"Travelers" concentrates the best parts of journeying to exciting destinations around the world minus the hassles of jet lag, dysentery and fatigue. Hosted by a different group of 6 friendly and unique individuals, viewers not only get to see the famous landmarks of other places, but the show makes a concerted effort to showcase the culture, flavors and ambiance of a particular place. The enthusiasm of the hosts and the chemistry between their different personalities combined with the emphasis on the personal view of a location elevate the show from a normal travelogue to the next best thing to actually going there.
 
 

"Freaks and Geeks" primarily focuses on siblings Linsay and Sam Weir and their experiences as they journey on the awkwards trek that is adolescence and high school. Linsay has thrown in with a bunch of teens who are disdainful of the academic and social aspects of school, while Sam's stalwart band dislike gym, love movies and science fiction and play Dungeons and Dragons.

For anyone who can't relate to the shows and movies about jocks and cheerleaders, "Freaks and Geeks" is a refreshing look at the teen years. Set in the early 1980's, it's also a show that starts on the nostalgia bandwagon for those who lived through that period. But it's more than Atari and Star Wars (Episode 4) that gives this show it's emotional punch. The kids seem very close to home in their problems and concerns. There is some very keen and insightful writing and acting in the series that will resonate with anyone who remembers both the discomfort and the joys of being young.

It is somehow fitting that a show about non-conformists and misfits would have a hard time getting the attention and promotion it deserved from NBC. Despite critical raves and a loyal fan following before it's first season ended, the constant shuffling of time slots and being placed on hiatus over and over again led to this show's cancellation. However, "Freaks and Geeks"  lives on the Fox Family Channel.
 
 

Sony and Foundation Imaging have embarked on a groundbreaking new dramatic series based on the Starship Trooper mythos created by Robert Heinlein. The initial 40 episode season plays out in 5-episode arcs which take place in different locations during the insterstellar conflict between humans and alien insects battling for survival. While there are many characters familiar to those who have seen the feature film, including Johnny Rico, Dizzy Flores, Carl Jenkins, Carmen Ibanez and Zander Barcalow, these animated counterparts have distinct personalities separate from the live-action actors and actress who portrayed them. Additionally, there are new members of the Roughnecks who bring their own unique character quirks into the mix.

The groundbreaking accomplishments of this series are two-fold: technical and dramatic. On the technical side, it's staggering to see incredible animation of such high caliber being produced on such a frenetic schedule. The locales and natural surroundings are lushly and innovatively rendered, with liquids, weather effects and landscapes done with breathtaking beauty. Attention to detail and a great design sense is inherent in every piece of equipment, machinery and vehicle. The character movement is nuanced and convincing while effectively being able to portray the most subtle of emotions.

For a show primarily aimed at younger viewers, "Roughnecks" doesn't insult the audience's intelligence. War is not glorified, and the consequences for each and every action are real and accounted for. The members of Razak's Roughnecks realistically experience both the stress and camraderie that result from intense combat situations. Outbreaks of furious action are interspersed with gems of character development and moments of black humor. The show manages to create a dramatic structure that functions on multiple levels ranging from the overall grand movements of the interstellar war to the day-to-day operations of specific combat squads to the constantly evolving relationships of the protagonists.
 
 

The world has been infiltrated with undercover demons who are trying to take over the world. Only humans ressurected from death and placed in the Corps, the equivalent of Heaven's FBI, can stop them. Every week, Chandler Smythe and Henry McNeil speed off to new adventures in their orange Volvo station wagon.

This show sports an irreverant, hip style more reminiscent of motion pictures than standard television. The characters bandy about razor-sharp rapid-fire witticisms while retaining their emotional accessibility and humanity. The plots veer off into the most unexpected directions, giving the viewer a torrent of non-stop action, humor, drama and surprises.
 
 

Unlike many shows, DS9 got better with age and went out on a high note. In the span of 7 seasons, there was been more significant and well-handled growth and evolution of characters and storylines than in any other series. Indeed, the vast bulk of the episodes to date were captivating, a rare feat for episodic television. The acting prowess of the cast and guest stars coupled with the deft ministrations of the writers and directors have produced a series that can deal with a seemingly infinite myriad of genres and subject matter, from the psychological aftermath of war in "Duet" to an emotionally gripping trip into a dark period in history where one man made all the difference ("Past Tense").  Clever comedic pastiches like "Our Man Bashir" and 'Trials and Tribble-lations" exist side-by-side with masterpieces in human drama like "The Visitor", "Children of Time" and "Far Beyond the Stars".

The cast demonstrated a unique chemistry where the warmth of the characters radiated through into our living rooms each week. The denizens of DS9 had complex and sophisticated relationships between each and every character, mimicing the joys and exasperations of relationships with real-life relatives and friends. While epic galactic events blasted through the political fabric of the show, it was always the effect on individuals that was showcased. From the start, the incredible empathy that the cast generated allowed the audience to live vicariously through the many changes that  affected their lives. While the trappings of starships and phasers, Ferengi and Cardassians and wormholes and prophets were intriguing and expertly done, it was the strength and power of basic univeral human drama that Deep Space Nine a true timeless classic.
 
 

A show about a radio station in 1930's Pittsburgh, Remember WENN is a comedy that relies on wit and sharp dialogue and a drama which makes use of sensitivity and earnestness in its emotional content. The characters all have their little foibles and are all endearing in their own ways. There's a poignancy and ebullience that both reside in this TV program

With a wonderful cast of characters, exciting stories and a real sense of fun, this show was the perfect adaptation of a comic book superhero to date. The actors and actresses in the program had a charm and charisma that made every moment of "The Flash" enjoyable. Indeed, it was the little human details as much as the high-speed heroics that made this such a super show.
 
 

A program that continued to engross and enthrall viewers, the ensemble of characters grow and evolve, mirroring our lives in the real world. "e.r." never fails to remind the viewer of the preciousness of life and the gift it is to live it.
 
 

Crafted with precision and heart, this series managed to present thrilling and touching stories while exposing the viewer to people, places and times that have now become history. As much as a chronicle of the journey from boy to man, this show also demonstrates that no matter where people are, no matter when people are, the common bond of humanity ties us all together.
 
 

THE definitive version of Batman - a skilled and astute detective combined with a fierce and fearless combatant. Some of the best episodes contained more story and power than all of the Batman movies combined. The animation is sleek and expressive, while the stories are often moving and compelling.

With extremely witty dialogue and interesting characters, this British show about a bunch of kids running a newspaper runs the gamut from hilarious comedies to meaningful dramas. There never seems to be a lack of fun, as well as the evolution and growth of relationships and characters.
 
 
 

Also:
Smallville
Good Eats
The Naked Chef
Space: Above and Beyond
Time Cop
Seinfeld
The Simpsons
Tour of Duty
Sliders
seaQuest
Star Trek
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: Voyager (NOT!)