Some long-running shows said goodbye in 2006.
The West Wing: (1999-2006) This show was casting during the Clinton/Lewinsky debacle. Because of that, there were many industry executives who didn’t think anyone would watch - they thought Americans were sick of politics. But the success of this show proves two things: industry executives are frequently wrong, and never underestimate the power of good writing. (Thank you Aaron Sorkin.)
Alias: (2001-2006) Creator JJ Abrams (Lost) dreamed up the idea for this series when he was producing Felicity. “How cool would it be if Felicity was really an undercover agent?” and presto, a TV series was born. When he hired Jennifer Garner to play Noel (Scott Foley)’s love interest, he also found his future Sydney. This show had its ups and downs (I stopped watching afterr the third season) but in general, a fantastic show.
Malcolm in the Middle: (2000-2006) An underrated comedy that began to lose its appeal once the boys grew up. Nevertheless, it had something that many sitcoms don’t: It was actually funny.
Charmed: (1998 – 2006) A quirky show whose longevity was pretty surprising. But the casting was good (hello Julian McMahon!) and firing Shannen Doherty may have even helped. Plus, pay attention to the writing – it’s sharper than you'd expect from a WB series about modern witches. I recommend adding this show to your netflix queue.
That 70s show: (1998-2006): This show stuck around about two years too long, but go back and watch the first couple of seasons. Topher Grace is comic genius, and even Ashton Kutcher was bearable. Debra Jo Rupp and Danny Masterson never got the credit they deserved, and if you ask me, Laura Prepon and Wilmer Valderrama got too much.
Will and Grace: (1998-2006) We often forget it, but this show was groundbreaking. A gay man with a love life as a lead character? Although this show was hijacked by the over-thetop Megan Mullally and Sean Hayes, you could always depend on it being funny. Plus it boasts what has to be the funniest moment in sitcom history: Kevin Bacon doing his Footloose dance.
The OC: (2003-2007) This show deserves credit for ushering back in the teen soap, and earns major points for giving us Adam Brody. The first half of the first season was incredibly watchable, but it lost its footing somewhere in the end of that season. By season two it was just a pile of…well, it was awful. Things seemed to be looking up with the death of the tiresome Marissa (Mischa Barton couldn’t act her way out of a paper bag), but alas, nothing could save this show.
Yes, mourn your favorite shows, but be thankful that when shows pass on, it just means they're making way for potential new favorites.
