Now in its fourth season, medical drama House has proven to be a critical and commercial success. Starring snubbed Emmy nominee Hugh Laurie in a commanding role, House features a new patient each week, each with a seemingly unsolvable medical issue.  On top of that, each episode furthers a story arc that keeps the show fresh.

During its first season, House didn't have the benefit of the American Idol lead-in until mid-season. However, once that show provided an audience, House's audience has grown drastically, bringing it to be the top rated show that it is today.  House repeatedly wins in the adults 18-49 demo, and competes neck-in-neck with Dancing With The Stars for the top spot among viewers.

As a captivating medical drama, House succeeds tremendously, often adding its own twisted humour to the premise.  And when it faces such dull competition including the aforementioned Dancing With The Stars (Why is this successful?), The Unit (Who watches this?) and The Biggest Loser (What idiot made this concept a reality?), it provides an alternative that supersedes anything else on TV at that hour.

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House airs Tuesday nights at 9pm on FOX.