Action and reality shows are the staples of good primetime television. Lost is a relatively new series that has just run its first season in the USA. In this thrilling show, forty-something passengers have survived a plane crash on a deserted island. The star, Jake, is a sexy doctor and natural leader although he doesn't want to be. Another lead character is Kate, who has a suspicious history but is tough and hot. The other characters are equally fascinating and each episode lets you in on more. There is something mysterious about the island, and viewers learn that Locke was in a wheelchair before the crash and now can walk. Other strange things happen as well, such as mysterious sightings, including that of a polar bear!

Made by the same people who present Lost, Alias stars Jennifer Garner as a double agent. She goes on seemingly impossible missions and completes them unscathed, like some superhero. There are constant new twists and turns in the plot, which keep the show fresh and alive. The supporting cast includes her CIA handler, Michael Vartan playing agent Vaughn. The two dated in real life, but now Jennifer Garner is with Ben Affleck.

CSI is a favourite that has generated two spin-off shows, one set in Miami and the newest one set in New York. No one can beat the original though, which is set in Las Vegas and sports a cast that was unknown before the show. You can watch the quirky but super-intelligent Gil Grisham and his team of young crime scene investigators solving two crimes in about 45 minutes. Even though they aren’t really cops, they act like it!

From the reality segment of shows, Survivor has remained popular, going through several seasons with various destinations. Groups of real people are stranded in remote locations and left to fend for themselves and face elaborate challenges where they can win immunity. They vote each other off one at a time and the winner receives one million US dollars.

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