Okay. It’s the second phase of the TVScoop Top 50… of course, we’re looking at our favourite shows of 2007 as opposed to Top 50 TV haircuts or something (at any rate, Kim from How Clean Is Your House would win that hands down). So far, we’ve had Charlie Brooker’s Screen Wipe, Oz & James’s Big Wine Adventure and more. So what comes above?

As ever, it’s a variety pack of comedy, documentaries, (sur)reality show and other stuff. As our esteemed editor said in the Top 50 kickoff, it’s a list of shows that make our internal cathode ray tubes flicker with joy. Of course, you don’t have to agree… that’s what the comments section is for. Even if you do agree, you should gush away! Anyway, enough chat from me, read over for numbers 40 through to 31…

40. How Clean Is Your House? (C4)
Most self-help shows should be re-dubbed you’re-rubbish TV. Pious snoots tell us how to live our lives bettererer. Not the marvelous Kim and Aggie. They genuinely want to help. In years past, Kim and Aggie have hammed it up a bit and shot people down, but thankfully, they’re in the business of cheer these days, preferring to put an arm ’round the people they’re helping and playfully scalding “dirty beggars” and germs alike. It’s not groundbreaking TV in any way at all… but enjoyable and fun? You betcha! Click here to read a review…

39. My Name Is Earl (C4)
For me, US comedy has been on the wane for ages. It’s been too long since we had a good honest – and funny – sitcom to immerse ourselves in. Thankfully, My Name Is Earl came along and reminded us how great American TV can be… which saw it rewarded with a Top 3 finish in last year’s Top 50. Consistently brilliant and inventive, Earl & Co. continued crossing names off the list and managing to teach us some morals without ever being preachy. Better news is that it’s showing no signs of slowing with the season ender seeing our karmic anti-hero behind bars… which means the next series will start with a cracking mix of pathos and wit. Review? Click here…

38. Coast (BBC2)
There is something other-worldly about Coast. I keep waiting for the host, Neil Oliver, to whisper something magical and turn into a crow to peel against brooding British clouds. Until he does that, all we can do is enjoy the fascinating facts proffered about Britain’s coastline… be it shipwrecks, smugglers, crazy rock climbers or tales of training for D-day. It’s all go on the coast… and they’ve got beaches! Review here…

37. Any Dream Will Do (BBC1)
I closed my eyes… drew back the curtain… to see for certain… what I thought I knew… and that was ‘reality TV is as popular as ever and going nowhere bucko’. Graham Norton camped it up whilst Andrew Lloyd Webber tried desperately to appear straight. Of course, a puritan would chuck up chunks at the thought of this programme… but the general public loved it… and how! Read a review here…

36. Power To The People – The Great Granny Chart Invasion
No messing. The Great Granny Chart Invasion was one of the most brilliant TV shows of 2007. Like all good docuprogs, the show managed to break your heart with tales of woe and neglect, before lifting up your heart to the point of joyous tears. The old people involved got their day in the sun, recording a track at Abbey Road, pretending to steal MPs watches and generally having a riotous time. Tim Samuels, heading up the show, provided the warmth and bite of the show and may just have made a star of himself in the process. A wonderful programme that makes you realise just how great television can be. Review.

35. Orangutan Diary (BBC2)
Last time I watched Orangutan Diary, my mind was filled with The Wide Awake Club and The Hitman and Her, thanks to the appearance of Michaela Strachan. Strachan thankfully held the subject (notably orphaned Orangutans) close to her heart, leaving this writer to say “it is nice to see someone on the box with a natural enthusiasm for what they’re talking about. Too many times we all have to endure soulless, vacuous morons wittering on and on about things that they blatantly have no care for. Read the autocue, pick up the cheque and I’m out of here. Strachan is markedly different. She’s probably grinning all the time because she gets paid to do what she loves… and for someone who has been on TV for nigh on 20 years, she’s not let the bitterness kick her enthusiasm in the stones… and that’s something worth celebrating surely?” Review here.

34. The History Of The World Backwards (BBC Four)
The History Of The World Backwards was comic genius Rob Newman’s low-key comeback. Tucked away on BBC Four, Newman’s show took history (as opposed to time) and switched it ’round to make on of the sharpest and most intelligent comedy shows in years. Those that watched it will still be drooling… those that didn’t should be kicking themselves.
Click here for review

33. Britz (C4)
It’s hard to convey just how brilliant Britz was in such a short space. Two programmes, shown a day apart, told the tale of both sides of the terrorist coin. The show played the topical card, going for the Muslim angle, but in fairness, this could have been about any marginalised group in Britain. The first show (review here) told the tale of a Pro-Brit Muslim, Sohail, working for MI5 whilst the second (review) looked at
Nasima, angry at the British treatment of Muslims. Naturally, such a touchy subject gained a fair bit of controversy, but for my money, wasn’t warranted. Both shows were beautifully paced and perfectly highlighted the problems faced by British Muslims. The show helped me to understand why people move into terrorism… and also showed me the other side of the argument. A wonderful, thrilling and balanced show.

32. Top Gear (BBC2)
Why on Earth do I like Top Gear? I hate cars. I hate machismo. I hate Richard Hammond even more. That all said, Top Gear is a marvellous magazine show that shows a bunch of blokes flicking the finger at the naysayers as well as having a rollicking good time. DIY carboats crossing the channel, racing along mudflats hooting and snorting in the face of the reaper, dribbling over cars, smoking in the studio and driving miniature cars around the office… what’s not to like? Rev up for review here.

31. Long Way Down (BBC1)
Long Way Down was a firm fave of our Cate, and no wonder. Best friends on bikes, amazing scenery, a few mishaps and a bit of charity. It had it all. Ewan and his pal Charlie drove through Africa in the name of Unicef to raise awareness of some decidedly dire plights. The mix of bonhomie and genuine upset in certain villages was worth your entrance fee alone. Review.