In an earlier commentary, I mentioned that I don't believe horror works on television as a rule, mostly due to the interruptions forced by the very nature of commercial television. Fear Itself never did much for me, with a handful of nice moments, but too often bogged down by commercials and some shaky writing. But, there are exceptions to this, of course. Here are three series that deserve a look, if not obsessive recording and time spent on discussion boards.

First up, Fringe, the J.J. Abrams series that attempts to out-X-Files the X-Files. This is a fledgling series, that bears much resemblance to the Chris Carter series mentioned above, including the FBI agent, Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) who is nibbling around the edges of some conspiracy known as "The Pattern". She is advised by a scientist, fresh from an institutionalization, named Walter Bishop (John Noble), who had been involved with a number of fringe science experiments prior to his lapse of sanity. He is overseen by his globe-trekking son, Peter, played by Joshua Jackson.

As you might imagine, there are a number of mysteries introduced in the early episodes, and none have been resolved in the series' infancy, but the cast of characters is suitably quirky and Blair Brown, in particular, as a corporate executive who appears when things get exceptionally strange, is a lot of fun. However, the show hasn't found its legs for me, yet, and the storylines have been more cryptic than intriguing. Hopefully, the later episodes will begin to explore these mysteries with more verve. There is a unique style to the show I do like, but thus far I have not been able to find a reason to keep tuning in week after week beyond wondering if the show is ever going to take off like it suggests it might.

The show is currently slated to return for a mid-season premiere, and all signs point to the fact that this series may not be long for television. That's disappointing, as creators Tara Butters and Michele Fazekas have imbued the series with a light tone, even as Sam hunts down souls escaped from Hell. The supporting characters are all enjoyable, especially Christine Willes as Gladys, a demon who works, naturally, at the DMV and accepts Sam's deposits of souls meant for return to the Pit. If you haven't seen this one, yet, give the first season a shot and see if you don't get some laughs amidst the monster-of-the-week shenanigans.

Finally, we come to Supernatural, now in its fourth season. Aside from the tween appeal of its dreamy stars, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, Sam and Dean, respectively, this is the best genre show on television. Created by Eric Kripke and boasting writers from Firefly and X-Files, among others, Supernatural feels like it is forever teetering on the edge of silliness, but keeps its balance and provides some genuine thrills.

The tale thus far involves a pair of brother who were born into the business of Hunters, those who know the creatures that look in the shadows and are determined to stop them in a war that continues to escalate. In the past seasons, the Winchester brothers have sought after the Yellow-Eyed demon that killed their mother, died, come back, sold their souls and kicked the asses of vampires, demons, werewolves and a host of others.

What separates this show is the obvious love of horror displayed by the writers and directors, often tipping their hats to everything from Texas Chainsaw Massacre to Poltergeist. Ackles and Padalecki are terrific in their roles, obviously comfortable in their characters' skins, and the self-referential dialogue has yet to become self-parody. There is a style to the proceedings that is well-above the low-budget horror series of yesteryear, thanks in part to executive produce McG, who managed to get himself a fun cameo on the show. The show has its ups and downs, as do all series, but this is consistently entertaining, frequently frightening and always engaging. The first three seasons are available on DVD, and are worth seeing in sequence to enjoy the plot through-lines that make this a hoot of a show.

So, there's the top three. True Blood may be explored on its own terms, and the buzz has been uniformly good on the show. But, that's for another time. For now, take a peek at these series and see what you think.

Next up, Reaper, the show that gives its viewers a young slacker who has learned that he is the devil's bounty hunter. Sam (Bret Harrison), is aided by his cohorts, Sock (Tyler Labine, in a role he shines in) and Ben (Rick Gongalez), along with his amour, Andi (Missy Peregrym). The real show-stealer is Ray Wise as the Devil, a role that he seems to savor like a good meal. He is alternately hysterical and frightening in his cultured man-about-town take on the Prince of Lies.