BEST OF ENTERTAINMENT 2002
Best of television
By David Reese
Features Editor

Best television dramas of 2002
1. Six Feet Under (HBO)
2. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS)
3. The Sopranos (HBO)
4. The Shield (FX)
5. 24 (FOX)

The television drama is on the top of its game this year but not on the major television networks. Cable and pay outlets like FX and HBO have created some of today’s best dramatic series including “The Shield” and “The Sopranos.” The ultimate drama series of the year is definitely “Six Feet Under.” The series, which revolves around a funeral home, has displayed controversial issues throughout the episodes. The series has taken subjects not discussed by any network series due to television restrictions and made them into a beautifully haunting series.

Best television comedies of 2002
1. Friends (NBC)
2. Everybody Loves Raymond (CBS)
3. Sex and the City (HBO)
4. The Bernie Mac Show (FOX)
5. Will & Grace (NBC)

In a year when cable and pay networks were creating the best drama series, the most outstanding comedies are still on network television. There is no doubt that “Friends” has been and still is one of the best comedies on television. The top five selections are all unique because they have taken different approaches to typical comedies.

Best television actors of 2002
1. Martin Sheen “The West Wing” (NBC)
2. Matt LeBlanc “Friends” (NBC)
3. James Gandolfini “The Sopranos” (HBO)
4. Bernie Mac “The Bernie Mac Show” (FOX)
5. Michael Chiklis “The Shield” (FX)

The television actor category is broad and very difficult because there are so many actors on television. Michael Chiklis won the Emmy Award this year and his series is so gritty and raw that makes him evil yet charming. James Gandolfini is always excellent as Tony Soprano. Bernie Mac has brought some humor back onto television. Matt LeBlanc has finally proven his acting chops over the past year on “Friends.” His dim witted portrayal of Joey has turned him into a sweet, lovable character with heart. Although he is always pushed out of the way during Emmy Award season, Martin Sheen’s performance as President Josiah Bartlet is so strong.

Best television actresses of 2002
1. Jennifer Aniston “Friends” (NBC)
2. Jennifer Garner “Alias” (ABC)
3. Sarah Jessica Parker “Sex and the City” (NBC)
4. Amy Brenneman “Judging Amy” (CBS)
5. Patricia Heaton “Everybody Loves Raymond” (CBS)

Comedic actresses are where the best television actresses are today. Although Amy Brenneman is excellent in “Judging Amy” and Jennifer Garner is one of the coolest actresses on television, Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker and Patricia Heaton have brought so much life to their respective shows. Aniston is the hottest actress of the moment and she finally has received the credit she deserves.

Best television supporting characters of 2002
1. Sean Hayes “Will & Grace” (NBC)
2. Rachel Griffiths “Six Feet Under” (HBO)
3. Doris Roberts “Everybody Loves Raymond” (CBS)
4. Kim Cattrall “Sex and the City” (HBO)
5. Lisa Kudrow “Friends” (NBC)

Comedy series have also had the best supporting characters on television and this is no different in this category. The lone dramatic actress, Rachel Griffiths, has brought so much pain and torment into her character that it is frightening. The remaining actors are all special entities on the series they perform on. Lisa Kudrow has also been great, Kim Cattrall is always sexy and Doris Roberts is the ultimate nagging mother. The best supporting character is Sean Hayes of “Will & Grace.” His character of Jack as the flamboyant part-time actor is such a refreshment. He is the ultimate comedic actor.