Top 10 List | Top Ten Lists

Cliff-Hangers entice viewers. They leave you wondering what will happen next. You cannot sleep; you count down the days until you find out what happened to your loved ones on TV.

The list is dedicated to the best 10 cliff-hangers in television history. Asking 100 people, these were the results.

1. Dallas: Who Shot JR? (A House Divided)

This was the best cliff-hanger so far EVER. In fact it was just the second season of Dallas and people were speculating all over North America about what happened. It was the popular culture of everyday talk. When the series returned, viewers learned that his sister in law shot him out of rage.

Interestingly enough, fans went crazy. T-shirts were made and printed with reference to this episode. The episode even got the attention of US President incumbent, Jimmy Carter. It is thus not surprising that the episode was the highest rated television episode in US History.

2. ER: Lucy & Carter Stabbed:

This was one of the most traumatic episodes I’ve watched on ER. My heart gasped as Carter falls to the floor after being wounded by a Schizophrenic patient to find Lucy on the floor lying in a pool of blood. The hardest part ever to watch was the death of Lucy. Kerry Weaver did an amazing job taking the lead at undoing the damage. My heart was aching as she had to stitch Lucy up after autopsy.

3. Roseanne: Season 8:

Darlene just got married. Dan is feeling ill. All of the sudden he has a heart attack and the final moments of the season listen in on ambulance arriving. Things in season 9 change as Roseanne bases most of the season on her book. Dan is seen alive, but in reality he died and never recovered. We only learn this in the series finale.

4. Dynasty: Moldavian Massacre:

This was the beginning of an end for this 1980s show. A major wedding (between Amanda and Michael) is about to occur, but is soon interrupted by terrorists who attempt a coup of Moldavia. The chapel is riddled with bullets. All major characters are presumed dead, lying lifelessly. Sadly when the show returned in June, no one big died; just two minor characters.

This was the most talked about episode with 60 million viewers. It was also named as one of the most Unforgettable Cliff-Hangers of Prime Time Television.

5. Melrose Place: Season 3 finale:

Everyone is inside or at least outside of the popular complex, Melrose Place when a criminally insane woman, Kimberly Shaw attempts and does blows up the building. The episode ends as she presses on the click button to detonate as Allison is inside drinking. Due to the Oklahoma Bombings a month earlier, the bomb explosion did not take place until September. No one except for one minor character died.

This was not all. Jake and his brother have a fight and both jump off a construction site more than 10 stories high. The fact that Grant Shaw was not leaving gave away the fact that he would live.

The Office, Friends and Will & Grace boast some of the best modern TV couples to hit the small screen, but we can’t forget about the couples that started it all. Lovable, zany and sometimes just plain weird, this Top 10 list will highlight the most lovable TV couples of all time. Each one has truly revolutionized television history, bringing us nothing but entertainment, laughter and love.

1. Lucy and Ricky from I Love Lucy

Starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, I Love Lucy first aired to a largely American audience in 1951. Lucy Ricardo, the show’s feisty female lead, is married to band leader/singer Ricky Ricardo. The show follows the couple’s ups and downs, always ending in some humorous quip by Lucy, or rapidly spewed Spanish by Ricky. This couples on and off stage love affair firmly planted them as one of American’s most recognizable and beloved TV couples.

Memorable Quote: Lucy: “I realized we never really liked each other. We had a great attraction going for each other in the beginning but we didn’t approve of each other. He disapproved of my moderation and my conservatism. I was square, he said. I disapproved of the way he worked too hard, played too hard, and was never moderate in anything. It was like living on top of a volcano; you never knew when it would erupt or why. I was able to accept the situation for many years because it was our secret.”

2. The Nanny and Mr. Sheffield from The Nanny

A staple of 90s TV sitcoms, Fran Drescher created and starred in The Nanny, which aired from 1993–1999 on CBS. Broadway producer Maxwell Sheffield is a recently widowed father of three wild children in desperate need of a nanny. Fran Fine (aka Fran Drescher) fills the position. Her unique styles of childcare and brutal honesty are just what the family needs, particularly Mr. Sheffield. Their witty banter and love/hate relationship makes them a couple for the ages.

