Cable shows that are better than almost everything on the networks

I still have never seen a single episode of Mad Men or Breaking Bad, but I'm guessing this could still be a pretty long list...

White Collar
Monk
Psych
The Closer
Burn Notice
Californication
Weeds
Nurse Jackie
Dexter
Curb Your Enthusiasm

 

Sunny in Philadelphia
Rescue Me
Pretty much anything on FX.

 

I stopped watching Rescue Me shortly after his son died in the bike accident. I loved the show. It was probably my favorite show at the time, but that episode really fucked me up. I have a close relative who died in a similar way and I have two little kids, so that was something I didn't need to see, not that they did anything wrong.

 

I actually think the overall quality of network TV programming has taken a tremendous upswing in the past five or so years, due in large part to attempts to compete with edgier cable-fare. That being said:

ITA concerning Sunny in Philadelphia, Psych, and Burn Notice. I have a general love for HBO programming as well, but I feel like that doesn't count for me, as I lack premium cable and never get to see its shows until they hit DVD.

 

I wouldn't let one episode like that run you away from a great show. You're missing out.

 

I don't doubt it, but I don't know if there's ever been a single episode of a show that fucked me up the way that one did...

 

I get what he is saying, though. At some point, you just heap so much disturbing shit onto the pile that it can be tough to watch. (Though I can't wait to see how they deal with the cliffhanger from this past season.)

 

I can handle dark. I actually like dark. But watching kids get killed and I'm out... I don't watch SVU anymore either and am very careful about watching some episodes of Criminal Minds...

 

Breaking Bad was/is outstanding, but damn, its season finale last year was a major comedown.

 

Sons of Anarchy and absolutely, Mad Men

 

I don't know if anyone here is watching White Collar, but it's a pretty slick show.

Tiffani Amber-Thiessen is in it, in a very small role.

 

Good call on Criminal Minds. The episode from a couple of weeks ago was pretty effed up.

Kidnapped girl 1: What do they want with us?
Kidnapped girl 2: Our babies.
Kidnapped girl 1: But I'm not pregnant.
Kidnapped girl 2: You will be.

Oy.