The Top 5 TV Shows of 2008

I have compiled the list of the top 5 TV shows of 2008, based on Neilson Media Research and TV.com fan ratings and viewers. The list excludes documentaries, sports and reality shows. I have also included the summary of the show, just incase you may be interested in watching one of these great shows, if you aren't already!

5. Grey's Anatomy

2005 - Present

Viewers: 14,902,000

Fan Rating: 9.0 (TV.com)

Grey's Anatomy is a hospital drama series that focuses on Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), one of several surgical interns/residents at a Seattle, Washington hospital. Along with her co-workers, Meredith tries to maintain relationships while staying focused at her job.

4. The Mentalist

2008 - Present

Viewers: 16,516,000

Fan Rating: 8.1 out of 10 (TV.com)

The Mentalist tells the story of Patrick Jane (Simon Baker), who is employed as a detective working with the California Bureau of Investigation to solve crimes. He used to be a psychic and would assist the police on cases. His life changed when he lost the two most important people in his life to a serial killer he was helping to track.

3. Desperate Housewives

2004 - Present

Viewers: 16,842,000

Fan Rating: 8.8 (TV.com)

Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong) decided to end it all one day and killed herself. Now she takes us into the lives of her friends, family and neighbors. Her circle of girlfriends on Wisteria Lane includes Bree Hodge (Marcia Cross), Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria), Susan Mayer (Teri Hatcher), Lynette Scavo (Felicity Huffman), Eddie Britt (Nicolette Sheridan) and Katherine Mayfair (Dana Delaney).

2. NCIS:

2003 - Present

Viewers: 18,745,000

Fan Rating: 9.1 (TV.com)

NCIS is a show bringing us the inner workings of the government agency that investigates all crimes involving Navy and Marine Corps personnel. From murder to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents travel the globe to investigate all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.

1. CSI

2000 - Present

Viewers: 19,050,000

Fan Rating: 9.1 (TV.com)

CSI is a new type of crime drama because the characters use top of the line forensic tools to investigate the evidence to solve the case. Rather than a 'whodunnit' cop show, CSI explores the 'howdunnit'. CSI has been the number one scripted series in the Neilsen ratings for four years running. So, CSI deserves the number 1 spot as the best TV show of 2008.