The Best Show Ever on Network TV I'm going to cut to the chase and say that after having watched almost the whole first four seasons of The Good Wife, I think this may be the most subtle and sophisticated show I've ever seen on network TV.
I had been put off by the title and theme of the series -- ho hum, another scorned woman, another lawyer show -- but I gave the show a try and was hooked by the very first episode.
The writing and acting are simply superb. The law cases are fascinating, and the political twists and turns gripping. Throw in some sex and a good love triangle, and you have some must-see TV.
The proof of the pudding is the astonishing cavalcade of A actors who appear in guest roles. Brian Dennehy, F. Murray Abraham, Michael J. Fox, Amanda Peet, Parker Posey, Wallace Shawn, Judd Hirsch, Mamie Gummer, Edward Herrmann, Kyle MacLachlan... the list goes on and on.
As for the main cast, Julianna Margulies, Archie Panjabi, Christine Baranski, Alan Cumming, and the others are brilliant in every episode.
The only caveat is this is NOT a show for people with ADD. The scripts are so tight you need to pay attention, but your focus will be rewarded in spades.
If there were more shows like this on network TV, the medium might not be considered such a vast wasteland. Now what can we do with all those dopey comic book movies dominating the silver screen?