10 Shows that turn me on

You would think I would always have a ready answer to the question, “What’s your favorite program on TV?”
Amazingly, though, these inquiries from readers usually leave me flat-footed, like someone had just asked me which “Real World” hamster was my favorite. (OK, it was Devyn.)
So as the network television season winds to a conclusion, I’ve decided to make a list. After all, with your over-the-air options going away for the summer, it’s a great time to explore Television by Other Means. These days, shows can be streamed on Hulu, file-shared on Vuze, recorded on your DVR (if they’re airing) or rented on shiny discs.
Most of these are recent shows in reruns, but if you haven’t seen them before, as NBC used to say, it’s new to you!
I’d recommend starting with these:
1“Ashes to Ashes” (DVR, DVD). BBC America is airing the British sequel to “Life on Mars.” Now the lead is a female, and she’s knocked back in time to 1981, where once again the object is to return to the present day through the wormhole of a detective room that thinks DNA is a subject more appropriate to Oxford dons than London coppers.
2“Chuck” (DVR, Web). NBC is expected to bring back this spy comedy with Zachary Levi for a third season. One reason fans were so ardent about urging the network to “save Chuck” is the feeling that the show has kicked it up a notch.
3“Flight of the Conchords” (DVD, DVR). I was talking with theater critic Robert Trussell about the reinvention of the American musical, and certainly this terrific series from a couple of funny Kiwis is a great example of that. Future status on HBO is unknown, but the duo has certainly produced enough episodes to keep you occupied for, well, days.
4“Fringe” (DVR, Web). Fox just renewed this weird little series about paranormal crime-solvers, but that doesn’t mean you’ve seen even an hour of it. Anna Torv and Joshua Jackson are surrounded by a terrific supporting cast that brings the spookiness of “The X-Files” into a new millennium (meaning there’s more self-conscious humor than “X-Files” ever had).
5“Frontline” (Web). The Web site for television’s best newsmagazine offers dozens of episodes for streaming at full length. Start with “Poisoned Waters,” Hedrick Smith’s stomach-turning report on the decrepit state of America’s lakes, rivers and estuaries.
6“In Treatment” (DVR). I’m hoping HBO repeats this show’s outstanding second season, because I don’t want you jumping in where we are right now (Week 6). Much of the enjoyment of this show about a psychologist (Gabriel Byrne) and his patients comes from experiencing the cumulative effect of pain, failure and the rigors of confronting our demons in a professional, therapeutic setting. Even though there are no ads, it’s worth recording just to watch all five weekly episodes in one gulp.
7“Late Show With David Letterman” (DVR, Web). With Jay Leno’s abdication coming later this month, there will be a new king of late night. Of course, you could argue Letterman always was the king in everything but ratings. No one tells a bedtime story from his desk better than Dave. And no one books more guests based purely on personal interest. The other week he had the inventor of a $50,000 electric car on for two segments. And the car! Who else could pull that off?8“NBC Nightly News” (DVR, Web). Remember all that yak about “the death of network news?” For the 40 percent of Kansas City homes with a digital video recorder, that’s just nonsense. Do what we do and set a season pass for the newscast of your choice. In our household, that’s the one with Brian Williams who, despite his annoying habit of continuously mentioning other NBC properties in his newscast (too many Weather Channel shout-outs, Bri!), is the silver standard for network news.
9“Reaper” (DVD). I think this is going to be a show that people look back on and say, “We were a little harsh on them.” For what it was — a horror-comedy in which a slacker learns he belongs to Satan and must spend the rest of his life as Beelzebub’s bounty hunter — “Reaper,” recently canceled by the CW, was a fun little show. Perfect for summer viewing.
10“30 Rock” (DVR, Web). Nielsen ratings suggest that not everyone is watching the two-time Emmy winner for best comedy. I’m sure you have your reasons, but let me assure you: They are terrible reasons. “30 Rock” will get a nice boost next season if the new sitcom “Community,” with Chevy Chase and Joel McHale, is any good.

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Supernatural DVD
Battlestar Galactica DVD
The X Files 1-9 DVD Box Set
Twin Peaks Seasons 1-2 DVD