The Ten Worst Answers for ‘Best Show on Television’

06.22.11 Written by Josh

There’s a never-ending — and problematic — discussion about the “best show on television.” In my mind, the best television show is the one that’s superior to all others in terms of narrative arc, character development, writing, cinematography, acting, originality, and so on. You know: the best. However, a lot of critics seem to think the “best” means “my favorite,” which is the only possible excuse for the egregious, putrid, and moronic claims you’re about to read.

Because there are certain shows that are okay to call the best: “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad,” certainly. “Friday Night Lights” and “Parks and Recreation,” sure, those aren’t unreasonable opinions. “Community” and “Louie”? Totally defensible. Everyone, of course, is entitled to their opinion—but not if they claim that “Chuck” is better than “Justified.” There’s a line. There are certain shows — some good, some truly awful — that various critics and bloggers have deemed to be the Best Show on Television. On the following pages are ten of the worst selections, with excerpted quotes to damn them.

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Warming Glow’s Summer TV Preview

06.01.11 Written by Josh

It's almost back, you guys.

Come summer time, the only thing worth watching on the Big Four Networks is…when does football start again? Unless you’re a fan of reality shows and sitcoms that weren’t even good enough to make it on the midseason schedule, Fox, NBC, ABC, and CBS are all entertainment wastelands from June to August (the CW, too, but that’s year-round). Cable, on the other hand, is absolutely stacked, with both returning favorites (“Breaking Bad”!) and intriguing-sounding new shows (don’t make me regret calling you “intriguing,” “NTSF:SD:SUV”).

This is Warming Glow’s official summer TV preview, highlighting 25 shows, some great and some awful, but mostly somewhere in-between, that will keep you in the confines of your home instead of enjoying the warm weather and getting some much-needed exercise. (Also, before it’s brought up, “Beavis and Butthead” isn’t included because it doesn’t have an official premiere date yet.)

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Enthusiasm: Curbed

05.23.11 Written by Matt

Here’s the trailer for Season 8 of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which premieres Sunday, July 10th. This season changes it up by moving Larry David from Los Angeles to New York City, where people acting like complete assh*les is more of an everyday occurrence. I barely go outside, and I encounter a schmuck like Larry David at least once a week, so you’d think that guest stars like Paul F. Tompkins, Michael J. Fox, and “Mad Men’s” Rich Sommer would be a little more impervious to David’s prickly character. Oh well, maybe this is the season that David finally gets stabbed or pushed into the path of an oncoming subway train. Fingers crossed!

Ha ha! That Garfield really loves lasagna!

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‘Curb’ Renewed for 8th Season

04.20.10 Written by Matt

Hitlerfish doesn't take kindly to being compared to Cheryl

HBO has renewed “Curb Your Enthusiasm” for an 8th season, picking up ten more episodes (a standard season for the show) that will air next year. It is now HBO’s longest-running scripted series.

“After much soul searching – and by the way, it was nowhere to be found – I have decided to do another season of ‘Curb,’ ” creator David said. “I look forward to the end of shooting, when I can once again resume the hunt for my elusive soul. I know it’s here somewhere or perhaps in the rugged mountainous regions of Pakistan.” [THR]

I hate to file this in the “meh” folder, but I just don’t care for “Curb.” I think Larry David is funny, I thought the Seinfeld reunion stuff last season was smartly done, but the show doesn’t do it for me. I know that means I don’t get to hang out with the cool kids, but the unscripted/loosely scripted thing just comes off as lazy at this point. Hey, if I’m going to pay extra for premium cable, the dude can afford to pay some writers to craft a narrative and write some jokes. At least look like you’re trying, you know?

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THIS BROAD’S GOT A FILTHY MOUTH

12.01.09 Written by Matt

I don’t get to hang out with the cool kids because I’m not big on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” but I figure some of you “Curb” fans will enjoy this collection of profane tirades by Susie Greene, the verbally abusive wife of Larry David’s manager played by Susie Essman. Obviously, this video has NSFW language, but it’s just what the doctor ordered if what you need today is to listen to six minutes of a shrill-voiced harpy swearing. It’s not really my thing. Not outside the bedroom, anyway.

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