Jason Katims Shows Ranked
about-a-boy
5. ABOUT A BOY
The definition of "feel-good TV," this adaptation of the 2002 film had witty dialogue, tons of heart and an enchanting dynamic between David Walton, Minnie Driver and Benjamin Stockham as the titular young man. If only more people had watched it. Sigh.
friday-night-lights
1. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
In 2006, Katims made even the most sports-averse TV lover a football fan, and the East Dillon Lions were everyone's favorite team. Though it was never a ratings smash, FNL spent five seasons tackling (heh) a bevy of tough topics, each one drawing us closer to that small Texas town and the characters that lived there — until we felt we were residents, too. The series also gifted is with one of TV's most beloved couples ever in Coach and Tami Taylor. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't imagine anything else topping our list of Katims' work.
parenthood
2. PARENTHOOD
Despite Parenthood wrapping in early 2015, the word "Braverman" still has us reaching for the Kleenex. As we watched the series' central family grow and change over six years, Katims mastered the art of handling tricky subject matter with exquisite sensitivity (and making us cry while doing so). Bonus: Parenthood closed out its run with a near-perfect series finale.
pure-genius
7. PURE GENIUS
Even though this medical procedural had a tug-at-your-heartstrings hook — a wunderkind billionaire just wants to save lives! — the CBS series eschewed believable writing in favor of flashy technology and overwrought emotion. Failing to secure more than 13 initial episodes, Pure Genius, in the end, died of a weak pulse.
roswell
3. ROSWELL
Roswell was not long for this world — or any other planet (that we know of). But in spite of its low viewership and the challenge of mantaining a balance between teen romance and alien intrigue, the sci-fi drama nonetheless sent into orbit a Tabasco-loving fanbase that will go down as one of television's most ardent. Plus, having given breakout roles to the likes of Shiri Appleby, Katherine Heigl and Colin Hanks, the show deserves to be remembered as a launch pad for future stars.
the-path
6. THE PATH
Katims' Hulu series has all the individual components of a great drama, not the least of which is its stacked cast and eerily compelling plot (about the seedy underbelly of a Scientology-esque cult). But in its two seasons thus far, the show has fallen shy of its potential, due in part to a glacial storytelling pace and plot twists that border on camp.
the-wedding-bells
8. THE WEDDING BELLS
Although Katims' TV series are characterized by strong family relationships, this short-lived dramedy — about three sisters who inherit their parents' wedding planning business — suffered from a lack of chemistry among its trio of leading ladies. Also, if a Katims show doesn't move us to tears every week, did it ever really air?
Relativity
4. RELATIVITY
Katims teamed with thirtysomething vets Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz on this mid-'90s romantic dramedy about a young couple (played by Kimberly Williams-Paisley and David Conrad) navigating the early days of their relationship. Despite its impeccable cast, swoonworthy writing and Felicity-esque vibe, the series was plagued by low ratings and cancelled after just one season.