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AFI reveals its TV Programs of the Year

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Dale Roe writes about television for the Austin American-Statesman.

He's worked at the American-Statesman for 10 years and has written family movie and video game reviews as well as watched lots of TV. Dale directs, writes and performs with Austin's Gag Reflex comedy ensemble, is a freelance illustrator and has contributed stories and reviews to Macworld magazine. He lives in Round Rock with his wife, two children and a dog named Apollo who barks whenever he hears another dog bark on television.

Dale Roe writes about television for the Austin American-Statesman.

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The entry titled "AFI reveals its TV Programs of the Year."

By Dale Roe | Monday, December 13, 2010, 10:47 AM

The American Film Institute has revealed the results of its annual juried contest in which scholars, critics and trustees honor outstanding achievements in various artistic disciplines, including television. In addition to critics and trustees, this year’s TV jury included writers, performers and University of Texas at Austin Professor of Communication Janet Staiger.

Here are their TV Programs of the Year, unranked:

The Big C
Boardwalk Empire
Breaking Bad
Glee
Mad Men
Modern Family
The Pacific
Temple Grandin
30 Rock
The Walking Dead

I think this list is pretty solid, but I would make a few changes.

For starters, the ratings-challenged Fox Drama “Fringe” is simply the best show on television right now, so let’s add that. It can replace “Glee,” which is simply unwatchable. And I’d put the uneven but envelope-pushing “Community” in place of the reliably funny “30 Rock.” “Community” is the most creative half-hour comedy on TV in years, and when it hits, it really hits. It’s never predictable and, in network television, that is an outstanding achievement.

Did your favorites make the list? Which programs would you remove and which would you add? Sound off in the comments.

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By Rusty Shackleford

December 13, 2010 8:50 PM | Link to this

All in all, a pretty solid list. The Walking Dead and Boardwalk Empire were my two favorites this year, so it's nice to see them make the cut. I'm really surprised that HBO's Bored to Death did not make this list as it was tops for me in the comedy dept. this year. And I really enjoyed Treme, and to a slightly lesser extent, Rubicon, but I'm not shocked that they weren't included. I would have also been surprised to see AFI honor Eastbound and Down, which was hilarious all season, but that would be asking quite a bit.

By JDS

December 13, 2010 12:06 PM | Link to this

I agree - "Fringe" is simply the best show on television right now and I am incredibly disappointed that it is not getting the respect that it deserves. FOX will stupidly cancel it, I am sure.