Top New Shows of 2010

As the year winds down it strikes me that there were an abundance of new television shows introduced this year even as such perennials as Lost and 24 went the way of the dodo. Of course I couldn't watch EVERY show, but here's a list of my Top 5 New Shows of 2010...and a few honorable mentions.

1) Hawaii Five-0
I confess: my week has become one very long line to wait for 10:00 Monday night. This show is sexy, funny, exciting, and in general just good television. And the revamped version of the classic theme song? Awesome! If you're not watching this show, I just want to know: Why not?!

2) The Glades
I didn't start watching this until a few weeks into the season. Thank God for re-runs. The Glades has a great cast with great chemistry. Matt Passmore is great as smart-alecky but brilliant detective Jim Longworth. And Kiele Sanchez sizzles in the role of his not-really-sure-what-she-wants kinda-sorta-sometimes-girlfriend and sounding board Callie. Carlos Gomez rounds out the cast as Jim's reluctant, long-suffering partner and county M.E., (are you ready for this brilliant character name?) Carlos Sanchez. A solid drama with a pleasant dose of humor.

3) Human Target
This show didn't seem to create alot of buzz, but it should have. There's fighting, explosions and guns; trains, planes and automobiles; attractive people and fascinating characters...good stuff. And the show got a nice boost with the appearance of the legendary Lee Majors as the former man known as Christopher Chance, bodyguard extraordinaire. You need to check out this show.

4) Covert Affairs
I was dubious about this show. As a matter of fact, I told someone I thought this could be the first bad USA original series made. I was, happily, wrong. Now, it started out a little slow, the characters were a little weak the first couple episodes, but they quickly buckled down and the result was nothing less than fantastic. Piper Perabo is wonderful as sexy and sweet new CIA agent Annie Walker--a spy with a conscience. For the ladies' viewing pleasure Christopher Gorham stars as blinded former soldier-turned-computer tech Auggie Anderson, Annie's lifeline to normalcy and sanity in her crazy new secret life. This show proves that you can't always get a good feel from a show from the previews. And it further illustrates the adage that if it's a USA original, it's almost a sure bet.

5) Rizzoli and Isles
Sasha Alexander is back. And her new character, Dr. Maura Isles, couldn't be further from her former NCIS character. It's ok, though: first, Ziva's tougher and hotter than Kate anyway; and second, Alexander is great as the Bones-with-a-sense-of-style Boston M.E. She's joined by Angie Harmon as her best friend, tough homicide detective Jane Rizzoli. The show takes advantages of being novel-based and has strong plots and intriguing storylines. With it's blend of drama and procedural, this is a show to watch.

Honorable Mentions:
a) Memphis Beat--Memphis is a nice change of pace as a setting for a tv show, and this show is extraordinarily entertaining.
b) The Good Guys--This show was funny from the start, but it's getting better by the week as the cast and writers gel. A good, strong show that isn't getting the recognition it deserves.
c) The Defenders--Jim Belushi and Jerry O'Connell are great in this show that brings the classic legal drama into the 21st century.
d) Blue Bloods--With a cast including Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg, it has to be good, right? The only thing I dislike about this show is the Blue Templar secret society thing. It reminds me of the ill-fated last project of Patrick Swayze, The Beast. Otherwise, though, the show is excellent in every way.