Sunday May 20

Television

Written by Ben Pogany
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  1. The Wire (2002-2008) HBO David Simon The Wire is television perfection, and if it's not the greatest series of all time it certainly is the most under-appreciated.  How this never was even nominated for an Emmy is beyond all rationale.  The Wire takes a brutal look at various aspects of life in Baltimore, exploring with harsh realism the interweaving worlds of street life, politics, education, poverty, law enforcement, and the media.  What emerges is the sobering realization that from the drug cartels to the fractured bureaucracy tasked with combating them, all are players in the same game, mirrors of one another in a vicious cycle of ambition, dysfunction, and moral compromise.
  2. The Sopranos (1999-2007) HBO David Chase    Long before The Jersey Shore was offending the sensibilities of Italians and Jerseyans everywhere, it was the Soprano family representing the Garden State.  The Sopranos demonstrated what was truly possible for the television medium, raising production up to an almost cinematic level that single-handedly ushered in the era of premium television.   Making that HBO subscription all but mandatory, it stands as the most financially successful program in cable history.  Compiling 21 Emmys over six seasons, the Sopranos finally signed off in 2007 in a finale that can only be described as                                 .
  3. Law and Order (1990-2010) NBC Dick Wolf    The show that inspired a million law degrees and almost as many spinoffs.  The first half police investigation, second half trial format was originally conceived to increase the show's chances at syndication by giving broadcasters the option of splitting the episodes into half-hour airings.  Fortunately, winning syndication was never a problem for this mega franchise, and it's probably not far off to say that at any one moment, an episode of Law and Order is airing somewhere.
  4. The West Wing  (1999-2006) NBC Aaron Sorkin   Just where do you think Charlie got that Adonis DNA from anyway?  Papa Sheen is brilliant as Commander-in-Chief Josiah Bartlet, presiding over a series that would collect an astounding four consecutive best drama Emmys in its heyday.  Taking on an array of real world issues, from the Israeli conflict to DOMA to North Korean nuclear ambitions, the West Wing is as relevant today as it was over a decade ago.
  5. Mad Men (2007-Present) AMC Matthew Weiner    Mad Men is like watching literature in hourly installments, replete with incisive symbolism and complex subtleties.  It follows Don Draper, ad man extraordinaire inhabiting the world of 1960's Madison Avenue, a world of rampant smoking, drinking, and philandering.  However, Mad Men is not so much a period piece as it is a series of character studies.  Weiner seems to intimate that we all are searching for something to fill the void, whether it be that new car seen in a magazine, the next promotion, or woman at the end of the bar.  Ultimately, when we run from ourselves we just end up out of breath.
  6. Breaking Bad (2008-Present) AMC Vince Gilligan Walter White is a high school chemistry teacher turned meth cook, and if that sounds weird just consider that this is also the guy who played the dad in Malcolm in the Middle.  Breaking Bad sets its self apart from any other show in that it introduces a hero and slowly transforms him in a villain, who in the process brings down every person around him.  Whether or not there is anything left in the character of Walter White to root for may be forever up for debate.  The quality of Bryan Cranston's depiction of him is not, as the guy who once asked for a "shtickle of fluoride" is now turning in some of the best acting on television.
  7. Lost (2004-2010) ABC  JJ Abrams
  8. NYPD Blue (1993-2005) ABC Steven Bochco and David Milch
  9. 24 (2001-2010) FOX Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran     The way 24 plummeted after Season 5, it's hard to remember just how riveting those early seasons really were. There was always a certain degree of suspension of disbelief necessary with 24, but a guy can only go rogue, do the "there's no time to explain" routine, and end up saving the world so many times before things just descend into the ridiculous.  Still, Jack Bauer was a hero for the new millennium, and just think, would we have ever had Barack if not for David Palmer paving the way?
  10. ER (1994-2009) NBC Michael Crighton    Did for doctors what Law and Order did for lawyers.  Its 124 Emmy nominations are the most in television history and its introduction of George Clooney into the public consciousness (notwithstanding the cinematic masterpiece Return of the Killer Tomatoes) is something we can surely all be thankful for.
  11. Dexter (2006-Present) Showtime Based on the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay and developed by James Manos, Jr.     When Dexter hit TV screens in 2006, all the world needed was another show about a crime scene forensic.  However, when that forensic just happens to moonlight as a sociopathic killer of bad guys, things start to diverge from your average episode of CSI. Think Robin Hood as a hopeless kleptomaniac, channeling his uncontrollable inner demons into a public good.  Fun fact: Michael C. Hall met his now ex-wife Jennifer Carpenter (Deb) on the set of Dexter, effectively marrying his sister.
  12. Six Feet Under (2001-2005) HBO Alan Ball   Ironic that a show that revolves around death can penetrate with such poignancy what it means to be alive.  This time Michael C. Hall plays a gay funeral director, running the Fisher and Sons funeral home in Los Angeles (what creator Alan Ball calls "the world capital of the denial of death") with brother Nate and partner Rico.  Also in the picture are sister Claire, mother Ruth, and a host of significant others.  All are eccentric, often demented, and always real, sometimes painfully so. Dealing with death on a daily basis is no easy gig.  Dealing with life might very well be harder.
  13. The X-Files (1993-2002) FOX  Chris Carter
  14. Oz (1997-2003) HBO Tom Fontana HBO's first ever one-hour drama illustrated just how "not just TV" HBO truly was, presenting prison life with gritty, often cringe-worthy realism that spoke to themes all-to-relatable to us civilians. Thirteen actors that originally appeared in Oz went on to appear in The Wire, so it goes without saying how I feel about this one.
  15. Friday Night Lights (2006-2011) NBC/The 101 Network Peter Berg, Brian Grazer, and David Nevins
 
