NBC leads year's best series

Don't look now, but NBC has been living up to that "Must-See TV" claim all year.

On second thought, maybe you should look.

For this year, the network has certainly made up for its not-so-great ratings with high-quality series. Specifically, its Thursday night comedy block -- made up of "My Name Is Earl," "The Office," "Scrubs" and "30 Rock" -- is consistently the best night of prime time viewing for any network.

The freshman offerings "Heroes" and "Friday Night Lights" are setting different and fresher tones.

The stalwarts "Law & Order: SVU" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" are often riveting.

And while "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" hasn't drawn a large audience, the drama always brings compelling, not-to-be missed performances.

Say what you will about the inanity of "Deal Or No Deal," the show is oddly and strongly addictive. It's the hit you hate to admit you must watch.

Maybe the challenges of ratings have done something to NBC. Maybe the network decided in 2006 to take the high road and see where it leads.

If you want high-quality prime time viewing, it's time to follow in NBC's tracks.

The 10 Best Prime Time Shows for 2006

1. "The Office" (NBC)

This great American sitcom is working overtime. The writing is the sharpest parody of office politics to come down the pike in years. Rainn Wilson, left, and Steve Carell lead a stellar cast, unparalleled in their silliness and heartwarming characterizations. Television rarely gets this good.

2. "The Sopranos" (HBO)

Forget those who whine that the show lost its point in 2006. Tony's (James Gandolfini, left) shooting and the gay mobster on the lam were superior stories, regardless of where the series went.

3. "Life On Mars" (BBC America)

It's a gripping mystery and a poignant human interest piece wrapped into one. A British detective is comatose after a hit-and-run, waking up 30 years in the past. The mysteries he solves are all in his head as he struggles to wake up. This series is brilliantly conceived and beautifully rendered.

4. "Friday Night Lights" (NBC)

Artfully designed with a down-home story, this drama inspired by the hit book and movie of the same name captures small-town life perfectly. Middle America hasn't been portrayed so accurately since "The Andy Griffith Show." But Mayberry this ain't. Small-town life is finally shown just as it is -- occasionally hard, sometimes ruthless and with a tendency to be unforgiving. There's also the hope of better things to come. Kyle Chandler, right, stars.

5. "Heroes" (NBC)

This sci-fi drama could teach the writers of "Lost" a lesson or two about how to move a story along. While "Heroes" keeps its secrets, the show also allows enough detail to progress the story and keep viewers hooked. This is prime time's best new addiction.

6. "Weeds" (Showtime)

In its second season, the marijuana-laced comedy-drama has cleared the air about the supporting cast. Star Mary-Louise Parker, still the most desperate housewife on television, had juicy moments, but the rest of the cast got to shine as well. The result is a smart comedy making the most of its superb talents.

7. "Ugly Betty" (ABC)

We never tire of a good ugly duckling story. In the case of this wonderfully translated telenovela, the title character is actually a beautiful swan underneath her gaudy attire and shiny braces. We have not seen this much heart or spunk since "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." "Ugly Betty" is the feel-good show of the year. Above, Becki Newton, Michael Urie and America Ferrera star.

8. "Justice League Unlimited"(Cartoon Network)

Finally, someone got the superhero genre right. For years, cartoon versions of comic book franchises missed the nail, either in their approach (too comical) or their characterizations (too campy). "JLU" took its superhero business seriously enough. This series should be the blueprint for all superhero cartoons.

9. "The Daily Show" (Comedy Central)

Jon Stewart and company are the most amazing team on cable. Each night they find a new and hilarious way to probe current events. And yet within their laughs are uncompromised truths. No wonder so many college-age audiences turn to them for news. It's honesty filtered through amusement.

10. "Thief" (FX)

Dark and merciless, this short-lived drama about a master thief and his double life was filled with one shocking plot turn after another. It never settled for comfortable. It also stretched for more. Andre Braugher carved out a career-defining role in the most complicated of thieves.