3. Sam and Diane from Cheers

The boyish baseball playing charm of Sam, alongside the intelligence and poise of Diane made Cheers the romantic comedy of television shows during its time. While their relationship was constantly changing, their chemistry was quite apparent. Even though their love affair fell apart, they are still one of the greatest TV couples to exist on the small screen.

4. Mike and Carol Brady from The Brady Bunch

Mike and Carol Brady became the quintessential TV couple when the show debuted in 1969. They effortlessly mixed two families together while maintaining a white picket fence lifestyle. Always a united front, this couple helped their children through all the trials and tribulations of adolescence. Mike and Carol, along with their blended family, remain a constant in American TV culture, spawning other television shows, remakes and even A Very Brady Reunion in 2008.

5. Roseanne and Dan Conner from Roseanne

Spanning nearly 10 years, Roseanne followed the unpredictable life of the dysfunctional Conner family. The matriarch of the family, Roseanne, was a hardworking, outspoken and provocative woman alongside her equally hardworking husband, Dan. The relationship between these two characters was often characterized by yelling matches and witty repertoire from both sides, but they always resolved their issues. Unlike many of TV’s most loved couples, Roseanne is noted as being one of the first dominant females on TV. Like The Cosby Show, Roseanne portrayed an amazing, hardworking couple, but also made great strides for showing controversial issues on TV, like gay rights, drug abuse, and issues related to feminism.

It’s hard to believe that Roseanne first hit the airwaves 25 years ago. This blue-collar sitcom was truly successful from the start and was a top 10 show in the ratings for the first seven of its nine seasons. I myself was not happy with season 9 and the direction it was going.

But, the show was recently honored at the TV Land Awards with the Innovator Award. The show is still being broadcast onTV Land. It’s nice to see them altogether but what have they been doing since the show went off the air?

Soap Operas and their legends are fading. With the cancellation of 4 soap operas in the last 3 years, many of the following stars are without a job. However, many of the daytime television stars are still as memorable and are still actively loved by fans on and off screen.

1. Katherine Chancellor:

This woman is a fighter. She’s revolutionized daytime television, bringing reality close with fiction. In the 1980s, she was the first actress to have a plastic surgery done on screen. Her feud with alcoholism and Jill Abbot has made the Young and the Restless popular since its conception in 1973. No one grows tired of her advice in Genoa City. Kudos to Jeanne Cooper, the portrayer.

2. Victor Newman:

A family man who puts family first before anything else! Victor Newman has defined daytime television for the last 30+ years on the hit the Young and the Restless. His feud with his arch nemeses, Jack Abbot never gets too old. His children sued him for millions of dollars because they felt they were being overburdened. Oops…I forgot to mention…he’s been married more times than the average person.

3. Erica Kane:

Susan Lucci is definitely a diva in my eyes. She portrayed Erica Kane from beginning to end, 1970-2011. The character was created as part of the story bible. She was initially designed as an evil and menacing person. She was rebellious throughout the 41 years, especially since she married more men than we can ever imagine. What we enjoyed most to watch was her extreme self-centered point of view.

4. Blair Cramer:

Kassie DePavia is truly my favourite actress. I enjoyed watching her on One Life to Life for several reasons, most notably her tumultuous life. There was never one dull moment in Blair’s life. I particularly enjoyed the episode where Blair has memories about her life with Asa Buchannan. Despite Asa being dead, Blair never got over the trauma he had caused her.

5. Luke Spencer:

No one can forget his fairy-tale wedding to Laura Spencer in 1980s. He is one wild character that we all love to watch on the General Hospital. Tony Geary has put his heart and soul into the character but has faded away in the past few years into the back-burner. His rekindling love for Laura during the 25th anniversary special was amazingly done. The man never seems to disappoint us.

