Prime Time Hope

Apart from Charlie Rose, American Chopper and Family Guy, it's slim pickings lately on the box. But two series stand out and warrant honorable mention:

First is the series Rescue Me, created by, written by and starring Denis Leary. The show, now completing its second season, is about the FDNY. However, the show successfully avoids the standard pitfalls of post-9/11 jingoism. Leary has crafted a fantastically flawed character. This show is on during the summer, and the season finale is on Tuesday, September 13 at 10:00pm on the FX Network.

Second is the underrated sitcom Two and a Half Men, starring Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer and Angus Jones. Despite the atrocious title, the show has surprisingly refreshing writing. In particular is the writer's willingness to give Angus Jones -- who plays a pre-teen son of divorced parents -- not only good lines, but also an adult personality. This show is on Mondays at 9:00pm on CBS.