Getting their shot

If it continues much longer, the TV writers' strike will leave our DVR queues almost empty.

But don't despair. Look at it as a chance to discover or reconnect with the great TV of years' gone by, and give thanks that the availability of classic TV on DVD has exploded.

As you embark on your DVD journey through the recent past, I recommend these 25 shows - 15 series that had a decent run and 10 one-season wonders.

1. Once and Again

Aired: 1999-2002 on ABC.

Seasons: Three; the first two are on DVD.

Why it's great: As cozy divorcees, Sela Ward and Billy Campbell prove there is life after 40; their kids also display plenty of angst. There are no less than 20 fascinating characters to follow, and seemingly standard storylines - Jesse has an eating disorder, architect Rick deals with an unethical client - spring to detailed life.

2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Aired: 1997-2003 on The WB and UPN.

Seasons: Seven, all on DVD.

Why it's great: Become pals with Buffy, Willow and Xander in high school and follow them into adulthood as they save the world - a lot. Season 3 is simply delicious as the gang fights an evil Mayor and rogue Slayer Faith, not to mention senioritis.

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3. Veronica Mars

Aired: 2004-07 on UPN and The CW.

Seasons: Three, all on DVD.

Why it's great: The sardonic tone comes from dark film noir, but it's set in southern California, where the sun illuminates the shady characters that our quippy heroine tracks down. The season-long mysteries are gripping, and the single-episode plots are worthy diversions.

4. The Office (UK)

Aired: 2001-03 on BBC.

Seasons: Two six-episode seasons and a Christmas special, all on DVD.

Why it's great: Ricky Gervais creates an iconic pathetic boss in David Brent, and you probably will recognize a lot of his employees from your own workplace. By exploiting the awkward pauses in life, "The Office" exposes a realm of comedy that had largely been untapped.

5. Angel (UK)

Aired: 1999-2004 on The WB.

Seasons: Five, all on DVD.

Why it's great: The titular, brooding vampire handles literal demons much more smoothly than figurative ones in the Los Angeles nightscape. But it's not all doom-and-gloom because the "Buffy" spinoff doesn't hesitate to laugh at itself.

6. Futurama

Aired: 1999-2003 on Fox.

Seasons: Five; all on DVD, split between four volumes.

Why it's great: "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening's other masterpiece mines the past, present and future for commentary, parody and absurdity on a cosmic scale.

7. The X-Files

Aired: 1993-2002 on Fox.

Seasons: Nine, all on DVD.

Why it's great: There are few greater TV pleasures than following Mulder and Scully as they investigate paranormal cases that no other FBI agent will touch. The gritty, deliberate mood is exquisite, especially in the early seasons.

8. The Simpsons

Aired: 1989-current on Fox.

Seasons: 19; the first 10 are on DVD.

Why it's great: The Simpson family and the whole town of Springfield, USA, are wonderful templates for skewering modern politics or simply telling heartfelt stories of a family's love - but with more laughs than most shows.

9. Seinfeld

Aired: 1989-98 on NBC.

Seasons: Nine, all on DVD.

Why it's great: The Show About Nothing defined and reflected a decade by exploring the minutiae of life, a concept that was completely fresh at the time. Classics episodes came early ("The Chinese Restaurant") and in the middle ("The Contest"), while the later episodes - George craves a Twix from an uncooperative vending machine - are bizarre fun.

10. Gilmore Girls

Aired: 2000-07 on The WB and The CW.

Seasons: Seven, all on DVD.

Why it's great: This mother-daughter drama shows that life throws challenges at happy people, too. Stars Hollow is filled with lovable louts like Luke the diner guy, who has a slow-burning romance with Lorelai. The New England town is a joy to look at - regardless of the season, it always seems to be in bloom - and the Sam Phillips' cues match the mood.

11. Family Guy

Aired: 1999-current on Fox.

Seasons: Six; the first four-and-a-half seasons are on DVD, split between five volumes.

Why it's great: This is the classic example of dumb comedy for smart people. Consider the moment earlier this season when Stewie asks Brian if he has any Anacin - there's no point to it except to remind viewers that Anacin used to complete with Advil and Excedrin and then it gradually disappeared from public consciousness. "Family Guy" has perfected this brand of off-the-wall humor.

12. Arrested Development

Aired: 2003-06 on Fox.

Seasons: Three, all on DVD.

Why it's great: From episode one, when George Bluth raves that he's "having the time of (his) life!" in prison, it's clear that this family's perspective is wonderfully skewed. Also delight in Gob, who runs the family banana stand and rides a Segway; George Michael, who can't get enough of his cousin; and Tobias, who wears cutoff shorts in the shower.

13. Roswell

Aired: 1999-2002 on The WB and UPN.

Seasons: Three, all on DVD.

Why it's great: Liz and Max are literally star-crossed lovers - she's a normal human girl, he's from another planet. After they meet, cat-and-mouse chases ensue between the alien teens and probing government operatives. But the seemingly doomed romance is the show's beating heart.

14. Lost

Aired: 2004-current on ABC.

Seasons: Three; the first two are on DVD and Season 3 comes out Dec. 11.

Why it's great: The mysteries of the island are unveiled slowly to the castaways (and us), creating a mesmerizing weave. The flashback stories - where we get to know the survivors, and see how they had previously interacted with their island mates - are a pleasant way to pass the time as we await The Answer at the end of Season 6 in 2009.

15. 24

Aired: 2001-current on Fox.

Seasons: Six; the first five are on DVD and Season 6 comes out Dec. 4.

Why it's great: It hasn't truly mastered the real-time format, but give "24" credit for pretending, at least. The suspense as Jack Bauer and his cohorts track down terrorists is palpable, and the supporting players - like surly techie Chloe - are well-drawn. Skip the misfire of Day 6, but take in the adrenaline rush of the first five outings.

JOHN HANSEN, entertainment editor, may be reached at john.hansen@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5863.