WEEKEND REWIND: Top 5 Shows of the Year

Weekend Rewind will go back to looking at classic TV next week but for this week, here's a look back at my Top 5 favorite shows of 2010.

5. PARKS AND RECREATION (NBC)

When Parks and Recreation premiered in the spring of 2009, it seemed like a pale imitation of The Office and Amy Poehler's Leslie Knope was a poor imitation of Michael Scott. But in its second season, the show found its voice in a big way. It has turned into a sweet yet sarcastic look at small-town government and Poehler's earnest Leslie has become an endearing character who loves her job. It boasts a terrific ensemble with scene stealers including Nick Offerman and Chris Pratt. It is offbeat, fresh, and funny with lots of storylines to explore as its third season begins on January 20. If you gave up on it before, give it another chance!
Standout episodes of 2010 
#22 "Galentine's Day" (2/11/10)
#24 "The Possum" (3/11/10)
#28 "Telethon" (5/6/10)

4. THE MIDDLE (ABC)

ABC's throwback sitcom is a sweet take on midwestern life. With perhaps the best child actors on TV and a great lead couple played by sitcom vets Patricia Heaton and Neil Flynn, the Hecks are a family you root for. These are characters who could live down the street from you and the frazzled nature of their everyday lives has made for great TV. The plots are usually simple and it has the feel of a sitcom from years gone by, which is refreshing in today's TV landscape.
Standout episodes of 2010
#16 "The Bee" (3/3/10)
#17 "The Break Up" (3/10/10)
#34 "A Simple Christmas" (12/8/10)

3. DETROIT 1-8-7 (ABC)

The best new TV show of the year, drama or sitcom is this gritty Detroit cop drama. Cop shows have been done to death but this one has a fresh feel thanks to a terrific ensemble. However, no actor has done a better job in this young season of new shows than Michael Imperioli as the complicated Detective Louis Fitch. His relationship with his young partner, Detective Washington (Jon Michael Hill) is the standout pairing on the show. Also impressive is James McDaniel as Sgt. Longford. Unfortunately, this show isn't performing too well in the ratings and a major candidate for cancellation, but it shouldn't be. In a year of disappointing new dramas, this one stands high above the rest.
Standout episodes of 2010:
#1 "Pilot" (9/21/10)
#5 "Murder in Greektown/High School Confidential" (10/19/10)
#10 "Shelter" (12/7/10)

2. THE OFFICE (NBC)

The Office may not be as consistent as it once was but its demise is greatly exaggerated. The characters are still some of the funniest on TV and the writers are finding good ways of keeping funny episodes and storylines flowing. The addition of Elle Kemper and Zach Woods have added some new dynamics and great characters and the occasional guest appearances by Kathy Bates have been great as well. While I have been a staunch defender of this show for years, I don't know how it will be once Steve Carell leaves in May. Carell's Michael Scott is one of the funniest and most layered characters in sitcom history and his departure may finally spell the end of a great run.
Standout episodes of 2010:
#119 "St. Patrick's Day" (3/11/10)
#129 "Andy's Play" (10/7/10)
#137/138 "Classy Christmas" (12/9/10)

1. MODERN FAMILY (ABC)

But the best show of 2010 is the show that won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series in its first season. The freshest and funniest show week by week is this new spin on a family sitcom. All three families - each very different - have their own hilarious moments and touches. The writing is fantastic and the acting is top notch. Although Eric Stonestreet deservedly won the Emmy last season, the show's second season has been highlighted by Phil (Ty Burrell) and Claire (Julie Bowen) who are TV's best couple. The best part is this show is only getting started. The critical acclaim has been well-deserved.
Standout episodes of 2010:
#23 "Hawaii" (5/12/10)
#25 "The Old Wagon" (9/22/10)
#30 "Halloween" (10/27/10)