Greetings, fellow couch potatoes. My Sunday column this week, “Spirits in the Night,” examines how cable television is more and more willing to deal with religion, sometimes in ways that some viewers would call “irreverent.” If I had written such a column 10 years ago, I would expect my phone to ring off the hook. When shows like “The Simpsons” dealt with God, however reverently, it drew great backlash. Network attempts like “Nothing Sacred,” an excellent Kevin Anderson vehicle about a priest who - shock! - had doubts, was booted off the air due, in part, to advertising threats. But now, we’re living in different, more skeptical, more questioning times. “Family Guy” is an excellent example. It’s a show that’s as bawdy, rude, politically incorrect as anything that’s ever been on TV. Last week’s episode had Peter Griffin befriending Jesus Christ, who went on a drunken spree with Lindsay Lohan.

“Family Guy” gets away with it because A) Peter is as clueless as Archie Bunker, B) because it’s a cartoon and C) it’s an equal-opportunity offender. For me, those qualifications make it perfectly acceptable. BUt then, I’m a grown up (barely). I’m also not easily offended. My rule: If it’s funny than it’s A-OK. “Family Guy” is funny.

What was the last time something on TV really offended you? The only example I can think of is the slanted, ugly political ads being churned out by both parties right now. Talk about disgusting…

For the past 30 years, NBC’s Thursday-night comedy lineup has delivered to this generation much the same way CBS did on Saturdays for the last era. I’m writing about the latest effort, “Kath & Kim,” for my Sunday column (hint: It’s no “Will & Grace.” Heck, it’s not even “Jake & The Fatman”). What have been the best offerings over the past three decades? Here’s my top 10 list. Feel free to add your own:

( ) represent years the show was on Thursdays.

1) “Taxi” (1982): OK, maybe this is cheating. But the best network sitcom did technically four months on NBC’s Thursday-night lineup after ABC cancelled it. It didn’t do much better on NBC, but at least we got a few more chances to hang out with Louie, Rev. Jim, Elaine and Alex.

2) “Seinfeld” (1990-98): Second place. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

3) “Friends” (1994-2004): Yeah, it wasn’t brain surgery, but the six stars cooked up great comfort-food TV season after season.

4) “Frasier” (1993-94; 1998-2000; 2003): This five-time winner for best comedy bounced in and out of the Thursday lineup throughout its 10 season run. It never should’ve left. At least the network scheduled its 2004 finale back in its blessed spot.

5) “Will & Grace” (2000-06): The sitcom spent a few years in the farm league (Tuesday nights) before getting to play in the majors. The idea of putting together four second-bananas was a risk - and it paid off in spades.

6) “Cheers” (1982-93): This perennial favorite would ranked higher on my list if I was only considering the early seasons. I still contend that the show never recovered from the  death of Nicholas Colasanto and the departure of Shelley Long, left to lean way too hard on sexual innuendos.

7) “The Office” (2006-  ): Of the current batch, Steve Carell and company slip ahead of the unevenness of both “My Name is Earl” and “30 Rock.”

“The Cosby Show” (1984-92): More important for what it represented than for what it was. Cosby deserves all the credit for reenergizing the format and proving that all Americans would watch a black family that didn’t rely on shuck-jive antics. I only wish it would have funnier.

9) “Family Ties” (1984-89): All hail Michael….Gross.

10. “Scrubs” (?????): Tracking how many times “Scrubs” has moved in and out of Thursday’s lineup is too taxing. It will start mid-season on ABC - but don’t ask us which night.

Paul Newman was one of the most popular, magnetic, likable actors of the 60s - and he dared to abandon his most reliable “tricks” and gimmicks because he aspired to be more than a movie star. He wanted to be a great performer.

