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Tube Talk's Top 20 TV Series of 2007
Published Monday, Dec 31 2007, 20:37 GMT | By Neil Wilkes | 43 comments
Ahh, another year over. And what a year it's been for the world of TV. Celebrity Big Brother brought the racism hot potato into the global media spotlight, the Queen got in a strop with the BBC for claiming she had a strop and broadcasters left, right and centre were found guilty of faking viewer phone-ins. And big old panto queen Christopher Biggins won I'm A Celebrity.
At this time of year it's customary for media outlets to look back over the year that has been, in some sort of "here are our highlights" type fashion. Tube Talk is no exception to this practice so here are our top 20 TV series of 2007, as decided by a combination of your questions, your comments and my expert opinion.
20. Jericho
Set in a small Kansas town in the aftermath of a nuclear attack, Jericho arrived to provide salvation for many still mourning the demise of Everwood. Despite a strong start (with premiere ratings of 11.7 million viewers in the US), the audience gradually drifted away as the season unfolded, leading to its cancellation in May. Fans weren't happy and began campaigning for its return, collectively sending over 20 tonnes of nuts - a reference to a line from the season finale - to the bigwigs at CBS. Remarkably, the petitioning paid off and in June, Jericho was commissioned for a second season of seven episodes, to air in the US from February 2008.
19. Secret Diary Of A Call Girl
Billie Piper shed more than just her girl-next-door image as she swapped time-travelling for prostitution in ITV2's Secret Diary Of A Call Girl. Based on the real-life Belle de Jour blog, the series saw Billie engaging in threesomes, lesbian trysts and equestrian-inspired bedroom activities. With an average of over 1.2 million viewers across its eight-part run, a second series was sure to follow.
18. Smallville
Beginning its seventh season, Smallville introduced several new characters and regained some of its ratings steam following a low-rated sixth season. Meanwhile, UK fans were angered as transmission of the sixth season was delayed by six months by E4's crazy schedulers.
17. Jekyll
Doctor Who scribe Steven Moffat breathed new life into the age-old tale with this six-part, modern-day adaptation, starring James Nesbitt in the lead role. Broadcast, somewhat unusually, on BBC One on Saturday nights over the summer, Jekyll managed decent - if uninspiring - ratings. A second series has yet to be commissioned.
16. Bones
Bones continued to do the business for Sky One in 2007, cementing its place as one of the channel's top US imports. On screen, the third season brought a new over-arching plot involving a serial killer determined to collect a full set of 206 human bones, each one from a different victim.
15. Veronica Mars
One of the most culty of cult shows in recent times, Veronica Mars met its maker in May after three seasons. A proposed fourth season, set four years in the future and following Veronica as an FBI agent, was passed on by The CW network. Fans of Kristen Bell were not deprived of her screen presence for too long, however, as she soon joined the cast of Heroes for its second season.
14. Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip
Aaron Sorkin's first project since the conclusion of The West Wing was a clever drama set behind the scenes of a fictional comedy sketch show. Yet despite critical acclaim and strong viewer appreciation, the ratings failed to cut the mustard and Studio 60 was cancelled after just one season.
13. House
Hugh Laurie continued to excel as the titular miser in House, which began its fourth season in the US. Ratings hit a new high of over 20 million viewers and the storylines took an Apprentice-style twist as House began a knock-out contest to appoint new members to his team.
12. Prison Break
2007 was a year of extremes for a series renowned for its creativity and innovation. The first half brought the end of season two, which satisfyingly wrapped up the long-term storyline with well-deserved exhoneration for the brothers. But the second half brought season three and its highly-contrived, repetitive and uninspiring premise. In the more recent episodes there was the glimmer of improvement, but is it now too late for this fading cult favourite?
11. (Our New Life In) Everwood
A year on from its axe, US fans were still in tears over the cancellation of this high-emotion family drama. Meanwhile, British disciples were both upset and angry as ITV had yet to find a space in the schedules for the fourth and final season. Relief finally arrived early in November when ITV4 began screening the remaining episodes on Saturday mornings, but, in one final cruel blow, the series went out with no advertising, meaning that many long-suffering fans missed out.
10. Life On Mars
Was he in a coma, back in time, or just plain mad? We never truly found out what had happened to Sam Tyler as Life On Mars reached its conclusion in the Spring. The highly-anticipated follow-up series Ashes To Ashes begins on BBC One in February.