Some Primetime TV shows are excruciatingly disturbing in their storylines. I sometimes wonder how they manage to stay on air season after season. TV shows are supposed to censor the gruesome activity and make it as Pg-13 as possible. Here is a list of 10 primetime TV shows which are quite disturbing to watch.

1. Dexter:

I have to add this show on the list. The show forces viewers to love a serial killer who enjoys killing other serial killers. The show is a bit sadistic and has created controversy with various critics. Timothy F. Winter was quoted as saying that the show “compels viewers to emphasize with serial killers”. Somehow it is in its 6th season.

2. Nip/Tuck:

I cannot get the image of Roxy taking a knife and performing a mastectomy on herself in the waiting room. I was even shocked at Christian’s reaction to the people in the support group for breast cancer. He actually made fun of them.

3. Seinfeld:

4 individuals (main characters) are clearly disturbed in this show that ran for 8 seasons in the 1990s. They find themselves lurking for trouble over and over again. For example, one episode illustrated the main characters participating in a contest of who could survive the longest without sex. Another instance, George Constanza takes pictures of himself posing nude to attract a lady working in a camera store. In the series finale, all 4 individuals make fun of someone being robbed and are sent to prison.

4. Married with Children:

I find this show equally disturbing to Seinfeld. Running between 1987 and 1997, the show surrounded a working class family, the Bundy`s. Al Bundy was clearly a disturbed individual who made fun of fat people and flat chested women. I do not see any example this show exhibits throughout its run.

5. True Blood:

Sex and violence are two common themes on the show. The whole show is about vampires being made into honorary citizens. The scenes are so gruesome, you may lose your appetite. One episode where Bill turned Lorena’s head 180 degrees around was equal on that ground.

Many TV families have set precedents. The modern family has been redefined several times throughout history. Here are just 10 examples where families were seen as unconventional.

1. The Huxtables:

An African American family was featured on the television show, The Crosby Show, in the 1980s and 1990s. Unlike in previous shows, this African American family was affluent and was living in Brooklyn. The patriarch was an obstetrician, while the matriarch was a lawyer. The stereotypes of the African American family changed ever since this show.

2. The Connors:

This TV family was different from its predecessors. Before the show Roseanne began, its predecessors showed a working class family with only one breadwinner. On the show Roseanne, the Connors were a work class family with 2 breadwinners. Both mother and father struggled throughout the series to find their foothold.

3. Drummonds/Jacksons:

First time in television history one sees a blended family. A wealthy businessman takes in two orphans whose mother (former employee of the wealthy businessman) dies. The two orphans, Arnold and Willis (African American), join the family of their new father and new sister.

4. Torres/Robbins:

Callie Torres and Arizona Robbins are a homosexual/bisexual couple on the TV show Grey’s Anatomy. The idea of a family with 2 mothers or 2 fathers has been left untouched by other shows. This was the first time 2 major characters would become parents (one being an adoptive parent) on the show and raise a child. The father is Mark Sloan, from Callie’s one night stand.

5. The Winters:

This is another family that has changed television history. Since the 1990s, the Winters have defined daytime television on the Young & the Restless. The show promulgates them as affluent: doctors, CEOs and even models working for Fortune 500 companies. Soaps have gone a long way since the 1980s, where African Americans were gang related and bad guys. Most of them were also lower or middle class citizens.

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TV Rivals have defined Television history. We cannot wait to find out what will happen between the favorite rivals that are starring on our favorite TV shows. Here is a list of TV rivals who have entertained us beyond any words can say.

1. Katherine Chancellor vs. Jill Abbott:

For 38 years, these two characters have battled it out right in front of our television screens on the TV show the Young and the Restless. They’ve shared the same lovers, fought over wealth and were even reunited as mother/daughter once.