Written by Ben Pogany
User Rating: / 36
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1) Will Ferrell (1995 - 2002) 
Signature sketches: Celebrity Jeopardy, More Cowbell, W. Bush, James Lipton, Harry Carry, Robert Goulet, The Lovers.      SNL Rating: 10
Extracurriculars: Anchorman, Old School, Funny or Die.      Post SNL Rating: 9.5
Total Score: 19.5


2) Eddie Murphy (1980 - 1984)
Signature sketches: Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood, White Like Me, Buckwheat, Gumby, Prose and Cons, Stevie Wonder, John David Stutts, James Brown's Celebrity Hot Tub Party.        SNL Rating: 9.6
Extracurriculars: Stand-up, Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America.      Post SNL Rating: 9.3
Total Score: 18.9

3) John Belushi (1975 - 1979)
Signature sketches: Samurai Futaba, Blues Brothers, Olympia Restaurant.      SNL Rating: 9.2
Extracurriculars: Animal House, Blues Brothers.   Post SNL Rating:  7.2
Total Score: 16.4

4) Phil Hartman (1986 - 1994) 
Signature sketches: Bill Clinton, The Anal Retentive Chef, The Sinatra Group, Ronald Reagan, Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer. SNL Rating: 9.7
Extracurriculars: NewsRadio, The Simpsons.     Post SNL Rating: 6.6
Total Score: 16.3

5) Adam Sandler
(1991 - 1995) 
Signature sketches: Opera Man, The Hanukkah Song, Canteen Boy, Schmitts Gay Beer.      SNL Rating: 7.5
Extracurriculars: Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, Happy Madison Films.       Post SNL Rating: 8.7
Total Score: 16.2

6) Chris Rock
(1990 - 1993) 
Signature sketches: The Dark Side With Nat X, I'm Chillin'.      SNL Rating: 7
Extracurriculars: Stand-up, Everybody Hates Chris, The Chris Rock Show.   Post SNL Rating:  9.1
Total Score: 16.1

7) Bill Murray (1977 - 1980) 
Signature sketches: Weekend Update, Nick the Lounge Singer.        SNL Rating: 7.4
Extracurriculars: Caddyshack, Groundhog Day, Lost in Translation.       Post SNL Rating:  8.5
Total Score: 15.9

8) Chris Farley (1990 - 1995) 
Signature sketches: The Chris Farley Show, Matt Foley Motivational Speaker, The Chippendales Audition, Bill Swerkski's Super Fans, Bennett Brauer, El Niño, Schmitts Gay Beer.         SNL Rating: 9.6
Extracurriculars: Tommy Boy, Black Sheep.       Post SNL Rating: 6.2
Total Score: 15.8


