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Ten TV Shows of 2011 I Recommend

1) Community (NBC): Always and forever will I downright demand that you watch this show. Not just because it needs the ratings. Not just because I’m worried about when it will come back and whether or not it will get a 4th season. But because it is a really funny & creative show. The entire cast is amazing. The writing is smart. I, like many others who came late to this show, marathoned it in 3 days and never regretted one moment.

2) Once Upon a Time (ABC): This show became surprisingly addictive fast. I never got into Lost, but I imagine this is that feeling Lost fans were always talking about. It will take you on a roller coaster of emotions (watch out for episode 7), but you’ll more or less love every minute. The first season isn’t even over yet, and I already know I want to add it to my dvd collection.

3) Homeland (Showtime): Amazing performances by Damian Lewis, Claire Danes, and Mandy Patinkin. Incredible twists in every episode. I started watching for Damian Lewis, but I stayed for the show. 

4) Revenge (ABC): I don’t usually say this, but this is one show where I don’t care about romantic pairings. It has them, and you may find one you like. But I’m all about Amanda Clarke’s/Emily Thorne’s revenge plot against the Graysons. Watching her work her way through the people who destroyed her father and ruined her life is so much fun.

5) Doctor Who (BBC): Ten is still my Doctor, but I do love Eleven, and this season did a better job of reminding us that The Doctor hasn’t forgotten the people who came before his regeneration into Eleven. But what I really loved in this season was the story of Amy & Rory. Seeing their history in “Let’s Kill Hitler” made up some for a lackluster episode. “The Girl Who Waited” made me cry. I don’t know what I’m going to do when they leave. I can only hope they get to leave together.

6) Leverage (TNT): Watching this gang take down corrupt people never gets old. Each character is a BAMF in his/her own right. Great action, great fun, and I love seeing the characters grow more into a family each season.

7) Psych (USA): Non stop laughs with Shawn & Gus. This show appeals to my love of movie and television references (mostly ’80s). It’s crazy. It’s fun. And every character brings a smile to my face.

8) Ringer (CW): Admittedly, it’s soapy fun and far-fetched plots. It will drive you crazy with the ridiculousness of some of the characters. But in exchange you get Sarah Michelle Gellar back on your screen with the added bonus of Ioan Gruffudd. And watching for Bridget and Andrew is completely worth it. 

9) Happy Endings (ABC): Maybe it is like Friends. Maybe it isn’t. Either way, it is funny. I guarantee you’ll love Brad, Jane, Max and Penny. And maybe along the way you’ll learn to love Alex & Dave. If they don’t spend too much time wondering if they should have stayed together. Okay, so maybe it really is like Friends.

10) True Blood (HBO): Two words: Eric Northman. Two different words: Alexander Skarsgård. He is the only reason I have for watching this show. He is the only reason I need. He got naked this season. A lot.

Honorable Mention: American Horror Story (FX): I can only claim to watch this show as a guilty pleasure. It’s crazy and will make you laugh, and I can never tell if that’s appropriately or inappropriately. Each episode will make you want to watch the next to see more WTF-ness.