Favorite TV Shows of 2010

Community

This show is the most irreverently funny, ridiculous show on any network.  The second season has shown a sharpening of jokes and slightly deeper character development.  Any show who has tribute episodes to both zombie movies and action film cliches is okay by me.  Oh, and Joel McHale, Alison Brie, and Donald Glover are just comedic gold.

Mad Men

You know, it's almost not even fair to compare other shows to this one.  Each season keeps getting more interesting and complex, with unparalleled character development, intriguing plot twists, and the season finales are the BEST!  Is there another man on TV as watchable as Don Draper?  This year's focus on his daughter, Joan and Roger's relationship, and the slivers of hope the advertising agency held onto were more mature and personal than previous seasons.

Bored to Death (Season One)

I bought the first season on a whim from Target (it was on sale and I'm a sucker for Jason Schwartzman), and fell in love with the opening credits.  The rest of the show is earnest, funny, and full of amazing Ted Danson scenes.  Jason Schwartzman plays Jonathan Ames, a writer who's stuck on his second novel and decides to be a private detective on the side.  Ted Danson is his boss at a men's magazine, and Zach Galifianakis is his cartoon artist best friend.  Granted, 2010 was the year of season two, but I can't comment on that yet.  In the meantime, check out the credit sequence.

Modern Family

A consistently funny, sweet show that documents three families (all related) in their day-to-day lives.  It's a mockumentary, a genre that's getting a bit played out, but all of the actors, including the kids, do a stand-up job of delivering great lines each week.  My only question is where is Lily in half the episodes?  She is the world's quietest baby!

Cougar Town

Cougar Town has really blossomed in its second season.  It's kind of like Friends-lite: funny grown-ups who don't take themselves too seriously and do mundane stuff together, but make it entertaining.  I will say that Jules can be a bit grating, and overbearing to the point of meanness, but the other characters are endearing.  If they get Laurie and Travis together, though, it's going to get weird.

Parks and Recreation

I just love Amy Poehler on Parks and Recreation.  The supporting cast, including Ron Swanson and Andy, are just hysterical as the Director of Parks and Rec and shoeshine guy, respectively.  The second season ended with the county in an upheaval because of budget cuts; will the P&R department make it out with all of their people?  The third seasons starts in January, so tune in!