9) Dan Aykroyd (1975 - 1979) 
Signature sketches: Blues Brothers,  Irwin Mainway, Beldar Conehead, Fred Garvin, and One Wild and Crazy Guy.        SNL Rating: 8.3
Extracurriculars: Ghostbusters, Coneheads, Blues Brothers. Post SNL Rating:  7.3
Total Score: 15.6

10) Chevy Chase
(1975 - 1976)  Also a 9-time host, the most of any former cast member.
Signature sketches: Weekend Update, Land Shark.       SNL Rating: 7
Extracurriculars: National Lampoon, Caddyshack, Fletch, Community.        Post SNL Rating: 8
Total Score: 15

11) Tina Fey
(2000 - 2006) 
Signature sketches: Head Writer, Sarah Palin, Weekend Update.        SNL Rating: 7
Extracurriculars: 30 Rock, Mean Girls. Post SNL Rating: 7.7
Total Score: 14.7

12) Dana Carvey (1986 - 1993) 
Signature sketches: Church Lady, Garth Alger, Hanz, The Grumpy Old Man, Chopping Broccili, Bush I.   SNL Rating: 8.3
Extracurriculars: The Dana Carvey Show, Wayne's World.       Post SNL Rating:  5.8
Total Score: 14.1

13) Mike Myers (1989 - 1995) 
Signature sketches: Wayne Campbell, Sprockets, Coffee Talk.        SNL Rating: 6
Extracurriculars: Austin Powers Trilogy, Shrek Quadrilogy, Wayne's World.       Post SNL Rating: 7.7
Total Score: 13.7

14) Kristen Wiig (2005-Present) 
Signature sketches: The Target Lady, Kat, Penelope, Michele Bachmann.      SNL Rating: 8
Extracurriculars: Bridesmaids, MacGruber.       Post SNL Rating: 5.6
Total Score: 13.6

15) Al Franken (1977 - 1980, 1985 – 1986, 1988 – 1995)
Signature sketches: Daily Affirmations With Stuart Smalley, Prolific writer.      SNL Rating: 6
Extracurriculars: US Senator, Author, Radio commentator.   Post SNL Rating: 7.5
Total Score: 13.5

16) Jane Curtin (1975 - 1980) 
Signature sketches: Weekend Update, Pymaat Conehead.       SNL Rating: 6.7
Extracurriculars: Kate & Alley, 3rd Rock From the Sun, The Coneheads.     Post SNL Rating: 6.6
Total Score: 13.3

17) Amy Poehler (2001 - 2008) 
Signature sketches: Weekend Update.       SNL Rating: 6.8
Extracurriculars: Parks and Rec, Baby Mama.     Post SNL Rating: 6.2
Total Score: 13

18) Tracy Morgan (1996 - 2003) 
Signature sketches: Brian Fellow's Safari Planet, Uncle Jemima, Star Jones, Woodrow the Homeless Man.     SNL Rating: 6.6
Extracurriculars: 30 Rock, Stand-up, The Tracy Morgan Show. Post SNL Rating: 5.5
Total Score: 12.1


19) Norm Macdonald (1993 - 1998) 
Signature sketches: Weekend Update, Burt Reynolds, Bob Dole, Stan Hooper.    SNL Rating:  6.7
Extracurriculars: Stand-up, Dirty Work, The Norm Show.    Post SNL Rating: 5
Total Score: 11.7

20) Darrell Hammond (1995 - 2009)  His fourteen seasons is by far the longest running tenure in the history of the show. 
Signature sketches: Sean Connery, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Al Gore, John McCain, Dick Cheney.       SNL Rating: 9
Extracurriculars: Assorted bit roles       Post SNL Rating: 1
Total Score: 10

21) Julia Louis-Dreyfus (1982 - 1985) 
Signature sketches: Televangelist April May June, Consuela, Weather Woman.      SNL Rating: 1.5
Extracurriculars: Seinfeld, The Old Adventure of New Christine.      Post SNL Rating: 8.2
Total Score: 9.7

