1. the simpsons
the perfect show for the first ten seasons. always making fun of *everything* whilst still managing to get massive ratings on the fox network, and just so fucking spot on with all of its jokes. some of the most well-rounded, interesting and loveable characters on tv...and they're cartoons.
2. buffy: the vampire slayer
the only show that even comes close to understanding what it's like to view the world from a teenage perspective. i think dawson's creek approaches it (in that it articulates many of the thoughts that teenagers have, but it's too melodramatic). buffy is intentionally melodramatic, and uses an ironic subtext to illustrate the difficulties of growing up.
3. seinfeld
the perfect sense of humour. i'm petty, i'm cynical. i think i'm going to grow up just like these guys, but that's okay because they're smart...and fucking hilarious.
4. the x-files
for the first six seasons this had the best story arc of anything i've ever watched - so interesting, so cohesive, so well done. the fact that its mythology episodes are amongst the best television hours ever screened, coupled with some really fucking hilarious stand alone episodes, makes this one of my all time favourites.
5. the sopranos
it's just so damn cinematic. i feel like i'm watching forty hours of goodfellas. some of the best acting i've ever seen, some amazing cameos, and a brilliant narrative.
6. futurama
satire at its best. it's the fact that they make such complicated humour seem so simple which makes it.
7. south park
the fact that this couples its crude humour with some really amazing political commentary is what makes me think it's great. so many people write it off 'cause it's so crude, but they're missing out on a lot.
8. family guy
cynical and hilarious. a true reflection of the world.
9. the wonder years
puberty. like buffy talks about the teenage years, twy talks about the prelude to them. the voiceover might be a little corny (and the music), but you can't help but identify with all the things happening.
10. the office
i've never worked in an office. i don't want to. this show is why. though still, it's hilarious. i still see these people in other facets of life, and its striking to see such poignant yet stereotypical (but not contrived) characters being portrayed.
honourable mentions
six feet under
er
chicago hope
roseanne
spin city
just shoot me
ren and stimpy
get smart
dawson's creek (early on)
friends
angel
(twin peaks - in its totality - is still waiting to be watched, and so is curb your enthusiasm. i imagine they would both rate a mention though.)