A Look Back at the Best of 2009 Television Shows

2009 was a year of compelling television, offering a diverse range of programming from gripping dramas to hilarious comedies. While reality TV continued its rise, several scripted shows captivated audiences and critics alike. This article revisits some of the most noteworthy 2009 Television Shows, highlighting their strengths and contributions to the television landscape.

The Triumph of Second Seasons

Several shows hit their stride in their second seasons in 2009. AMC’s “Breaking Bad” solidified its position as a groundbreaking drama with Bryan Cranston’s masterful portrayal of Walter White’s descent into the drug trade. The second season intensified the tension and moral complexities, showcasing exceptional writing and performances.

FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” also experienced a creative surge in its second season, delving deeper into the biker gang’s world with compelling character arcs and gritty storylines. Katey Sagal’s performance as Gemma Teller Morrow was particularly lauded. HBO’s “In Treatment,” while less widely viewed, delivered powerful performances and intimate character studies within the confines of a therapist’s office.

NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” blossomed in its second season, finding its comedic rhythm and establishing itself as a beloved sitcom. Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope became a more nuanced and endearing character, while the supporting cast, including the iconic Ron Swanson, shone brightly.

Endings and Continuations

2009 marked the end for some beloved sci-fi series. “Battlestar Galactica” concluded its run with a controversial final season that nonetheless provided closure to its epic space opera. “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” despite its cancellation, delivered a compelling second season that expanded upon the Terminator mythology. “Dollhouse,” also facing cancellation, embraced a faster-paced narrative in its second season, exploring its intriguing premise with more focus.

Established shows like “Lost” continued to enthrall audiences with its penultimate season, building anticipation for its final chapter. “Curb Your Enthusiasm” enjoyed a creative resurgence, delivering a hilarious season capped off by a memorable “Seinfeld” reunion. “Friday Night Lights,” though underappreciated in terms of ratings, consistently delivered powerful drama and realistic portrayals of small-town life. “Mad Men,” while visually stunning and well-acted, continued to polarize viewers with its slow-burn pacing and complex characters.

Fresh Faces on the Scene

Amidst returning favorites, several new shows emerged in 2009. “The Good Wife” offered a compelling legal drama with strong female leads. “Glee,” while divisive, brought a unique musical element to network television. “Modern Family,” with its innovative mockumentary format and relatable characters, quickly became a critical and commercial darling. Starz’s “Party Down,” though short-lived, garnered a cult following for its sharp wit and ensemble cast.

The State of Television in 2009

While reality TV dominated the ratings, 2009 demonstrated the enduring power of quality scripted programming. Shows like “Breaking Bad,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Modern Family” showcased the creative potential of television, offering complex characters, engaging storylines, and innovative storytelling techniques. Though some gems remained hidden beneath the surface of mainstream popularity, the year’s television landscape provided a rich and varied viewing experience. The rise of DVRs and timeshifting viewing habits also indicated a changing relationship between audiences and television, allowing viewers to curate their own viewing schedules and discover shows outside of primetime slots.

Conclusion

The 2009 television shows left a lasting impact on the medium. They showcased the evolution of storytelling, the power of strong characters, and the diversity of genres that television could encompass. From the intense drama of “Breaking Bad” to the heartwarming humor of “Modern Family,” 2009 provided a memorable year for television enthusiasts.