22) Molly Shannon
(1995 - 2001) 
Signature sketches: Mary Katherine Gallagher, Schweddy Balls, Sally O'Malley.       SNL Rating: 6.9
Extracurriculars: Superstar!, Assorted bit roles.          Post SNL Rating: 2.2
Total Score: 9.1

23) Jimmy Fallon (1998 - 2004) 
Signature sketches: Weekend Update, Barry Gibb, Sully and Denise.       SNL Rating: 4.6
Extracurriculars: The Jimmy Fallon Show. Post SNL Rating: 4.3
Total Score: 8.9

24) Seth Meyers (2001 - present) 
Signature sketches: Weekend Update, Head Writer.   SNL Rating: 7.8
Extracurriculars: Assorted bit roles.     Post SNL Rating: 1
Total Score: 8.8

25) Andy Samberg (2005 - present) 
Signature sketches: Lazy Sunday, Dick in a Box, Mother Lover, I'm On a Boat, Mark Wahlberg Talks to Animals.      SNL Rating: 7.6
Extracurriculars: Assorted bit roles.     Post SNL Rating: 1
Total Score: 8.6

26) Kevin Nealon (1986 - 1995) 
Signature sketches: Weekend Update, Franz, Mr. Subliminal.       SNL Rating: 6.2
Extracurriculars: Weeds, Adam Sandler movies.      Post SNL Rating: 2.3
Total Score: 8.5

27) Jon Lovitz
(1985 - 1990) 
Signature sketches: Tommy Flanagan the Pathological Liar, Harvey Fierstein, Master Thespian, Hanukkah Harry.     SNL Rating: 4.7
Extracurriculars: The Client, Newsradio, The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club.     Post SNL Rating: 3.7
Total Score: 8.4

28) David Spade
(1990 - 1996) 
Signature sketches: Hollywood Minute, Buh-bye guy.      SNL Rating: 4
Extracurriculars: Just Shoot Me!, Tommy Boy, Rules of Engagement.    Post SNL Rating: 4.3
Total Score: 8.3

29) Gilda Radner (1975 - 1980) 
Signature sketches: Roseanne Rosannadanna, Emily Litella, Baba Wawa.      SNL Rating: 6.3
Extracurriculars: Gilda Radner - Live From New York.                Post SNL Rating: 1.5
Total Score: 7.8

30) Garrett Morris
(1975 - 1980) 
Signature sketches: Chico Escuela, News For the Hard of Hearing Translator.         SNL Rating:  4.5
Extracurriculars: The Jamie Foxx Show, 2 Broke Girls, The Downtown Comedy Club. Post SNL Rating:  2.8
Total Score: 7.3


Honorable Mentions:   Tim Meadows (1991 - 2000), Ana Gasteyer (1996 - 2002), Jim Breuer (1995 - 1998), Chris Kattan (1996 - 2003), Joe Piscopo (1980 - 1984), Jason Sudeikis (2005 - present), Martin Short (1984 - 1985), Fred Armisen (2002 - present), Harry Shearer (1979 - 1980, 1984 - 1985), Chris Parnell (1998 - 2006), Rachel Dratch (1999 - 2006), Cheri Oteri (1995 - 2000), Dennis Miller (1985 - 1991), Horatio Sanz (1998 - 2006), Will Forte (2002 - 2010), Bill Hader (2005 - present), Jan Hooks (1986 - 1991), and Kenan Thompson (2003 - present).

Host Hall of Fame: Steve Martin (15 appearances), Alec Baldwin (16), John Goodman (12), Buck Henry (10), Tom Hanks (8), Christopher Walken (7) and Justin Timberlake (4).

Flashes in the Pan Who Went On To Bigger Things: Conan O'Brien (writer, 1987-1991), Robert Downey Jr (1985–1986), Billy Crystal (1984-1985), Steven Colbert (writer, voice in Ace in the Ambiguously Gay Duo), Steve Carell (voice of Gary in The Ambiguously Gay Duo), Christopher Guest (1984-1985), Michael McKean (1994-1995), Sarah Silverman (1993-1994), Chris Elliott (1994-1995), Joan Cusack (1985-1986), Gilbert Gottfried (1980-1981), Randy Quaid (1985-1986).

