The Best of the Small Screen

Three times a year the networks race to lock in viewers. Welcome to the sweeps system. That's why specials, special episodes, and premiers happen so often in November, February, and May. Sadly, this has been a killer winter period on the small screen. With the last round of sweeps having just concluded, I thought I'd offer a look at the shows I think are the best (from an entertainment standpoint) right now. (This list includes only shows currently airing, so let's feel hopeful something better is around the corner).

10. Glee, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on FOX

Last year at this time I was high on "Glee." I went to see the live show in Hollywood and I looked forward to episodes every week. Especially hearing the musical selections. Too often in its second season "Glee" has felt like an after school special gone awry. The music has been hit-or-miss, and the characters have become increasingly unlikeable. I still have hope it can improve, but it's coming dangerously close to dropping off the list.

9. Big Love, Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO

This is the only cable show on this list right now. "Big Love" is wrapping up its final season. While I have never agreed with the lifestyle or the religious philosophy (the show depicts fundamentalist Mormons), the way it's produced, the acting, and storytelling. Plus, in keeping with the beliefs of the characters, it's probably the cleanest show HBO has ever aired.

8. House, Mondays at 8 p.m. on FOX

This show is certainly hit-or-miss in terms of the case-of-the-week formula, but it is reliable. You know what you're going to get. Hugh Laurie does a nice job in the lead role, and there's usually a few amusing subplots in each episode.

7. 30 Rock, Thursdays at 10 p.m. on NBC

This is my favorite of the NBC comedies. "30 Rock" this year might not be as great as it has been in past years, but it still delivers. Last week the writers even incorporated a great "Murder on the Orient Express" riff into the plot. This is one of the cleverest shows on television.

6. Justified, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on FX

This show took a while to grow on me, but as I watched the first season I got drawn into the world more. This is certainly a weird show (centering on a U.S. Marshall in rural Kentucky). The acting, particularly from Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins, is a big part of the appeal.

5. Castle, Mondays at 10 p.m. on ABC

This is a vote for Nathan Fillion, a great actor who's appeared in better projects but is enjoying success with this show. "Castle" is a mix of comedy and drama. It's not hard to figure out the case-of-the-week part, but that's not why you watch this show.

4. Detroit 1-8-7, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC

This is one of the best new shows of the season. It's a gritty police drama that has developed compelling characters and done a nice job telling stories. It's ratings aren't great and it might not see a season two, but it's worth a look.

3. Chicago Code, Mondays at 9 p.m. on FOX

This is my favorite new show. It's only had four episodes so far, but I think it's really developing the core of what could be a great show. Michael Clarke is great in the lead role and I see some good potential in the way the story is unfolding.

2. Chuck, Mondays at 8 p.m. on NBC

"Chuck" isn't deep, but it's fun. The show leans heavily toward comedy, and the stories are sometimes predictable, but this show is really about the character development. This is a prime example of the kind of fun escape TV can provide.

1. Fringe, Fridays at 9 p.m. on FOX

Still number one is "Fringe," easily the most fascinating and complex show on TV. This third season has been incredible in terms of advancing the plot and offering shocking moments in each episode. The acting is great, the story telling is great, and this is one of the most creative shows on television. "Fringe" is the best show on TV right now.