So which network/cable channel has the best overall programming? My vote goes to HBO. I enjoy almost all of their shows. Fox has moved up my list in recent years also. Feel free to vote for networks with different programming like ESPN or Discovery Channel if that's the channel with your favorite programming.

I actually think that ABC is in the running for the best network as of now...they have so many good, new shows (like Six Degrees & Knights of Prosperity) coming out and a lot of already successful ones ( Grey's & Lost) that they may take the top slot soon!

F/x

Personally I don't feel like you can ask which is the best with network and cable television mixed in.

In the case of Broadcast Television I believe that ABC is easily the winner. Within two years they went from the #4 network in the US to a tie for first place. They offer a wide selection of programming and they seem to treate their writers/producers/actors with respect. I also there speedy and bonusfilled DVD releases

In cable its a no contest with HBO - who basically invented the tv shows on cable trend. Each series (no matter if it would personally appealling or not) has enough umph in it to pretty much entertain any synic...

HBO, no contest. Even though them canceling deadwood sucks, they have produced more good shows then any other network and they are commercial free.





the only thing I watch on abc is lost.

Alright then forget "best" vote for your favorite.

Discovery, most of the time.

If this is based on shows I watch, probably CBS or Fox. If this is based on quality, it's either HBO or F/X.

I actually voted before I read the thread and thought of this in the historic sense. I think NBC is the clear winner there for my money.

At present, it's hard to vote against FX's slate. I really enjoy It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Nip/Tuck, and especially The Shield. Thief was also a nice character study. Given the amount of programming they have, that's a really nice success rate.

Rod Lurie would disagree with you

F/X. The main reason being THE SHIELD, but they also have many other fine original programs.

I like pretty much all of F/X's programming, so they have no real negative marks except quantity. I don't watch a ton of network shows, although we'll see how that changes with the new season. Among the non-cable networks, I might watch more CW shows than anything, although a few are guilty pleasures. I knock HBO since much of my favorite stuff is ending.

CW because it will have Veronica Mars. Smallville & Supernatural are fun too.

ESPN

If that doesn't count F/X has my favorite show (The Shield), and I'm a fan of nip/tuck and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and a lot of people like Rescue Me.

Goodpoint, and personally I believe if he had stayed on that show would be coming back next year and the next, but to play devil's advocate, it must be really frustrating for a network to have episodes come in weekslater than scheduled and for script to not be written til the night before filming...

I'm sure it's also annoying to work on a damned good FBI show only to have ABC launch it in the asscrack of the Christmas season. It seems he and ABC are even.

What FBI show was that?

Agreed!

I think you just made my point!

It was called Line of Fire.

Well I can tell you this much--it sure as shit ain't UPN, fuckin' ENTERPRISE cancellers...

Might as well list them all, because each and every one has beaucoups of pros as to why they are some of the best produced television shows in the past decade.

People dont really seem to remember that hbo really were the ones who started it all. Without shows like oz, sopranos, or even arliss there probably wouldnt be rescue me, shield, showtime, etc.

Yeah...television was invented by HBO, all right.

Yeah, that's exactly what I said. That HBO invented the t.v. . Good post man, good job.

You claimed HBO "started it all", which is one of the most profoundly ridiculous statements I have seen here.

The truth is that The WB has more to do with the success of FX than HBO does. That's where the Ryans (Shawn Ryan and Ryan Murphy) cut their teeth, working on Angel and Popular.