One of the best shows on TV.

We all heard the critics singing its praises last season when it premiered. And then at the end of the year when critics started making top ten lists and such and the show was in danger of cancellation. And then again when it was in running for Emmy consideration (for which it was sadly overlooked). And then once again at the beginning of this season when the show again was, and remains, in danger of cancellation.

And if you were like me, you proceeded to ignore most of that. For me, it was that I'm not a football fan. I'd never even seen the movie, either. The show, then, wasn't going to make my fall schedule.

So now, having taken the word of fans and the aforementioned critics and finally made my way through season one (it's on Netflix Watch Now and NBC.com, p.s.), I'm not going to gush over what makes the show so awesome, as I'm sure that if you've read any piece written about the show by any major publication, you've already heard how outstanding the acting, writing, characters, and camera work are.

Instead, in your writers' strike downtime, I'm just going to plead for you guys to at least consider catching up on the first season of what I think is the best, most purely moving drama on TV right now.

I can't see a show with this much heart go down after the season and a half. There's no other show on the air right now that has me going like this as often as this show does.

So, come on. I beg of you.

Friday Night Lights. Watch it.

I've been on the brink and probably would have checked it out next summer but your recommendation means alot at least to my taste and I've never used the Netflix Watch Now thing so maybe it's a great time to start. Maybe thanksgiving weekend!

I watched the first four episodes recently, and I quite enjoyed it. I haven't brought myself to watch more, so I guess it's not the BEST thing on TV for me. But when I get a chance, I'll probably watch this over something else.

ive been saying this since the second episode of the first season. It's in my top 3 shows. Season 2 hasn't been up to par with season 1 but i blame that on the whole landry killing the dude. but it's still better than almost all other tv shows.

Season 2 has been quite a let down, with only recent episodes showing any signs of S1 quality.

the last two have been the same quality of season 1

I have read that a certain storyline kinda crippled the second season. The review said it would be hard to recover from that.

But on a somewhat related note... I saw FNL movie when it was out in theaters and thought it was very good (I really liked it) and I'm not even a sports films guy. That's why I was always interested in watching it but never enough to devote an hour a week. Too busy.

I didn't like the movie, didn't like the book either. So I had my reservations about the series. Only when Amazon had it for 19 box, I couldn't resist. And boy did I miss out on something. This show is just incredible, especially in the acting area. Kyle Chandler: genious. Just an awesome hour of television

And the storyline you're referring to isn't as bad as it was made. I just hope they can get out of it decently

I haven't watched it because I thought the movie was well directed but the storyline had me rolling my eyes on more than one occasion. The scene at the end of The Big Game where the guy is still moving forward despite half a dozen guys holding him back, only to stop at the one yard line had me and my friend laughing out loud in the theater. That said I'd give the show a chance except I limit myself to one show on DVD at a time, and right now I'm just starting season two of the fucking fantastic Deadwood.

dkmuto speaks the truth

this season is starting to pick up. Coach being away was never gonna work,

Yeah I couldn't believe they made the same mistake that The Office did last year. The last two episodes have been good.

Just watched the pilot, enjoyed it.
I'll give it a shot.


*edit* I'm on episode 5...

I'm hooked.

I love the book, enjoy the movie, but I have never seen the show.

I mean, I don't want to get people's hopes up. The show won't SHATTER your world, but it is affecting, and beautifully restrained, which is especially refreshing in the era of Grey's Anatomy, etc.

The young actors (all unknown) aren't perfect, but they improve as the show progresses, and each of them gets one or two show-stopping scenes before the season's end (for instance, be on the lookout for a fantastic performance by the girl who plays the coach's daughter in the "moving to Austin" episode). As I'm sure you've heard, though, Kyle Chandler, but especially Connie Britton, are so good. There aren't two more believable characters on TV. (Which is refreshing, in the era of, yanno, Grey's Anatomy.)

Raffiki - I think you'll like it. Our tastes seem to align when it comes to dramas. TV in general, actually.

Mr. X - I wouldn't say I was decidedly hooked until six or seven episodes in, so keep watching!

PE - Glad to see another fan. How far in are you now?

Happy Thanksgiving, guys.

I'm on episode 13. Think I watched 4 episodes today...

Besides here I never really heard much about the show, so it's been a pleasant surprise going through each episode and enjoying it as much as I am. The cast is really great.

I think I'll be able to finish S1 + the episodes that have been aired of S2 to catch up by next Friday.

Made it through the first two episodes of this season.

You know, I'm still loving it.

The murder thing wouldn't have been my top story line choice for a show so praised for its realism, but I think it's working so far. (Again, though, I'm only up through episode two.)

The scene at the end where Landry told Tyra he loved her was awesome. Then again, I pretty much love any scene with those two in it.

great news but i'll wait until nbc makes it official. Hopefully if it is true, nbc will get there hands off FNL and let the writers write what they want. not what nbc thinks they need.

Bump.

Season 3 premiered on Directv last week. I finally was able to find the episode online since i dont have DirecTV. I thought it was a lot better then the season 2 premiere and felt a lot like season 1. I'm very excited to see where they are headed this season.

Great start to the season! Despite the obvious budget cuts, it was a much better episode than the season two premiere with many fantastic scenes. I especially loved Tyra when she confronted the college counselor, and the last scene with Smash and Coach Taylor. This season should definitely be fantastic! It's nice to have this show back. And for the record, the DirecTV episodes are about 10 minutes longer than the ones that aired on NBC in the previous seasons.

Just watched the second episode of the season and it was great. I'm loving Tyra's storyline this season and the storyline with Matt was really touching and effective. I hope he gets back together with Julie soon. This season has been great so far!

Has anyone else been watching this season? It's AMAZING. Such phenomenal performances and direction every week. The entire ensemble is shining this year. And the scene in the eighth episode with Street's final scene might be my favorite moment of the show ever. This is hands down one of the best dramas on television.

Watching last night's episode now.

Fantastic episode. I love that the road is being paved for a Tyra-Landry reunion, their scenes together were great. And the final moment between Tyra and her mother was incredibly touching. I also loved that the situation between J.D. and his father finally reached its tipping point - the scene with them in the parking lot was intense and then Eric and Tami respectively talking to J.D and his mother about what happened was great. The storyline with Matt and his grandma was really sad, I'm glad his mom is back and he doesn't have to go through it alone. And it's interesting seeing Tim as one of the most respectable characters on the show right now, especially after his rough start in the first season.

Is there a show that wasn't amazing and phenomenal (with superb acting and brilliant directing, not to mention genious writing) for you this season?

A fair amount, actually. The only shows really on top of their game creatively right now that I watch are Pushing Daisies, Friday Night Lights, Gossip Girl, 30 Rock, Desperate Housewives and Dirty Sexy Money (not including the shows that have either finished their respective seasons or have yet to premiere this season).