The best new shows of 2010

Ami Miller
Contributor
1. Boardwalk Empire
Set in Atlantic City during the roaring ’20s, Steve Buscemi plays Nucky Thompson, a corrupt politician with his fingers in all the mob’s prohibition-era rackets. The first episodes of this show have great visual appeal and incredible acting. And who’s behind it? None other than the legend himself, producer Martin Scorsese!

What makes this show great?
You might not know it from his cameo appearances as a lunatic in the handful of Adam Sandler movies you’ve likely seen him in, but Steve Buscemi is an amazing actor. He is definitely in top form in Boardwalk Empire – seriously, look out for an Emmy nomination; could he be the one to finally unseat Bryan Cranston? – as is his co-star, Kelly Macdonald. The show’s production values are also through the roof, with stunning, historically accurate sets and costuming.
Who will like it?
I don’t see many people not liking this show. It has kind of a Sopranos-in-the-1920s-directed-by-Scorcese vibe and the production values and acting rival one of my fave shows, Mad Men.
Who won’t like it?
People who hate Martin Scorsese, I suppose. Boardwalk Empire is definitely a bit too violent, gritty and intense for some viewers, but most people will simply be wowed.
My advice?
If constructing a 1920s Atlantic City boardwalk always results in a show this great, they should build one for Jersey Shore.
2. Blue Bloods
Tom Selleck stars as the patriarch of a family of cops in this NBC drama. He’s the commissioner of police, with one detective son (Donny Wahlberg), one regular cop son (Will Estes) and a lawyer daughter who prosecutes the criminals they catch (Bridget Moynahan).

What makes this show great?
I was afraid this show would be another by-the-numbers cop/DA show with predictable relationship plotlines thrown into the mix, but it’s actually a riveting drama that isn’t bogged down with the procedural Law & Order stuff that has become way too common in recent years. The characters are believable, Tom Selleck is great in his role so far and this show has real potential to be one of the really great cop dramas.
Who will like it?
Fans of Selleck, fans of well-written cop dramas and fans of the gorgeous Bridget Moynahan. If you liked NYPD Blue, Homicide and the first umpteen seasons of Law & Order, you’ll probably like Blue Bloods.
Who won’t like it?
People who are so sick and tired of the many other cop dramas on TV that they can’t sit through an episode of any series.
My advice?
Keep throwing in twists I’m not expecting, and I’ll keep watching.
3. This Movie Sucks

If you haven’t heard of this show, don’t feel bad; it’s on Saturdays at midnight on Hamilton’s CHCH-TV. Inspired by Mystery Science Theatre 3000, it features screenings of bad movies with been- around-forever former MuchMusic staple Ed the Sock and his old Ed’s Nite In co-host, Liana Kerzner (a.k.a. Red, who’s also his real life wife). The duo are joined by Video on Trial star Ron Sparks, who helps cut up the movies. This Movie Sucks! started out rough, and they’ve aired way too many reruns, but the show has since become a must-watch part of my weekend.
What makes this show great?
Ron Sparks is hilarious. It could be what he says, how he says it, or both, but almost every time he cracks a joke I find myself laughing. It’s also great to have Ed back on TV after being set adrift by MuchMusic a couple of years ago. The movies so far have been MST3K-worthy atrocious, and Ed’s team has hit their stride when it comes to hacking them up.
Who will like it?
If you like riffing on bad old movies with friends, you’ll love this show. It’s Canada’s MST3K; what more do you need?
Who won’t like it?
Horny fans of Ed’s old show. Sorry, but the hot tub and topless women are gone.
My advice?
More Roninja!