Despite their popularity, these mostly studio-based shows don't always work. Anyone remember Channel Seven's ill-fated Sportswatch, which had a pace so frenetic that host Bruce McAvaney was described by writer Leaping Larry L as looking like "a possum chained to a desk." ESPN has had plenty of hits, but not Stump The Schwab, a game show which featured dorky sports nerds taking on an overweight trivia buff.

Fortunately, there's plenty of quality and if you've got the time, here are ten sports shows you should check out, in no particular order:

Pardon The Interruption (American Version), ESPN

Hard to beat the chemistry between two very literate, very funny men who have been friends and colleagues for thirty-some years. A few Aussies struggle with the occasional loudness of Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon, but if you can overlook that, this is the quintessential smart, well-rounded sports show. And now PTI's got the Emmy to prove it. Note: the Australian version is to be avoided at all costs.

The Offsiders, ABC

Uneven, but insightful Sunday morning show. Like the 7pm Project, it varies wildly depending on who's in the studio. Gideon Haigh brings wonderful elocution and intellect, while John Harms provides a bookish (and bookie-ish) slant on sport. Roy Masters, however, basically pushes a Sydney-centric rugby league agenda, while Rebecca Wilson just doesn't seem to fit. The core panelists are Barrie Cassidy, a solid host who stays out of the way and lets the experts talk, and Gerard Whateley, who does a superb job of handling all manner of highlights.

Before The Game, Network Ten

Subscribing to the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" theorem, the same crew has returned for another season of good jokes, not-so-serious player interviews and of course, the seminal "Tool of the Week" segment. Any doubts about Andy Maher's value were eradicated when he missed a few nights and the show seemed to teeter and wobble. Mick Molloy seems to be more involved (or more interested) this season, and the more Ryan "Fitzy" Fitzgerald, the better as far as I'm concerned. One small criticism: the "Inside 60" segment is about two years past its use-by date.

Footy Classified, Nine Network

Seems to have found a nice balance between serious investigative journalism and honest opinion. Early episodes were rife with Caroline Wilson-bashing and mock outrage, but now it's become much more enjoyable. I still miss Wayne Carey, don't miss Glenn Archer at all, and am slowly warming to Grant Thomas. I'm sure I've seen the "Good Call, Bad Call" segment somewhere on ESPN, and I wish Garry Lyon would open up a bit more. Still, I consider this a must-watch.

NRL Monday Night Pregame, Fox Sports

Even if you don't like League, you should take a look at this hour-long program that leads into Fox's Monday night NRL game. It's got the look and feel of an NFL pre-game show, with Ryan Phelan directing traffic beautifully and a cast of thousands (ok, four or five) providing the analysis. Really blows away AFL pre-game programs.

T-Mobile NBA Halftime, One HD/ESPN HD

You can't really plan to watch this one, it just pops up when ESPN or One HD take an NBA feed from the TNT network. If you're lucky enough to stumble onto it, the in-studio team of Ernie Johnson Jr, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley interact as well as any sports hosts in the world. The hilarious Barkley is a dynamic blend of insightful observations and outrageous opinions.

Fox Sports FC, Fox Sports

A neatly-packaged show, half devoted to local issues and half devoted to the overseas game. Andy Harper, Simon Hill, and in particular Robbie Slater and Mark Bosnich, manage to strike an all-too-rare balance between banter and analysis. The midweek time slot works well, touching on the previous weekend's highlights and storylines, but also previewing key upcoming fixtures. Fox Sports FC is a great name too.

SportsNation, ESPN HD

Not for everyone, and you have to really know (and like) your US sports to get the most out of this relatively new show. Loudmouth radio jock Colin Cowherd and attractive-but-not-distracting co-host Michelle Beadle run through a number of different polls, gimmicks and scenarios aimed at finding the pulse of the American "sports nation."

The Footy Show (AFL version), Nine Network

There's still life in the old warhorse, despite what you might read in your local newspaper/blog. Sam Newman remains the heart and soul of the show, and if anyone says they watch The Footy Show for any other reason, they're lying. After a long time in the outer, the players actually seem to be more involved this year, which is a pleasant change, while Garry Lyon and James Brayshaw walk the line between serious and silly. One criticism: the breaking news segment with Craig Hutchison and Damian Barrett only works when there actually is a big story. Some nights it feels contrived. Note: I used to have a soft spot for the NRL version of the show, but it's lost the plot in the last few years.

Super 14 Friday Night Pregame, Fox Sports

This 30-minute program comes in live from New Zealand every Friday night from the site of the 5:30 pm (AEST) Super 14 match, whether that's Auckland, Christchurch or somewhere near the edge of the world like Invercargill. It's a great example of how down-to-earth Kiwi sports television can be. Of particular interest is former New Zealand women's rugby star Melodie Robinson, the rare female in sports TV who hosts and analyses capably. The guys on the team, including former All Black Ian Jones - always dressed in a hip but casual way - seem to enjoy what they're doing and aren't afraid to be self-deprecating. I imagine this is must-see TV in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Honourable Mentions

On The Couch, Fox Sports

The clubhouse leader when it comes to thoughtful, incisive footy talk.

The Matty Johns Show, Seven Network

This new kid on the block could have some staying power.

The Marngrook Footy Show, NITV and Channel 31

Very entertaining show with a completely unique perspective.

And Five I'm Not Fired Up About

Around The Horn, ESPN

The anti-PTI. Loudmouthed American sportswriters scream, yell and try to be funny.

The World Game, SBS

It's turned into the Craig Foster Agenda Hour. Foster is articulate and passionate, but I'm wonder how many people actually listen to him.

NRL Tactics, Fox Sports

AFL-loving friends of mine argue that the title is an oxymoron. I won't go that far, but I imagine this show appeals to a very small group: those who really care about rugby league strategy.

Thursday Night Live, One HD

Nothing really wrong with this show, but it tries to appeal to everyone, and in Australia's segregated sports market, that's very difficult to do well.

ESPN Soccernet Press Pass, ESPN

Again, it's not that bad, it's just that you're watching an American-based show hosted by Brits and guys from the Caribbean. And I don't like Tommy Smyth "with a Y."