The writing is sharp and sophisticated, avoiding the predictable sitcom cliches.

[Entourage] has gotten funnier, more human and more insightful with age.

Within the first 15 minutes, you realize you have jumped onto what could be one hell of a thrill ride.

A gripping show.

There's a crispness to the series that was lacking at times last season, and it's impossible not to get caught up in the twists and turns that come in rapid-fire succession.

The show appears to be a perfect fit with "CSI" in that it similarly places more emphasis on procedural puzzles than personality.... But whereas "CSI" is all about the physical evidence, "Trace" is about psychological profiles. [26 Sep 2002]

A richly drawn, unflinchingly real and quietly moving family drama.

Addictive. [1 Dec 2004]

Under Soderbergh's direction, The Knick is a dark and gritty saga that captures a time of major changes--not only on the medical front, but in industrialization and race relations.

The acting is snappy and the characters are funky, while the cinematography is grainy and pleasingly unpretty. [17 Sept 2002, p.D1]

"Extras'' doesn't quite rise to the same level [as "The Office"], but it is very funny and Gervais plays another memorable character

Blanchard is lovely and plays Cher so well that you'll never miss Silverstone. Many of the key supporting actors from the movie reprise their roles in the TV series, but the chief saving grace is the clever script. [20 Sept 1996, p.3E]

If anything, season 2--also just eight hours long--is even better as Tyler's world in 1973 becomes even more complicated.

It is a classic fish-out-of-water comedy that shows a deft touch as it delves into adolescent anxieties and intercultural fears and misunderstandings. There are honest emotions and honestly earned laughs throughout the first half hour.

"Sleeper Cell" is a compelling, kinetic ride that matches "24" in its power and is far more realistic and topical.

Manages to be crude and sweet, smart and splendidly stupid, all at the same time.

An ambitious and wildly paced around-the-globe journey... "The Amazing Race" appears to have what it takes to become reality TV's next big thing. [5 Sep 2001]

Bristling with promise. [17 Sep 1994]

The show isn't exactly laugh-out-loud funny, but it's smartly written and the cast jells from the start.

Still, "Chronicles" is worth an early sampling, particularly given the current TV landscape where scripted drama and comedy is at a premium. Certainly, there is some promise to the opening episodes.

Californication is a near-perfect match with the established show, a caustic, sharp-edged mix of humor and drama that tiptoes along the edge of disaster but never drops into the looming abyss.

A creepy, atmospheric, sometimes downright scary hour of TV.

While the show does contain a few obvious penis punch lines, it is so much more than its gimmicky name suggests, offering plenty of heart, along with worthwhile riffs on the national economy, American resourcefulness and, yes, gender dynamics.

"Invasion'' has the look of a winner.

Occasionally, something will pop up to remind us of just how good television can be when smart writers come up with an intriguing concept and execute it well. A case in point is Breaking Bad, an edgy, challenging new series.

Warm, clever, appealing and a lot of fun.

For those who loved the original - and for those who liked it for its good nature, charm and peppy production numbers (that includes me)--the good news is that, if anything, the creators have managed to improve on the basic formula.

Daisies is something you shouldn't miss, particularly if you're looking for something different on TV.