... Ten shows on DVD

Since there are twelve shows a-stinkin' on TV this year (well, that's the low estimate), you might be glad to hear that 2008 brought us some spectacular TV on DVD. You knew there had to be a bright spot, right?

Whether you want to re-watch your favorite classic shows from the '50s or '60s (or earlier), or catch up on one of the hottest shows on current TV (yeah, there are a few) by starting with the first season, they've been released on DVD in 2008. It was actually hard to pick just ten, but for better or for worse, here are my picks:

In case you've missed it -- perhaps you were busy preparing your American Idol brackets (or is that for the NCAA tournament?)  -- here are some highlights from the last week at TV Squad:



The Sopranos is back!

• Tom Biro reviews the season premiere, "Members Only".
• Who was that Gene guy?
• I'm sick of all the hype the show (and AI and Lost) are getting.
• With Tony out of commission, who's in charge?
• What did Junior say before he did the dirty deed?
• The Smoking Gun finds that Tony Sirico was a mob thug in the past.
  

American Idol coverage

• The TV Guide Channel will have a live Idol pre-show.
• Bob wants to know what the judges were smoking to pick the final 12.
• The final 12 compete.
• Lacy is surprised at Ace's poor showing.
• This is not Kellie Pickler's first singing competition.
• Oh, and is she dating Constantine?
• Simon tells Howard Stern who he thinks should be in the finals.
• Should Taylor wash that grey right out of his hair?
• Why doesn't Ryan say "Seacrest... out!" anymore?

Breaking News

• Longtime New York news anchor Bill Beutel dead at 75.
• Walk The Line stars nominated for CMT Award.
• Washington sex blogger's adventures to be made into HBO sitcom.
• Trump to take The Apprentice to other locations.
• Reality show challenge in Uruguay kills seven.
• Tom Wopat arrested for DUI.
• Dinner for Five is cancelled.
• Discovery Kids is breaking its ties with NBC.
• NBC to offer special webisodes of The Office.
• ABC's Bob Woodruff leaves the hospital.
• Jessica Simpson turns down offer to appear at a Republican event.
• John Ritter wrongful death suit is settled.
• CBS is smacked with indecency fines.
• Ice Cube to star in movie version of Welcome Back, Kotter.
• Jay Leno apologizes for even thinking of doing something that's mildly offensive to somebody.
• Mike Wallace announces he's going to be a "correspondent emeritus" (i.e. "virutally retired").
• Peter Tomarken of Press Your Luck killed in plane crash.
• Maureen Stapleton dead at 80.
• Isaac Hayes quits South Park over Scientology episode.
• Oprah's still a billionaire. Martha... isn't.
• Complaints over reality show Black.White.

Discussions

• Is The Shield ending or not?
• Listen to APB podcast #6.
• Diedre's coverage of the In2TV launch party.
• Adam imagines what a Kevin Federline strip act would be like. It's not pretty.
• I interview Fred Goss and Nick Holly, the creators of Sons & Daughters.
  

The Five

• Questions Bob has about American Inventor.
• Familiar TV voices.
  

Opinions

• Ryan's very happy that the Saturday Night Main Event is back.
• Annie waxes poetic about Nate Corrdry.
• I get a little ticked at the Couric-to-CBS speculation machine.
• Bob is tired of seeing endless college basketball.

Episode Reviews

• The Office: "Take Your Daughter to Work Day"
• American Inventor: Open Casting Calls
• Veronica Mars: "Versatile Toppings"
• The Loop: Pilot
• The Unit: "Stress"
• The Shield: "Of Mice and Lem"
• The New Adventures of Old Christine: Pilot
• Big Love: Pilot