• by Wayne Friedman , May 4, 2011

Easy availability of old and new shows can yield some unusual results when polling people about their all-time favorite shows. 

Harris Interactive recently asked the question: "What are your two or three favorite television shows of all time?" The winner was CBS' "NCIS." Second place went to the net's "CSI." It's only in the third spot that the older popular "M.A.S.H." appears. Last year, "CSI" was No. 1, with "M.A.S.H" holding down the second position. Of the top 15 all-time shows, nine shows are currently on the air. In addition to "NCIS" and "CSI", there's "Two and a Half Men" (3rd place); "Criminal Minds" (tied for 8th place with "Friends"); "Law & Order" (tied for 10th place with "I Love Lucy"/"The Lucy Show"); and "Family Guy," "Bone," "House" and "Grey's Anatomy" (tied for 12th place.

For the most part, older off-the-air shows were better vote-getters that those still on the air. These include "Seinfeld" (5th place), "Lost" (6th place), and "Star Trek" (7th place).

Looking at individual viewing segments, both men and women list "NCIS" as their top show of all time. For those 18-34, "Friends" is the answer. Republicans are keen on "NCIS," while Democrats like "Two and a Half Men." College or post-graduates favor "Seinfeld." Those making $75,000 to $100,000 are big fans of "M.A.S.H".

Shows dropping out of popularity this year versus 2009: "24", "ER" and "The Simpsons."

Harris says some 2,400 respondents were polled in early March for the results. It notes that DVD box sets, streaming videos, and broadcast reruns, allow old and new shows to more easily vie for attention among U.S. consumers.