Five shows to enhance your weekly TV agenda

Sure, everyone is tuned into “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Desperate Housewives,” but what about the… Sure, everyone is tuned into “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Desperate Housewives,” but what about the shows that nobody seems to be watching? As critically acclaimed or entertaining as they may be, they just can’t seem to get the buzz that the more popular shows receive.

Viewers are generally afraid to take a risk watching a new show, especially in a world where time is valuable. Taking a risk on these shows, though, will prove to be both painless and rewarding.

“The Closer” (Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on TNT)

It’s everything anyone could ever want in a show: Wit, suspense and irresistible characters are only the beginning of the long list of reasons why “The Closer” is worth watching. Just tape “Law ‘ Order: Special Victims Unit” some Tuesday and watch “The Closer” instead.

One episode is all it takes to get sucked into the drama at the Los Angles Police Department. Kyra Sedgwick steals all the show’s attention as Brenda Johnson, the hard-nosed boss who always solves her case. Johnson’s accent and unusual ways of catching her victims only add to her charm. Sedgwick’s joined by a killer cast of somewhat unknowns who all seem to get their moments to shine despite Sedgwick’s unstoppable performance.

One of the best moments you probably missed: When Brenda catches a member of her team making fun of her Southern accent. She sends him off with his duties, but not before she gives him one of her signature “thank you’s.”

“Supernatural” (Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on The WB)

The show’s title may be telling, but don’t be fooled; “Supernatural” isn’t a typical haunting. From its beginning, the show has mystified brave viewers with the unusual death of the main characters’ mother.

Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki are the Dream Team as Dean and Sam Winchester. The characters are well developed and their relationship helps fuel the drama. Viewers can’t help but love them – after all, they are the only characters on the show whom you can trust to be there next week.

One of the best moments you probably missed: When a healer gives Dean a second chance at life with consequences the two brothers didn’t expect.

“Numb3rs” (Fridays at 10 p.m. on CBS)

Two brothers: one is a math genius, the other is an FBI agent. They may not always get along as siblings, but their bond and their teamwork help them catch bank robbers and murders.

“Numb3rs” may run on Friday nights, but it is worth staying home for. Hearing math genius Charlie (played by David Krumholtz) explaining his theories to his brother is compelling yet easy to understand. If only solving all crimes were as easy as finding the value of “x.”

One of the best moments you probably missed: Any part where they are talking about the math that solves the crime. Who knew statistics and probability could be this fun?

“How I Met Your Mother” (Mondays at 8:30 p.m. on CBS)

It might be a little bit silly, but its acting is endearing enough to let you look past all its shortcomings. Veteran actors such as Jason Segal (“Freaks and Geeks”), Alyson Hannigan (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Neil Patrick Harris (“Doogie Howser, M.D.”) use their characters as the best tool for retaining viewers.

The show provides the kind of humor any person with a strong group of friends can relate to. “How I Met Your Mother” is a culmination of moments that are absolutely unforgettable, like a night at the club or a New Year’s Eve that didn’t end up as planned.

One of the best moments you probably missed: When Barney (played by Harris) explains to his friends that a mix CD doesn’t have to have a combination of high- and low-energy songs. It can be all high.

“Medium” (Mondays at 10 p.m. on NBC)

Well, you might be watching. You could be. Even though this drama focuses a lot on family, it has a lot to offer the younger crowd, too. All the scary ghosts or not-so-scary spirits add variety to a show that could have tiptoed close to the mundane.

Patricia Arquette stars as Allison DuBois, the psychic who uses her abilities to crack tough cases for the District Attorney. Arquette’s portrayal of Allison is never overdone. Arquette plays her character with ease, moving back and forth between caring mom and dedicated sleuth.

One of the best moments you probably missed: When the ghostly doctor slaughtered young girls by possessing humans – completely morbid and utterly scary.