Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)
Why We're Grateful: When ABC announced it was moving 'Grey's Anatomy' from the safe haven of Sundays to battle against titan 'CSI' in the Thursday 9PM timeslot, fans reeled. What to watch? Luckily for us, we can see both thanks to the powers of a digital video recorder. Whether it's a Tivo or one from your cable company, the DVR is a must-have to catch all your must-see TV.
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Why We're Grateful: As much as we love 'Lost,' it's lost that "new show" smell in its third season. But 'Heroes' has come along to save the day. With its excellent ensemble cast, intricate relationships and fantastical storylines, it's a serial worth sticking to.
Jack Bauer
Why We're Grateful: Kiefer Sutherland's Jack Bauer has suffered through five extraordinarily bad days just to save us from various forces of evil. He’s steely-eyed, laser-focused and willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country. We’re most thankful that he’ll be back to save the day again in just a few weeks.
Why We're Grateful: As mean as Simon is, he doesn't provide much to gossip about beyond his acerbic comments. But Paula's been a fount of scandalicious behavior. 'American Idol' would not be what it is without her crazy blubbering over pet contestants, baffling fights with Simon and Ryan and weird side gigs (jewelry? Dr. Phil?). Let the insanity continue!
Why We're Grateful: Steve Irwin's passion was infectious. It's why millions of people would tune in to watch TV shows about reptiles each week. His catchphrases, fearlessness and enthusiastic approach earned him a global following. His legacy lives on in Animal Planet re-runs and in the millions of people he inspired.
Why We're Grateful: Who would have thought a show centered on a plump Latina with thick glasses and braces would be one of the hottest shows on TV? But 'Betty' has just the right mix of feel-good moments, over-the-top camp and superficial, backstabbing beauties. But Marc, Whilemina's outlandish toady, is the show's unsung hero.
Free Streams of TV Shows
Why We're Grateful: Didn't catch that Easter egg everybody's discussing from last night's 'Lost'? That's when the free online stream comes in handy. Network websites, portals and YouTube now make it easy to watch and
re-watch all your favorite shows.
Why We're Grateful: Tim Gunn has turned out to be the breakout star of Bravo's hit reality series, 'Project Runway.' He's got it all: style, honor and a signature catchphrase ("Make it work"). Add to that the wicked sense of humor and dishy insight he brought to his weekly podcast, which was the must-download of the fall.
Why We're Grateful: There's no greater reward for 'Simpsons' fans who've seen every episode in the series' 18 seasons than this golden opportunity to see a larger-than-life Homer scratch his behind on a gigantic multiplex screen. It's been six years in the making, so we'll just say "whoo-hoo!"
Why We're Grateful: It was like a gift from the daytime TV gods: Rosie O'Donnell emerged from retirement and took her rightful place alongside the yappy broads on 'The View.' Though it could now be renamed 'Rosie & Friends' on account of the way she injects herself into virtually every issue discussed on the show, the gabfest is far better than it was with that egomaniacal Star Jones.
Why We're Grateful: 'Battlestar Galactica' wept when SCI FI delayed the show's return from summer to fall. But the cable network threw us a bone: Ten webisodes that bridge the long, hard gap between seasons two and three. They provided insight into the New Caprica settlement, introduced new characters and whet our appetites for upcoming storylines.
Why We're Grateful: 'The O.C.' suffered a major identity crisis last season, but a much-needed cleansing occurred with Marissa's death. Forcing the Cohens, Ryan, Summer and Julie to cope with this loss has given weight to the show and has brought back some of that first-season 'O.C.' magic.
Why We're Grateful: Keith Olbermann isn't afraid to stick it to the man. Whether taking on President Bush or Bill O'Reilly, Olbermann's show-closing "Special Comments" fuse conventional journalism with his own brand of biting sarcasm. The must-see segments are staples on YouTube, helping to make 'Countdown' the bright spot of MSNBC.
McSteamy
Why We're Grateful: 'Grey's Anatomy' has its hero in nice-guy Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), AKA Dr. McDreamy. Now it has its bad-boy temptor in plastic surgeon Mark Sloan (Eric Dane), AKA McStreamy. He's already bedded Addison and Callie. Here's hoping he seduces Meredith to create a McDreamy-
McStreamy rivalry.
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