Better Call Saul (AMC)

Okay, first of all...really strong first episode of this show. The style reminded me of a Breaking Bad episode, obviously, but in a good way.

Now, as for the whole network shows debate...OBVIOUSLY, the good majority of network shows aren't gonna be as good as cable dramas; this is actually a debate my Dad and I can get pretty heated about from time to time; he's more of a network TV purist. HOWEVER, there ARE still some shows on the "Big Four" networks that are actually either good or even great. NBC's Hannibal is the prime example. The quality of acting, writing and directing on that show is honestly more than capable of competing with anything HBO, Showtime, etc. has to offer. Then there's something like Person of Interest on CBS, which does use the procedural format overall, but is also a good example of a show like that willing to break the mold quite often and devote stretches of episodes to interesting, serialized storylines that are both well-written and well-acted. The Blacklist applies here, too, and you know what? Scandal is pretty damn good, too, as is How To Get Away With Murder. Chicago Fire on NBC is actually good, too.

In terms of procedurals, NCIS has lost a lot of its charm and is mostly just spinning its wheels at this point.  I gave up on Elementary this season.  But then there's something like Castle, which is worth watching just for its fun characters and fantastic chemistry between Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic, but they still have entertaining stories, too.  Are procedurals lesser television?  Of course, but that doesn't mean there aren't those out thee that are actually pretty good if you're willing to give them a shot.