There’s no question that Newman, who passed away over the weekend, accomplished just that. But you have to go back and rewatch his best films to see just how deftly he reinvented himself. In the 50s and 60s, he was a James Dean prototype, smoldering his way through roles as Tennessee Williams wisecrackers and lovable rebels with a twinkle in his oh so blue eyes. But with the advent of the ’70s, a decade where pretty boys were replaced by the “everyday” misfit, Newman transformed himself into a character actor, one where good looks and charm were more an obstacle than anything else. Just look at how quickly Newman “ages” from the best of his “pretty boy” roles as Cool Hand Luke, to his turn as a conman in “The Sting.” The performances are just six years apart, but Newman looks about 30 years older. That’s not makeup. That’s great acting.

Here are 10 of my favorite Newman performances - not necessarily his best movies, but his best turns - and it’s no coincident that most of my faves came after 1980. Feel free to add your own thoughts.

1. “The Verdict” (1982): Newman nails the downtrodden, desperado vibe of David Mamet’s script, playing an lawyer whose future rests solely on a longshot court case and a bottle of whiskey. Newman at his most minimalist.

2. “The Color of Money” (1986): Be as outraged as you want that Newman’s only Oscar came for this “Hustler” sequel, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s justified as Newman once again says more with a stare than his character of “Hombre” could say in a whole movie.

3. “The Sting” (1973): This is the film that Newman began to flesh out the character side of his gifts. It’s certainly the most entertaining film he ever made.

4. and 5. “Cool Hand Luke” (1967) and “Hud” (1963): Newman’s best “rebel” roles are also terrific pictures (”Luke” may be the best picture he’s ever done).

6. and. 7. “Absence of Malice” and “Fort Apache the Bronx” (1981): Two very different roles in one very special year.

8. “Slap Shot” (1977): Newman shows off his potty-mouth in one of the best sports films ever.

9. “The Road to Perdition” (2002): His last truly great film role. The accent is a bit questionable, but Newman’s quiet ability to own the screen is true.

10. “Nobody’s Fool” (1994): I can’t think of a better way to end a Newman tribute then with this high-spirited comedy with Newman seemingly having a ball. One of his richest characters and performances. Sleep well, Paul.

My Sunday column this week takes you behind the scenes of “Desperate Housewives” and how the show is gambling with a flash forward of five years. Gutsy move - and fairly effective, based on the first two episodes I’ve seen. But I wonder what would have happened if creator Marc Cherry had been extra bold and shot ahead 10 years.

A few predictions: Susan (Teri Hatcher) will be divorcing her plumber boyfriend - for the third time.

Bree (Marcia Cross) will be coming off the cancellation of her cable show on bettering yourself after having an on-air tirade aimed at the cue-card boy. She lands on her feet by replacing Elizabeth Hasselbeck on “The View.”

Gaby (Eva Longoria Parker), now with five kids, will protest an attempt to curb SUV use, a stance so successful she gets elected mayor. By the end of the season, she is tapped as a vice-prez candidate.

Edie (Nicolette Sheridan) is once again struggling with love as she has to pick between the three Hanson brothers.

Lynette (Felicity Huffman) moves away from Wisteria Lane when she finally realize she’s way too smart to stay in that neighborhood.

Feel free to add your own predictions about the ladies’ futures…

Howdy. This is friendly neighborhood TV critic here to provide color commentary throughout the night on the 60th Annual Emmy Awards. Feel free to share your comments as we go. Key storylines throughout the night: Will “30 Rock” dominate in the comedy category? Will “Mad Men” make history by being the first basic-cable series to take home the top award? How bad will the reality hosts do as emcees? Will “John Adams” break the record for the most honored movie/miniseries of all time? Will presenter Kathy Griffin get bleeped?

6:10 p.m.: It took about five minutes for it to be clear that Jimmy Kimmel should be hosting the Big Event, although his spoof of “The Barbara Walters Specials,” now airing, is a nice consolation prize. His descent and ascent of the fancy staircase was hilarious.

6:25 pm.: Kimmel just got more out of Tracy Morgan than Barbara Wawa ever would. And, yes, he cried.

