The Best Television Had to Offer in 2008

Society & Culture & Entertainment Radio & Television

By Society & Culture & Entertainment Last updated Wednesday, May/22/2024

The writers strike wreaked havoc on the television industry in 2008, but despite the shortened TV season and the massive ratings drop, ten shows managed to stand out above the rest in our eyes this year.

•'Lost'

Lost fans were devastated when ABC announced that they would have to wait almost 9 months to see the next new episode of this maddening drama. Season four was definitely worth the wait as viewers were clued in on which of the survivors would make it off the island and where their lives would take them in the future. As the season ended, Jack learned they would have to go back to the island. How will they get there now that the island has moved? You won't believe what happens next.More »

•'Breaking Bad'

What makes the cable networks stand out above the rest is their freedom to create more "outside the box" drama since they aren't under the thumb of those strict network censors. Breaking Bad tells the story of a man who learns he has terminal cancer. Realizing he needs to make sure his family is taken care of after he's gone, Walt creates a rolling meth lab with a former student. As I watched each episode, I felt that Bryan Cranston deserved an Emmy for this role -- and he won it for best actor. If you haven't watched this show and are looking for something completely different, give this one a shot. You won't be disappointed!More »

•'Fringe'

Each season, a show comes along that knocks our socks off and Fringe wins that distinction this year. Created by Lost mastermind J.J. Abrams, this series helps viewers expand their imagination and delve into the world of "fringe science." Is teleportation and reanimation possible? Give this show a chance and you might just begin to believe that anything is possible as you sit on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen next.More »

•'The Shield'

Death and taxes may have been the only sure things in life, but fans of The Shield have always known that this series is a sure thing when it comes to consistently compelling drama. Over the years, every single episode has kept viewers glued to the tube as Vic and the rest of the strike team nail those bad guys as they pursue their own illegal activities and deal with their personal demons. The final season didn't disappoint as the curtain came down for the last time. Did Vic get what he deserved in the end? Fans may be divided on the outcome, but I personally feel he wound up in his own personal cubicle in hell.More »

•'Reaper'

Traditional television comedies aren't as plentiful as they were in the days of Seinfeld and Friends. These days, we have the "TV Dramedy." The CW's Reaper is one of the most entertaining dramedies we have on television these days and I always enjoy each and every second of the adventures of Sam, Sock and the Devil. Sam may be the central character on the show, but Sock is the one who keeps us rolling on the floor each week.More »

•'True Blood'

What is our fascination with vampires? Does it date back to the days of Dracula? Regardless of where it all started, viewers still love these creatures of the night. Based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels of Charlaine Harris, HBO's True Blood delves into the lives of a new breed of vampires and how they manage in today's society now that they can feed on synthetic blood instead of humans. I was captivated from the very beginning and anxiously await the next new episode each week.More »

•'Heroes'

When it comes to epic storytelling, NBC's Heroes has cornered the market. This fall, the series delved deeper into the psyche of our favorite characters as they introduced some new and very dark villains in the volume appropriately titled "Villains." Heroes were lost, new ones emerged and one main hero even went over to the dark side. The storylines were excellent and the battles were.... Epic. As we head into a new volume titled "Fugitives," Sylar will go on a journey to find his real parents, and the others will try to escape government operatives looking to capture them. I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.More »

•'90210'

I don't think I've made it a secret that the original 90210 has always been one of my favorite shows, so when I learned that a spinoff was in the works and that some of the original characters would make an appearance, I couldn't have been happier. While I'm not completely enthralled by a couple of the teen characters, the overall storytelling is solid. As an adult, I prefer the parental storylines, which have turned out to be almost as central as the younger crowd. After growing up with the original characters, learning what Kelly, Dylan, Brandon and Brenda are doing with their lives all of these years later has made me one happy television viewer indeed.More »

•'Prison Break'

It was love at first sight for me when Prison Break began in 2005. As each season unfolds, I have yet to be disappointed by this never-ending, edge of your seat drama. Season four broke away from the mold by having the crew work for the government to take down the Company in exchange for their freedom. The ratings have taken a big plunge this season, so viewers should begin to prepare for the last days of this fantastic series. Rumor has it that if Fox decides to cancel the show, they may order a couple of additional episodes so the writers can script a proper ending for the fans. Will Michael, Lincoln, Sara, Sucre, Mahone and T-Bag live happily ever after? Stay tuned....More »

•'Mad Men'

I wasn't around during the early '60s, but those who were assure me that the series very accurately depicts this time period. Mad Men not only gives me an entertaining history lesson each week, it also allows viewers to truly witness what happens when you combine great writing with equally wonderful acting. Take a peek into just one episode of this series and you'll see exactly why it keeps getting nominated for best drama in all of the major award shows!More »

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