Fall TV's 10 Most Addictive Shows

HollyTV

Posted: Sep 21, 07 5:09pm

My name is Holly and I'm a TV addict. And anyone who knows me, knows I am beyond ready for the new TV season to get started.

For me, the season officially began Monday, Sep 17th, with Prison Break. I know there are lots of new shows, but right now I'm just looking forward to getting back into my old routine. Jack. Michael. Linc. Booth. Bones. Hiro. Claire. Meredith. McDreamy. Simon. Kate. Sawyer. That other Jack. And all the rest. I've missed you all…

With that said, here are what I consider the ten most addictive shows on TV and why:

Prison Break: With Michael in prison again, and the promos saying "the next 20 feet are the most dangerous for him," and the big question of "what is SONA," I love that this show is smart, and almost demands that I pay attention.

24: I believe they're going to kill Jack off this year. THAT is what I'm tuning in to see. Not that I want him dead or gone. That's just my prediction. And since every season has a different storyline, I can't start talking about other angles just yet.

Heroes: Superheroes, end of the world, crooked politicians, time-travel, and great characters. What's not to love? But is it addictive? Yes, it is. They spent last year building the characters and setting the pace. Now I want to see it all play out.

The Amazing Race: I totally love how everyone comes unglued, and shows that crappy side of themselves that makes you love to hate some, and totally root for others. The magic is in the editing, and they want us to feel everything the contestants do: the cold floor outside the closed gates that they're forced to sleep on; the exhaustion; the contempt for their partners; the taste of some creepy local food; the anxiety over shaving your head; and the sheer exhilaration of accomplishment and defeat. The Amazing Race might be the ultimate addictive show on TV because I can see myself as one of the competitors. But not one friend, family member, or colleague of mine is willing to be my teammate.

Grey's Anatomy: I have a love/hate relationship with this show, but it's still pretty darn addictive. I hate the marketing, and actually don't care for the soap-opera stuff, but really love the drama. And, yes – there is a difference. Drama holds my attention, opera is noise in the background. I know this show is good when I'm forced to stop multi-tasking and watch: cool surgeries; the quiet moments before the music tells you how to feel; and the double personalities of almost every character.

Lost: Gotta keep it high on my list, because as frustrated as I was in the early part of last year, I got invested again near the end. But three months later I barely remember what happened. All I really need to know is where are they and what's with all the black smoke?

ER: This show, quite simply, is a part of my life. I don't really care who's on, who's dying, or what the weather is like (Chicago weather is so much a part of the drama). I just want to have my little hour of ER – drama, blood, guts, borderline personalities, and okay, sorry folks, but I love John Stamos.

Dirt: A new favorite with seedy, questionable characters; drugs; hate; love; sex; pretty people; and L.A. I love the whole tabloid thing, the moral choices facing Lucy, as well as her love/hate relationship with herself. The fact that she's played perfectly by Courtney Cox just adds to the fun. And I don't even know if this one is coming back next season.

American Idol: Once they get started (and get down to the truly talented top 12), I really care. There is no show I enjoy talking about more. I NEVER listen to what Paula or Randy have to say, and I try to give Simon credit for being in a foreign country, despite his lack of tact and a limited vocabulary. But you can't argue with the fact that he knows talent, and he has given us a great indulgence. Hey, he's even made me listen to the radio.

Supernatural: I have to share one of my little guilty pleasures with you. It's dark and funny. Totally love the sound track, the story line of good/evil, and the cliffhanger that leaves us knowing SSS sold his soul to the devil (literally), and that Dean's evil side is taking over. Not since Dark Shadows have I been so scared and ashamed of my viewing choice all at the same time.

So what shows are you dying to see? What day do you have secretly marked on your calendar?