The 30 BEST TV shows, Must-Watch!

A gripping saga from the mind of Joss Whedon (director of The Avengers), Angel covers the story of its titular ensouled vampire character, spun-off from the first three seasons of Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Highly suggested those seasons of Buffy be watched before starting this, with maybe ten crossover episodes concurrent with Angel Seasons 1-2 and 4.

A super hero story without the dual-identity aspect or a suit, witness how a legend is born and a Champion is shaped, THIS is my favorite TV series!

Ten years covering a prequel-esque 'journey over destination' origin story, is it worth watching? I like to think so, destiny was unquestionably fulfilled in the final hour of Smallville as the 'Man of Steel' alias Clark Kent constructed in this amazing show's last two and a half years evolved into the iconic Superman we all know and love.

Without a doubt, in covering Kal-El's teen years, his confusing early 20s, and the dual-identity's early years before the full-fledged tights and flights for keeps, this is where Superman Begins!

A dark world of serial killers, government conspiracy, looming doomsday scenarios, Chris Carter's Millennium covers what The X-Files never quite could. In the final years of the 20th century, we see just how hyped the coming millennium truly was and how genuinely feared it had been, even by someone as intelligent and rational as Frank Black.

Covering his story, that of his family, in addition to friend-turned-rival Peter Watts, this enthralling drama makes it halfway into the year 1999 before a crossover X-Files episode ties up a couple loose ends for the year 2000.

Perhaps the best pure 'cop show' one could hope to find, this series was ahead of its time and focused not on car chases or shoot-outs, but on the personal lives and deeper interactions of a Baltimore Homicide detective unit. Headed by Lt. 'Gee' Giardello, the primary characters are the fierce Frank Pembleton and naive Tim Bayliss, in addition to Mr. on-every-show John Munch and the loyal never-ever-leaves Meldrick Lewis.

Running seven seasons, my suggestion is to get the series set for DVD, that which includes three crossover eps from Law & Order and the truly epic Homicide conclusion tele-film.

My #1 favorite anime, Robotech is an adaptation of three anime stories that consists of 85 awesome eps spanning three generations, each with their own 'Robotech War' (all on Earth for Protoculture). Overall main characters include brave Rick Hunter from The Macross Saga, legendary Zor Prime from The Masters, in addition to the menacing Regess from The New Generation.

Along with the Remastered version of the Sentinels feature and The Shadow Chronicles, you're in for one EPIC ride (by the way, don't forget the Prelude comics for a little more Rick)!

The '5 Year' mission that lasted three seasons, Enterprise NCC-1701's crew was headed by Captain James T. Kirk following a tenure by the first pilot's Captain Christopher Pike, with both forms of the crew having the iconic Spock at the helm. A single animated season was later created that I like to think serves as the mission's final year, while six movies of course follow up this masterpiece story.

Of particular interest in Star Trek involved the time travel stories and gradual character arc reflecting Mr. Spock's suppressed emotions, a timeless legend that needs no further intro.

A timeless masterpiece in its own right, The Wonder Years was a brilliant mix of family drama that nearly bordered into sitcom dramedy, but always stayed true to the concepts of a serious show that could make ya' cry one second and burst laughing the next. Sadly not on DVD yet and VERY slim chance of ever getting it on that form with the original music, but it can be caught on Hub reruns and is worth tuning in for every half hour.

The trials and tribulations of a young Kevin Arnold as recounted by his present self 20 years ahead, it's MUST-SEE.

Whereas Homicide serves as the best 'cop show', I feel Boston Legal definitively serves as the best 'court show'. With the final season of David Kelly's drama The Practice serving as a sorta 'Season 0', this most entertaining dramedy stars the talented James Spader and incomparable William Shatner, as the stories of their characters play out beginning trusted colleagues and evolving into truly best friends with genuine love for each other (or 'straight partners').

With their compelling legal work serving as backdrop, I have only two more words to say, Denny Crane!

Parent series to my #1 favorite, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the first of many projects The Avengers' Joss Whedon helmed for Fox and the old WB Network. In addition to setting up the story of spinoff Angel's 'prime trio', this fascinating chapter in pop culture explores the loneliness of one girl chosen with a burden no other can carry, at least until she is forced to face her own mortality.

Alongside the character evolutions of Watcher Rupert Giles and best friend Willow, Buffy Summers' story soars to some big heights in seven seasons.

Covering a mere three seasons, Roswell explores the gripping stories of three aliens that were raised as humans and came to fall in love with humans over the course of this 'journey' story. Setting foundations many feel Smallville also picked up in its early seasons, the first season covers a more teen-focused romance, the second gets much heavier on the Sci-Fi elements, while the third finds a hard-yet-commendable balance of the two styles.

With secrets and lies regarding the aliens shaping the backdrop as soul mates come together, Roswell is MUST-SEE!

