A Look Back at 2010, the TV shows

With the year winding down, I'm recapping my favorite moments, songs, shows, and movies of the year. Today it's a look at my Top 10 favorite shows of 2010. To be eligible, the show simply had to air at some point in 2010. So here's the list in ascending order.

10. LOST, ABC
This was the final season for "LOST." Though it wasn't the greatest season, "LOST" went out strong and wrapped up it's story well. Though the narrative didn't always make sense and season six wasn't my favorite — that honor belongs to season 4 — "LOST" still finished as a memorable show. It's too bad that it hasn't received any attention from the Awards shows.

9. House, FOX
This hasn't been as strong a season for "House," but with the way it wrapped up last spring and some of the early episodes this year it was still a strong 2010 for "House." Last year's season finale was the best episode in several seasons.

8. The Pacific, HBO
It was a big year for HBO, which has several shows on this list beginning with "The Pacific." HBO's "Band of Brothers" is probably my favorite mini-series of all time. While "The Pacific" isn't quite as good, it still offers an intriguing look at the heroes that sacrificed for us in World War II. There were several highly emotional episodes and some great performances. This is a fitting addition to Steven Spielberg's cannon of WWII films and shows.

7. Boardwalk Empire, HBO
HBO strikes again, this time with a 1920s gangster show set in Atlantic City. At first I didn't know what to make of Steve Buscemi in the lead role, but he has been great. So, too, has Michael Pitt and the rest of this ensemble. The content is sometimes a little more graphic than it needs to be, but this is an engrossing tale of criminal empires in the prohibition era.

6. Glee, FOX
I haven't been pleased with the episodes in this second season, but a bad episode of "Glee" is still better than many shows on television. The back half of last season was incredible, so combined with the early episodes this year "Glee" had a strong 2010. The Christmas episode also gave me hope the show is on the right path.

5. Friday Night Lights, DirecTv and NBC
This is the final season of "Friday Night Lights," and the show is going out in style. With a strong effort in the fourth season and a great fifth season, the show continues to be one of the best family dramas on television. There are some great performances as well, particularly from Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton, who form the heart of the show.

4. Dexter, Showtime
The fourth season finale was as excellent and shocking as any episode I saw in 2009. While this season didn't deliver in quite the same way, the quality of the storytelling and performances can't be denied. The basic story is sometimes hard to watch and Dexter Morgan is the ultimate anti-hero, but the way it is all put together remains compelling.

3. Treme, HBO
The best of HBO's shows in 2010, and that is saying something. My favorite HBO show of all time is "The Wire," and "Treme" comes from "Wire" creator David Simon and his team. This show is set in New Orleans just months after Hurricane Katrina. It's a celebration of the city's life, culture, and music. Though not quite as good as "The Wire," the show delivered some great moments, particularly the bittersweet performance of John Goodman.

2. Chuck, NBC
It's been a great 2010 for "Chuck," featuring all of season three and a good chunk of season four. The show continues to take steps forward, growing the characters and remembering to add a dose of comedy. This is probably the most fun hour on television.

1. Fringe, FOX
J.J. Abrams is an incredible producer, and this show might be his best. The way the back half of the second season and the first half of the third season has unfolded has been incredible. Great performances from Anna Torv, Lance Reddick, John Noble, and Joshua Jackson, an engrossing and original story, and great production values have created a unique television experience. Just when you think this show reached it's peak, it hits a new high point. In 2010, there was no better show than "Fringe."

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