One of those silly Facebook quizzes popped up on my news feed last night claiming it could predict my favorite TV show based on my personality. I had never given much thought to why I liked the shows I did, but it didn’t seem too far-fetched that personality could play a role. It also might explain why Tim and I have found so few shows that appeal to both of us.
The quiz posed ten or so questions about various tendencies and preferences and when I finished up popped: The Daily Show. What? I’ve never even watched it. Obviously, I answered something wrong. I re-took the quiz, giving a little more thought to the questions and this time a completely different result: Once Upon A Time. You’ve got to be kidding. I’ve never been the least bit interested in that one either. Was it me, or this quiz?
Different surveys popped up and I took each of them. Orange is the New Black, was one answer. Getting warmer, at least I’ve seen it; but I didn’t like it and never even finished season one. Then, things got a little bizarre: The Carol Burnett Show. Good grief, when was that even on? The 60s, maybe 70s? I have no idea what I said to get that result because I hate variety shows. Then came Thirty Rock, which I had watched on occasion, but again, it was not a favorite.
Enough with this nonsense; identifying my TV preferences is a lot easier than these quizzes seem to suggest. There are actually two shows I consider all-time favorites, and they have three things in common. (1) I arranged my life around them for several years; missing an episode was out of the question. And this was not a trivial commitment because it was during a period in my life when time was more precious than gold. (2) When the shows ended, I was lost; they had become family. (3) I’ve re-watched both series several times and they keep getting better. I can’t imagine they’ll ever be dethroned.
My #1 favorite show of all time is: The West Wing. I was hooked from the very first episode and when it ended seven seasons later, I had a hole in my heart for months. It was idealism at its best; TWW made me believe our government could be run by competent and benevolent leaders. They were masters of the hallway walk and talk, and Aaron Sorkin’s signature rapid-fire dialog delivered smart, layered storylines that makes me long for the Bartlet White House more with each passing administration.
A very close second is: Friday Night Lights. Who wouldn’t love playing football for Coach Taylor; “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose.” I get chills just typing it. But as much as I love football, that wasn’t what this show was about. Sure, football was the life-blood of Dillon, TX, but this show was about family, friendship, socio-economic influences, potentials realized and dreams dashed. One of the things I loved most was that through their many trials and tribulations, Tami and Eric Taylor remained the best example I’ve ever seen on television of what a good marriage looks like. FNL never made me want to live in a small town in Texas, but it gave me a much better appreciation for the small town I do live in.
Rounding out my top ten, in alphabetical order, are: Gilmore Girls, Grey’s Anatomy, Mad Men, One Tree Hill, Parenthood, Sex and the City, Suits and 24. Ranking them would require more thought than the subject deserves.
While I’ve enjoyed countless comedies over the years, none made my top ten list. This is where my personality and my TV passions seem to diverge, and probably the reason the quizzes struggled with hitting the mark. Humor is a big part of my life and I’ve always felt fortunate that even in some of my darkest days, my tendency to see the funny side of the situation has been a comfort. As it relates to television shows, wittiness is generally more to my liking than slapstick or cheap jokes, and it’s no coincidence the very crafty writers of most of my faves managed to weave clever situational humor into their scripts.
One thing that’s an absolute must is a satisfying series finale. I can forgive an occasional bad storyline or even a disappointing season on an otherwise flawless long-running show; but a bad ending is a deal breaker. While The West Wing ending was done quite well, hands down the best all-time series finales were Friday Night Lights and Parenthood. Thank you, Jason Katims. He was an Executive Producer on FNL and created Parenthood, and by the way wrote both finales. Those two episodes alone should forever secure his position among television royalty. Of course, I mean no slight to Mash, Newhart, the Mary Tyler Moore Show, Friends and so many esteemed shows over the years that came to a classic end. But FNL and Parenthood had the winning formula; I laughed, I cried, I cried while I laughed and I laughed while I cried. Just as in life, a memorable finish can do more to cement your legacy than any single day along the way.