6:45 p.m.: Kimmel tries to match the Emmy-winning “I’m F*&^%ing Matt Damon” piece with a musical number featuring Salma Hayek and Kevin James. Falls quite a bit short.

7:01 p.m.: Stars do famous TV lines. Best: Doris Roberts - “you killed Kenny!”

7:02 p.m.: Oprah!!!!!!

7:03 p.m.: Did Oprah just give herself a shout out for getting people to read? The price for such hubris: All of us get a car.

7:06 p.m.: First Sarah Palin joke…hopefully the last.

7:07 p.m.: The Emmy for worst opening ever goes to….These guys. Uggggh. The idea of doing nothing might have worked on “Seinfeld,” but it’s horrible here. Seriously, why wasn’t ABC golden boy Kimmel given the job?

7:09 p.m.: William Shatner and Tom Bergeron strip Heidi Klum, risking Nipplegate II.

7:12 p.m.: Jeremy Piven wins the Emmy for best supporting actor in a comedy for the third time in a row. No surprise. Gets off the night’s first good zinger: “What if I just kept talking for 12 minutes? That was the opening.”

7:19 p.m.: Instead of paying for a mock set of Monk’s Cafe from “Seinfeld,” couldn’t have spent that money on better joke writers?

7:21 p.m.: Best Supporting Actress in a comedy is…Jean Smart from “Samantha Who?” Some of you might be saying, Jean Who?, but the actress is a longtime Emmy favorite who has now won three Emmys. Two previous wins were for guest starring on “Frasier.”

7:30 p.m.: I’ve been a longtime fan of Zelijko Ivanek, so I’m thrilled that he got an Emmy for his work on “Damages” (although my money was on Ted Danson). This is turning out to be a night with some surprises….Interesting to note that all the winners so far have extensive stage experience (Ivanek has three Tony nominations). Life in the theatre pays off.

7:35 p.m.: Ricky Gervais and Steve Carell score the first truly deserved laughs of the night with a bit about Gervais wanting Carell to give him last year’s Emmy that he “stole.” Made us wish that Gervais and Carell were hosting. Is it too late to book them for 2009?

7:44 p.m.: Conan O’Brien gets a good zinger at the expense of last year’s best supporting actress in a drama: “I was going to tell a few more jokes, but Katherine Heigl didn’t think my material was Emmy worthy.”

7:45 p.m.: Two-time Oscar winner Dianne Wiest adds a second Emmy to her ledge. Mild upset. Chandra Wilson of “Grey’s Anatomy was the favorite. She’s not on hand to accept.

7:47 p.m.: “The Colbert Report” upsets its sister show, “The Daily Show” for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program. This category may not mean much to most, but I always look forward to it because the announcement of the nominations are always accompanied by funny bits from the writers: This year’s scroll included Dr. Phil giving instant diagnosis for the “Late Show” writers and “Late Night” writers being introduced as kids of Conan O’Brien and Angelina Jolie.

7:52 p.m.: It took 30 years, but Tommy Smothers finally got his Emmy for his comedy show, “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.” As presenter Steve Martin explained, Smothers left his name off the submission for best writing for a variety show, thinking that his political leanings in 1968 would probably hurt the show’s chances. He was probably right. The show ended up winning. In accepting the award, Smothers showed how to give a political speech without actually mentioning anyone by name. “There’s nothing more scary than watching ignorance in action,” he said. A nice nod to history - and the future.

8:02 p.m.: For anyone who hasn’t seen “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and doesn’t know that Josh Groban has a sense of humor, they know it now, as the young singer rolled through dizebs if TV theme songs including “South Park” (with a terrific impression of Cartman), ‘The Jeffersons,” “The Simpsons,” “Baywatch” (accompanied by slow-motion running), “Cops,” “Fresh Prince” (yes, he rapped), impressions of several late-night announcers (although Ed McMahon did his own work), “MASH” (yes, the song has lyrics). Very nice.

