Alcatraz

'Quantum Leap' (1989-1993, NBC)

Like a few other shows on this list, this sci-fi/fantasy/drama never really got the respect it deserved.

As part of its premise, scientist Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula) "leapt" through time and space, inhabiting the bodies of ordinary people who ... morewere clearly in need of his help. He was aided by a mysterious hologram, Al (Dean Stockwell), who guided him through and who clearly knew more about Sam's predicament than he ever let on.

And it's not like the show didn't tackle some weighty issues: "Quantum Leap," and Sam, by proxy, confronted racial prejudice, spousal abuse and more. All the while, it kept us interested in finding out whether Sam would find his way "home," back into his own body.

(NBC)