5 Most Cable-Like Shows On Network TV

By Collin Llewellyn /

The explosion of cable television has provided audiences with premium quality writing and raw experience. Network TV is now often seen as a tawdry, formulaic, low brow medium of writing. If you ask anyone who is an avid television viewer they€™d tell you that we€™re in a golden age. And you know what? They€™re right. Some argue, and rightfully so, that it€™s mostly on cable networks. Cable has provided us with some of the best storytelling around, and networks seem to be morphing into a full-blown three-hour advertisement spot. €œWho can we put in this timeslot to make sure there are 13 million people watching this soda ad?€ It€™s easy to be cynical about network television€”just look at the fall schedule for new shows. And it€™s safe to say the best days of network programming are behind us, with shows like; The West Wing, Friday Night Lights, The X-Files, Seinfeld, 30 Rock, and Lost all off the air. It€™s hard to see some of those shows being made today. Most viewers have a hard time weaving through the dozens of crime procedurals, washed-up comedians with 22-minute laugh track shows, and reality programming to find the most cable-like shows on network (or simply, the ones worth watching). Let€™s take a look. Your favorite show isn€™t here? Leave it in the comment section and tell us why it€™s better than Network standards!