So, the holidays are over and a new decade is in full swing. Now in its second week, the new year offers plenty of new shows and returning events to keep the average tube viewers glued to their screens. The return of “24,” “American Idol,” “Lost,” and new episodes of your other favorite shows are right around the corner. But until they air, one would be remiss to not give the previous decade credit for producing some hugely important entertainment. Not every show can make the list, but the following five shows all had a lasting impact in their respective categories and continue to exert influence in the current climate. So without further ado, here is our pick for the five best shows of the last decade:
“Survivor”
Mark Burnett’s island competition was the granddaddy of reality shows, and the precursor to all the races, deals and idols of the non-immunity kind that would follow. Still a winner in its 19th season, “Survivor” has had enough innovations and participants willing to backstab and survive in the world’s most exotic locales to fuel the show’s continued success. And although few seasons have anything as memorable as that first final Tribal Council, the viewers have spoken and the show’s torch burns strong.
“Lost”
Sure, “The Sopranos” opened the decade with the notion that television could tackle serious shows with high production values. But it was J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof’s labyrinthine drama about a plane crash on a mysterious island that really brought the maturing of the medium into the mainstream. With enough hidden clues, literary and cultural nods and layers of substance for the show’s (dwindling, yet diehard) fans to devour, “Lost” was the first show that demanded the most from its viewers, both on the TV screen and on the Internet. With the show’s much-hyped final season coming in February, this TV phenomenon aims to go out on a high note.
“Arrested Development”
This cult-favorite comedy may have lasted only three short seasons, but its tone and comedy continue to shine. Chronicling a spoiled, rich California family, the Fox sitcom won Emmys, hearts and minds with its sight gags and sharp writing. Rewarding loyal viewers with jokes and numerous callbacks to previous material, “Arrested Development” demands repeat viewings that still make you laugh the third time through. The show enshrined the wacky approach to comedy that can be best seen these days in sitcoms like “30 Rock” and “Community.”
“The Office”
The American version of Ricky Gervais’ British comedy, “The Office” managed to maintain that show’s dry, sardonic look at life for those stuck between the fluorescent lights and copy machines. Building on the original premise and ushering in the now plentiful “mockumentary” narrative structure, the American “Office” remains the anchor in NBC’s otherwise weak lineup. Copied best by the freshman sitcom “Modern Family,” “The Office” showed TV that there’s plenty to laugh at in everyday life.
“The Daily Show”/“The Colbert Report”
Two sides of the same coin, Comedy Central’s pair of faux-news giants have gone from cable obscurity in the early 2000s to the go-to source for many to get their daily news fix. Whichever brand of sarcasm-tinged current events you prefer, the fact that a majority of young adults get their news from a pair of over-the-top comedians is nothing short of amazing. With Stephen Colbert mounting a brief “presidential” run and broadcasting from Iraq last year, it doesn’t appear that he or John Stewart will be fading back into obscurity any time soon. Which is a good thing, because in this hyperpolarized political environment, everyone deserves a little laugh.