» Top 20

From touchy subjects (abortion, homosexuality, Scientology!) to naughty touches (in all sorts of places), we've got all the bases covered in our rundown of the Top 20 Television Controversies of all time.

So, read through our list of TV's most shocking events, moments and mishaps ... and prepare to be scandalized. -- By Adam Duerson

You may not know their names, but you know their faces and the products they sell. They're TV's commercial pitchmen and mascots -- and while we recall some of them fondly (R.I.P., Billy Mays and the Taco Bell chihuahua), there are far more who make us cringe, groan and reach not for our wallets, but the remote.

Yet no matter how many times we change the channel, we can't seem to escape them. EVER. Who are these people (and animals), and why do they torture us so? From a waitress to a rabbit, from cavemen to a king, make way for the 20 most annoying pitchmen and mascots in television commercial history.

Oh, bad boys, what would we do without you? While in real life you're more trouble than you're worth, on screen your sulky swaggering, tough talk and icy eyes almost always belie a tender heart beneath the bravado. And that's where you're best enjoyed -- from a safe distance.

Here's a look at the TV desperados who made our hearts melt, in our countdown of TV's Top 20 Bad Boys. -- By Liane Bonin

Real-life dads are sometimes preoccupied with their careers and distracted by life's many complications. Happily, on TV, all dads have plenty of quality time to share with their kids, while dispensing encouraging words and occasional tough love.

Maybe that's because TV dads never spend much time at work. (We're pretty sure everyone's fathers would sign up for that!) Step into the wonderful make-believe world where every day is Father's Day, and join us as we count down our 20 favorite TV dads. -- By Jefferson Reid

'The Tonight Show' has been a late-night institution for more than 50 years (yes, that's right -- half a century).

Jack Paar, who took over the reins from Steve Allen in '57, put the show on the map, with big-name guests and outspoken antics. Johnny Carson, who stepped in when Paar left, made the show appointment viewing for millions of fans and became one of the most beloved TV hosts of all time.

Now, with Jay Leno's last 'Tonight Show' airing Fri., May 29, and Conan O'Brien taking the desk while Leno makes the unprecedented move to prime time, to a 10 PM slot in the fall, we look back and count down the top 20 moments of 'The Tonight Show.'

With our list of top 20 TV doctors ever, we've got good news and bad news.

On the upside, there are no premiums to pay, no forms to fill out, no surprise bills to ambush you -- and, best of all, your practitioners are almost uniformly gorgeous, talented and caring. On the downside, they're not real doctors (though they played them on TV). Sigh.

Browse the best and brightest in our preferred provider network of the 20 best TV doctors of all time.

Love is a man and a woman ... and often on our favorite prime-time shows, another man or woman thrown in to add some drama, passion and intrigue to the mix.

From one of the first night-time soaps ('Peyton Place') to one of the most popular sitcoms of all time ('Friends'), TV series have kept us watching by keeping true love from running its course -- in the most entertaining (and treacherous!) ways.

We count down the 20 hottest love triangles in TV history.

President Palmer ... Mayor Quimby ... President Roslin ... see where they rank on our list.

Just like their real-life counterparts, TV politicians will say and do anything to get your support.

The difference? Instead of a ballot, they want you to vote with your remote. And on TV, a politico's constituents are nothing more than ratings boosters. OK, so maybe there's not a huge difference.

From the obvious (three 'West Wing' pols make the list) to the more obscure (did you even know there was an elected official on 'The Wire'?), we count down the top 20 TV politicians of all time. Read through our list and let us know if you think we need a recount or if our list is full of winners.

Beverly Hills, 90210 ... 21 Jump Street ... The Facts of Life ... see where they rank on our list.

The bad news? Summer's almost over and it's nearly time for school again.

The good news? We've got just the thing to ease you into back-to-school mode: Our countdown of TV's 21 best school shows ever.

So sharpen your No. 2 pencil and dive in to see which series just make the grade and which ones are at the top of the class.