20 TV Shows That Are Still Popular

There are tons of TV shows out there to watch. Nothing beats the classic ones from the 1970s-1990s. They still hold up to this day. Thomas West, a writer for the MSN.com page YardBarker, has compiled a list of 20 TV shows that are still popular

Ironically, I actually watch quite a few of these shows. Such as The Golden Girls, I Love Lucy, The Carol Burnett Show, Scooby Doo, Where Are You?, Murder, She Wrote

1. The West Wing

-This political drama gives a good side to government. It shows that there are people who work in government offices who really do have the best interests of the people as their top consideration. This show is a great reminder of alternative options to handling situations

2. The Nanny

-It's a pretty hilarious sitcom. There was humor all around, from Fran Drescher's character to the kids, and there was romance between Fran Fine and her boss Mr. Sheffield. Then, of course, was the long running rivalry between C.C. and Niles. Overall, the show had a good heart as well

3. Maude

-Bea Arthur is mostly known for playing outspoken, sarcastic Dorothy Zbornak on The Golden Girls. Prior to this, she starred on the 1970s television show Maude, as an outspoken feminist. She played a fiery feminist not afraid to speak her mind about the issues of the day, including abortion. And who doesn't love Bea Arthur?

4. All in the Family

-This 1970s-era television show dealt with all of the issues in the world at that time, such as gay rights, feminism, abortion, etc. There was an almost constant battle of the wits between Archie Bunker and his  daughter and son in law. The issues they debate about are still hot topics to this day and it makes the show feel relevant

5. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

-For many who grew up in the 1990s, Will Smith will always be The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. There is a strong sense of culture clash, as Will's character came from the working class area of Philadelphia and suddenly finds himself in the affluent area of Bel-Air, California. His humor is constantly present, making the show funny and also an overall good show to watch. It even spawned a new spin off called Bel-Air

6. Seinfeld

-There is not really much of a premise or plot to the show. It's a show about nothing. Somehow, it's found popularity with people. It's still popular thanks to streaming services. The characters still resonate with people, despite going off of the air nearly thirty years ago

7. Star Trek

-This is one of the most influential sci-fi shows around. It still holds up well to this day. The costumes and special effects seem incredibly outdated, especially in a world that now uses CGI and AI to do special effects. But, it's the outdated costumes and special effects that people love most. The show provided something that was joyful, exciting about the extents that it would go to regarding progressive points of view. It's from a time where things were far simpler. It's still popular to this day and finding new fans almost constantly

8. Scooby Doo, Where Are You?

-There have been few animated characters who have had a long, successful career. One of them is Scooby Doo. He is one of the most successful animated characters, inspiring spin off TV shows, television movies, such as Zombie Island, Alien Invaders, etc. Airing in the late 1960s, the show featured a cowardly Great Dane and five kids solving mysteries the old fashioned way, with clues and investigations. It's a reminder of the days when Saturday morning cartoons were a tradition with kids while others love the simply fun of an old fashioned mystery

9. Gunsmoke

-One of the many Western television programs on TV, they were quite popular in the 1950s. While many of the shows have been long since forgotten, Gunsmoke is not one of them. This show ran twenty seasons, from the 1950s to the 1970s. Today, it might seen as old fashioned, but it still holds up well. Many love the show for the great performances of James Arness, Milburn Stone and Amanda Blake

10. The Jeffersons

-This show was a revolution in TV. Staying on the air from 1975-1985, it showed an upwardly moving black couple and their family. It showed this family in a positive way in an era where black actors and actresses often got stuck in typecast roles. The show appealed to many because of the heartfelt and humorous relationship between Louise "Weezy" Jefferson and her husband George, played by Isabel Sanford and Sherman Hemsley. To this day, this show is still popular and is also gaining new fans