8:07 p.m.: Laura Linney wins for best actress in a miniseries/movie. She’s now 3/3 at the Emmys and “John Adams” is now at 9 wins (it won 8 last week). Three more and it breaks the record.

8:14 p.m.: Bergeron is caught doing impressions of running seat fillers - then flubs his lines. That’s followed by a tribute to “Laugh In” and a reminder that Ruth Buzzi and Jo Anne Worley are still alive.

8:16 p.m.: “The Daily Show” evens matters up with a win in the category for outstanding variety series. This is the sixth time the show has won in this category.

8:18 p.m.: Heidi Klum welcomes Davie Boreanaz from “The Bones.”

8:22 p.m.: Best guest comedian winner Kathyrn Joosten (who won last week) announces to audience during her presentation that her bit was cut due to time. We all breathe a huge sigh of relief.

8:24 p.m.: Movie guy Barry Sonnefeld wins for directing “Pushing Daisies.” Sweats more than Albert Brooks in “Broadcast News.”

8:25 p.m.: Wait! Is that Lauren Conrad - as a presenter??!?

8:27 p.m.: Tina Fey gets her third Emmy, this one for writing an episode of “30 Rock.” Explains why it’s great to be a writer: “If you’re at a wedding and you tell people you’re a writer, people are less interested in you than if you say you’re an actress, which is great.” You’re telling me.

8:34 p.m.: Martin Sheen does a get-out-the-vote pitch. At least he doesn’t come out with a flag.

8:36 p.m.: President of the Academy puts half the audience to sleep. Get up!!!!

8:38 p.m.: Christina Applegate and Christian Slater do awkward bit. Apparently, the show is back on schedule.

8:39 p.m.: Favorite “Recount” wins for best movie. Sydney Pollack, who recently passed away, was one of the producers. Lead producer also makes a plea that people vote.

8:44 p.m: Jeff Probst tries to pass as Sgt. Friday.

8:45 p.m.: William Petersen and Laurence Fishburne do an “unofficial” handing over of the reins on “CSI.” (Fishburne will take his place in the 10th episode of this season).

8:46 p.m.: Tom Wilkinson wins for “John Adams” - and also isn’t present. Is there a boycott I didn’t know about? “Adams” is now just two wins away from breaking the record.

8:48 p.m.: Jay Roach wins for directing “Recount.” We feel great for him until he reminds us that he’s married to Bangles’ singer Susanna Hoffs. My God, doesn’t the man have enough???

8:50 p.m. “John Adams” wins for writing. It is now tied with “Angels in America” as most winning movie/miniseries ever. Winner insults George W. Bush - and then is cut off. And don’t tell me he was running out of time….

8:56 p.m.: Eileen Atkins wins for supporting actress in a movie - and is yet another no show. These are the Emmys, people!!! Where are you?

9:01 p.m.: Kathy Griffin knows when she’s playing second fiddle. She smartly lets Don Rickles steal the show (maybe the entire night) as they both present “The Amazing Race” with its sixth Emmy in a row for outstanding reality-competition program.

9:02 p.m.: “John Adams” makes history. Its win for best miniseries makes it the most winning movie/miniseries in TV history. Exchange between acceptor Tom Hanks and presenter Sally Field: Sally: “Have you been a good boy?” Tom: Yes, Mom” (she played his momma in “Forrest Gump”)

9:09 p.m.: Bergeron and Klum engage in another horrible bit. Neil Patrick Harris says that “thanks to Howie Mandel, our bit as been cut.” For shame. Harris and Kristin Chenoweth were hilarious when they announced the nominees a couple months ago.

9:10 p.m.: Don Rickles wins for his performance in “Mr. Warmth” and gets his second standing ovation of the night. “I’ve been in the business 55 years, and the biggest award I got was an ashtray from the Friars in New York.”

9:15 p.m.: Best director for a drama goes to Greg Yaitanes for “House,” which means “Mad Men” misses yet another chance to get a major Emmy. This does not bode well for the series as we head to the drama category. That being said, “House’s Head,” the episode that won, was an outstanding one.

