Z on TV: 15 most influential shows

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Without this pioneering effort in live TV and sketch comedy, there would be no "Saturday Night Live." The on-screen talent of Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Howard Morris and Carl Reiner was inspired. The off-screen writing staff, with the likes of Neil Simon, Doc Simon, Mel Brooks, Larry Gelbart and Woody Allen, is not to be believed. (AP photo)

Here are my picks for the 15 most influential prime-time network series in the history of television. I am not saying they were best, but they were the ones that most shaped the TV landscape for tens of millions of Americans over the last 60 years. For more of my thoughts on TV, go to <a href="http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/zontv/"><b>Z on TV</b></a> --David Zurawik