Friday Night Lights

I watch very little television, and if it weren’t for DVR, I’d watch practically none. But one show I never miss is Friday Night Lights. Now nearing the end of its third season, this amazingly well-written show almost didn’t make it on this year but loyal fans—including someone at DirectTV—managed to revive it for another season. I couldn’t be happier.

Loosely based on the movie (which was based on the novel) and set in fictional small town Dillon, Texas, the show sports an ensemble cast of actors you’ve probably never seen before but who work so well together. Along with being perfectly cast, it’s also the best written show by far. With characters you care about and relevant subject matter, it’s become a great show for me to watch with my teenage sons. Last week’s episode included teenage sex and every episode shows teens drinking. They don’t preach about it or condone it, but the shows open up great dialog between me and my boys. And there’s just enough high school football in it to tie in to the movie/book.

If you don’t watch it, you can see full episodes on Hulu.com or rent the videos. I think you’ll agree that it’s great television.