ShareThisAs they say it Hollywood, we found the funny.
After years of trying to deconstruct and recreate the sitcom, the networks finally went back to what works in 2009 -- endearing characters, lovable losers and stories that mirror life's stranger moments.
ABC put together a winning Wednesday night comedy block. NBC found a missing piece that solidified its Thursday nights, and Fox found a gem in the whimsical "Glee."
And, fortunately, dramas only grew stronger and more compelling.
The best series of 2009:
1. "Friday Night Lights." (DirecTV). This drama about a small Texas town's obsession with high school football weathered the awkward transitions of cast departures and changing story directions superbly. Whether it was the coming-of-age tales from favorite characters seeking their paths after graduation or the coach swimming with local sharks, "Lights" has never shined brighter. Somebody give this worthy series Emmy love already. (NBC will air these episodes, the fourth season, during the summer of 2010.)
2. "Flight of the Conchords." (HBO). By allowing the spotlight to shine on the delicious array of supporting characters -- the insecure manager Murray and the crazed groupie Mel, in particular -- the comedy remained surprisingly fresh.
3. "Dexter." (Showtime). John Lithgow as this season's antagonist was inspired casting. This drama never gets old.
4. "Lost." (ABC). Explanations have come. The entire adventure isn't left on the island anymore. Yet, this action series still has us sitting on the edge of our seats.
5. "Parks and Recreation." (NBC). More than just a copy of "The Office" (which isn't such a bad thing), Amy Poehler's workplace comedy is every bit as sharp as the more prominent "30 Rock."
6. "Glee." (Fox). This is no "High School Musical." Sly comedy and infectious musical numbers make this prime-time's coolest hour.
7. "30 Rock." (NBC). Juvenile and down-right ridiculous have been raised to an art form. Need a sure-fire laugh every week from your TV? You are guaranteed to find it here.
8. "Modern Family." (ABC). This wicked look at an extended family captures the silliness of every day life without giving in to the sappy side.
9. "True Blood." (HBO). We're all in vampire overload already, but this series kept its great combination of chills, laughs and romances on its toes.
10. "Breaking Bad." (AMC). How this drama can go from darkness to uplifting in the same episode is a testimony to the strength of its writing and directing.
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)