9. The O.C.
After four seasons, The O.C. finished a spectacular, culture-imbuing run in February. Following the death of Marissa (Mischa Barton) at the end of season three, the show found itself in a ratings slump that it never managed to recover from, despite enjoying one of its most critically acclaimed seasons to date.
8. Torchwood
Just qualifying for the 2007 list on a technicality, Torchwood emerged to divide Doctor Who fans across the land. The spinoff and its lead, Captain Jack (John Barrowman), alienated some with its "adult" themes but angered more still with its inconsistent storytelling. The show returns for a new series in January - with extra laughs.
7. Supernatural
Supernatural found its feet in 2007, with a superb run of episodes in the latter half of season two that culminated with the Winchester brothers finally battling the yellow-eyed demon. The good news is that season three, airing on ITV2 from the new year, keeps up the pace quite nicely.
6. Lost
Having failed to impress with a self-contained, six-episode run at the start of season three, Lost returned in 2007 with an uninterrupted tranche of episodes that finally started to answer some of the show's long-running mysteries. The season concluded with the revelation that some of the castaways eventually make it off the island, setting the stall for a new format when the show returns in February.
5. Grey's Anatomy
ER for the noughties, Grey's Anatomy went from strength to strength in 2007, staying strong in the ratings and bagging no fewer than seven TV awards, including a Golden Globe for best TV drama series. There were cast changes a-plenty following the launch of spinoff series Private Practice and the fallout from a certain "F-word" incident.
4. Skins
Launched in January, Skins was a series that can unequivocally be termed a "cultural phenomenon". With its outrageous yet rooted storylines, backed by a bawdy marketing campaign and stonking theme tune, the show successfully managed to capture the zeitgeist of teen Britain in 2007.
3. Dexter
Deliciously dark and hideously addictive, Dexter launched in 2007 to instant cult appeal. The show, starring Michael C. Hall as a man who channels his homicidal tendencies to benefit society, airs on ITV1 from early 2008. The second season premieres on FX in the summer.
2. Doctor Who
It was a tough year for Doctor Who, having lost one of its most popular companions ever to a parallel world. Newcomer Freema Agyeman arrived and did an admirable job attempting to fill the mighty boots of Ms. Piper, but her efforts were not enough to placate the audience and she was unceremoniously booted from the TARDIS as the series ended. Creatively, Who enjoyed one of its best series to date, headlined by Paul Cornell's stunning two-parter 'Human Nature' / 'The Family of Blood'.
1. Heroes
As if it were in any doubt! Heroes was the biggest breakout hit of 2007 right around the world. With such a wide variety of characters, everyone could find someone to relate to, and the motley crew was held together by a uniting central storyline. In the US, a relatively lacklustre - and shorter - second "volume" followed, and the fans were forthcoming in expressing their disappointment. With a return to its roots promised for volume three, all involved with the show will need to work hard to fulfil the hype that Heroes continues to generate.
So there we have it. What do you think of the Tube Talk top 20? Are there any notable omissions? Which shows deserve more love? Click the link below to let me know.
Lots more to come from Tube Talk as we enter 2008, starting with your questions answered, next edition!
Click the link below to add your comments to this entry. If you have any questions for the column please use the link at the top of the page.
Don't forget to scroll down to read previous editions you may have missed!
At this time of year it's customary for media outlets to look back over the year that has been, in some sort of "here are our highlights" type fashion. Tube Talk is no exception to this practice so here are our top 20 TV series of 2007, as decided by a combination of your questions, your comments and my expert opinion.
Set in a small Kansas town in the aftermath of a nuclear attack, Jericho arrived to provide salvation for many still mourning the demise of Everwood. Despite a strong start (with premiere ratings of 11.7 million viewers in the US), the audience gradually drifted away as the season unfolded, leading to its cancellation in May. Fans weren't happy and began campaigning for its return, collectively sending over 20 tonnes of nuts - a reference to a line from the season finale - to the bigwigs at CBS. Remarkably, the petitioning paid off and in June, Jericho was commissioned for a second season of seven episodes, to air in the US from February 2008.
Billie Piper shed more than just her girl-next-door image as she swapped time-travelling for prostitution in ITV2's Secret Diary Of A Call Girl. Based on the real-life Belle de Jour blog, the series saw Billie engaging in threesomes, lesbian trysts and equestrian-inspired bedroom activities. With an average of over 1.2 million viewers across its eight-part run, a second series was sure to follow.
