The Most Underrated TV Shows of 2008

by Josh Roth @ 11:59 am December 30th, 2008

Since we’re nearing the end of 2008, I wanted to take this opportunity to present four shows that you may or may not already be a fan of, but which have, by and large, been overlooked by the public. Some are network shows, some are on cable, and some of them aren’t meant for everyone. Who knows, maybe you’ll find something wonderful to fill that extra space on your DVR with.

1. How I Met Your Mother

With an all-star cast and solid writing, I’m surprised How I Met Your Mother isn’t the smash hit it deserves to be, yet. Luckily the show has done fairly well. It really is the best sitcom on television, it’s the perfect convergence of writing, direction, and acting. Every episode is genuinely funny, and has a moral center that doesn’t feel forced. Neil Patrick Harris, Jason Segel, and Alyson Hannigan may be the most recognizable stars, but Josh Radnor and Cobie Smulders hold their own. I’ve been a fan of Alyson Hannigan ever since I discovered her on Buffy, which led me to HIMYM. She’s come out of her shell as Lily Aldrin, spouting sex jokes and sex appeal. Neil Patrick Harris has proved he’s much more than a one trick pony, with his cameos in the Harold & Kumar movies, and his performance as Dr. Horrible. He’s absolutely hilarious as the chauvinistic Barney Stinson, easily my favorite character on the show. You can see How I Met Your Mother Monday’s at 8:30 on CBS.

2. The Middleman

The Middleman was certainly the most original show of the year, and definitely one of my favorites. It comes in a close second because it’s not a show for everyone, but everyone should give it a try. It’s a real shame more people haven’t caught onto how fantastic this show is. The shows writing is wonderfully over the top, thanks to the style of the creator Javier Grillo-Marxuach. Matt Keelsar fully embodies the down home Americana spirit of the Middleman, and Natalie Morales is the perfect combination of sexy and nerdy. They have a real chemistry on screen that really makes the show shine. Together they fight everything from flying zombifying fish, to vampire ventriloquist dummies. The Middleman is a damn near perfect show that really deserves more attention, but you can read all about that in my previous rant.  Still no word on whether or not Middleman will be renewed (fingers crossed…), or when the DVD will come out, but you can be sure you’ll hear it here.

3. Burn Notice

Any show that has Bruce Campbell as one of the main characters is top of the list in my book, but he isn’t the only great thing about Burn Notice. USA’s spy action show has a great sense of humor and a great cast of characters. Jeffrey Donovan stars as Michael Weston, an ex-spy struggling to find out who ‘burned’ him and exiled him to Miami, basically he’s James Bond meets MacGyver. Donovan proves he’s a multi-talented action star, with his impressive ability to dominate the screen with fast quips and car chases. Also the show is very well produced, with big explosions and impressive car chases virtually every episode. Every week there are a myriad of new guest stars, tips and tricks on surviving the spy trade, and Michael Weston going undercover with various personas. Which lets Donovan flex his acting muscles and keeps the show fresh and fun, he’s proved he’s bad ass, clever, and suave. Check out Burn Notice when it returns with new episodes January 22nd at 10PM on USA.

4. Pushing Daisies

It’s no secret I’m a fan of Pushing Daisies, but it really is one of the most underrated shows on TV, which is why ABC is killing it. So here I am again to spread the love. Pushing Daisies is a whimsical but dark fairy tale full of noir murder mysteries. The ensemble cast stars Lee Pace, Anna Friel, Chi McBride, Ellen Greene, Swoosie Kurtz, Kristin Chenoweth, and the awesome voice of Jim Dale. Each week is filled with mystery and great humor, and occasionally even a little musical number. The show is like pie, delicious, sugary sweet, and not for everyone. Some people find it a bit too sweet or a bit too dark for their taste, but I think you should give it a shot. There are only a few episodes left, so I advise picking up or Netflix-ing the first season DVD.