Best Of 2008: Top 20 Shows (16-20)

16. South Park

Last year TIME magazine ranked South Park among the 100 Best TV Shows of All Time, and earlier this year Entertainment Weekly named it the 12th greatest show of the past 25 years. What else is there to say? Well, earlier this year, the show was banned in Russia, and for what? Being rude, disrespectful, and scathingly funny? They’ve been doing that for 12 years. It’s a sign that Matt Stone and Trey Parker haven’t lost their edge. And we say more, more, more!

17. Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew

There were two separate seasons of Celebrity Rehab this year, and it’s hard to choose which one was better. Season one with Jeff Conaway as a helpless, pathetic, manipulative, short-tempered, but likable alcoholic or season two with Jeff Conaway as a helpless, pathetic, manipulative short-tempered, but likable alcoholic. Both are compelling looks at the scary, seamy side of celebrity. And Dr. Drew is a beacon of sanity. Regardless of the point of this show, we’re addicted!

Watch a full episode of “Dancing With The Stars” right now.

18. Dancing With The Stars

From the start, it was clear that Brooke Burke would dance away with this season’s title, and still it didn’t detract from the fun, drama, and watchability of the competition that rivets viewers of all ages. That speaks volumes for a show whose unintended subplots included Cheryl’s weight problem, Julianne’s endometriosis, and remarkably light-footed Warren Sapp’s carp that he didn’t lose any weight, ending the season at 294 pounds. We like this as a show the whole family can watch and root for together.

19. NCIS

In its 6th season, the show surprised CBS executives and critics by enjoying an all time ratings high, which is unheard of among shows not titled American Idol. But Mark Harmon, who’s gotten better with age, took control of the series in front of and behind the camera, and it’s obviously paid off. That’s why we’re giving this top-flight procedural a nod as best in class - an hour of smart escapism.

Watch a full episode of “Desperate Housewives” right now.

20. Desperate Housewives

With its days as TV’s red hot pageant for lovelies named Teri, Eva, Nicolette, Marcia, and Felicity long gone, series creator Marc Cherry faced a pretty desperate situation himself in making this show interesting, that is until he jumped everything ahead five years. Freed, he turned the show inside out, reinvented the characters, and saw it pay off. Better than botox. We say, “Bravo!”

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