Beginning its seventh season, Smallville introduced several new characters and regained some of its ratings steam following a low-rated sixth season. Meanwhile, UK fans were angered as transmission of the sixth season was delayed by six months by E4's crazy schedulers.
Doctor Who scribe Steven Moffat breathed new life into the age-old tale with this six-part, modern-day adaptation, starring James Nesbitt in the lead role. Broadcast, somewhat unusually, on BBC One on Saturday nights over the summer, Jekyll managed decent - if uninspiring - ratings. A second series has yet to be commissioned.
Bones continued to do the business for Sky One in 2007, cementing its place as one of the channel's top US imports. On screen, the third season brought a new over-arching plot involving a serial killer determined to collect a full set of 206 human bones, each one from a different victim.
One of the most culty of cult shows in recent times, Veronica Mars met its maker in May after three seasons. A proposed fourth season, set four years in the future and following Veronica as an FBI agent, was passed on by The CW network. Fans of Kristen Bell were not deprived of her screen presence for too long, however, as she soon joined the cast of Heroes for its second season.
Aaron Sorkin's first project since the conclusion of The West Wing was a clever drama set behind the scenes of a fictional comedy sketch show. Yet despite critical acclaim and strong viewer appreciation, the ratings failed to cut the mustard and Studio 60 was cancelled after just one season.
Hugh Laurie continued to excel as the titular miser in House, which began its fourth season in the US. Ratings hit a new high of over 20 million viewers and the storylines took an Apprentice-style twist as House began a knock-out contest to appoint new members to his team.
2007 was a year of extremes for a series renowned for its creativity and innovation. The first half brought the end of season two, which satisfyingly wrapped up the long-term storyline with well-deserved exhoneration for the brothers. But the second half brought season three and its highly-contrived, repetitive and uninspiring premise. In the more recent episodes there was the glimmer of improvement, but is it now too late for this fading cult favourite?
A year on from its axe, US fans were still in tears over the cancellation of this high-emotion family drama. Meanwhile, British disciples were both upset and angry as ITV had yet to find a space in the schedules for the fourth and final season. Relief finally arrived early in November when ITV4 began screening the remaining episodes on Saturday mornings, but, in one final cruel blow, the series went out with no advertising, meaning that many long-suffering fans missed out.
Was he in a coma, back in time, or just plain mad? We never truly found out what had happened to Sam Tyler as Life On Mars reached its conclusion in the Spring. The highly-anticipated follow-up series Ashes To Ashes begins on BBC One in February.
After four seasons, The O.C. finished a spectacular, culture-imbuing run in February. Following the death of Marissa (Mischa Barton) at the end of season three, the show found itself in a ratings slump that it never managed to recover from, despite enjoying one of its most critically acclaimed seasons to date.
Just qualifying for the 2007 list on a technicality, Torchwood emerged to divide Doctor Who fans across the land. The spinoff and its lead, Captain Jack (John Barrowman), alienated some with its "adult" themes but angered more still with its inconsistent storytelling. The show returns for a new series in January - with extra laughs.
Supernatural found its feet in 2007, with a superb run of episodes in the latter half of season two that culminated with the Winchester brothers finally battling the yellow-eyed demon. The good news is that season three, airing on ITV2 from the new year, keeps up the pace quite nicely.
Having failed to impress with a self-contained, six-episode run at the start of season three, Lost returned in 2007 with an uninterrupted tranche of episodes that finally started to answer some of the show's long-running mysteries. The season concluded with the revelation that some of the castaways eventually make it off the island, setting the stall for a new format when the show returns in February.
ER for the noughties, Grey's Anatomy went from strength to strength in 2007, staying strong in the ratings and bagging no fewer than seven TV awards, including a Golden Globe for best TV drama series. There were cast changes a-plenty following the launch of spinoff series Private Practice and the fallout from a certain "F-word" incident.
Launched in January, Skins was a series that can unequivocally be termed a "cultural phenomenon". With its outrageous yet rooted storylines, backed by a bawdy marketing campaign and stonking theme tune, the show successfully managed to capture the zeitgeist of teen Britain in 2007.
Deliciously dark and hideously addictive, Dexter launched in 2007 to instant cult appeal. The show, starring Michael C. Hall as a man who channels his homicidal tendencies to benefit society, airs on ITV1 from early 2008. The second season premieres on FX in the summer.
