TVSquad

AOL Television has compiled a list of the 50 Best TV Comedies -- Ever, this week revealing numbers 50-41. Inspired by what they did, I've decided to list my favorite sitcom sidekicks, those funny foils that oftentimes make the star shine even brighter than you might have thought. Coming up with just a ten-pack hasn't been so easy. Many times, I'd look at a show and think, "No, it's more of an ensemble. There isn't one sidekick." Falling into that category were B.J. and Trapper John on M*A*S*H. Neither were Hawkeye's sidekick, really (any more than Radar was). Same thing with Friends -- they were all each other's sidekicks. Also, on The Odd Couple, Oscar and Felix were equal; neither was a sidekick. Ditto Two and a Half Men and Laverne & Shirley. Also, because it's my list, I decided not to include married couples -- sorry Rob and Laura, Ricky and Lucy, Archie and Edith.

Whew, after all that, here, in alphabetical order, are the ten I love -- within my own parameters! Feel free to comment with your choices, if your favorite isn't on my list.

• At 7, USA has coverage of the U.S. Open (CNBC takes over at 9 except on the west coast).
• At 8, ABC Family has a new Kyle XY, then new episodes of Greek and Slacker Cats.
• Lots of classic shows on American Life starting at 8: 77 Sunset Strip, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Newhart, WKRP, and The Bob Newhart Show.
• Also at 8: Nickelodeon has a new SpongeBob SquarePants.
• At 9, ABC has a new Fat March.
• There's a new episode of The Closer on TNT at 9, followed by a new Saving Grace.
• USA has a new Monday Night RAW at 9.
• Food Network has a new Unwrapped at 9.
• At 10, NBC has a new Dateline.
• TBS has a new My Boys at 10.
• MTV has a new ep of The Hills at 10.
• VH-1 has a new Pick Up Artist at 10.
• The Travel Channel has a new Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations at 10.
• There's a new Weeds on Showtime at 10, then a new Californication.

Check your local TV listings for more.

Betty White, the actress best known for her roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls, and for being confused with the little old lady who raps in The Wedding Singer was honored yesterday by the Los Angeles Zoo. White, who has served on numerous zoo association and foundation boards, will have a plaque hung in her honor next to the L.A. zoo's gorilla exhibit.

Her new official title is "Ambassador to the Animals,' but I'd like to see what the precise job description of that position is... sounds like fun. The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries including the mayor of Los Angeles. White is currently in her eighth year as a zoo commissioner and plans to continue to "love the animals."