To Watch: So You Think You Can Dance

American Idol recap is coming later tonight, but for now, top 5 reasons to watch So You Think You Can Dance... tell the monkey to give you more.

5. What else are you watching right now at 8pm on a Thursday? I'll forgive basketball playoffs - but you still can DVR this show.

4. The Choreographers. Mia Michaels is batshit crazy, but she always pulls something out of her modern dance ass that blows me away. Wade? Bring it! Shane Sparks? Make them pop! Dan Karaty? Only the flexible need apply! These are actual professionals who work with talented young professionals to create great performances.

3. Cat Deeley. A host that actually seems to care about the contestants??!? She's fab, and she actually looks like she's having fun. And she didn't snap Dominic's little pervy neck when he got stalker/creepy. Also, she's very tall. And watching the tiny little children have to look up at her is funny.

2. Dance is a demonstrable skill that not everyone thinks they have. Most sane people will tell you they can or cannot dance - but they mean at weddings or parties. To be a dancer is a whole different thing from dancing. This show is about dancers, and by the time it gets to the Semi's, there is ridiculous talent.

1. In a couple of months, you're actually going to care about some of these contestants based on skill and not looks. American Idol is so much about the voting blocks of tweens versus moms versus whomever. This show seems much more about crushing on a contestants skill than niche. Pasha. Neil. Hawk. Sabra. They were all standouts. They're dancers, so of course they're phsically attractive (dancers asses are perfection) but fans get really passionate about the ability to do a great extension, too. Which is awesome.

I didn't mention the judges because I don't have very many kind things to say about Mary Murphy. Unless I can kindly say "SHUT THE HELL UP THE WORLD DOES NOT NEED A PAULA ABDUL WHO SCREAMS!!!!" I don't think I can kindly say that.

Yes, it's a cheesy reality show. But as a television viewing society, I think we've admitted our love of the cheese, as long as there's substance to go along with.

So You Think You Can Dance
Fox
Thursdays, 8/7C