(2 of 2)
10 PARTY OF FIVE (FOX) Few series have managed so successfully to overcome such a contrived premise. Focusing on five orphaned siblings who must fend for themselves after their parents are killed in an accident, the show (struggling through its second low-rated season) explores teenage life, romantic commitment and family attachments with a wistfulness and honesty that never seem corny.
...AND THE WORST
CROSS-POLLINATION Whiny urbanites are indistinguishable enough on sitcoms; now, maddeningly, they're turning up on one another's shows. On NBC, Friends' David Schwimmer visited The Single Guy; Matthew Perry made a guest appearance on Caroline in the City; and Caroline's Lea Thompson returned the favor on Friends. Better idea: force them all into group therapy and tape a special.