TV’s Top 10 moments of the decade

[RLAAMJR.]

Link: http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/t ... 1a5SZ5pI/0

 

 

TV’s Top 10 moments of the decade

From ‘Idol’ fauxhawk to the nipple ‘slip’ that shocked America . . .

Last Updated: 8:18 PM, December 24, 2009

Posted: 1:18 AM, December 24, 2009

 

01 Sanjaya’s fauxhawk

“American Idol,” Fox

March 27, 2007

 

The most-watched show of the 2000s came of age when a young man sporting a “fauxhawk” stood on stage belting out a song called “Bathwater” by No Doubt. During week three of the finals, he and his hairdo became a national obsession — and the ratings averaged 31 million viewers per episode. “I don’t think it matters anymore what we say,” judge Simon Cowell stammered, “You are in your own universe.” Makes us wonder: Who did win the year Sanjaya sang? (Answer: Jordin Sparks.) — Michael Shain

 

02 David Letterman’s confession

“Late Night With David Letterman,” CBS

Oct. 1, 2009

 

We were not prepared for this. Ultrasmooth talk-show host David Letterman used his opening monologue to reveal an alleged extortion attempt against him by CBS News producer Robert J. Halderman. Halderman was attempting to blackmail Letterman in exchange for the producer’s silence about romantic relationships the “Late Night” host had had with female members of his staff, authorities said. The audience was floored — yet laughing. While the Manhattan DA dealt with the case, Letterman flawlessly spun what for most would have been a public-relations disaster — and saw his ratings soar. — Robert Rorke

 

03 Tom Cruise’s couch fit

“The Oprah Winfrey Show,” ABC

May 23, 2005

 

More than 20 years after he first slid into megastardom in Ray-Bans and tighty whities, Tom Cruise joined Oprah to discuss his relationship with Katie Holmes. Laughing maniacally whenever he wasn’t yelping about his epic love for Holmes, the sexy Scientologist lunged about the set, pumping his fist, jumping on Oprah’s couch and dropping to one knee. Winfrey remarked with combined amusement and alarm, “You’re gone! You are gone!” When Cruise followed this appearance with several oddly arrogant public rants condemning antidepressant medication and psychiatry, much speculation ensued over to what degree, if any, the beloved box-office titan had indeed gone stark raving bonkers. — Sport Murphy

 

04 The “Sopranos” finale

HBO

June 10, 2007

 

After eight years, a lot of fans thought we deserved better. Didn’t we have the right to know what happened to Tony Soprano? David Chase, the guy who created the most self-conscious gangster in history, didn’t think so. The series — the whole 86 hours! — ended with a fade-to-black and no answers. Zip, zilch, niente. Chase realized — maybe halfway through the series — he didn’t have to come up with an ending for Tony. We’d do it for him. — Michael Shain

 

05 Jon Stewart’s meltdown

“Crossfire,” CNN

Oct. 15, 2004

 

Jon Stewart was supposed to make a standard, plug-my-book (“America: A Citizen’s Guide to Democracy Inaction”) stop at CNN’s long-running debate show, “Crossfire.” But Stewart, tired and cranky, had a bone to pick with the two hosts, Tucker Carlson and Paul Bagala. He called them “partisan hacks” and said the debates had become as real as pro wrestling. In January 2005, the head of CNN admitted that Stewart “made a good point” — and canceled “Crossfire” after 23 years on the air. — Michael Shain

 

06 Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction

CBS

Feb. 1, 2004

 

During the halftime show for Super Bowl XXXVIII, millions of Americans were sitting transfixed by Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake when, to the nation’s utter shock, Justin “accidentally” unleashed his partner’s right breast from its protective cup. Cynics called it a set-up, moralists called it cheap titillation, and “The Guinness Book of World Records” called it “the most searched-for item in Internet history.” The Federal Communications Commission levied a record $550,000 fine against CBS, and increased its fine per indecency violation from $27,500 to $325,000. — Sport Murphy

 

07 Jim McGreevey’s outing himself

Aug. 12, 2004

 

New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey was expected to use his press conference to address allegations of corruption in his administration. Instead, he stunned the nation by declaring himself “a gay American.” As his pained wife, Dina, stood by his side, he added, “I engaged in a consensual affair with another man, which violates my bonds of matrimony. It was wrong. It was foolish. It was inexcusable.” McGreevey’s shocking announcement led to his resignation several months later. — Michael Starr

 

08 Tina Fey as Sarah Palin

“Saturday Night Live,” NBC

September-October, 2008

 

Did Tina Fey’s spot-on, hilarious impersonation of Sarah Palin, down to her vocal inflections, mannerisms and wardrobe, embarrass the GOP’s 2008 presidential campaign? You betcha. Fey, who’d already proven herself a master satirist on “30 Rock,” made quick work of the vulnerable Palin with the wacky “I can see Russia from my house,” a spoof of the then-Alaska governor’s desperate attempts to prove her international street cred. The sketches proved so popular that Palin joined Fey on Oct. 18, 2008, giving “Saturday Night Live” its highest ratings in 15 years. — Robert Rorke

 

09 Susan Hawk’s “Snake & Rat” speech

“Survivor,” CBS

Aug. 23, 2000

 

Tough-talking Wisconsin truck driver Susan Hawk made a name for herself in the first-season finale by flaying fellow contestants. She called Richard Hatch “arrogant” and “pompous,” a whiny thing who was really “a loser in life.” But, she said to river guide Kelly Wiglesworth, then 22: “If I would ever pass you along in life and you are laying there dying of thirst, I would not give you a drink of water. I would let the vultures take you and do whatever they want with no ill regrets.” In the final tribal council, Hatch beat Wiglesworth by one vote. — Robert Rorke

 

10 President Palmer’s assassination

“24,” Fox

Jan. 16, 2006

 

The last great season of “24” opened with a shocker: Beloved President David Palmer, the first African-American president in this series’ universe, was working on his memoirs, gazing out a window deep in thought, when he was shot through the throat and crumpled to the floor. It was the ruthlessness — of his assassin and of the show’s writers — that you remember. And in the throat! — Maureen Callahan

[RLAAMJR.]

wha! nobo has even commented

[Koolan]

Why is William Hung not on the list?

[RLAAMJR.]

Why is William Hung not on the list?

 

 

 

lol

 

 

but what i was really wondering is why the crying girl fan of sanjaya didn't make it to the top 10

[reamary]

Can we list some significant TV series of the decade in here as well? In that case..

 

- The first episode of Grey's Anatomy, Gilmore Girls and Desperate Housewives aired.

- The final episode of Melrose Place and Friends aired.

 

Those were one of the top TV moments in my opinion.

[Tyler1991]

Celine on Larry King!!!!

[patih_barsanti]

Can we list some significant TV series of the decade in here as well? In that case..

 

- The first episode of Grey's Anatomy, Gilmore Girls and Desperate Housewives aired.

- The final episode of Melrose Place and Friends aired.

 

Those were one of the top TV moments in my opinion.

 

- Madonna and Lady GaGa on SNL (Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw6RdELZDJ4)

[Nmj]

Sanjaya shouldent be on that list

[RLAAMJR.]

Sanjaya shouldent be on that list

 

 

he should be cos when the philippines had its own pinoy big brothers show, the men were commanded to have a ponyhawk hairstyle and all of them had it.

[whineupemily]

Was Shania Twain's erm.. how shall we say.. wardrobe malfunction mentioned?

[Nmj]

Sanjaya shouldent be on that list

 

 

he should be cos when the philippines had its own pinoy big brothers show, the men were commanded to have a ponyhawk hairstyle and all of them had it.

 

 

Ohh Okay