11. The Carol Burnett Show

-This show is still popular thanks to streaming services. When it aired on TV, it was sure to be a night of laughs and music. The lady for whom the show is named, Carol Burnett, starred in sketches along with comedic actors Harvey Korman and Tim Conway. Many of the sketches are still remembered to this day, like the spoof of Gone with the Wind. In the case of the show, it was Went with the Wind. And there were so many guest stars, both actors, actresses and musicians, that everyone loved to see who was going to turn up in a sketch, from Julie Andrews to Jim Nabors to Maggie Smith to The Jackson 5 and more. Each episode of the show would end with the current guest star signing their autograph in a book for Carol. This show even inspired a spin off called Mama's Family, starring Vicki Lawrence as the titular Mama. Carol Burnett would appear from time to time playing Eunice

12. The Mary Tyler Moore Show

-Despite being something straight out of the 1970s, and a second wave of feminism following, the show is still popular. It was revolutionary at the time because it featured an unmarried, independent w

13. Designing Women

-Similar to The Golden Girls, this program, created by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, focused on a group of four women who run a design firm in Atlanta, Georgia. This show dealt with touchy topics, such as HIV / AIDS. It was on TV during the 1980s and 1990s and is still a beloved TV show to this day

14. Cheers

-Everyone knows the iconic theme to this show centered around a Boston bar. This show was the very definition of workplace sitcom. It centered on Sam Malone, a bartender running a Boston bar and the various people who enter and leave the bar. Despite being on in the 1980s, it seems dated by today's standards. It's still popular for those looking for a good laugh. And some can even quote the show, like people quoting Norm by saying "It's a dog eat dog world and I'm wearing Milk Bone underwear"

15. M*A*S*H

-This TV show was based on a book of the same name. It told the story of a medical unit in Korea during the Korean War. It found the right balance between drama and comedy, creating tear-inducing laughing and heartbreaking grief. It's easy to see why this show still holds up today

16. Murder, She Wrote

-This show takes place in the Maine town of Cabot Cove. It centers on a murder mystery writer named Jessica Fletcher who always manages to find herself at the center of a juicy mystery. Angela Lansbury plays this role perfectly. There's just something about this show that people love. Whether it's the cozy, timeless feel of it or that it's good old fashioned detective work, this show never gets old

17. The Twilight Zone

-Rod Serling and his show The Twilight Zone, have remained one of the most thought-inducing programs out there. Each episode had a moral to learn. So it was as much educational as it was entertaining. Rod Serling had the ability to take anxieties people felt and turn them into stories that were terrifying to watch for the time. When you watch it, it takes you back to 1950s era America and the concerns plaguing the world at that time and their relation to current events

18. Kolchak: The Night Stalker

-This was a short lived television series. It had just 20 episodes. Despite its short run, it did make an impact on some people. It was said to have even inspired The X-Files. Darren McGavin played the title character and the stories were quite scary for the time period. While it doesn't rely on special effects, it relies on an eerie atmosphere, which is the reason it's still entertaining to watch

19. I Love Lucy

-Two of the most remembered episodes of this program were "Lucy Gets a Job" and Lucy Does a Commercial." There's no doubt Lucille Ball was the genius of comedy in the 1950s. She was thrown into superstardom with her program I Love Lucy. Despite airing in the 1950s, something about the show just makes it loveable. Her comedy style was hilarious, joyful and a refreshing change. Lucille Ball is a master of physical comedy as well as sarcastic remarks and facial expressions. It's no wonder the show is still highly popular, thanks to streaming services allowing people to re-discover this show and new fans to discover the show

20. The Golden Girls

-No one can deny the comedic genius of Bea Arthur (Dorothy), Estelle Getty (Sophia), Rue McClanahan (Blanche) and Betty White (Rose). Despite going on the air in 1992, the show was funny, heartfelt, with great actors and actresses, and politically relevant for the time period. They often discussed issues that were just as relevant then as they are now, from same-sex marriage to care and concerns for the elderly and the problems with aging. They tackle these issues with comedy, and cheesecake, of course

25 Iconic Roles That Can Never Be Played by Anyone Else

We've all seen movies where, if we try to picture someone else playing that role, it just doesn't or won't work out. According to poptier.com, here are 25 iconic roles that won't work with anyone else.

