Brilliant. [21 Oct 2004]

"The Office" is hilarious, but it is an acquired taste as it serves up comedy of the uncomfortable. [10 Oct 2003]

A whimsical, cleverly conceived dramedy ... Whether 'Ally's' fantasy element can stay whimsical, without falling over into tiresome or distracting (as it did on 'Dream On'), remains to be seen. [8 Sep 1997]

While no one would put his new show in the 'Frasier' class just yet, it's certainly a cut above the other sitcoms coming your way this week. [4 Mar 1997]

There is no mistaking "Boston Legal" for anything other than a Kelley office drama. The show and its characters have all the trademark tics that have become his calling card: Quirky cases, outrageous characters, legal arguments as sermons on the mount. Everything is just a little bit heightened, at least when it's not completely over the top; caricatures too often sub for characters. [1 Oct 2004]

"The Sopranos" returns in better form this year than it did at the start of its second season. New territory is explored and Chase seems more willing to push the Soprano story forward. [2 Mar 2001]

There hasn't been a television drama as good as "The Wire" since the equally ignored "Homicide: Life on the Street" held down the bottom rungs of the Nielsen ratings a decade ago. [17 Sep 2004]

There's something inspiring about series creator David Simon's trusting his audience enough to tell a complex story about the elusive motives of cops, drug dealers and longshoremen without shortchanging his characters' humanity in the process. [31 May 2003]

It's comfortable, uncomplicated, unchallenging entertainment, which makes it ideal for Hallmark's brand. Fans of Hallmark's movies will enjoy it; viewers who want to be more engaged and absorbed by a program may be bored.

Entertaining in the way the problems of the rich often are. [21 Mar 2006]

I suppose sadomasochists or anyone craving abuse will enjoy "Hell's Kitchen," but I won't be tuning in again. [29 May 2005]

The songs, while hummable, aren't all that memorable, but the jokes about surf movies are amusing, although sure to be lost on the film's target audience.

A pleasant surprise. [26 Jun 2003]

Though I'm happy to recommend 'JAG' as simple, lightweight fun, there are some moments that may try your patience. [23 Sep 1995]

"CSI: Miami" is a carbon copy, for sure, but it's a copy of an efficient show millions of people enjoy watching. [23 Sep 2002]

I was very upbeat about 'NewsRadio' when I'd only seen the pilot -- and then NBC went and sent a second episode. [21 Mar 1995]

It's an intriguing drama with an enjoyably creepy vibe. [2 Jan 2005]

Its slightly warped sense of humor won't appeal to some viewers, but "Malcolm in the Middle" qualifies as unique.

Ridiculous, and somewhat predictable. [4 Aug 2005]

The pilot has all the markings of a winner. [26 Mar 1999]

Though Carey has friends, his show is no 'Friends'-style ensemble comedy. It's closer to a blue-collar 'Seinfeld,' a star vehicle purpose-built to exploit its star's best talents, which it does quite effectively. [13 Sep 1995]

In a cable universe where antiheroes dominate the scripted drama landscape, there's something reassuring about spending time with characters who, though flawed, usually try to do the right thing.

"Weeds" tries unsuccessfully to balance a lot of stories that are too disparate in tone. [7 Aug 2005]

Parker, so unlikably strident on "The West Wing," is a revelation in "Weeds," making Nancy sympathetic even when she's making terrible decisions.

Orange is the New Black proves to be a smart, solid, entertaining effort for the online streaming service.

To call "Dad" derivative of "Family Guy" would be an understatement. [28 Apr 2005]

Always an acquired taste -- one most likely to be acquired by the politically incorrect -- this new "Guy" is just as rude, attention deficit disordered and funny as past episodes. [28 Apr 2005]

Kelley has a great gift for establishing his plots quickly, and for bringing them to powerful conclusions. Like '[L.A.] Law' and '[Picket] Fences,' however, 'Hope' is an oddly self-contained universe -- despite the show's reliance on social issues, it's hard to imagine any of these people actually functioning in the real world. [17 Sep 1994]