*
ER- Amazing how good this show has stayed for over a dozen years. My all-time favorite, I can't get enough.
*
Lost- I'm late in the game on this one, watching reruns, but I recently finished season 1, and right now I'm happy to see Michelle Rodriguez in s2. Awesone show.
*
Heroes- Not as good as
Lost, but still. And even if it sucked I might still have watched vigorously just to see Hayden Panettiere....
*
Ugly Betty- Very funny, and I absolutely love America Ferrera as Betty. Ugly, my ass.
*
Van Speijk- Dutch cop show sometimes compared to
Hill Street Blues and
The Shield. Awesome if top-heavy cast, sharp dialogue and not afraid for controversial issues such as criminal foreigners.
*
Baantjer- Dutch detective show which sadly ended last year.
Very formulaic, with every episode featuring a murder, a series of interrogations, the obligatory humorous exchange with the whiny chief, a pub visit where the main character gets an idea due to a throwaway remark by the befriended bartender, a flash-back reconstruction and a summarizing closing scene at the main character's house. Sounds boring and lazily written, but it's not. The murder plot is always different, ranging from crime passionelles to assassinations, and the dialogue is always well done. It can get a bit predictable though- often the culprit is the least likely suspect.
Grijpstra & De Gier- Similar to the above, but with more characterization and the occasional breaking of the formula. The lead actor is easily my favorite Dutch actor, he's kind of a Bruce Willis/John Goodman combination. Awesome guy.
Shouf shouf- Dutch comedy show based on the successfull comedy
Shouf shouf habibi with a lighthearted take on the problems with Moroccan immigrants in the Netherlands. Very likeable and funny characters, hilarious dialogue.
