Poll: choose which TV-on-DVD show I should watch

[J.M. Vargas]

The Box Sets are purchased already and gathering dust in my shelf (in the case of "Bones" and "Greatest American Hero" I have the first two seasons of each show; the others are complete series). I have not seen a single episode of these listed-in-alphabetical-order series (except for the "Nightstalker" made-for-TV movies that preceded the "Kolchak" TV show) but I read enough about all of them to at least feel the need to grab and own them. I got these Box Sets at sales or discount stores over the past year so it's now time for the Verdict folks to guide me as to which of these series should I unwrap and start watching in earnest. The poll lasts a week-and-a-half and whichever shows comes on top I'll make the commitment to start viewing immediately. I'll write about the show I watch in the June 'Watching' thread on the 'Movies' section but the comments you post below might also influence me to watch the others (either later or in conjunction). And yes, you can ask folks from the other section of the Verdict's kingdom to vote for your favorite show if they're not the type that frequents the relatively-new TV forum. Hey, it's summer and I'm gonna have some free time.

No spoilers for these shows, please! I'll be going into them a virgin so don't ruin the surprises. Go ahead punks, make my week!

[Ptolemy]

why just one? It's summer and you have spare time. I'd try to watch 3 instead of just 1

[Stubblecat]

Another vote for Arrested Development from me. If you like 30 Rock, then you'll love the Bluth clan.

[Kenneth Morgan]

At the risk of being contrary, I'm going with "Kolchak" on this one.

[Dan Mancini]

Arrested Development. Hands down.

[Steve T Power]

AD for the win.

[J.M. Vargas]

why just one? It's summer and you have spare time. I'd try to watch 3 instead of just 1

I'll think about it. It's a big time committment and shorter series (like "Wonderfalls" or "Kolchak") are easier than multi-season one's, but that's why I want to read what people post besides just the vote.

[mkiker2089]

You'll be amazed at how fast they can go by though once you get commited to them. I'm like you in that something can sit forever unwatched, but once I start a TV series I can usually find time to finish it. Even the odd ones like iCarly that netflix for some bizare reason suggested to me. I though I'd hate it but it's actually funny and I've been streaming an episode or four every night.

[cdouglas]

You'll be amazed at how fast they can go by though once you get commited to them. I'm like you in that something can sit forever unwatched, but once I start a TV series I can usually find time to finish it. Even the odd ones like iCarly that netflix for some bizare reason suggested to me. I though I'd hate it but it's actually funny and I've been streaming an episode or four every night.

iCarly? We're talking about the actual iCarly here, right? I mean, I guess I'm glad someone out there is getting some enjoyment out of it.

[J.M. Vargas]

^^^ Hey, I've been watching old "Secret World of Alex Mack" episodes over the past few days. Still love them. I'm not an "iCarly" fan (never seen it actually) but who are we to criticize mkiker2089's tastes? These are shows 'for all ages' and 'for the entire family,' not 'kids only' or 'older people go away.'

[mkiker2089]

It's strange I know. No one was more surprised than me. I was rating things I liked and started putting in BBC comedies. I guess between that, mystery TV like Columbo, family movies and perhaps other concoctions that I don't understand Netflix pulled iCarly out of it's hat. I thought "what the heck are they thinking" (but a stronger word than heck). I only watched one to test the instant que out and give me a legitimate reason to give something the dreaded one star review.

I will never doubt netflix again. Escapist fun can be good.

[HGervais]

AD with Kolchak & Wonderfalls close behind.

[Boba Fett]

Kolchak!

[J.M. Vargas]

While we're at it, anybody notice any trend and/or shared theme between all these shows? There's a clear tilt toward the supernatural and/or lite sci-fi (or religious sci-fi in the case of "Joan or Arcadia") but there's also procedurals ("Bones" and "Veronica Mars") and even one sitcom ("AD"), a genre that I've never been able to enjoy. What do all these shows have in common?

[Dave Johnson]

For my money, Veronica Mars Season 1 is as close as you can get to a perfect season of television.

But yeah, Arrested Development is so good it should be viewed by plant life.

[J.M. Vargas]

Looks like "Arrested Development" is it. Will try to give the other shows a shot but "AD" gets first dibs.

[Arcadia]

Joan of Arcadia for sure. Loved the show. It did an amazing job developing the deep story lines with a stellar cast. Cancelling it was a mistake!!!

[J.M. Vargas]

I ended up giving my sister the "Arrested Development" DVD Box Sets as a Christmas gift last year and she and her boyfriend love it. They're big "Office" fans and this show is right up their alley. I just couldn't even muster the strength to open the package so "AD" ended up in a better home than mine (i.e. someone is actually watching the DVD's). "Arcadia" I want to see bad, just haven't found the time to get going. Too many "Law & Order" repeats and World Cup soccer matches to keep track of.

[Dunnyman]

While Wonderfalls and Dead Like Me are both excellent, go with the one and only Pushing Daisies....then go into a rage because the moron network killed it before it had a chance to shine....