The greatest TV hits of 2010

This fall, TV finally put on some new shows that people made sure they watched every week. There were the solid crowd pleasers like “NCIS: Los Angeles” and “The Good Wife.” And then we had cult favorites such as “Glee” and “The Vampire Diaries.” Now that these series have settled into their respective grooves (even though “Glee” is on hiatus until April), the winter season has an entirely separate and equally strong lineup to make everyone overload their DVRs. And the return of “American Idol” is just the half of it.

Main events

THE PACIFIC, March 14, HBO

Television seldom gets more epic in scale than this story of US Marines in the Pacific theater of World War II. “The Pacific” interweaves the stories of three Marines from the first battle with the Japanese at Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima and Okinawa and finally to V-J Day. “The Pacific” was executive produced by Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, and stars relatively unknown actors. Jon Seda, who plays U.S. Marine John Basilone, co-starred on “Homicide” and “Oz.” Joe Mazzello, who plays Eugene Sledge, has been acting since he was seven and appeared opposite Meryl Streep in “The River Wild” and as a guest-star on numerous television series. As Robert Leckie, New Yorker James Badge Dale will be a familiar face from his television work, which includes a recurring role on “24.” Patriots everywhere will flock to this 10-part extravaganza.

YOU DON’T KNOW JACK, Spring, HBO

From “The Godfather” to “Angels in America,” Al Pacino (left) makes enough great movies to overcome the not-so-good films that occasionally have his name above the title. We have a feeling there’s another great Pacino performance in “You Don’t Know Jack,” in which the actor bears an uncanny resemblance to Dr. Death — Jack Kevorkian. The film follows Kevorkian as he starts a media frenzy with his epic legal battles defending a patient’s right to die. Susan Sarandon co-stars as Hemlock Society advocate Janet Good, who asks Kevorkian to assist in her own suicide when she is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Directed by Barry Levinson.

XXI OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES, February 12, NBC

Over 80 nations are expected to compete in the Vancouver games.

Series debuts

If you like “Modern Family,” you might go for…

PARENTHOOD, March 1, NBC

The popular Ron Howard film starring Steve Martin and Dianne Wiest has now been turned into a one-hour drama. Originally pulled from the fall schedule when actress Maura Tierney had to undergo emergency surgery for breast cancer, “Parenthood” finally makes it to air, with Lauren Graham assuming Tierney’s role as Sarah. Her co-stars include some familiar faces, including Craig T. Nelson (“Coach”), Peter Krause (“Dirty Sexy Money”), Bonnie Bedelia and Monica Potter. Tierney, by the way, will next be seen on FX’s “Rescue Me.”

FANTASIA FOR REAL, January 10, VH1

Millions tuned in to see the Lifetime biopic of “American Idol” winner Fantasia. Will they tune in great numbers to watch her new reality series, “Fantasia For Real”? The endearingly 25 year-old singer, who scored on Broadway when she starred in “The Color Purple,” is the sole breadwinner for her large family, all of whom live with her in North Carolina and the 8-episode series will show her balancing career, family and a demanding performing schedule.

If you liked “Dawson’s Creek,” you might like…

LIFE, UNEXPECTED, January 18, CW

Tired of bouncing through the Portland, Ore. foster care system, 15-year-old Lux (Brittany Robertson) decides she wants to be an emancipated minor. The legal rigmarole leads her to her biological dad, bar owner Nate (Kristoffer Polaha), who turns around and introduces her to her mom, radio host Cate (Shiri Appleby, “Roswell”), whom Nate hasn’t seen in 15 years. When the judge grants Nate and Cate temporary custody, they try to give Lux the family she’s never had. Kerr Smith (“Dawson’s Creek”) stars as Cate’s fiancé.

THE DEEP END, January 21, ABC

The tragedies and triumphs of five first-year associates fighting to stay afloat in one of Los Angeles’ top law firms are the focus of “The Deep End.” Of course, working in cutthroat firm makes law school look like a piece of cake. These young and impressionable associates are immediately thrown into cases and forced to deal with the emotional and ethical decisions that come with the job they’ve worked so hard for. With Billy Zane and Clancy Brown.

If you liked “Rome,” you want to check out…

SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND, January 22, Starz

Break out your swords and sandals. If this hourlong drama is anything like the extremely campy 1960 film “Spartacus,” in which Lawrence Olivier tries to seduce Tony Curtis with the line, “My taste includes both snails and oysters,” it’s going be deep-dish fun.

British actor Andy Whitfiled plays the title role, a Thracian slave forced into the gruesome gladiator arena, where death is mere entertainment. Lucy Lawless rises from the ashes to play Lucretia, who along with her husband (John Hannah), own the gladiator camp — as well as Spartacus. They’re hoping he’ll become their cash cow. Expect lots of blood, topless women and sex.

If you watched “24,” you might DVR..

HUMAN TARGET, January 17, Fox

Based on the popular DC Comics graphic novel, “Human Target” centers on action hero Christopher Chance (Mark Valley), a private contractor hired to save his clients’ hides. Chance will completely integrate himself into his their lives to become the human target. Example: If you’re the president of a bank who’s been tipped off to a potential heist, Chance is your unassuming bank teller. With every new danger, Chance’s dark history will also unravel. Sounds kind-of chanc-y.

THE MARRIAGE REF, March 14, NBC

Jerry Seinfeld returns to series television — but only as a producer — on “The Marriage Ref,” a comedy panel series where opinionated stars, comics and athletes advise and counsel real-life couples cope with commonplace marital crises.

If you liked

“Deadwood,” try…

JUSTIFIED, March, FX

Timothy Olyphant who played a handsome hit man on “Damages last season, stars as an Elmore Leonard-style, modern-day sheriff (he is not to be confused with Steven Seagal’s “Lawman”) who tracks down bad guys. Even though Olyphant wears a 10-gallon hat, this show is not — repeat, not — a Western.

Emmy bait