If you're a television junkie like me, you'll know that now is a great time to settle into the couch and enjoy some of the best television ever produced. There are any number of brilliant shows ranging from recent masterpieces (The Wire, Battlestar Galactica) to much-loved classics (MASH, I Love Lucy) regularly aired as repeats, but I thought I'd focus on shows that are still being produced as there's so much quality programming being made at the moment. So with that in mind here's my list of the best shows on television:

The Daily Show: Scathing, side-splitting and always spot-on, The Daily Show is not just the best comedy on television, it's also the most reliable news source. I'm not sure that's something to be celebrated though.

Mad Men: Sure to be looked back on as one of the very best shows in television history Mad Men charts the world of advertising in the 50's and 60's. This is top-notch drama that's deeply involving. Looking back at a time that feels so different to our own is an interesting experience, as so much of it is relatable even today.

True Blood: Sexy and intoxicating, this gothic styled drama about Vampires in the deep south, written by Six Feet Under creator Alan Ball is a true original. This is pulp fun, romantic, bloody and somehow beautiful.

30 Rock: This Tina Fey created comedy is one of the wittiest shows I've seen. Amongst some very funny performances Alec Baldwin is the standout by far. His dry humor and interactions with Tina have a Bogey/Bacall feel that I just love.

The Office: A rare sitcom in that it just keeps getting funnier. So smart and so well-written, this is one of the very best. Surprisingly it also has a very strong emotional under-tone, you'll find yourself tearing up now and then.

Dexter: Dexter gives us an insight into the mind of a serial killer. It has a great premise and as a character study it's as good as any show that's come before. Darkly humorous and morbidly addictive, this is a must watch.

The United States Of Tara: This is a really fantastic show about a woman and her family dealing with her Multiple Personality Disorder. Toni Collette is extraordinary as the title character. It's a challenging role but she inhabits each personality perfectly. An Emmy well-deserved! As you would expect from a Diablo Cody creation the dialogue is funny and totally up to the minute, but more mature and emotional than Juno.

Weeds: A blacker than black dark comedy, Weeds isn't for everyone. Those that do go along for the ride will be rewarded with bitingly witty dialogue and an incredible performance from Mary-Louise Parker.

Gossip Girl: A modern day 90210, upgraded for a savvier generation, this is one of the most fun shows on television. Yes, it's a bit shallow and superficial, but that doesn't mean it's not damn good television!

Modern Family: I didn't expect much from this recent addition the the NBC line-up, I thought it was going to be another same old same old sitcom in the vein of According to Jim. I decided to give it a go anyway and discovered it was witty, engaging and laugh out loud funny. It won't blow your mind but it's definitely worth a watch.

The Mentalist: OK, so this isn't exactly a great show. The crime genre is already well catered for with all the CSIs and Law & Orders and this doesn't really bring anything original to the mix. However in it's favour is Simon Baker, possibly the most charismatic actor on television. He makes this run of the mill procedural stand out, imbuing it with charm and good humor. Well worth a look.

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