Written by Ben Pogany
  1. Louis CK
  2. Jon Stewart
  3. Larry David
  4. Zach Galifianakis
  5. Will Ferrell
  6. Steven Colbert
  7. Seth MacFarlane
  8. Matt Stone and Trey Parker
  9. Conan O'Brien
  10. Ricky Gervais
  11. Nick Offerman
  12. Alec Baldwin
  13. Chris Rock
  14. Dave Chappelle
  15. Ty Burrell
  16. Neil Patrick Harris
  17. Kristen Wiig
  18. Daniel Tosh
  19. Amy Poehler
  20. Brian Regan
  21. David Letterman
  22. Tina Fey
  23. Rob McElhenney
  24. Melissa McCarthy
  25. Steve Carell
  26. Sacha Baron Cohen
  27. Andy Samberg
  28. Seth Meyers
  29. Jeff Ross
  30. Aziz Ansari 

Bubble: Jane Lynch, Bill Maher, Danny McBride, Jim Parsons, JB Smoove, Charlie Day, Anthony Jeselnik, Wyatt Cenac, Charles Barkley, Justin Timberlake, Bill Burr, Jason Sudeikis, Jim Gaffigan, Eric Stonestreet, Paul Rudd, Ed O'Neil, Tracy Morgan.

Written by Ben Pogany
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15 seasons after Cartmen, Stan, Kyle, and Kenny first entered our living rooms, South Park continues to be one of the most brilliant, provocative, and downright hilarious shows on tv.  After sifting through 216 episodes, here are Definitive Dose's picks for the 30 most awesomely hilarious moments thus far.

  1. $3.50--Watch Clip
  2. Dey Tuk er Jobs! --   Watch Clip
  3. Stupid Mongorians! -- Watch Clip
  4. Scott Tennerman Eats Cartman's Chili con Carne --   Watch Clip
  5. "People Who Annoy You" -- Watch Clip
  6. Kyle's Mom's A Bitch--Watch Clip
  7. Trapped in the Closet --   Watch Clip
  8. Tacos and Burritos --   Watch Clip
  9. A Lonely Jew On Christmas-- Watch Clip
  10. Lemiwinks --   Watch Clip
  11. Kanye is a Gay Fish, Yo-- Watch Clip
  12. "Whateva, I Do What I Want!"-- Watch Clip
  13. Mr. Jefferson's Slumber Party -- Watch Clip
  14. "Towelie, You're The Worst Character Ever" --   Watch Clip
  15. Chocolate Salty Balls -- Watch Clip
  16. Cartman's Dry Balls Dream -- Watch Clip
  17. Montage! -- Watch Clip
  18. Cartman Takes The Passion Too Far-  Watch Clip
  19. Professor Chaos Goes Anime-  Watch Clip
  20. Randy Chases The Dragon -- Watch Clip
  21. "They Put A Little Suit On Him!"--Watch Clip
  22. "Stick Your Finger In My Thresher"- Watch Clip
  23. Cripple Fight!! --   Watch Clip
  24. Cartmen Sings Poker Face- Watch Clip
  25. World of Warcraft- Watch Clip
  26. "No Kitty This Is My Pot Pie!"-  Watch Clip
  27. Jew Gold- Watch Clip
  28. Chef Returns- Watch Clip
  29. Butt Faces -- Watch Clip
  30. Douche and a Turd Sandwich-- Watch Clip

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Written by Ben Pogany
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Definitive Dose fondly recalls the 25 most hilarious Chappelle's show skits.  Mmm Mmm bitch!!

  1. Reparations
  2. Tyrone Biggums Classroom Visit
  3. The N*ggar Family
  4. Jury Selection
  5. Rick James: Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Stories
  6. HBO: Real Sex Street Interview
  7. R. Kelly's "Piss On You" music videos
  8. Wayne Brady's Show
  9. The Mad Real World
  10. Samuel Jackson beer
  11. Clayton Bigsbey, Black White Supremacist
  12. Zapped
  13. Wrap It Up
  14. Fisticuffs: Turn My Headphones Up
  15. Dave on MTV Cribs
  16. Black Bush
  17. Trading Spouses
  18. Wu-Tang Financial
  19. Prince: Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Stories
  20. When Keeping it Real Goes Wrong

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