The rapier-tongued stand-up buzzed through an hour on politics and pop culture at an ever-accelerating pace. The last 10 minutes were one long, breathless—and hilarious—tirade. (HBO)
The year's best sequel. Evander Holyfield wrested back his title on a night that mixed superb boxing with high theater, including a bizarre gate-crasher floating down from the Las Vegas sky. (Pay-Per-View)
The series about a Baltimore detective squad combined an extraordinary ensemble, gripping police puzzles and an arresting, innovative visual style. (NBC)
The TV mega-event of the year (90 million tuned in) was also a PR coup: In Oprah's hands, Jackson came across as dignified and sympathetic. Boy, could Michael use a return visit from Oprah now. (ABC)
The miniseries starring Tim Roth engraved a grim, gripping and masterfully detailed portrait of '50s spree killer Charles Starkweather. (ABC)
This cop show was simply the most exciting, addictive serial since early L.A. Law. Bonus points for David Caruso and the show's tough New York City tang. (ABC)
The latest starship franchise used cohesive stories and strong characters to prove once again that a rich environment can thrive in zero gravity. (Syndicated)
This occasional animated series brought Beatrix Potter's children's classic to lustrous life. (The Family Channel)
Reintroducing the Man of Steel as a shiny, happy superhero. Though the plots sometimes flagged, the show's gleamy look and telegenic stars were dazzling. (ABC)
FURTHER WORTHIES
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(HBO)
(The Discovery Channel)
Saved by the Bell Reunion
The hookups, the meltdowns, the memoires
The case reveals what was really going on what they think of each other now!
