks (so far…)

We all know I watch way too much TV. Especially the kind that errs on the side of a sci-fi nerdgasm. But this year I’ve been out of the TV loop. After years of dictating my evening schedule based on what was waiting for me on my DVR, we’ve gotten rid of cable (similar to the old days at our cottage where we lived on Netflix and ramen), and I don’t have a set line up waiting for me when I sit down in the front of the TV. To make matters worse (better?) I have been working quite a bit at night, getting my freelance on, so I don’t have as much time to invest in my programs. Yes, I realize I sound like your grandmother. No, I don’t care.

Anyway, here are my top shows that have (so far) made it through my rigorous vetting, which basically means, here are the shows that have somehow held my attention through the current chaos that is my life:

Fringe
It’s this crazy sci-fi series’ last season, and with only 13 episodes, it’s my duty to watch them all. I have loved this show from the start, it’s a great combination of sci-fi nerd stuff with cheesy true love stuff. Not only that, but it’s packed with action, comedy, drama, you name it. I’m floored that no one on this show has at least been nominated for an Emmy, they’re all so amazing. Also, Joshua Jackson, you are my spirit animal. I mean, I loved him from Mighty Ducks through Dawson’s Creek, and now, I adore him as Peter Bishop. Plus, he can wear a mean peacoat.

Parks and Recreation / The Office / 30 Rock
Every time I try to quit the NBC comedy block, I’m sucked back in. Both 30 Rock and The Office are ending after this year, and so far, their final seasons have been pretty awesome. Parks and Rec is always equal parts hilarious and heart warming, and let’s face it, I’d watch Amy Poehler alphabetize her water bills and still find myself laughing my ass off.

Homeland
I’m sort of faking it with this one, since I’m actually catching up via a DVD of last year’s season (and while I’m on the subject, could someone please find a way to get the premium channels online PLEASE), but this show is fantastic. Plus, I have a soft spot for Claire Danes, who everyone in my high school thought I looked like. I think it was because it was during the “My So Called Life” years and I wore an abundance of flannel and angst.

New Girl
Oh Zooey, I’m definitely not over you. It’s the second season of New Girl, and I’m still finding this show equal parts charming and hilarious. A total win.

The Mindy Project
I’ve been a fan of Mindy Kaling ever since I started reading her (now defunct) blog “Things I’ve Bought That I Love” and her new show is totally an extension of her awesome. I love when I see so many funny women in comedy (Tina Fey, Zooey DeChanel and now Mindy) who can lead a cast like a boss.

Castle
I know, this is a horrible one. But Nathan Fillion is another sci-fi actor (Remember Firefly!? Or Dr. Horrible!?) that I have to support based on principle. In the last season the two lead characters on this show finally got together, so I’m hoping the whole thing doesn’t implode. So far, so good…

NCIS
I wanted to leave this one out because pretty much everyone on the planet has made fun of my love for this show, but this blog shall not be based on LIES! I have no nerdy, sci-fi connection to excuse my love for NCIS…I just love it. Mark Harmon is a silver fox, and I can’t get enough of the whole Tony/Ziva love mystery. So help me, CBS has won this battle.

Hart of Dixie
This show was a sleeper last year, but it definitely won me over. It’s like Gilmore Girls meets Summer Roberts from The O.C….which is pretty much a recipe for my favorite show ever. Rachel Bilson is really funny (who knew?) and there are many shots of good looking guys without shirts. I’m a fan.

The Vampire Diaries
This show hasn’t started yet (the premiere is tomorrow night!), but it is by far my favorite of all the vampire shows/movies that have come out in the past few years. This one always manages to keep me on the edge of my seat, even though I’ve read the books on which the show is based, so I sort of know what should happen next. I know tons of people who’ve let TVD slip off their radar, and they are missing out.

Here are the shows that were previously on my schedule, but I’ve slowly fallen off the wagon:

Glee
I want to love you, Glee, but I feel like I’ve given you a million chances and you keep being awful.

Once Upon a Time
I loved this show’s first season, but this year’s premiere left me cold. I’m hoping a few episodes in they’ll hit their stride again.

Revenge
Oh, Revenge…you were made for me. You with your random scandalous murders and mysterious intrigue. But so far I haven’t had the time (or desire, really) to watch the season premiere. Let’s face it, that’s not a good sign…

What shows are you loving this season? Anything I’m missing out on?

(P.S. Don’t think I’ve forgotten about my UK favorites Doctor Who and Downton Abbey. Since I’m all online now, I can’t watch these until later this year. But I shall, oh I SHALL!)