Even viewers who feel they've been copped and robbered to death by TV will find this highly juiced blend of bright writing and dark motif hard to turn off.[31 Jan 1993, p.D1]

Twin Peaks is like the horrific, teasing fever nightmare that takes you to the head of the darkened staircase and throws you off, leaving you frozen in midflight at an exquisite peak of terror and wordless exhilaration. [8 Apr 1990, p.G1]

A master showman, Ryan hooks the audience with an opener that makes seeing the second episode mandatory... The early episodes hint at the great potential of the supporting cast. Catherine Dent is touching as a policewoman who rues her past with the married Mackey. Michael Jace exudes a fine air of mystery as a rookie officer. And Walton Goggins fidgets compellingly as Mackey's uneasy conspirator. [12 Mar 2002, p.E1]

There's no contest for the outstanding new series this fall. NBC's Boomtown looms over the competition like a giant surrounded by mostly pygmies. [29 Sept 2002, p.4]

The first four hours confirm that 24 remains powerfully addictive.

A hugely likable sitcom is born.

A show so mesmerizing it can make you feel young again, Felicity pulls off that feat without special effects or time-travel machines...This new series has other assets: poignant writing, superb actors, recognizable situations. [29 Sept 1998, p.E1]

This wonderful film avoids turning stilted or self-important.

The vintage look carries a potent, contemporary kick. Here's the rare series that lives up to the advertising hype.

This quirky comedy-drama stands out as one of the real pleasures among the 35 new series...It is funny, but also tender and nostalgic. This is one homecoming dance you don't want to miss. [25 Sept 1999, p.E1]

The Pacific balances the visceral virtuosity of its war sequences with poignant, stirring portraits. Once you sign on, you have to see what happened to these men--the sign of expert storytelling. An epilogue supplies crucial updates.

The premiere should please fans who consider Battlestar Galactica a landmark and entice newcomers to look at previous seasons on DVD.

ABC's new version of A Raisin in the Sun deserves fanfare: It's a strong contender for best TV movie of the season.

There are few answers in this excellent premiere, but The Nine makes you want to find out.

Generation Kill stands in the tradition of classic war movies. Vivid storytelling, superb acting and a frank approach make this a TV landmark.

You don't have to love football to admire Friday Night Lights.

Jason Lee excels as scruffy Earl -- he's a Jed Clampett for the new millennium.

Wit and glamour sell this top-quality product.

This juicy comedy-drama recaptures the fun of Desperate Housewives in its first season.

Even if you know Jane Eyre, you don't know her like this.

Spin City has a premise with potential, a superb supporting cast and a leading man of great appeal. The sophisticated series should be the fall's winner by a landslide. [17 Sept 1996, p.E1]

Detective series generally are not known for charm or sunniness. But The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency revels in both qualities, with often exhilarating results.

John Rogers and Chris Downey have created a show that's equally smart and diverting.

Romantic comedies depend on appealing actors, and these five are irresistible.

Sons & Daughters offers such a fresh, funny take on family life that it could be a landmark comedy.

A show that is sweet without being sappy, sexy without being sophomoric and witty without being nasty...This delight rests on the inspired casting of Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer as brothers tossed together during a family crisis. Their pairing could be the best sitcom partnership since Jack Klugman teamed with Tony Randall on The Odd Couple. [21 Sept 2003, p.4]

The series from CSI executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer has a mesmerizing look, and in its signature stroke, nimbly flashes between the characters then and now. Unlike so many other crime series, Cold Case never loses sight of the victims...Best of all, it offers a lead actress who is simply excellent. Morris makes a wonderfully tough, tenacious heroine. She's a sleuth to die for. [28 Sept 2003, p.TV4]

The first new fall TV series is also one of the most promising. The O.C. -- which stands for Orange County, California-style -- mixes potent conflicts with lavish backdrops and attractive folk. The concoction carries a surprisingly bittersweet kick. [3 Aug 2003, p.4]