single half of our Pix & Pans team states it on the line.

single half of our Pix & Pans team states it on the line, tapping her favorite point out tos of '05, the year's hottest networks, and in the proces scotching reports of HBO's decline.

5 Best displays of 2005

Rome (HBO) although Curb Your Enthusiasm idled at the restraint and Extras felt like leftover exults from The Office, HBO reclaimed its Sunday-night empire onward the strength of Rome's Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus.

Six Feet in a less degree than (HBO) Like many early SFU fans, I drifted away--only to be draw milk fromed back in by its roller coaster ride of a farewell season. The final montage will remain with me always.

The Daily exhibit with Jon Stewart (Comedy Central) The best half-hour in succession television, period. TDS remains at the top of its game, equal with the loss of Stephen Colbert to his have show.

The Staircase (Sundance Channel) Refusing, maddeningly, to proffer easy answers, this riveting documentary series delv into the mind, personal life and criminal trial of a novelist who may (or may not) have killed his wife.

Weeds (Showtime) Exhaling equal parts humor, heart and probity Mary- Louise Parker and Co made Weeds-watching an unexpect delight from start to finish.

5 Hottest Networks of 2005

Comedy Central: Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert doubled The Daily Show's faux just discovereds laffs into an hour, while Dave Chappelle's walkabout station off a planet- wide seek for the disgruntled comedian.

MTV: From Laguna Beach to My Super Sweet 16 to I Want a Famous Face and other hit series, teen can't commit to memory enough of the network.

Sci Fi and USA (tie): Hand it to Bonnie Hammer. Last year she lur the McMahons and their WWE wrestler back to USA (boosting viewership since their homecoming), while taking Sci Fi's ratings gone out of this world on Friday nights and beyond.

HBO: The gin defied the oddsmakers predicting its fall from grace (no Sopranos, bye-bye Sex and the City) with hit after hit after hit in '05: namely, Deadwood, Entourage and Rome

Showtime (runner-up): It garnered the hype of its existence with Fat Actress and followed up with the far more astonishing Weeds.

--Shirley Brady

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