TV Fanatic's Fave New Shows of 2007

As the year rolls to a close, it’s a perfect time for me to reflect back on five new shows that won over my heart in 2007.

5. Private Practice (ABC): I was skeptical after watching that awful Grey’s Anatomy episode that first introduced me to the doctors of Oceanside Wellness Center. And the first stand-alone episode of Practice was no treat neither. But slowly, the show started to find its own footing, reorganizing itself less around the antics of Santa Monica implant Addison and more on the ensemble cast. The writing is sharp and snappy like Grey’s was in its heyday (and returning to this season!). With less characters running around like in a busy hospital, there’s more time to develop each one as an individual. And yeah, the guy who plays Dell is hot.

4. Flight of the Conchords (HBO): It’s probably the accents. I’ve always had a thing for guys from other countries. Or maybe it’s the fact they break out into song at the strangest times. Whatever it is, this quirky comedy about a fictional folk duo from New Zealand seeking fame and fortune in New York City, played by real-life musical parody duo Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, is pretty hilarious. Now if they would only let psycho fan, Mel, get a piece…

3. Saving Grace (TNT): Academy award-winner Holly Hunter plays boozing, sexing New Orleans detective Grace Hanadarko, who always get her man, especially if he's a criminal. Of course, Grace has to answer to a higher power for her devious behavior, an angel named Earl who fancies denim and plaid. One of her biggest? Her illicit affair with fellow detective Ham Dewey (hunky Kenny Johnson), who she often gets in to compromising positions. One of these days they'll have hell to pay, but for now, I'm just taking it all in.

2. Gossip Girl (The CW): How the heck did I get pulled into a teen drama? Probably because my high school experience was never quite like this! Designer wardrobes, elite private schools and debutante balls (okay, I had that one). The show is fast paced, so I've got to stay in overdrive just to keep up. And hey Blair, if you really don't want Chuck, feel free to toss him my way!

1. Pushing Daisies (ABC): Anyone who doesn't love Ned, the soulful pie maker who can bring the dead back to life (but just for a minute without consequence), doesn’t deserve to be touched. Of course, he's in love with the one woman he resurrected and can never touch again since it will leave her permanently dead. Watching all the ways Ned and Chuck find to make out without contact is always a wacky romantic romp.

And three shows I should have watched last season (and plan to watch on DVD!).

Mad Men (AMC): It takes place in the '50s, but the themes of love, betrayal and climbing the corporate ladder by any means necessary are still relevant today.

Damages (FX): Glenn Close plays an evil lawyer who will do anything to win her case, and I certainly don't want to be on her bad side.

Calfornication (Showtime): Globe Golden nominee David Duchovny is naked most of the time. Need I say more?