It was a tough year for Doctor Who, having lost one of its most popular companions ever to a parallel world. Newcomer Freema Agyeman arrived and did an admirable job attempting to fill the mighty boots of Ms. Piper, but her efforts were not enough to placate the audience and she was unceremoniously booted from the TARDIS as the series ended. Creatively, Who enjoyed one of its best series to date, headlined by Paul Cornell's stunning two-parter 'Human Nature' / 'The Family of Blood'.
As if it were in any doubt! Heroes was the biggest breakout hit of 2007 right around the world. With such a wide variety of characters, everyone could find someone to relate to, and the motley crew was held together by a uniting central storyline. In the US, a relatively lacklustre - and shorter - second "volume" followed, and the fans were forthcoming in expressing their disappointment. With a return to its roots promised for volume three, all involved with the show will need to work hard to fulfil the hype that Heroes continues to generate.
So there we have it. What do you think of the Tube Talk top 20? Are there any notable omissions? Which shows deserve more love? Click the link below to let me know.
Lots more to come from Tube Talk as we enter 2008, starting with your questions answered, next edition!
Click the link below to add your comments to this entry. If you have any questions for the column please use the link at the top of the page.
Don't forget to scroll down to read previous editions you may have missed!
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43 Comments
Your Responses
Ann, London, on January 9th, 2008
There's no justice in world, i mean where is 30 Rock this is pure comedy at its best. I am so gutted this show is so underated, best comedy on the box at the moment and i wish more people watched it. Tina Fey and the rest of the cast are brilliant and they offer moments of comedy gold every week!! Who knew that Alec Baldwin could deliver a witty oneliner though my favourite has to be Keneth he is absolutely hilarious!!!!!!
There's no justice in world, i mean where is 30 Rock this is pure comedy at its best. I am so gutted this show is so underated, best comedy on the box at the moment and i wish more people watched it. Tina Fey and the rest of the cast are brilliant and they offer moments of comedy gold every week!! Who knew that Alec Baldwin could deliver a witty oneliner though my favourite has to be Keneth he is absolutely hilarious!!!!!!
Heather, Maryland, on January 7th, 2008
Supernatural is awesome. So why is The CW taking it off the air instead of showing repeats at the end of February? Who knows...but please keep watching. It will be back!!!!!!!
Supernatural is awesome. So why is The CW taking it off the air instead of showing repeats at the end of February? Who knows...but please keep watching. It will be back!!!!!!!
Claire, Rotherham, on January 6th, 2008
Chuffed to bits to see Supernatural so high in the rankings! Excellent programme with not enough publicity - looking forward to series 3 although the writers strike will be affecting the latter part of series! Go Supernatural!!!
Chuffed to bits to see Supernatural so high in the rankings! Excellent programme with not enough publicity - looking forward to series 3 although the writers strike will be affecting the latter part of series! Go Supernatural!!!
Jack, Wales, on January 5th, 2008
I am so shocked that Brothers and Sisters is not on the list, it was the most compelling and beautifully shot new TV drama of 2007 - I love it!
I am so shocked that Brothers and Sisters is not on the list, it was the most compelling and beautifully shot new TV drama of 2007 - I love it!
Kirsty, Beds, on January 5th, 2008
Nice to see Supernatural so high, although it could have still been higher. Don't agree with numbers 1 and 5, but that's probably because I dislike them both intensely.
Nice to see Supernatural so high, although it could have still been higher. Don't agree with numbers 1 and 5, but that's probably because I dislike them both intensely.
John, Sheffield, on January 4th, 2008
No 30 Rock? Come on, it's the best US comedy since Arrested Development!
No 30 Rock? Come on, it's the best US comedy since Arrested Development!
Laura, UK, on January 3rd, 2008
I'm surprised that The Sarah Jane Adventures isn't mentioned! It was better than half the things on that list!
I'm surprised that The Sarah Jane Adventures isn't mentioned! It was better than half the things on that list!
Naz Ahmed, on January 3rd, 2008
I think Doctor Who should have been 1st and Skins 2nd, I never really got into Heroes. I agree that Freema couldn't fill Billie's boots and am glad that shes coming back for a while :)
I think Doctor Who should have been 1st and Skins 2nd, I never really got into Heroes. I agree that Freema couldn't fill Billie's boots and am glad that shes coming back for a while :)
Brad, on January 3rd, 2008
What about: - Shamless Brother & Sisters Ugly Betty Desperate Housewives. But i agree with Heroes as number 1 Skins should have been number 2
What about: - Shamless Brother & Sisters Ugly Betty Desperate Housewives. But i agree with Heroes as number 1 Skins should have been number 2
Rick, Isle of Lewis, on January 2nd, 2008
You were never going to please everyone were you? (Unfortunately not. -Neil)
You were never going to please everyone were you? (Unfortunately not. -Neil)
Alex, Newport, on January 2nd, 2008
Where's Shameless and Spooks?!
