Strapped for time but love yourself some good TV? Perhaps it's time to revisit some of your fave shows ... but you're not sure which block is worth your precious free hours. Here, we do the pretty much impossible. We take a look at 11 beloved TV series and pick their best seasons. Don't hate us, boob tube lovers. This wasn't easy.
'Gilmore Girls' (Season 3)
This is where Rory started to grow out those permanent eye emojis for Dean and began exploring her feelings for a certain diner owner's nephew. "They Shoot Gilmores, Don't They?" (aka the dance marathon episode) is one of the series gems. We'll even forgive that weird Jess-in-Venice failed spinoff ep... Note: We have to give credit to the last few episodes of Season 2 (Lorelai's Graduation, Sookie's wedding eve) since it set up this fantastic run beautifully.
'Friends' (Season 4)
Man, this was a toughie. But by sheer count of near-perfect episodes, Season 4 takes it. There's Chandler in a box, the trivia game ("Ms. Chanandler Bong"), the jellyfish sting retelling, and Ross saying Rachel's name at his wedding to Emily. So. Much. Good. Stuff.
'Seinfeld' (Season 5)
You most likely dislike the finale of what's heralded as one of the best sitcoms of all time, but face it: "Seinfeld" rarely had an off moment. If we haaaaaave to choose, we ask anthropologists of the future to screen Season 5 in order to understand its comedy impact. They'll see Jerry making out in "Schindler's List," George pushing an old lady so he can escape a fire, Elaine's close-talker BF, the Puffy Shirt, and the greatness that ensues when George does the opposite of his instincts. Glorious.
'The Sopranos' (Seasons 2 and 5)
This jam-packed season may have forced viewers to say goodbye one of the show's best characters, but it gave us so much tense goodness leading right up until the moment she met her tragic fate... And Season 2 really brings the drama and conflict to Tony's front door, with the arrival cousin Richie.
'Friday Night Lights' (Season 1)
This was the season that started it all and made us fall in love with the Taylors, Dillon Panthers, and the all the small town tear-inducing drama/romance/slice of Texas life it depicted wonderfully. "It's Different For Girls" is a moving and memorable hour and the show's first episode is one of the best dramatic pilots in recent history. Also, every season but two is damn good. Just watch all of them.
'Mad Men' (Season 4)
"The Suitcase" is one of the most perfect hours of television ever, so we have to go with Season 4. There's also the Clio Awards in "Waldorf Stories," "The Beautiful Girls" (hello, Faye Miller), and Don's quickie proposal to Megan in "Tomorrowland." Sigh. We miss you, "Mad Men."
'The Office' (Season 2)
If we could only watch one season of this show forever, we would have to choose Season 2. Here we are lucky enough to get episodes like "The Fire," "Booze Cruise," "Take Your Daughter to Work Day," and the one where Pam and Jim finally kiss -- "Casino Night." Nice. We just convinced ourselves what we're going to binge-watch over the weekend.
'The Wire' (Season 4)
The fact that the focus shifts to four Baltimore middle schoolers makes this the most powerful arc of the show, giving viewers a purposeful perspective that sheds light on the neighborhood as well as the dysfunctional education system. "Final Grades," the season's finale, is one of the best of the series.
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' (Season 2)
Don't cry, Buffy. You're only killing Angel... Yes, Season 2 was when it started getting real. There's Angelus, Willow and Oz, and we're introduced to Spike! It's all equal parts heartbreaking, thrilling, and funny ha ha. That's the Buffy way!
'X-Files' (Season 5)
"Bad Blood" is an undeniable masterpiece, so give it up for Season 5, filies. There's also greats "The Post-Modern Prometheus" and "Folie A Deux" (thank you, Vince Gilligan!), and at this point in the series the characters and their relationships really start coming into their own.
'Lost' (Season 1)
Season 3 has the whole "not Penny's boat" thing and Season 5 has time travel and those snazzy Dharma jumpsuits, but we have to give it to Season 1. We were riveted from the moment that jet engine sucked up that poor dude.
'Star Trek: The Next Generation' (Season 3)
After the very bumpy first two seasons, "TNG" righted the ship with new showrunner the late Michael Piller. In doing so, he and his staff of talented writers set a high bar for which all other Trek shows have strived to hit. Highlights include the cliffhanger season finale, "Best of Both Worlds, Part I" and Picard being turned into a Borg.
'Game of Thrones' (Season 3)
This show does not have a bad or terrible season. Its best? Arguably Season 3, thank to that damn Red Wedding.
