Murphy Brown (1988-1998)

I actually don’t remember a lot about this show specifically, but I do recall that I found it extremely funny and topical, with quick-witted writing and acting. Candice Bergen did a great job as the titular character, and the supporting cast was wonderful, especially Robert Pastorelli as Eldin. When Pastorelli left the show, I remember feeling that the show had lost something important. In a way, I think that maybe Murphy Brown paved the way for later shows like Gilmore Girls and The West Wing, which is high praise, buster.

Red Dwarf (1988-2012)

Ahh, Red Dwarf. I discovered this show on PBS, as series six was debuting in America. This meant that the crew I was watching were no longer on the mining ship Red Dwarf, but in the cramped transport vessel Starbug. Despite coming in so late to the series, I fell in love with Lister, Kryten, Holly (the male version), & especially Rimmer (Cat was ok…). What Chris Barrie (Rimmer) did on the show was comic genius, and Craig Charles (Lister) wasn’t too far behind. It was part sci-fantasy, mixed with huge dollops of comedy, and every once in a while we’d get some social commentary. In any case, it was fun, fun, fun.