One of the most emotionally powerful stories you could give a chance, the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime tells the story of two young brother against the backdrop of a world similar to our own early 20th century, but with a history where alchemy triumphed over traditional science. The Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, go on a journey of self-discovery and powerful evolution in their talents as they meet friends they'll never forget and forge alliances hard to betray.

In addition to the Shamballa concluding movie, a story of bonafide legend unfolds, with a bit of our own history as well!

A show that sadly only went two seasons, this insane and kickass ride follows up James Cameron's first two Terminator films as Sarah Connor continues the raising of her teenage son into the iconic John Connor of future legend. Definitely a 'Smallville' story of sorts for John, the main character happens to be his mother as she faces her own various trials in the ultimate cat-&-mouse game for a better future.

Suggest watching this after T3, Machinima, Salvation, T1, and T2 for an interesting chronological experience.

Lasting just a single season, this prequel to the reimagined Battlestar Galactica serves as strong set-up to that mythology without really giving anything away, while also truly standing on its own. Focused primarily on two families in a world where space travel is common (though not much seen) and the beliefs of religion are totally reversed, Caprica explores a society very much like our modern world with its own tweaks and differences.

Yet all that is happenstance backdrop to the two core families of this compelling saga, the Cylon-creating Graystones and the proud Tauron Adamas.

The revamp of a pop cult series that lasted pretty short 25 years prior, Battlestar Galactica follows up the aftermath of later-produced spinoff Caprica. Showing the 'Fall' of humanity in its fantastic mini-series premier and subsequently spanning four seasons, this universe all its own explores some of the most realistic of character interactions and evolutions you're sure to find, in the midst of telling a meaningful 'what if' story for where we as a people come from.

This has all happened before and it will all happen again.

In following up the iconic original film with an almost totally new cast of actors, SG-1 (re)kicks off the Stargate universe with a bang via "Children of the Gods", the amazing pilot of which the Final Cut is a must-watch. Spanning ten seasons in its own right, in addition to two spinoffs keeping the story thriving on, behold humanity's first contact with an infinite number of humans long-captured by an evil alien race posing as their gods.

Headed by a good deal of main characters, each have their own perspectives on how to do things and by the end, there'll still be enough room for more!

The original 90s animated X-Men series, this classic American cartoon has been argued as the best of any take on the titular characters and adapting their respective arcs from comic to full on-screen motion. While not much of the actual school work gets explored as later in Evolution and the team keeps the exact same members through the seasons, the serialized stories and adaptations definitely excel.

Such tales include Days of Future Past, two continuous Phoenix arcs, a personal character journey for Wolverine, and a very 'full circle' culmination in more ways/places than one.

More in recommendation of the entire original V franchise, this bold and most inventive outing of a 'first contact with aliens' tale. Being mostly realistic (for its time), the original story of V begins in Kenneth Johnson's two-part mini-series, then continuing into the three-part "The Final Battle" and at last settling in for this single season's 19 episodes.

Needless to say it isn't the best of televised adaptations, but on a whole and when taking the two mini-series into the factor, V simply is... a story of legend.

The vampire saga that inspired my #1 favorite, Forever Knight delves into the journey of Nick Knight on his ambition for redemption and regaining his humanity, told against the gloomy backdrop of the most ruthless streets in Toronto. Nick's story spans three seasons and amidst his primary goal involves his turbulent relationships with the vampires closest to him, 'father'-figure Lacroix and occasional lover Janette.

With consistent ties to best friend Don Schanke and potential true love Natalie Lambert, only the Forever Knight himself can decide his own destiny.

A most EPIC fictional adaptation on the legacy of Spartacus, in spite of the very start and very end having some prominent spoilers, fully suggest starting with the prequel "Gods of the Arena" season. Then on into "Blood and Sand", one can unquestionably witness the origins of the legendary Spartacus as the warrior begins his journey toward fallen greatness.

Going on into "Vengeance", now more than ever is his story shaping into the dark destination that awaits... just be ready for LOTS of sex and violence!

Definitely the shortest of suggestions with running a very small 8 episodes, the revived Bionic Woman shows an all new take on the Jaime Sommers character from Battlestar Galactica's David Eick. In spite of the first four episodes leaving much room for further stories, Jaime is left in a somewhat good place by the end of the final episode and we're left wanting more as should be when a show ends.

With a sister to look after, a sociopath predecessor on her tail, all on top of frequent missions under a surprisingly caring stern boss, Jaime has quite the burden she learns to step up toward.

The continuation of the hit Batman and Superman animated tales from Bruce Timm, his DC Animated Universe thrives on in an all new way as a team is formed in the aftermath of near global domination. The Justice League is born with seven founding members, including the DC Trinity, those whom will encounter their greatest trials yet.

With some subtle paving toward the chronological future awaiting in Batman Beyond and evolving into Justice League Unlimited, this story showcases some iconic dynamics that include a certain Cadmus arc and some surprising character evolution of one Lex Luthor.

