4. Boston Legal
More than any other show on this list, Boston Legal would be just as effective now as it was. It's seamless blend of intriguing story-telling and fierce social commentary was unmatched. The cast, mainly James Spader, William Shatner and Candice Bergan, were perpetually pushing themselves, thus creating a cast for which I will always have much love. Spader, in particular, in his performance of Alan Shore created a brilliantly complicated and seemingly contradictory character. However, this was in equal parts due to the fantastic environment he lived in. The offices of Crane, Poole and Schmidt were always abundantly equipped in zany plots, quickfire wit and dialogue, and over all, a message. Indeed, the most distinguishing feature of Boston Legal, at least to me, is its continual promotion of open thinking. By the end of its 5 season run, the main cast had included a transvestite, a wildly eccentric lawyer with Asberger, two Buzz Lightyear's and everything in between. Many of the plots, which would of come across as ridiculous and jump-the-shark on other shows, were right at home in the exotic minefield of open sexuality and friendship that was Boston Legal. While five seasons may seem enough, it was simply a show of such a high caliber that in today's line-up it is sorely missed. To get an idea of what I'm talking about, watch the first episode.