I enjoyed "Carnivale" on HBO....
not for everyone, but i got pretty hooked on it.
My whole family is into "The Sopranos", which is pretty good. My ex friend was on two episodes of that show the first year it came out, i don't know why they stopped using her, as she would have made an interesting character to keep on the show.
Did you see Chuck Norris make a cameo appearance in the film "Dodgeball"?
The movie was silly, but juvenile funny none the less.
if you're looking for dialogue try comedy: i recommend early sex and the city and arrested development. every line is important. do you want structure? try greys anatomy.
and then read poetics by aristotle.
if you want drama, The OC is supposed to be pretty good, but i don't watch it on general principle (all 'young adult' drama just seems like another dawson to me)....but anyways....i'm going to be going away for a while, but hopefully will be back eventually...iffen you want to keep in touch, my screen name is LokisChildsg on aim...
I've had a friend try to get me into 24. I got him into Firefly instead.
Let's see, non-sci-fi/fantasy good shows...
Deadwood (2004-Present) -- A gritty, gritty western, but definitely one of the best shows out right now. They're abbreviated seasons (12 episodes/season), currently waiting for Season 3 to start, and only Season 1's out on DVD so far. Pricey to buy, so I'd rent/borrow/steal if money's an issue. You will come out of it swearing more than a pirate, and the word 'cocksucker' will be a staple in your vocabulary.
Sports Night (1998-2000) -- Aaron Sorkin's first award-winning TV show (creater/writer for The West Wing, A Few Good Men); these are 30 minute episodes of a behind-the-scenes at an ESPN/TSN network in third place. Fast-paced, intelligent dialogue, so you have to pay attention. Plot is a little weaker, but there are common themes running through the two seasons it was on the air before ABC killed it. The first season has a forced laugh track, which they phase out by the end of season 1, thankfully. It's the type of show you either get, and laugh on your own, or you're just too dumb to get. Two full seasons (44 episodes).
Keen Eddie (2003) -- Another show killed off by Fox for being smarter than the audience -- and the execs at Fox. Shot in a Guy Richie, Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels-esque style, with jerky zooms and such; Story of a NYC detective who joins Scotland Yard and has a love/hate relationship with his hot housemate (Sienna Miller). Cut short at 14 episodes, and some episodes are a little uneven, but pretty good series overall.
I know it's Sci-Fi, but if you haven't seen the new Battlestar Galactica series, you're seriously missing out. It's tougher to find in Canada, but the Pilot/Mini-series, Season 1 and part of Season 2 (current season) are on DVD and is easily some of the best sci-fi ever. It's very strong in all areas -- production value, writing, acting, characterization, plot and twists... wonderful television quality that few shows ever reach.
That'll keep your eyes bleeding for quite some time yet.
I really liked the first season of Desperate Housewives. I have friends that swear by Battlestar Galactica as well. (I've only watched the new episodes of that though)
namely Alias, Keen Eddie, and Boston Legal......actually screw the first two and just watch some BL.......fucking Shatner rules. In fact I'm going to go watch it right now, god bless TIVO.
hey luv, i hope u found some good ones, i'd LUV to help but I don't watch TV much at all.... maybe a few times a year but MOVIES.... my collection is like WHOA!!!! Sorry, i haven't stop by in awhile I've been in Florida....
Miss you! 
That one will blow your mind.
The Closer
Just some good character driven cop-drama.