Confirming what most TV hounds already knew, 24 and Lost topped the list of LoveFilm.com’s most addictive television shows of all time.
Now, some might say that Lost is more addictive, and I can see that point to a degree. After all, 24 and Lost are my two favorite shows, now that Battlestar Galactica‘s off the air (still looking forward to The Plan this fall, though!)
But where Lost is addictive for that hugely mystifying secret that lies beneath it all, carrying its fans from season to season, with the promise of wrapping it all up next year, 24 is more or less a big blast of televised heroin (a drug that, coincidentally, Jack Bauer was addicted to briefly in Season 3). No matter how much you tell yourself you’re going to stop watching, you just have to check it out one more time, just one more time. (See also: Lays Potato Chips.)
Here’s the list from LoveFilm.com, which I got via The Hollywood Reporter:
1. 24 – 19%
2. Lost – 17%
3. Friends – 10%
4. Heroes – 9%
5. The Wire – 7%
6. Dr Who – 6%
7. CSI – 5%
8. Prison Break – 4%
9. The Sopranos – 3%
10. Sex and the City – 2%
Why did I get it via THR? Well, I can’t find the freakin’ poll on the LoveFilm.com website, so, whatevs.
Darren Bignell, the communications manager for the UK site, had this to say, according to the Telegraph:
We’re a nation of comfort lovers and the thought of curling up on the sofa with our favourite programmes is a very tempting one. Although crime doesn’t pay, as our list reveals, it most certainly pulls in the viewers, and shows like 24 have clearly found the right mix of suspense, drama and action to keep us coming back for more.
So, how do I feel about the list? Obviously, I’m right there with Nos. 1 & 2. Friends was an addictive favorite, and I feel it stands up. Heroes was great in season 1, which I’d rewatch. But I wouldn’t want to rewatch Seasons 2 or 3, even though I didn’t think they were as bad as most people were saying.
The Wire? AMAZING. It’d be higher on the list if more people had watched it. Doctor Who? Love it. Never seen a single episode of CSI (any flavor) or Prison Break, and I say that with a mark of pride. The Sopranos and Sex and the City were staples when they were on TV, and I’d say Sopranos was pretty damn addictive. While I enjoyed SATC, I don’t know that I considered it an addictive show I needed to watch.
I mean, I figured that in the end Carrie would end up with Big and their dance around it grew tiresome sometimes.
So, what do you think of this list? And what shows aren’t on it that you think should be?