Though I guess it might not be the worse thing in the world, the degradation of television quality is somewhat troubling. This problem is reflected by the number of forensic dramas out there, many clones of the original, as well as the whole reality programming boom. Toss in lame comedies and tired long running series (Friends ended about three years too late), and you have the vast majority of the line-up.
Jack and Bobby showed promise with its premiere episode, but followed up with one in which the older son got on his mother's back for smoking pot (clearly this cannot be portrayed without clear denunciation!) and the younger son (and future president) got all upset. Emotional dramatics ensued, though I didn't watch much of them. I fear such emotional dramatics will be a running theme, but will retain hope for the time being.
The little known WB comedy Grounded For Life remains a kernel of hope that television can provide light entertainment with some finesse. Its time slot, 8:30 on Fridays (used to be 9, also used to be a FOX show) is not totally ideal, though it has some connection to part of the show's target audience. GFL concerns a couple (in Staten Island, NY) who started a family young (think high school) and still aren't quite sure they ready to be adults. Good acting, including a high school daughter ever insecure about her status, makes it worthwhile, even if the writing is sometimes mixed. [The new season began with a new child on its way -- a tired plot device.]
The show handles some serious subjects with a light touch, including the daughter eventually going out with the next store neighbors' son, who was hopelessly enamored in her. They eventually hooked up when Lily decides to lose her virginity on her sixteenth birthday, but discovers her "ideal" boyfriend is actually a bit of a brainless jerk. The wife's breasts also was the subject of an amusing episode in which Lily told others they were fake because she was embarrassed by them. The husband's continual guilt when his former high school nun comes around is also an amusing running joke.
Gilmore Girls also remains a favorite, though last season was a bit of a hit and miss affair [West Wing on the other hand was mostly miss]. The show ended last season with the Gilmore women all having to deal with some relationship issue. Rory lost her virginity to her first love, Dean, who unfortunately is now married. Lorelai kissed Luke, the gruff coffee shop owner who was a subject of flirtation for years [played by the man who Elaine found "spongeworthy"]. And, Emily Gilmore (the grandmother) is finding her marriage not very rewarding, now that her husband seems not to see her as an equal partner anymore. The two basically separated. The great-grandmother died, but um, nevermind about that.
[continued, including a discussion of its slightly twisted sexual dynamics, here]