9:16 p.m.: The drought didn’t last longe. “Mad Men” creator Matthew Weiner wins for writing. “I guess I’m going to have to find something new to complain about,” he says. “Mad Men” now has five wins.

9:25 p.m.: Glenn Close presents lead actor in a miniseries/movie to….Paul Giamatti, which means “John Adams” now has 13 wins, two more than previous champ “Angels in America.” “This is a hell of a thing,” he said. “I’m living proof, kids at home watching, that anyone can play the president.”

9:26 p.m.: Alec Baldwin wins for “30 Rock.” His first after seven nominations. Apparently, Hollywood has forgiven him for that phone message. Calls Tina Fey the “Elaine May of her generation.”

9:30 p.m.: Mike goes out on America Ferrara and Vanessa Williams - or were they cut off because the show was running late? Glenn Close wins, as expected, for “Damages.” Now things are going more like they were expected. “we’re proving that complicated, powerful, mature women are sexy and high entertainment and can carry a show. I call us the sisterhood of the TV traveling divas.”

9:34 p.m.: Tear-jerking “In Memoriam” section begins and ends with George Carlin.

9:39 p.m.: Lead actor in drama series goes to Bryan Cranston!!!! This is one of the biggest upsets in Emmy history and a great treat for me. “Breaking Bad” was one of this year’s finest shows and Cranston deserved it. “She’s bald, too.” said a clean-shaven winner.

9:41 p.m.: Craig Ferguson also pokes fun at the stale, stupid TelePrompter jokes.

9:43 p.m.: Tina Fey wins her second award of the night. “This is just rude,” she said. Having the favorite win is helping me get over the pleasant shock of Cranston’s win.

9:45 p.m.: Kimmel, the Man Who Should Be Host, gives out award for best host of reality-competition, an award that has no place being this prominent in the ceremony. He pumps the “anticipation” by waiting for a commercial break to give the award to Jeff Probst. “Haven’t they been sufficent everybody?” Kimmel says to the crowd. PRobst admits that Kimmel warned the hosts that the “nothing” skit probably wouldnt’ work.

9:53 p.m.: Our adopted heroine Mary Tyler Moore presents an award from the set of that old Minneapolis TV station, WJM. Pays tribute to Betty White, who is celebrating her 60th year in show business. “It may be 61 by now,” White said, checking her watch.

9:55 p.m.: Best comedy series goes to “30 Rock,” which has the big night everyone expected. Fey picks up her third of the evening. “We are very grateful to have jobs in this turkey burger economy.” Um, does anyone know what that means?

9:56 p.m.: Tom Selleck presents the big award of the evening? The top producer must be a huge Magnum fan.

9:58 p.m.: “Mad Men” wins. Won about a third of the nominations it got, but still. It got the biggie. Great, great night for AMC. “I’m so proud to work with these people,” Weiner said. “I want to thank the people at our little television channel.” He thanks David Chase, which is a nice way to end the night since “The Sopranos” won last year.

9:59 p.m.: Good night.

TV critics and fans were told over and over again that last night’s season finale of “The Closer” was going to be a shocker. Wake the kids! Call the neighbors! You can’t miss it!!!!

Turns out you could. Not to give too much away (slight spoiler alert ahead): One of the characters gets shot and his/her life lies in the balance with results coming….next season. Dum-da-dum!

We’ve been down this path before. Ever since America tried to figure out who shot JR, TV has used the will-they-or-won’t-they die storyline to keep viewers salivating through the summer and, quite frankly, we’re sick of it. We’re all for cliffhangers, but the attempted murder angle? It’s getting awfully old. In addition to “The Closer,” I count eight shows returning this fall that have used the same hook including “Heroes,” “CSI: Miami,” “Terminator,” “One Tree Hill,” “NCIS,” “Criminal Minds,” “CSI: NY” and “CSI.”

What have I forgotten? Does this twist still work??