Source: The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.self storageJan. 03--Here we are again, ready to start filling in a new year's calendar with various appointments, school activities and Winter Olympics hockey schedules.Maybe that last one's just me.The reality is that we will make time throughout the year for a whole lot of things that don't necessarily lighten our mood. Television, numbing as it may be at times, also offers genuine laughs, and who couldn't use more of those?Let's face it: As compelling as they can be, shows like "The Walking Dead," "Game of Thrones" or "Sons of Anarchy" can leave the brain feeling permanently bloodstained. At some point, viewers need to detoxify.If you're up for some new laughs for 2014, here are some personal favorites that may trigger some genuine chuckles. (It's not all-inclusive; this list steers away from politics and subscription channels, hence no "Daily Show" or "Veep" included.)"The Big Bang Theory"(CBS, 7 p.m. Thursdays and in syndication)-- I know, I know. Between new episodes and syndication, these nerds seemingly are on all the time. There's a reason for that, though: "Big Bang" is a startlingly good show.Now in its seventh season, the series keeps evolving, stays funny and has incorporated newer characters (played by Melissa Rauch and Mayim Bialik) who've become as indispensable as the original cast. That rarely happens.The maddening Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) remains the epicenter of this universe but Penny(Kaley Cuoco), the "normal" girl who humanized the nerds across the hall, is the other key.Standout episodes:"The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis" (Season 2), "The Pants Alternative" (Season 3), "The Re-Entry Minimization" (Season 6)."The Graham NortonShow" (BBC America, 8 p.m. Saturdays)-- Forget bringing out talk-show guests one at a time, as the U.S. shows do. Comedian/host Norton brings everybody out at once and an hour-long free-for-all commences.The more dissonant the guest list sounds, the more likely the laughs.Don't be put off if you don't recognize some of the guests (it is a British show, after all). Trust Norton to have a chatworthy lineup.It's not for the young ones (though Norton has toned things down from some of his previous series), but for a cheeky hour of adult laughs, it's tough to top."How I Met YourMother" (CBS, 7 p.m.Mondays and in syndication)-- This seems to be a love-it-or-hateit show. I fall into the former group, though I'm glad the series is ending this year (March 31). Its titular premise quickly became the least interesting thing about it.The relationships among a group of New York-based friends (not "Friends") always have been the best part, especially the love story of Marshall and Lily (Jason Segel and Alyson Hannigan). And N迷你倉il Patrick Harris' portrayal of Barney Stinson is, yes, legen . . . wait for it . . . dary.Standout episodes:"Come on" (Season 1), "Swarley" (Season 2), "Bad News" (Season 6).Look for the countdown clues throughout "Bad News," an episode that manages to be funny and heartbreaking."The Middle" (ABC, 7 p.m. Wednesdays and in syndication)-- Five seasons in, it's still overshadowed by "Modern Family" and stupidly shunned at Emmy time, but this is the blue-collar comedy that could. It's in the vein of "Roseanne" but finds a much less acidic way of communicating the humor and frustrations of middleclass family life. Among a pitch-perfect cast, Eden Sher stands out as Sue, the eternally optimistic teenager.Standout episodes:"Mother's Day" (Season 1), "Year of the Hecks" (Season 3), "Bunny Therapy" (Season 4)."The Mindy Project" (Fox, 8:30 p.m.Tuesdays)-- Dr. Mindy Lahiri (series creator/ star Mindy Kaling) has a great career and a screwy personal life. That probably describes two-thirds of network sitcoms; however, Kaling makes fictional Mindy lovably imperfect. She's equal parts Bridget Jones, Mary Tyler Moore and prudish grandma. The supporting cast is great, particularly Chris Messina and the hilariously inappropriate Ike Barinholtz."Mindy" doesn't have the broad appeal of, say, "Big Bang"; it's pretty bawdy for a network show and its humor is an acquired taste. Still, I now find myself looking forward to this show more than the one that precedes it ("The New Girl"), and that wasn't the case when both premiered.Standout episodes:"Teen Patient" and "Frat Party" (Season 1)."Parks and Recreation" (NBC, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and in syndication)-- This is my favorite comedy on TV, no contest, though it took a while to get hooked ("Hunting Trip" cemented the deal).Quirky, yes, but these are some of the best characters ever written and Amy Poehler, playing happy civil servant Leslie Knope, is TV's comedy queen (sorry, Tina). Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson? Sublime.Most heartening of all, it's a series defined by its sweetness and decency.The only thing I don't like about "Parks and Rec" is NBC's helterskelter scheduling and lack of promotion. It's "Friday Night Lights" all over again and is weirdly disrespectful, given how valuable Poehler is to this network.Standout episodes:"Hunting Trip" (Season 2), "Flu Season" (Season 3), "The Debate" (Season 4), "Halloween Surprise" (Season 5). "Hoosiers" fans should watch for some sly references to that movie in "The Debate" (the series is set in fictional Pawnee, Ind.).amym@chieftain.comCopyright: ___ (c)2014 The Pueblo Chieftain (Pueblo, Colo.) Visit The Pueblo Chieftain (Pueblo, Colo.) at .chieftain.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉將軍澳
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