Cankuhn's Tops for 2006 - New TV Show (Comedy)

UGLY BETTY

I am surprised to be writing this but I love Ugly Betty. All of the critics raved about this show early on in the summer previews, but much of the time, they prefer quirky, yappy shows that are just hip with no substance.

Not Betty. It's smart, funny and sweet. There are no deep, complex storylines yet there are so many layers to the characters and the real meaning behind the everyday situations.

I loved the actress who plays Betty in Real Women Have Curves and once again, she completely captures the viewers' attention, wins our hearts and keeps us rooting for her. Even when we're not sure her loyalty or moves are necessarily the right ones.

Cheers to Salma Hayek for showing once again that she is a smart, strong force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. As executive producer for the show, she's taken a soapy telenovella and elevated it to something with some real meaning.

If you haven't given it a shot, go to www.abc.com and catch up with the archive of previous shows. It's free and you'll see what you've been missing.