Old TV Shows

I'm not sure why, but I'm thinking about four great old TV shows, tonight.
First, The Young Ones. For many, I think that was the first taste of "alternative" (read "real" comedy) . It was also the best collection of the insurgent, anarchic "Punk Rock" comedy scene, most notably Rik Mayall and Alexei Sayle. Really, you should check out anything with either of their names involved- and yes, that includes the nearly horrible mainstream American movie "Drop Dead Fred'.
Next, Northern Exposure. Eccentric American ensemble comedy. Very influential, somewhat twee, but so very nice. More quality than American TV can handle with great scenery, witty dialogue and literate references. If only grunge had all this, it would have been the perfect musical idiom. I kid, but seriously awesome show.
Next, before he became a tool of the man, Ben Stiller was a freakin genius. His Ben Stiller show had everyone worth a damn in American comedy- Bob Odenkirk, Janeane Garrafalo, Andy Dick, and David Cross- not to mention Ben Stiller, himself. Plus, look at the writing credits- apart from that fearsome list above, you also had Judd Apatow, and Brent Forrester. Pure quality, right there.
Finally, The Tick. What can I say? The non sequiturs are worth it, alone. But, then you get Bat Manuel. Superheroes  under the tutelage of Barry Sonnenfeld and Larry Charles? What's not to love? Watch an episode....