Looking at the Ultimate TV Collection topic, it occurred to be that there were certain shows that I taped - sometimes without fail - back in the '80s & '90s; yet, when they were released on DVD, I kept picking them up, looking them over, and just putting them back. Even when I find them used for cheap, I can't get up the notion to buy them (especially when there's something else I'd rather spend the money on).

What TV shows on DVD have you been anxious to see out in boxset form, yet keep passing up?

Here's a few for me:

Quatum Leap - I loved this show when it aired and taped it from the pilot episode on during its days. However, the final season killed a lot of my interest in the show and I look at the series now with only tepid emotions.

Night Court - Another show from the '80s that I loved and taped from Season Two onward, but never got around to getting that first season collection, even though it would actually complete the series for me.

Danger Man/Secret Agent - I have all of these on tape, some in not the greatest condition. Would have loved to get the DVDs, but they aren't captioned or subtitled (typical A&E style of release, unfortunately) and that's the one factor that would have made me fork over the money for them. Same with the Avengers. Thanks, A&E!

That's a few. Anyone out there with some they wish to discuss?

Alf. I was 11 or 12 when it first aired and I never missed an episode (except the final episode... ARGGHHHH!). I was obsessed with the show - had stuffed figures, shirts and a cat named Lucky (after the cat on the show). When the first season came out i picked it up in my hands, rolled it around and gently put it back. Some things just need to be left alone to nostalgia and never repeated (besides, each episode is trimmed a bit from the syndication tapes).

My problem is quality shows like HILL STREET BLUES, which I loved, but which I don't have the time to invest -- with self-contained episodic shows, whether REMINGTON STEELE, THE SAINT, TAXI, etc., I can just toss one in for an hour's entertainment. But the shows with ongoing story arcs have to be watched chronologically...so although I loved the show, I have passed it up so far.

MAGNUM PI is one I sorta had my eye on, but the show had a lot of seasons and I think the more they came out, the more I've decided against ever getting season 1, as it would then inevitably lead to season 2, etc....I'm showing some willpower....

The opposite works for me. Even with episodic shows, I would never choose to dip into a mid-season episode. I never watch TV because of the necessity to tune in at a particular time, so I find boxed sets to be very handy. I also have less time to watch stuff now, so I aim to watch a movie and one episode of a TV show on disc every night or two. If I've little time to spare I'll watch one or two of the TV shows, depending on their length, and skip the movie. It doesn't take long to watch the whole season of whatever it is, so I get to enjoy all the characterization and story development in a condensed and satisfying manner. Some series will get a single viewing but I've watched all the SOPRANOS episodes a couple times now, and BUFFY is enjoying a second pass (I have all 7 seasons and I'm on Season 4 again). Most watched (and again I would stick to the season chronology) is FRASIER. I only have the first seven seasons, but they are a joy to watch. I know when I get to the last episode, I'll go back to the first season again.

Victor

I try to do this, but I invariably get so wrapped up in the show that I want to keep going and watch another episode, and then another, and before I know it, it's 3:00am. <_<

Even though I purchased the ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW - SEASON ONE, I don't know if I'll complete the set (and I love this show).

I keep passing up (and, again, I love them):

THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW

LEAVE IT TO BEAVER

NYPD BLUE

I'm having a terrible time keeping up with the M*A*S*H sets, largely because of having seen the episodes so many times, and even at the OK prices, the series ran so long it's feels like a relentless pursuit. However, it's TV comfort food for me, and the need to watch any episode at 4 AM will eventually win out.

Also OUTER LIMITS - Season 2 is waaaay overpriced in my estimation and it's yet to join its brother on my shelf.

After the syndicated-edit problem of the ROSEANNE Season 1, a series I planned on collecting in full has failed to enter my DVD collection.

I've been waiting for the price of the BABYLON 5 sets to drop some distance below their $60 MSRP.

And waiting...and waiting...

I've hesitated over the "Make Purchase" button on a number of series, only to reset quantity to 0 at the last moment.

Leave It To Beaver will probably eventually find its way onto my shelf. Likewise the 2nd and 3rd seasons of I Spy. and the second UFO box, although I've nearly-almost--just-about-to-gosh-should-I-but-didn't-at-the-last-minute on all of those.

Much more uncertain about The Dick Van Dyke Show, Newsradio, The Avengers, and a bunch of Supermarionation shows - stuff I have fond memories of but might not want to devote hours of my life to. On the other hand, The Avengers might be more engaging than I expect in the long run.. but on the other hand... And so forth.

I was saved the horror of actually making up my mind about Kids In The Hall by renting a few, thus verifying that their comedy is good for exactly one more round for me, and removing the need for an outright purchase. At one time I'd have jumped on the complete Monty Python, but despite still thinking of the show as comedy genius, I've just seen them all way too many times and can't get a chuckle even out of my favorite bits.