2. Stephanie Forrester vs. Brooke Logan:

These two leading characters never got along. Stephanie Forrester has never accepted Brooke as part of her family. Brooke Logan did sleep with Stephanie Forrester’s husband and 2 children. Stephanie Forrester is no saint as she bribed her grandson to lie about sleeping with Brooke Logan. The two rivals make Bold & the Beautiful popular 24 years later.

3. Homer Simpson vs. Ned Flanders:

Homer Simpson envies Ned Flanders. The former always believes the latter has everything better. Homer Simpson is one bully who tries to make Ned Flanders’ life miserable on the TV show, the Simpsons.

4. Jerry Seinfeld vs. Sally Weiver:

The TV show Seinfeld decided to hire Jerry’s devil’s advocate on the show. Weiver did everything possible to discredit Jerry. She even stole his material and used it as her own in her stand-up comedy.

5. Rob Mariano vs. Russell Hantz:

This is the most useless rivalry that I believe was used too much on the show Survivor. Ultimately Hantz did outwit and outplay Mariano in the game of Survivor: Villains vs. Heroes, but lost in Redemption Island. Somehow Mariano easily got his way through to the finals and won; 4th time around.

Who is the most hated TV star? Do you have any stars you really do not like? There are a couple stars we really despise. They put a bad reputation and made us turn our screens off.

1. Charlie Sheen:

This is a sad case. He is successful and people do love his work. His personality frankly sucks. No one would ever consider being his friend. When drunk and high, he badmouths co-workers, producers and other people around him. I can’t understand how someone could take pride in being hated? Money will never buy him happiness.

2. Simon Cowell:

Many viewers love to hate this TV personality. Many people who auditioned for American Idol and Britain got Talent, were offended by his sarcasm. Although the comments were made for TV and humor, I am sure contestants did not appreciate them.

3. Rosie O’Donnell:

Many fan loved her as a talk show host. This was until she showed her darker side in the 2000s. She sticks her nose where it does not belong and is vocal about it. How was it her business how Star Jones lost weight? She decided to also bite Elizabeth Hasselbeck’s head off over her views on The View. I’ll let you decide if she is in fact a bully.

4. Kathy Griffin:

She is someone we love to call annoying…at times. Her voice is squeaky. Many people share that opinion as the squeaky voice sometimes gets to people. This was especially the case when she badmouthed the Palin family. You can attack Sarah, but why go after everyone else?

5. Denise Martin:

People come to play Survivor to win a million dollars. They cheat, steal and lie in the game to get to the finals. When people go overboard and try to get more attention that is just shameful. Denise Martin claimed that she was fired from her lunch lady job because of Survivor. Producers awarded her a monetary reward to help her. Turned out that was all a publicity stunt. No one likes those seeking pity and those who try to cheat.

Here is the average hours people in the top 10 countries spend watching television.

1. United States:

People in the United States watch 28h of television per week.

2. United Kingdom:

People in United Kingdom watch 28h of television per week.

3. Italy:

People in Italy watch 27h of television per week.

4. Ireland:

People in Ireland watch 23h of television per week.

5. France:

People in Belgium watch 23h of television per week.

The follow top 10 influential TV teenagers are excellent role models. They may have some faults, but work to better their lives. They are usually portrayed as bring protagonists who struggle similarly to real life teenagers. Many teenagers love watching them as they clearly connect when necessary.

1. Miley Stewart/Hanna Montana:

Hanna Montana is a comedy which ran from 2006-2011. It centers on a teenager, Miley Stewart, who is a school girl during the day and a pop singer named Hanna Montana by night. Only her close friends and family know about the double life Miley Stewart (Aka. Hanna Montana) lives. Miley Stewart is a great role model for all teenagers as she tackled bullying and social scenes in high school. Many could easily relate to a character who needs to adjust to a new lifestyle and school when moving into a new city.

2. Malcolm Wilkerson:

Malcolm in the Middle’s protagonist Malcolm Wilkerson is an excellent role model. He struggles through life to come to terms with his ingenuity. His perseverance especially in tough times is an example of a character trait all students should exhibit. He usually is seen as a decision maker in the family, providing support and advice to adults, parents and siblings.

