Barbara Walters to Host BEST IN TV: THE GREATEST SHOWS OF OUR TIME

What are the greatest television shows of all time? Who are our favorite TV mom and dad? Who is our favorite television host of all time? It's America's turn to decide, as a collaboration between ABC News and PEOPLE Magazine gives TV fans the opportunity to vote online at www.bestintelevision.com for their favorites of all time. The results will be revealed during an unprecedented two-hour broadcast hosted by Barbara Walters, BEST IN TV: THE GREATEST SHOWS OF OUR TIME airing in September 2012, in conjunction with ABC's broadcast of the Emmy Awards.

The program will include many classic clips from America's favorite shows, fresh interviews with some of the stars and directors of the winning television series, as well as out-takes, screen tests and rarely seen behind-the-scenes footage. Also, a panel of pop culture and television experts, including several editors and writers from PEOPLE, will weigh in with their thoughts and memories.

Categories:
Best TV Comedy
Best TV Drama
Best Legal or Cop Show
Favorite TV Mom
Favorite TV Dad
Favorite Reality Show
Best Talk Show Host
Best Non-Human Character
Favorite TV Variety Show
Best TV Show of All Time

Additionally, winners of the following categories will be revealed online at www.bestintelevision.com and at www.people.com in conjunction with the "Best in TV" airdate:

Most Memorable TV Moment
Best TV Game Show
Favorite Soap Opera/Daytime Drama
Best Animated Show
Favorite TV Theme Song

Online Voting: Several dozen Emmy Award winning actors, directors and producers, along with several TV journalists, selected the nominees in each category by choosing their favorites from a list of hundreds of shows old and new. The "all star" panel included luminaries like actors Tim Allen, Valerie Harper and Jimmy Smits, and producers/directors/creators Stephen Bochco, Mark Burnett, Norman Lear, Warren Littlefield, Chuck Lorre and Shonda Rhimes, among numerous others.

While on the "Best in TV" site, television fans also have the opportunity to view clips, slide shows and interviews. Voting is open through July 23.

Photo courtesy of ABC