{alltv} QMI's top TV picks of 2011

Love always is complicated, even when it's comedic love.

With the traditional fall-to-spring TV season having wrapped up, here's a list of my eight favourite network sitcoms, in descending order of preference.

This does not take into account each show's historic value over the full course of its run, but merely how it went this season and where it stands presently.

And remember, we always are hardest on the ones we love.

The Office (NBC, Global)

It just seems indecisive to leave the question of who takes over as manager from Michael Scott (Steve Carell) unresolved over the summer. If it was meant to be a cliff-hanger, I'm not sure I care any more.

Community (NBC, Citytv)

Arguably the most unique sitcom on TV, but one person's unique is another person's weird. It's pure eye candy, and I'm committed to it, but I'm not always sure I'm enjoying it.

30 Rock (NBC, Citytv)

Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) should not be married with a baby. That was a bad decision. The writers appeared to realize it near the end of the season, as they bizarrely jettisoned Jack's wife Avery (Elizabeth Banks) to North Korea.

The Big Bang Theory (CBS, CTV)

The creators pulled Sheldon (Jim Parsons) back from the brink of jerkdom, which was needed. But too much time was wasted with Priya (Aarti Mann), who added absolutely nothing to the mix comedically.

Modern Family (ABC, Citytv)

The final two episodes of the second season were a strong return to form. One suggestion: Don't limit Gloria (Sofia Vergara) to being angry or exasperated all the time. She wasn't that way in season one, and she was funnier.

Raising Hope (Fox)

Global had Canadian rights to this series -- a kinder, gentler version of My Name is Earl -- but did not air it consistently. Luckily, Canadians could watch it on Fox. Global needs to find a regular night, or let it go and maybe someone else can buy it.

Cougar Town (ABC, Citytv)

The sharpest-written comedy on TV, it truly is a sitcom for adults, which is refreshing. It took me a while to take a shine to it, largely because I was lukewarm on Courteney Cox's comedic skills, but the strong supporting cast won me over. Personal favourite bit: When Grayson (Josh Hopkins) imitates Travis (Dan Byrd). Cracks me up every time.

Parks and Recreation (NBC, Citytv)

This is a bold statement, but here goes: Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), the government official who hates everything government stands for, may be one of my favourite sitcom characters of all time. Consider this dialogue from the season finale, when Tom (Aziz Ansari) is considering leaving the parks department and asks Ron for advice. Ron tells Tom, "You have no interest in government work and you slow everything down with your selfish attitude. I'd love for you to stick around, Tommy, it'll be damn hard to replace you." Parks and Recreation is a rare government program that is not at all wasteful.