3. Carly Shay:

Carly Shay in the TV show iCarly is another great role model on television. She is everything any teenager could ask for to be brought on television. She has a great mind, is always kind and generous. She hardly shows her rebellious and altruistic side. She is a great role model as she shows good character (optimism, perseverance) to high school children around the world. My 8 year old brother loves to watch her shows and often looks up to Miranda Cosgrove (the actress) because she is always the ‘nice’ one.

4. Lizzie McGuire:

The TV show, Lizzie McGuire starring Hilary Duff was viewed by many adolescents and preteens between 2001 and 2004. The events Lizzie goes through are part of everyday life for teenagers. She is a perfect example of someone struggling in school and having authority seeking parents. However, her behaviour is not in any way role modeling.

5. Zack Morris:

Those who grew up in the 1990s still remember Zack Morris from Saved by the Bell. He was a loveable character, literally connecting with his viewers by breaking the third wall. He usually is seen interacting with viewers and giving them advice. He stands to show others a perfect example of consequences for those who defy rules. Throughout high school, Zack did not want to study. He almost did not graduate because of his egoism.

The following list of TV bad girls have defined television history to this day. They have schemed, manipulated and even spent time in jail for countless crimes. Viewers have grown to love and hate them and as such these characters have been welcomed into our homes for 20 years or more. Let’s just say the shows each character is or was on would be boring to watch without them.

1. Days of Our Lives: Samantha “Sami” Brady

What has Sami Brady not done on this NBC popular soap opera Days of our Lives? She date raped and stole her sister’s fiancé and claimed she was pregnant with his child, switched paternity test results to prevent anyone from finding out who the real father was and shot her husband in the head. To top of her sins she blackmailed a doctor to tell her own sister that her children would be defects. If that was not enough, she put on a persona as man named Stan who tortured many Salem citizens. Phillip Kiriakis lost his leg because of her. For 15 years her jealousy and scheming ways affected various individual in Salem. She is

now a mother of 5 torn between two men she loves.

2. Survivor: Jerri Manthey

On Survivor, Jerri is popularly known as an annoying, lying and manipulative person who no one likes, not even her fans. She was booed on Survivor All-Stars reunion, which caused her to leave unexpectedly. In real life, she was kicked off an airplane because of an argument with a flight attendant. If Jerri stops her whining and stops blaming others for her problems she would be more liked.

3. Survivor: Parvati Shallow

This Survivor has the looks of a goddess. Her body is perfect and so is her face. No man would ever be able to resist her cunning, manipulative and flirtatious personality. In the game of Fan vs. Favourites, she and 4 others girls was able to con men and other women. No one ever believed that she had the brains to outwit and outplay every single person second time around. When others felt safe, she voted them out, including her best friend Ozzy. When she came to play Survivor Heroes vs. Villains, she had a huge target on her back. As she joined forces with Russell Hantz, she was able to sneak her way into the final 3.

4. 90210: Naomi Clark

Naomi Clark is a rich girl who had everything handed to her on a silver platter. She used her sexuality to get to others, including her teachers and friends. She stole her friend Annie’s paper and handed it in with her own name. When she found out her friend Annie slept with her boyfriend, Naomi shunned the latter from all of her friends. Annie’s exclusion was part of a plan Naomi used for bullying. Throughout the second season, Naomi’s bullying caused Annie to go on a self-destructive spree. Which good girl would do such things? I can’t find any.

5. 90210: Adriana Tate-Duncon

This character is definitely one of the best TV bad girl. Throughout the first season she did drugs, slept around with other men and got herself impregnated. In third season, she stole a dead man’s songs and claimed them as her own. Furthermore, she switched her best friend’s bipolar pills as a form of revenge. By switching pills, she caused her friend to be institutionalized. What kind of friend and person does that? Only a villainous!