I've also included fun facts you may or may not have known about either that film or the actor / actress mentioned

1. Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones

-It felt like a sign. Harrison Ford playing the archaeologist we all know and love. It's near impossible to imagine anyone else playing this sarcastic, but loveable character

-Fun fact: During filming of Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom, he scared director Steven Spielberg by running across the rope bridge to test its safety. He did this without warning

2. Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter

-No one else could have been better at this character than Anthony Hopkins. He has a chillingly calm manner in which he speaks, it's almost impossible to believe his character actually did the crimes he was accused of. No one else could have done this role

-Fun fact: He is proud of the improvisational touches he added to the role of Dr. Hannibal Lecter. This can be seen in the part where he mocks Jodie Foster's character Clarice Starling's West Virginia accent, his use of the word "chianti" and the disturbing slurping sound he made after he talked about eating the census-taker. He also never blinked when he spoke

3. Heath Ledger as The Joker in The Dark Knight

-This version of The Joker is closer to the actual comic book version than the Jack Nicholson version. Heath Ledger's portrayal of The Joker adds chaos, anarchy and downright psychosis into his character. He created a version of The Joker that no one else can outdo

-Fun fact: Heath Ledger took this role instead of playing the male lead role in Baz Luhrmann's pre-WWII 2008 film Australia. The male lead role went to Hugh Jackman instead

4. Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley in the Alien series

-Sigourney Weaver playing Ellen Ripley redefined the idea of female action hero. She combines strength and vulnerability into a character that has inspired other female action heroes

-Fun fact: The role of Ellen Ripley inspired the video game heroine Samus Aran in Metroid

5. Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean series

-He's eccentric, charming, loveable. Johnny Depp brought this character in to pop culture, where he remains a popular character. Johnny Depp made Captain Jack Sparrow an iconic Disney character that you can't help but love

-Fun fact: He based Captain Jack Sparrow on both Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and Looney Tunes character Pepe Le Pew

6. Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in the X-Men series

-Hugh Jackman took this role and made it a defining role in his career. He took the character, who was a mutant with deadly sharp claws, and added vulnerability and strong intensity, along with a bit of sarcasm and made it one of his best known roles

-Fun fact: He underwent extremely physical training for each of the times in which he's played Wolverine. When he is in peak condition, he can bench press more than 300 pounds

7. Vivien Leigh in Gone with the Wind

-Vivien Leigh took the role of Scarlet O'Hara and made it unique. This character is now well entrenched into popular culture, so much so that if someone else tried to do the role, it simply wouldn't work

-Fun fact: She was obsessed with hiding her large hands in gloves. She owned more than 150 pairs of gloves and in the original story of Gone with the Wind, her character, Scarlet O'Hara, is described as having small hands

8. Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark aka Iron Man

-Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark is a unique one. He's sarcastic and even arrogant, but you couldn't imagine anyone else playing him. Robert Downey Jr. makes the role of billionaire tech magnate Tony Stark loveable and iconic

-Fun fact: For the 2008 Japanese premier of Iron Man, he ran into trouble with Japanese authorities for failing to disclose his incredible criminal record. When they ran his passport, they discovered numerous times in prison and arrests for criminal activity. He was sentenced to six hours of interrogation and was almost barred from the country. Authorities allowed him entry into Japan just the one time for the premier, but to this day, he barred from entering Japan

9. Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln

-Whoever had chosen Daniel Day-Lewis to portray Abraham Lincoln deserves a promotion. Day-Lewis' performance as the former president was unforgettable. He had Lincoln's mannerisms down perfect and, with a little help from the makeup department, he looked just like the former president

-Fun fact: At the 2012 premier of Lincoln, he used the premier to bring awareness to the Wicklow Hospice Foundation and also use it as a fundraiser