While only the first season can be attained on DVD, The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest represents a unique revamp of the original cartoon that maintains several nods to said source material. While mostly stand-alone stories with only a few foes dealt with on a recurring basis, Real Adventures is best with the character evolutions and interactions unto the backdrop of realistic globe-spanning adventures and most experimental CGI technology.

Benton's companionship with Race, Jonny's sometimes-hinting-potential romance with Jessie, Hadji's familial bonds with all.

Perhaps the absolute best of any animated series currently being produced in the States, this revamp and alternate world perspective on the legendary Justice League puts the primary focus on a crew of sidekicks... a term they'd sooner forget. This 'Team' of the League's consist of several characters all with their own leaps in progress to be making, as the first season explores the first roughly six months of the Team's career.

Superboy (the genetic hybrid-'son' of Kal-El and Lex Luthor), Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, Miss. Martian, Artemis, and the Speedy changed Red Arrow.

With the intention of also applying to original DragonBall and even the concluding GT chapter, the franchise of which DragonBall Z serves as the most lengthy chapter makes for one of my favorite anime tales and will always be something I wish to pass on to my kids. Exploring a fallen alien orphan from a destroyed home world (sound familiar?), the trials of Son Goku get underway as within 500 episodes, literally half a century of his life passes as we see him grow up and have a family.

With dozens of the most dangerous villains in the universe, an EPIC trilogy this is!

4,000 years in the making, this dark and hilarious chapter in space exploration Sci-Fi spans the course of two universes, dubbed the Light and Dark Zones. Lexx's very flawed and unexpected quadrilogy of main characters involve the aloof Stanley (the Captain... most times), Zev/Xev, (part-alien sexy muscle who can never seem to get any man), Kai (undead muscle nobody is gonna kill), and 790 (quirky robot head navigator... always in love).

Lexx is very much about the journey over the destination, but make no mistake in staying true to the overall tone of Lexx, a few of our main characters do very much reach their own dramatic and darkly hilarious ends come that final hour.

Another much lesser known hit from the brilliant mind of Joss Whedon, albeit one that ended way too soon in its televised form, I'd be ashamed not to make mention of the EPIC theatrical conclusion to its story that makes up Serenity. Firefly is yet another space exploration saga making up 14 episodes, a short collection of prequel webisodes, and of course the feature film where led by Captain Mal Reynolds... every crew member serves a purpose!

It's a true shame Firefly only went 14 episodes, but what we got makes for some of the most gripping and realistic Sci-Fi material set in space I've ever seen, so much that even our Nasa guys in space have requested DVDs of it!

A gem I grew up with, Haim Saban's iconic saga has ran 20 years and is still going strong, all starting with five teenagers with attitude getting chosen to save our world. My favorite portion is without any doubt the Zordon Era that spans the Rangers' first six seasons, Mighty Morphin' Seasons 1-3, Zeo, Turbo (the movie's also pretty cool!), and In Space.

Other favorite seasons I suggest further down include the transitional Lost Galaxy, very well acted Time Force, incredible Dino Thunder (where a major character returns), even the RPM season is pretty awesome... along with the most fun team-up stories from the Lightspeed Rescue, Wild Force, SPD, and Operation Overdrive.

A two season sensation, in spite of not being more about the skin like its comics source material and anime counterpart, this saga about Detective Sara Pezzini and the complex men in her life soars to some unbelievable heights for what could be confused as just another cable cop show, but really shouldn't in how much more it presents itself. I don't wanna give away too much about this one, but needless to say you'll find a very human hero here in a realm of rare adapted female heroes for TV, no tights or alias needed.

Though there is a bit of a sour feelings at the very end of the first season and very start of Season 2 for a certain huge plot happenstance, I like to think things all work out for the better, so be ready to tune in for some damn greatness!

One final vampire story, this one being a revamp of the classic supernatural soap from the late 60s and early 70s, running a mere 12/13-ish episodes of big budget material for the very start of the 1990s. You'll get such faces here as Ben Cross (2009's Star Trek) as the gripping Barnabas, a very young Joseph Gordon-Levitt as David, and the stunning Joanna Going (how did her career not elevate to big heights?) as Victoria.

To be sure, this very short arc does a very commendable job of adapting several famous storylines from the classic soap and creating some all new original twists, one of which you can find in the new movie of Johnny Depp's... suggested to any newbie!

The story of Yusuke Urameshi and three unique friends in his life, best friend Kuwabara, the demon-reincarnated-human Kurama, and the most gray of them in Fire demon Hiei. Covering a full year of his teen life, this journey explores the evils of demons Yusuke must put a stop to as childhood is left behind, showing his growth into the most powerful hero any world has ever known.

Witness his first Spirit Detective cases, brutal trials in the lengthy Dark Tournament, emotional war with a fallen Detective, plus a final tourney where both royalty and the world's fate lay in the balance.