TV Guide Names the Top Cult Shows Ever

[Geekyfanboy]

Alot of Sci fi and Fantasy shows made this list.. which really isn't that unexpected.  I have enjoyed about 2/3's of these series.

Source: http://www.tvguide.com/news/top-cult-shows/070629-01

TV Guide Names the Top Cult Shows Ever

How much cult cachet does Jericho have?
Three years ago, TV Guide dared to compile a list of the Top 25 Cult Shows Ever, a veritable who's who of programs that got people talking â€" and in many cases still had them talking long after the final episode aired. The litmus tests were many. These are the types of shows that make normal folk Romulan-fluent, series that inspire what can only be called worship. The faithful collect everything from action figures (and perhaps way too many of them) to yellowing scripts obtained by any means necessary. They attend conventions in fangs or blue skin or with Hurley's numbers tattooed in disturbing places.

Spurred on by the successful campaign to get Jericho plucked from the postapocalyptic ashes and returned to CBS' 2007-08 slate, TV Guide revisited that years-old countdown, asking ourselves such tough questions as: Is Lost too "big" to be considered cult? Did the big-screen Serenity help or hinder Firefly's under-the-radar cachet? And, of course, just how high does one Miss Veronica Mars get placed on the list at this nascent stage in her candidacy?

In pondering this list anew, we also shuffled around (and even excised) some previous favorites. Shows such as Forever Knight and My So-Called Life, though previously ranked among the top 25, we decided simply have not withstood the test of time, while Freaks and Geeks' legacy has only been confirmed by the success of Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen and most everyone who brushed up against that too-short-lived comedy.

Without further adieu (and reluctant to drop too many deserving names from the list), TV Guide presents the Top 30 Cult Shows Ever, a "best of" that is sure to ignite conversation and debate â€" both of which we encourage at this Top Cult Shows blog set up just for the occasion.

*Denotes newcomer to the list

30) Strangers with Candy (1999-2000)*
29) Absolutely Fabulous (1994-2003)
28) Stargate SG-1 (1997-2007)*
27) H.R. Pufnstuf (1969-1971)
26) Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (1975-1978)
25) Firefly (2002-2003)*
24) Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
23) Dark Shadows (1966-1971)
22) Doctor Who (1963-present)
21) Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)

20) The Avengers (1966-1969)
19) Quantum Leap (1989-1993)
18) Veronica Mars (2004-2007)*
17) Beauty and the Beast (1987-1990)
16) Babylon 5 (1994-1998)
15) Family Guy (1999-present)
14) Battlestar Galactica (2003-present)*
13) Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1989-1999)
12) Pee-Wee's Playhouse (1986-1991)
11) Jericho (2006-present)*

10) Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001)
9) Twilight Zone (1959-1964)
8 ) The Simpsons (1989-present)
7) The Prisoner (1967-1968)
6) Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969-1974)
5) Lost (2004-present)*
4) Farscape (1999-2003)
3) Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
2) The X-Files (1993-2002)
1) Star Trek (1966-1969)

[Rico]

Pretty good list.  I'd add "The Outer Limits."

[Locutus]

I would just like to say, I watch/have seen/fanatically pursue every single one of these series to some extent.

I've seen every episode of Buffy, Farscape, Lost, The Prisoner, Jericho, BSG, Bab5, Quantum Leap, Twin Peaks and Firefly.

I would also just like to say, I've wasted my life.

[moyer777]

I would just like to say, I watch/have seen/fanatically pursue every single one of these series to some extent.

I've seen every episode of Buffy, Farscape, Lost, The Prisoner, Jericho, BSG, Bab5, Quantum Leap, Twin Peaks and Firefly.

I would also just like to say, I've wasted my life.

No you haven't Locutus, you're on this board.  :)

[Geekyfanboy]

I don't think the fact that I have watched 20 of the 30 series listed as a waste of time.. I have enjoyed every single episode and it has brought alot of joy into my life.  What can I say... I'm an Uber Geek.

[moyer777]

I don't think the fact that I have watched 20 of the 30 series listed as a waste of time.. I have enjoyed every single episode and it has brought alot of joy into my life.  What can I say... I'm an Uber Geek.

agreed!  I have watched way too much tv, but honestly it gives me a lot of joy, AND, I get massive ideas for my job where I am speaking publicly every week.  I don't know it's like a great lesson in pop culture, plus I love writing and creating.  That's why I love media so much.

[Geekyfanboy]

Yeah I use to tell people why I watch so much TV was really "research" because I work in the Entertainment industry.. but it really is pure joy and entertainment, plain and simple.

[Duffster]

:raises his hand in the corner:

Yes I also am a tv junky.  But I don't regret it for a second either. That list composes most of my all time favorite shows. From Python to the Twilight Zone, from Trek to Babylon 5...I have enjoyed almost every moment of these classics.

A lot of tv is vapid blather, but for the most part the shows list are definitely not. In fact I think most of the shows listed appeal more to smarter people, and maybe that's why they don't have mass appeal.

Duffster

[Ktrek]

Hmmm...I've only followed about 15 of these shows with any fideilty.

Kevin

[Locutus]

I didn't really think it was a waste!

I was channeling Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons. Work with me, people. ;)

[Duffster]

Lol.. I didn't take you seriously, that comment just hits a tender spot.

Duffster

[Geekyfanboy]

I didn't really think it was a waste!

I was channeling Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons. Work with me, people. ;)

LOL.. oh yeah I remember that line.. that's when  meteor or something is going to hit him and he says that right before he dies.

[Locutus]

Lol.. I didn't take you seriously, that comment just hits a tender spot.

Duffster

And your name is Duffster, one step away from DuffMan! Oh, Yeah!

STF5: exactly - he's reading an Aquaman comic:

But Aquaman, you cannot marry a woman without gills. You're from
two different worlds! (the missile closes in on him) Oohh, I've wasted my
life...
-- Comic Book Guy, "Treehouse of Horror VIII"

Also, to be on topic, The Simpsons, very cult show! ::applause:: Thank you . Thank you.

[Rico]

I agree, these shows are some of the best TV there is.  Intelligent and thought provoking stuff.  As well as highly entertaining.  Time well spent.

[iceman]

Also the prisoner
Lost in space
Voyage to the bottom of the sea