10. James Earl Jones as the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars series

-The deep, almost booming voice you hear as the voice of Darth Vader is thanks to James Earl Jones. The deep voice seemed almost perfectly suited for this role, giving it a slightly sinister feel. That deep voice will be forever tattooed into the minds of every Star Wars fan for eternity. So much so that trying to imagine any other voice would be impossible

-Fun fact: George Lucas had in mind to use famed author Orson Welles as the voice of Darth Vader. Since Welles was too well known, he used an actor with a deep voice similar to Welles, which is how James Earl Jones got the role of Darth Vader

11. Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada

-Miranda Priestly is the character played by Meryl Streep. She added not only intimidation, but also sophistication to the fashion editor role. It's one of Streep's best known roles

-Fun fact: She kept the sunglasses she used in this movie and used them during a scene in the film Mamma Mia!

12. Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's

-She was charming and graceful, with unique fashion to add in. Audrey Hepburn's role as Holly Golightly was incredibly iconic. She became associated with style, charm and sophistication

-Fun fact: The black dress she wore in this film was designed by Hubert de Givenchy. It was auctioned off and sold at a Christie's auction house for $920,000

13. Renee Zellweger in Bridget Jones series

-Renee Zellweger took the role of Bridget Jones and made her a person actual women could relate to. That's often hard to do. She took this role and made Bridget a charming, funny woman who other women could actually relate to

-Fun fact: She put on 20 pounds for her role in Bridget Jones's Diary

14. Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series

-Daniel Radcliffe will forever be known for the role of The Boy Who Lived. He's become so well known for this role that it's near impossible to imagine anyone else playing the role

-Fun fact: After finding he was cast as Harry Potter, filmmakers wanted him to use contacts, giving him the appearance of having green eyes because the character in the story had green eyes. Unfortunately, the contacts caused a painful allergic reaction. Then it was suggested altering his eye color digitally, but it would have been too much work. Filmmakers finally approached J.K. Rowling and told her their problem. She said it was no problem that Daniel didn't have green eyes, only that he had his mother's eyes. This was a relief to everyone involved

15. Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone in The Godfather

-This is one of the most iconic roles in all of movie history. His deep, raspy voice is well known. Brando's role as the patriarch of the Corleone family is definitely well known. His slow and deliberate manner of speaking can't be replicated by anyone else

-Fun fact: Shortly before he died in 2004, he gave the video game company EA Games permission to use his voice for his character Don Vito Corleone for their video game The Godfather (2006)

16. Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump

-This role just goes to show how good of an actor Tom Hanks is. He can take any role and bring it to life with drama, hilarious comedy that brings tears to your eyes from laughing so hard or times when you cry with sadness. Forrest Gump is a role that shows Tom Hanks playing an innocent and kind hearted man who is a bit slow, but still well meaning in his intentions

-Fun fact: In the movie, his daughter Elizabeth Hanks plays the girl on the bus who refuses to let Forrest Gump sit next to her

17. Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music

-Julie Andrews playing Maria, with her excellent singing and excellent acting skills, have made this one of pop culture's most loved films. If anyone else tried this, they may come close, but they won't outdo Julie Andrews

-Fun fact: For her role of Maria in The Sound of Music, she had learned to play guitar

18. Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz

-The film couldn't have been what it was without Judy Garland. She not only had the right age range for the role of Dorothy Gale, but also she had the right singing and acting for it. She had the wide-eyed girl from Kansas role down perfectly. So much so that she's become part of popular culture to this day

-Fun fact: Mary Ann on the TV show Gilligan's Island was inspired by Judy Garland's role of Dorothy Gale

19. Christopher Reeve as Superman in the Superman series

-This is one of Christopher Reeve's best known roles. He brought the iconic superhero to the big screen and made him strong, but sincere, and willing to help those in need. All other actors who have played the Man of Steel have come close, but no one will outdo Christopher Reeve