Where's Shameless and Spooks?!
Jay, Cardiff, on January 2nd, 2008
Has to be more british stuff imo. Spooks, Torchwood, Life On Mars, Doctor Who and Primeval should be the top 5, (not in oder)
Has to be more british stuff imo. Spooks, Torchwood, Life On Mars, Doctor Who and Primeval should be the top 5, (not in oder)
Jonathan, Cambridge, on January 2nd, 2008
1 Dexter; the best programme I have seen for a long time 2 Prison Break; not as good as it was but still great 3 Californication; some inspired moments
1 Dexter; the best programme I have seen for a long time 2 Prison Break; not as good as it was but still great 3 Californication; some inspired moments
Michael, Whitley Bay, on January 2nd, 2008
VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS! I love you.
VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS, VERONICA MARS! I love you.
Nobsey, on January 2nd, 2008
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip or 30 Rock. Mmmmm let me see, one was cancelled after a poor first first season, the other went on to gain critical acclaim and even a golden globe for 'Best Outstanding Comedy Series'. Besides how can you overlook the pure genius of Tina Fey! The wrong ones definately on the list!
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip or 30 Rock. Mmmmm let me see, one was cancelled after a poor first first season, the other went on to gain critical acclaim and even a golden globe for 'Best Outstanding Comedy Series'. Besides how can you overlook the pure genius of Tina Fey! The wrong ones definately on the list!
Paul, Manchester, on January 2nd, 2008
No mention for Primeval but Torchwood makes the list... Huh?
No mention for Primeval but Torchwood makes the list... Huh?
Pete, Essex, on January 2nd, 2008
Agree that Spooks should have made top 10 - definately one of the best homemade shows on the box this year. Can't wait for the next series of Heroes and Lost and hoping that 24 sorts itself out as well. As for Doctor Who still THE best thing on TV. Disagree with the choice of headline eps though. For me Blink was enthralling as well as the gripping three part finale that culminated with The Sound of Drums and Last of The Time Lords. PLUUUUSSS Freema was sooo much better than Piper or Tate - RTD must bring her back - permanently! Oh and Happy New year! :O)
Agree that Spooks should have made top 10 - definately one of the best homemade shows on the box this year. Can't wait for the next series of Heroes and Lost and hoping that 24 sorts itself out as well. As for Doctor Who still THE best thing on TV. Disagree with the choice of headline eps though. For me Blink was enthralling as well as the gripping three part finale that culminated with The Sound of Drums and Last of The Time Lords. PLUUUUSSS Freema was sooo much better than Piper or Tate - RTD must bring her back - permanently! Oh and Happy New year! :O)
Dean, Flintshire, on January 1st, 2008
Where's Brothers and Sisters on the list? It has to be my favourite new series of last year due to the intelligent, witty writing and some excellent performances from an amazing ensemble cast.
Where's Brothers and Sisters on the list? It has to be my favourite new series of last year due to the intelligent, witty writing and some excellent performances from an amazing ensemble cast.
Blue Moon, on January 1st, 2008
To say that Freema Agyeman was "unceremoniously booted from the TARDIS as [DW] ended" is a travesty and a gross misrepresentation of what happened. Her character's departure was planned pretty much from the outset and most certainly did not depend on audience reaction, positive or otherwise (btw, for the most part, it was positive). Please read around the subject (starting with "Doctor Who Magazine", no. 385) and get your facts straight before spouting off!
To say that Freema Agyeman was "unceremoniously booted from the TARDIS as [DW] ended" is a travesty and a gross misrepresentation of what happened. Her character's departure was planned pretty much from the outset and most certainly did not depend on audience reaction, positive or otherwise (btw, for the most part, it was positive). Please read around the subject (starting with "Doctor Who Magazine", no. 385) and get your facts straight before spouting off!
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House should have been number one. How on earth can Heroes be number one? Complete and utter madness. At the very least Heroes should be lower down than House!