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Television Tops 2015: Paul Asay’s Year-End Picks

They say we’re spoiled by our television riches. Shows have never been so rich in character, so deep in theme. Alas, the last several years have given us a new depth in abysmal content, too. The Walking Dead is getting ever gorier. Jessica Jones has taken superheroes in a new, tawdrier direction. And trust me, you don’t want to know what’s going on behind the closed doors of American Horror Story’s “Hotel” installment.

But there are still some shows that are both good and good—quality, well-written programs that don’t make you want to wash your eyes out with bleach afterwards. While none of these programs are perfect, they’re a cut above the rest. Here are a few of my faves.

1bestofboxThe Adventures of Puss in Boots (Netflix): Netflix is best known for prestigious-but-problematic shows such as House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black. But in an effort to catch younger viewers this year, it unveiled this animated romp featuring the not-so-timid tabby from the Shrek movies (among other places). While invoking the name of Shrek may cause alarms to start ringing in some families, The Adventures of Puss in Boots seems to largely steer clear of crass gags and instead concentrate on the heroism of its prime star—and his ongoing defense of the hidden city of San Lorenzo.

2bestofboxA.D. The Bible Continues (NBC): Alas, The Bible will not continue for a second season on NBC (though producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey may develop the series elsewhere). That’s a shame, given the content and quality of this show. Focusing on the events after Christ’s crucifixion, A.D. eschews well-worn Bible stories and concentrates on the Christian Church’s dramatic early days. While these Bible productions aren’t loved by every Christian (some take issue with its line-for-line biblical departures), Burnett and Downey’s production feels respectful without being stodgy, inspirational without feeling preachy. Here’s to hoping for another resurrection of A.D. down the (Emmaus) road.

3bestofboxThe Grinder (Fox): For years, Dean Sanderson played “The Grinder”—the best lawyer on primetime television, capable of solving any case in an hour or less. But when his show finally ends its lucrative run, Dean runs back home and decides to become a real lawyer—minus a law degree, naturally. The Grinder, starring Rob Lowe and Fred Savage, is more about family affection than courtroom dramatics, and the episodes tend to be both semisweet and really funny—a combination we haven’t seen since, well, our next entry.

4bestofboxParks and Recreation (NBC): While the long-running series gave its final bow this year, we thought it right to give this imperfect but quirkily “awww-some” show its due. Starring Amy Poehler as tireless and well-meaning bureaucrat Leslie Knope and a zany cast of regulars (including now-superstar Chris Pratt), Parks and Rec proved to be a reliable escape from cynical, meanspirited sitcoms. Some episodes make me cringe. Some make me blush. But most of them made me smile … and that’s a rare thing for me to say.

5bestofboxSupergirl (CBS): Supergirl may be faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive. But she’s also nicer than your average superhero—and way more family friendly than her superhuman female counterpart on Netflix, Jennifer Jones. Strong yet sweet, powerful yet disarmingly goofy, Supergirl/Kara Danvers (played by Melissa Benoist) is as charming as they come—and a character who doesn’t shy away from being a role model. Forget her superpowers: If more folks treated other people like this woman in blue does, the world would be a far better place.