TV and I go way back. Like decades. My first love affair with television came when my mom banned me from watching “Three’s Company,” “The Love Boat” and “Bosom Buddies.” Those shows became my favorites. Various babysitters and friends allowed me to watch these forbidden sitcoms, giving me a glimpse into the naughty grown-up world.

(My mom was convinced this show would be the downfall of society.)

Today, that love affair continues. Although a LOT of the crap on TV is just that, there’s a handful of TV shows I look forward to that satisfies my need for living vicarious lifestyles. Here are the top 5:

Elementary: You’d think Sherlock Holmes would be an overexposed, overdone character, but Jonny Lee Miller plays the historic detective with the energy of a cocaine-addicted ferret. Partnered with Lucy Liu’s Joan Watson, Sherlock unlocks mysteries–almost before they even happen. Smart and quick dialogue, blended with truly crazy-ass crimes, make this one of the best procedurals on TV.

(It was Miss Scarlet, in the sewer, with an arsenic cupcake.)

The Good Wife: Will Julianna Margulies’ character leave her scum bucket politician husband who hired hookers? Who cares! Very smart episodes, delightful writing, and quirky judges and lawyers make this a must-see every Sunday night.

(‘Nuff said.)

Revenge: Emily Thorne is one devious wench. The first season of “Revenge” was better than the second as each week Emily eliminated another poor soul who crossed her deceptive path. This season has been bogged down in sub-plots, sub-sub-plots, etc., but I’m still watching, hoping it gets that evil spark back. Plus, Madeline Stowe’s character, Victoria Grayson, delivers some of the best one-liners in TV drama.

(“Hit me. This is your one and only shot, so do it like a man, if that’s even possible.” Meow.)

Dallas: J.R., Bobby, Pamela and Cliff Barnes are at it again, only this time,  their children are carrying on the feud. Fun times all around! There’s truly terrible acting in this show, but the storylines are so much fun, I don’t even care. These characters couldn’t act their way out of a cereal box, but I tune in each week to see what the Ewings and the Barneses are up to–usually it’s something evilly fun. And J.R.’s comeback was a joy to watch. He was the consumate bad guy up until the very end.

(His diabolic eyebrows could have their own spin-off series.)

Toddlers and Tiaras/Dance Moms: I HATE reality shows. I’ve never watched “Survivor,” “The Bachelor,” “Amazing Race” or any of those flaming chef shows. However. My daughter is addicted to “Dance Moms,” that horrible show with the horrible dance instructor working with talented girls and their horrible mothers. It’s a train wreck–and if she’s watching it, I’m hooked. Same with “Toddlers and Tiaras.” I just can’t believe there are people in this country who yell at their 5-year-old daughters for not smiling correctly. Messed. Up.

(Training future strippers, pole dancers, and probably psychotic killers.)

What are you watching?