Interesting list -- not my choices for the most part, but radically different than you'd get from a USA Today or CNN poll, I'd bet. Ie, no American Idol, no Survivor, no Oprah, no CSI or Law and Order. The only top-rating show on the list would seem to be Lost (and maybe Daily Show?), and that barely made it. I guess people who bother to look for good TV come up with a whole nother list than those who follow the paid hype.

The other finding that provides fodder for much speculation on the direction of the TV industry is the fact that big-broadcast networks only got 4 of the top 10 and 6 of the top 15. The rest went to narrowcast cable stations. If the TVWW readership is any kind of avant garde, the big broadcasters are looking at a world of trouble ahead. Not that we're a statistically valid sample by any standard, but we probably are among those who pay the most intense attention to what's on TV. If nothing else, I hope these responses foreshadow an end to the "reality" show glut.

Anyway, interesting exercise. Here's hoping for much better TV in 09. (I agree with you completely -- and the breadth and depth of the list is just as noteworthy. More than 130 different shows nominated, with everything from Rachel Maddow to Craig Ferguson getting impressively strong shows of support. -- David B.)

I really like the list and a lot of my choices made it (although I tried to watch Damages but as soon as they killed a dog in the first episode they totally lost me). Also I am glad I found this website and can finally talk in the same place as those who seem to enjoy the same shows I do.

Like I said if it weren't for The Daily Show I would have never made it through 8 years of Bush and the election.

I too hope for good TV in '09(but so far it doesn't look like it's going to happen)and hope that the broadcast networks begin to learn from the cable networks, if not they are going to keep upping them and then who knows the kind of stuff we'll see! (Welcome, Sarah -- Glad to have you aboard. -- David B.)

Just heard you on Fresh Air this weekend talking about Dr. Horrible. I just started using hulu.com and I am looking forward to watching the Sing Along Blog there.

And I'm upset about Pushing Daisies too. It was my favorite show.

A couple of questions. First, I mostly agree with the shows on the list. So an all-around good idea and exercise.

1. What show did better (i.e. more mentions than you expected) on the submissions?
2. What show (s) didn't get as much support as you thought they might?
3. Any other surprises on the in the comments?

(Good questions -- I'll make them the subject of tomorrow's column. -- David B.)