If you’re anything like me, you only skim “Best of” lists.  In fact, it’s very likely you didn’t even read that sentence, let alone this one.  When I click to see a list, I want to see a list.  I don’t need commentary.  What I need is simple, I need to validate my own favorites by finding them on your list and at the same time scoff at you for the ones that shouldn’t be there. Yet here I sit, typing away, compelled to offer some rationalization to the choices below and a perfunctory introduction to our journey through my favorites of the last year.  Creatures of habit we are (apparently when I don’t think anyone is reading type in Yoda speak I do).

A few other things to skim past:
– No honorable mentions this year.  They are a cop out. If it doesn’t make the cut, it deserves no mention.
– I have expanded my TV list to 15 and my movie list to 41. I’m seeing more stuff (150 movies this year) so naturally more will get ranked.
– This is for newly viewed items in the calendar year 2011.  This means the final half of last season, and first half of this season for many TV shows, and also means there will be movies that came out last year that I am just getting around to seeing.  But for me these things were new this year.
– This is a “favorites” list, not a “best of” list.  Embrace the subjectivity of art.  This is my list and it is influenced by many factors that might be unique to my perspective.  Having said that, I’m pretty sure its also completely infallible.
Here’s what to expect over the course of January:
My Favorite 41 TV Shows of All Time:

1. Dick Van Dyke Show
2. LOST
3. The X-Files
4. Survivor
5. Firefly (+1)
6. Doctor Who (-1)
7. The Simpsons (+2)
8. Breaking Bad (*)
9. Quantum Leap (+1)
10. Alfred Hitchcock Presents (-2)
11. The Cosby Show (-2)
12. Pushing Daisies (-1)
13. The Wire (-6)
14. MacGyver (-1)
15. Futurama (-1)
16. Freaks and Geeks (-1)
17. Arrested Development (+2)
18. Star Trek (+2)
19. Family Ties (-3)
20. 24 (-2)
21. Alias (-4)
22. Friends
23. Malcolm in the Middle
24. The Office (US) (+1)
25. House (-4)
26. The Twilight Zone (+2)
27. Modern Family (+4)
28. Seinfeld (+1)
29. So You Think You Can Dance (+8)
30. The Mole
31. I Love Lucy (-7)
32. Fringe (+8)
33. King of the Hill (+6)
34. Home Improvement (+1)
35. The Amazing Race (-9)
36. The Monkees (-9)
37. Mythbusters (+1)
38. Get Smart (-4)
39. CSI (-6)
40. American Idol (-4)
41. Monk