(WB/Premiered in January)
Though the WB airs mostly boring, crappy shows like The Parent Hood, and 7th Heaven, in the last two years it has started to air more interesting, teen-oriented shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and now Dawson's Creek. Dawson's Creek discussed sensitive, real-life issues such as inter-racial couples, birth out of wed-lock, and a relationship between a high-school student and his English teacher. It also portrayed teens as intelligent, thoughtful, and capable of making independent decisions. Not only that, but it also portrayed teens realistically, showing them as deep, flawed, but over-all good people.
2.South Park
(Comedy Central/Premiered in October)
South Park centers on the very strange life of four foul-mouthed second graders, Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny, who dies in almost every episode. There are constant references to drugs, sex, and other teen-relevant subject. However, nothing is ever taken seriously. Episode topics have revolved around a talking, singing piece of poo, explosive diarrhea, and finding that Cartman's mother is actually his father. It is absolutely hilarious, and very un-Christian-friendly.
3.The Simpsons
(Fox/Since 1987)
The Simpsons is a consistently great show. Ever since its second season, it has been one of, if not the funniest shows on TV. The Simpsons is always pushing the edge of what is allowed on TV. With quotes like, "Church, cult, cult, church. It just means we get bored somewhere else on Sunday." the Simpsons has not won favor with the Christian right.
4.The X-Files
(Fox/Since 1993)
Ever since it started, The X-Files has been not only entertaining, but scary and funny too. And not only has it been popular, but critically acclaimed too. This year it was nominated for 16 Emmys including Best Drama, Best Actor, and Best Actress, all of which it has won in the past. Gillain Anderson and David Duchovny probably have the most complex and deep relationships on TV. And while the show is violent, it is not gratuitously so, and is always entertaining.
5.Daria
(MTV/Since 1996)
6.Buffy the Vampire Slayer
(WB/Since 1996)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer has definitely gained popularity with age, it is a well written show which successfully combines science-fiction and teenage life. Although the PTC claims it "contains violent scenes that are not suitable for children" (my favorite part, kidding) the show also contains witty plot lines and a cleverly written script. The complete opposite of the movie, in case you were wondering.
7.Ally McBeal
(Fox/Premiered in 1997)
8.NewsRadio
(NBC/Since 1995)
9.Ellen
(ABC/Cancelled)
10.Party of Five
(Fox/Since 1995)