Power players who shape your TV habits

AMC
While only a few years ago the cable network was known for showing classic films, AMC is now all about quality original programming. The network has two drama series that premiered in 2007, "Mad Men" and "Breaking Bad," both of which will be back for second seasons and, in the case of "Mad Men," probably way beyond that. Being the home for a place where TV's best writers and producers can work without network interference means the pipeline for future top-notch shows is never dry.

Jon Hamm
Speaking of which, those who knew of Hamm's polished acting abilities a year ago were probably only his girlfriend and parents. Now, Hamm might be the most buzzworthy leading man in all of TV thanks to his stellar turn as an ad exec with a boatload of secrets in "Mad Men."

Hamm's Don Draper was spot-on because he came into the show very much like the character himself: an unknown quantity full of mystery. Now, Hamm is getting a wide array of roles as it's obvious to see that this guy knows how to sell himself.

Tyra Banks
Banks is practically keeping the CW afloat with "America's Next Top Model," the fledgling network's highest-rated show. She delivers a steady audience, and beginning next year, she'll be on the air three times a week with an original and then repeated episode of "Top Model," plus a new reality show called "Stylista," in which young adults vie to become an assistant editor at Elle fashion magazine. If that wasn't enough, she continues to act as an executive producer and host of her own daytime talk show.

Howie Mandel
Mandel's been opening briefcases for two and a half years now, and he doesn't seem to be tiring of it. "Deal or No Deal" has been one of the top performers for struggling NBC, which could use a new hit or eight.

"Deal" has been so good that NBC will not only air episodes of the show on Wednesday nights in the fall, but they'll add a syndicated daytime "Deal" every weekday afternoon. (Msnbc.com is a joint venture between Microsoft and NBC Universal.)

Some might tire of talking to beautiful models and watching contestants wither away small fortunes for a chance at bigger ones, but Mandel knows what's behind briefcase No. 1: job security and the ability to keep NBC in the palm of his hands.

Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse
"Lost" fanatics might want to think they know what's going to happen when the show wraps up in 2010, but really, they don't. The only two who do know where Jack and the Others are headed are Lindelof and Cuse, the masterminds behind ABC's seminal sci-fi drama.

There's no scripted show on the air that draws such a huge amount of Internet chatter. There's no set demographic for those who are disciples of "Lost," and that large group — and ABC executives — bow in awe of Lindelof and Cuse because they have packaged riveting character back stories, time travel and brilliant filmmaking into a compelling 60-minute movies week after week.

Stuart Levine is a managing editor at Variety. He can be reached at stuart.levine@variety.com.

MORE FROM TELEVISION

Television Section Front

‘Grey’s’ interns get off easy after a close call FCC appeals Jackson case to Supreme Court Bauer power: ‘24’ movie prequel freshens show Fred Thompson plans return to acting The miniature killer returns on ‘CSI’ ‘Daisies,’ ‘Eli Stone’ ‘Sexy Money’ get yanked ‘True Blood’ a well-timed hit for HBO ‘The Shield’ prepares to go out with a bang ‘Mentalist’ follows CBS formula, with a twist 5Top: TV’s best bromances Television Section Front   Add Television headlines to your news reader: