Dearie Awards 2009: Television Show of the Year - GLEE

The title of Glee is most fitting, for that is exactly what we are filled with each time we watch it. Creator Ryan Murphy's musical dramedy — think Election meets High School Musical by way of American Idol — defied all the odds to become a pop culture sensation in 2009. And, if the continuing string of hit iTunes singles, four Golden Globe nominations (more than any other TV program this year) and a growing fan base of dearly devoted "Gleeks" everywhere are any indication, it is only just beginning.

Glee's deft mixture of relentless optimism and biting cynicism helped it overcome any false notes along the way (most infamously: that credibility-straining fake pregnancy storyline). It has also made instant stars of its multi-talented, Screen Actors Guild nominated cast, including Broadway faves Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele, break out hunks Cory Monteith and Mark Salling, newbie Chris Colfer, and ace scene stealer Jane Lynch. To borrow the title of its most famous song: don't stop believing in Glee!

Honorable Mentions:
Forget all those wimpy Twilight vamps with their sparkly skins; for a real blood suckin' good time, true vampire fans tuned in to True Blood, Alan Ball's sexy and smart American gothic. And the year's best made for television movie was the Emmy Award winning, dramatized remake of the cult classic documentary Grey Gardens, starring Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore as our beloved Beales.