-Fun fact: He was only 24 when he was cast as the Man of Steel, making him the youngest actor to ever play Superman

20. Jamie Lee Curtis in the Halloween series

-Jamie Lee Curtis redefined the idea of "scream queen" of the horror movie world. As Laurie Strode, she set a standard for all female leads in horror movies to go by

-Fun fact: She has played the role of Laurie Strode in six of the Halloween movies in the series

21. Al Pacino as Scarface

-Al Pacino's role as the iconic Cuban refugee-turned-cocaine king Tony Montana remains firmly entrenched in popular culture to this day. He took the role and made Tony Montana a larger than life character who would stop at nothing to be at the top

-Fun fact: In the scene where Tony Montana tries on Elvira's hat, that was ad libbed. Michelle Pfeiffer's reaction was real

22. Robin Williams as the Genie in Aladdin

-The energy and improvisation Robin Williams is known for was unleashed when he got the role of the Genie. He brought the character to the forefront of Aladdin in such a way that no one could outdo the comedic genius of

-Fun fact: Robin Williams improvised so many lines he almost sixteen hours of material to work with

23. Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca

-The Swedish-born actress took the role of Ilsa Lund in Casablanca and made it a role no one else could play. The emotions she showed, along with her unique beauty, made this role an iconic one. If this movie were to be remade using today's technology, it wouldn't even come close to the success and perfection of this movie

-Fun fact: Many of the actors who played the Nazis in the film were played by actual European Jews who had fled Nazi Europe

24. Clark Gable as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind

-Clark Gable took the role of Rhett Butler and made it his own. He redefined the idea of the male film hero. He added a touch of sarcasm and humor to the role and with his charisma and success with Vivien Leigh on set, he made Rhett Butler a hero anyone who has seen the movie would love

-Fun fact: During the scene where Rhett is pouring Mammy a drink to celebrate the birth of her daughter Bonnie, Clark Gable played a practical joke. Instead of tea, he poured alcohol into the decanter without telling Hattie McDaniel. When she took a drink, he quickly found out it was not tea

25. Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor in the Terminator series

-Resilience and determination are two words to describe the iconic character Sarah Connor, played by Linda Hamilton in the Terminator series. Starting out as a vulnerable waitress and transformed into a tough as nails warrior, she set a new standard for female action heroines that is hard to beat

-Fun fact: While filming Terminator 2: Judgement Day, she suffered permanent hearing damage in one of her ears as a result of firing a gun in an elevator without her ear plugs

17 Disney Movies No One Talks About Anymore

Disney has made dozens of movies over the years. But some have gotten thrown to the wayside in favor of other movies or are just criminally underrated and should have gotten more attention. Here are 17 Disney movies seemingly forgotten by most in favor of other Disney movies or are underrated

1. The Emperor's New Groove (2000)

-Summary: An arrogant emperor is turned into a llama when he's given the wrong poison by his adviser. And in order to get back to his palace, he turns to the help of a lowly peasant

-This one has some iconic lines. It may not be liked by everyone, it may not be on the same level as, say, Beauty & the Beast or The Little Mermaid, but it's still a classic in its own right.

2. Meet the Robinsons (2007)

-Summary: Lewis is a child who is also an inventor. He's whisked away to the future with a guy named Wilbur Robinson, who is on the hunt for a person known only as Bowler Hat Guy

-This is a cute little Disney movie appropriate for all ages. It may not be well known, but it's worth a watch. It's hilarious and adorable

3. The Black Cauldron (1985)

-Summary: A young boy and a crew of misfit friends embark on a mission to find a item full of dark magic before an evil tyrant can locate it

-This was a bit of a dark journey for Disney. Normally Disney movies don't delve into dark magic, but this one did. It stands out amongst other Disney movies because of its references to dark magic

4. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

-Summary: Basil, a rat Sherlock Holmes, is on the case of a missing toy maker who has been kidnapped and discovers his arch enemy, Professor Ratigan is a possible culprit

