Becker (Syndicated, TBS)

BECKER revolves around the life of Dr. John Becker (Ted Danson of Cheers), an intelligent, outspoken, short-tempered physician who has a strong belief in practical medicine and little faith in anything (or anyone) else. A surprisingly loyal staff surrounds the grumpy, Harvard-educated doctor, including levelheaded office manager Margaret Wyborn (Hattie Winston) and eccentric office assistant Linda (Shawnee Smith). And when he's not in his Bronx office, Becker hangs around a local diner complaining about the many things that annoy him to friends Jake Malinak (Alex Desert) and Bob (Saverio Guerra). Twice divorced, Becker also has love-hate relationships with diner owner Reggie Kostas (Terry Farrell) and, later, with cheerful Chris Connor (Nancy Travis).

Becker both supports and criticizes the American health care system, introducing storylines about children who are successfully living with AIDS, as well as episodes about elderly patients unable to pay for medical treatment. It's in tricky situations like these that the usually bad tempered Becker demonstrates his softer, humanitarian side, going beyond science and reaching into his heart (and sometimes his own wallet) to provide his underserved patients with the best possible care.

Regrettably, these moments of genuine care are sometimes overshadowed by Becker's blunt and borderline-insulting commentary about issues like religion, homosexuality, race, and politics. But, political correctness aside, Becker's interpretations also serve as a platform from which controversial issues can be discussed. And it's in this way that this sitcom, like Becker himself, has something meaningful to offer.