Three Top TV Shows of all time...

In class we discussed such shows as MASH, All in the Family, The West Wing, and Roots as being among the most important shows of all time. Well, if they are, then I am in desperate need of catching up on some good old fashion TV time, because I have NEVER seen any of these programs.(And by the looks of some of some of my classmate's blogs, neither have a lot of them). Therefore, it is a little hard to say what were the best of all time, because I wasn't around to witness or even see the shows or direct/indirect effects that older shows have had on society. So perhaps a better question to ask is what are the three top TV shows of all time as it relates to the my generation (age groups 18 to late 20's). If addressed from this standpoint, then I would have to say that the three greatest TV shows of all time (at least of my time) would have to be...

1.) FRIENDS
Ok, sure, you might not think that Friends is or was an important show. But let me ask you this...isn't one of the most watched and popular shows of all time
important? I mean who didn't come home after school and watch reruns of friends, or know what someone was talking about when they said the words "Phebe" or "Monica"?
The show entertained an entire nation, world, and influenced an entire generation. A show that has that much viewership and popularity carries a lot of power. Besides, one could always make the argument that from even a pure entertainment standpoint Friends was a very important show in that satisfied one of our cultures basic needs--to be entertained.

2.)Simpson's
It's only natural that the longest running and most popular cartoon series should be on the list of most important TV shows. There obviously must be something to the show--its been around for over 13 years! In addition to its popularity, the show also showcases some serious problems in our society through the use of sarcasm. It
provides a comfortable forum to speak about prominent cultural and global problems. It often holds a mirror up to our society, and showcases through humor, the ugly truths.

3.) Buffy the Vampire Slayer/ Xena the Warrior Princess
Ok, so my last one is really a tie. I have chosen these two shows because they were some of the most influential shows of our time in terms of displaying feminine heroines.
They displayed that not only are women/girls beautiful and smart, but that they are also strong and capable. They broke grounds in terms of how our culture defines "femininity".
In addition, they helped to provide young girls with positive role models helped and entire generation place a female face on the traditional "hero".