-It's everything you love about Sherlock Holmes, only transformed into animals

5. Treasure Planet (2002)

-Summary: Jim Hawkins, a teenager who sets off with friends, are on a mission to find a treasure hidden by a space pirate

-This movie manages to combine traditional and digital animation

6. Oliver and Company (1988)

-Summary: A kitten lost in New York City joins a ragtag group of dogs engaging in petty larceny

-This Disney movie is the Disney twist on the classic Charles Dickens' tale of Oliver Twist. Instead of humans, it's animals. There's Oliver, a lost kitten who joins a streetwise dog named Dodger

7. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

-Summary: A bell ringer named Quasimodo must become independent so he can rescue his gypsy friend Esmerelda from a vicious lord

-This movie deals with some dark elements, certainly pushing the limit on a Disney movie. This movie is unique in its animation and storytelling, about accepting people and inner strength

8. Brother Bear (2003)

-Summary: A young Inuit kills a bear for no reason. As a result, he is transformed, by magic, into a bear as punishment. The only way he can change back is with the help of a talkative bear cub

-This unique Disney movie takes a dive into the Inuit culture of Alaska and, with Phil Collins of Genesis providing music, it's worth watching

9. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

-Summary: Milo Thatch is a linguist who joins a group of people looking for the fabled city of Atlantis

-A film like no other, this movie combines mystery, sci-fi and Disney animation

10. Bolt (2008)

-Summary: The dog from a popular action/sci-fi show shows he has real super powers when he embarks on a cross country journey to save his co-star from a threat that proves to be real

-There are themes of loyalty, friendship and self-discovery throughout the film

11. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

-Summary: Miss Bianca and Bernard travel to the land Down Under to save a boy and a rare golden eagle from a poacher with murderous intentions

-This is the first animated Disney film sequel. This movie often gets overlooked, for reasons unknown to this day. It shows the Australian wilderness, often known as the Outback, in stunning color, and the themes of friendship and courage make it worth watching

12. The Sword in the Stone (1963)

-Summary: A boy named Arthur learns he is the one destined to pull Excalibur from the stone it rests in. Along with the help of a wizard named Merlin, he learns love, kindness, knowledge and bravery as he goes on to be one of the most celebrated kings in English history

-This movie does not get the recognition it so rightly deserves. It shows a young boy named Arthur and centers on the topics of magic, humor and is filled with life lessons one could use

13. Robin Hood (1973)

-Summary: Animals telling the famous tale of Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham

-This movie reinterprets the classic story of Robin Hood and his battle with the Sheriff of Nottingham for kids to understand

14. Hercules (1997)

-Summary: The only son of Greek god Zeus and wife Hera is raised as a mortal infant and must rise to the occasion and become a true hero to regain his immortality

-This modernized story of the Greek god Hercules falls to the wayside in favor of other Disney movies. It adds a quirky touch to the story, including a satyr named Phil and a seductive heroine named Megara

15. A Goofy Movie (1995)

-Summary: Max promises a girl he has a crush on that he's going to a concert for musician Powerline. But his plans are derailed when he instead goes on a cross country journey with his embarrassing dad, Goofy

-This movie goes hardly seen by anyone. Unless you grew up watching Disney movies, not everyone will be familiar with this movie. This movie explores the relationship between Goofy and his teen son Max, exploring the sometimes difficult parent-teen relationship

16. Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World (1998)

-Summary: When Pocahontas moves to the New World with her friends Meeko, Flit and Percy, she learns of John Smith's death. She must try to prevent war and battle

-This movie continues the story of Pocahontas as she moves to England and encounters a culture completely foreign to her. She faces the challenge of keeping peace between her people and the English

17. Home on the Range (2004)

-Summary: The animals on a farm go hunting for a notorious outlaw in order to save their farm from closure

-Centering on a farm where the animals are trying to save their farm from an outlaw, it may not seem like an original story. But this movie is funny and lighthearted, perfect for when you need a good laugh