Part of the reason for the decline of Community is the ascension of Archer, an animated spy thriller that is just as focused on pop culture but about a thousand times dirtier. Archer doesn’t simply push boundaries. The show’s writers take glee in going way too far and seeing how much leeway the viewer gives them as they do so. Archer grew from being a “Hey, have you ever watched it?” novelty to a post-episode quote-a-thon over the past year. It is definitely not a show for everyone but to those who open their minds to its charms, Archer provides more uproarious laughs per episode than any other program on television. Yuuuuuuup.

Louie, our eighth place selection, is the semi-fictional FX Network series about the life of comedian Louis C. K. Described by a BOP staff member as the “least formulaic comedy that I’ve seen”, it features interspersed stand-up monologues with storylines and vignettes. Also, these segments are absolutely merciless toward Louie himself, castigating him for all of his self-observed personal failings. Louie is equal parts Woody Allen, Dave Chappelle and Seinfeld and almost always hysterical.

Our ninth place finisher, Happy Endings, positions itself as the new Friends albeit in a slightly less formulaic manner. Since these characters are still evolving, their behavior is more erratic but the laughs are roughly similar. Damon Wayans Jr. proves each episode that the Wayans family tradition for funny is alive and kicking while Elisha Cuthbert reminds us that she can do more than hide away from cougars Jack Bauer hasn’t gotten around to killing yet. She is the show’s Joey, pretty and loving but not cursed with a lot of self-awareness. The breakout stars, however, are Penny and Max, a not-couple who border on being life partners. Max is gay and Penny always dreamed of having a gay BFF so the two mesh perfectly. What is refreshing is that while the subject of many punchlines, Max’s homosexuality is not a driving portion of the plot. He is just another slacker in the city, struggling to get by. The fact that he likes dudes is almost irrelevant…except to Penny. Happy Endings has occasional missteps in terms of storylines but when it is on, it is must-watch television.

This is the last time we are allowed to herald the genius of Friday Night Lights, our tenth place selection. The winner for Best TV Show of 2008, this series ended on a high note last year with a wonderful conclusion wherein clear eyes and full hearts did not lose in the state championship. This victory allowed the two-time Texas state champion high school coach Eric Taylor to walk away on a high note as he followed loyal wife Tami in her dream job as Dean of Admissions at a selective private college in Pennsylvania. The Taylor family was the finest on television for a period of five years. Due to its strange release pattern, we were allowed to laud the show in six different Best TV Show votes. It finished third, first, third, third, ninth and tenth. This says everything about how much Friday Night Lights has resonated with our staff over the years. If you still haven’t given this series a chance, you owe it to yourself to do so. Friday Night Lights is everything television entertainment should be.

Narrowly missing inclusion this year but fully worthy of your attention are Boardwalk Empire, New Girl, Psych, Suits, Sons of Anarchy, Downton Abbey, American Horror Story, The Good Wife, The Walking Dead, Castle, Homeland, Treme, Leverage and Doctor Who. This is a golden age for television. It is also the easiest time ever to consume media. Celebrate as many of these programs as you can. All are worthy of your time in the estimation of BOP’s staff.

The Calvins: An Introduction
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Album
Best Cast
Best Character
Best Director
Best Overlooked Film
Best Picture
Best Scene
Best Screenplay
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best TV Show
Best Use of Music
Best Videogame
Breakthrough Performance
Worst Performance
Worst Picture

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