I've been collecting TV shows on DVD since about 2002. It began with The Simpsons. I nabbed both Seasons 1 and 2, but paid way too much for them; close to $100! At the time, this seemed reasonable; after all, it was one of my favourite shows. But now, after some years of buying (and a little selling), I've found that with some patience and determination, it's easy to build a collection of TV on DVD, without breaking the bank.
This guide will get you started, explaining what are the best values in TV on DVD. Each show discussed begins with the title of show, which will also serve as a link to an ebay search for the first season of that show. There will be a short summary, and then a bulleted list of features to look for, things to avoid, etc. The end of the guide will give some simple guidelines to follow whenever you buy DVD's on ebay. Of course, as much as I'd like this to be all you would ever need, there are simply too many shows to go through, not enough time, and worse yet, more every year! So before we fall any more behind, let's begin with one of my personal favourites...

The Simpsons

The Simpsons is one of the longest running prime-time television shows ever. While some believe the show has passed its prime, it has remained strong, being in it's 17th season right now. And what that translates into is a whole lot of DVD's to procure. But not to worry; the dvd sets are only up to season 7 (with season 8 being released August 15th). And since many believe the show really declined after season 9, you're basically almost done.

What I love most about the Simpsons' DVDs is that the are really done well. I judge every DVD set I buy against the Simpsons. Every episode of every season has some sort of commentary, and it's actually entertaining. There are extra's galore, from animatics to behind the scenes to deleted scenes. The only major problem being that the quality of the sets didn't really hit it's stride until Season 4, and, with Season 6's release, introduced two seperate outer casings for the DVD's: the normal box, or the "head" of a given character (6 was Homer's, 7 was Marge's, and 8 will be Maggie's). But aside from these minor annoyances, these DVD's are must haves, even if you don't plan on buying any TV on DVD ever again. You definitly get your money's worth.

• The best price to buy these sets at is $30 or less; if you can't find it at around that price, I suggest waiting until you do.
• A true completionist will want both the head version of the sets (which are Season 6 and onward), and also the box version. I myself only have the box versions, as the heads clash with the existing, earlier seasons. But who knows, these head boxes may be worth some money some day!
• Season 6 was released as a Homer head box with a mail away for the regular box; Season 7 (and soon 8) are sold as seperate boxes.
• If you really want both versions of the set, ebay may have just the boxes up for sale. Won't be in shrink, but at least you have them! (In fact, this may be the only way to get the Homer box to replace the head, unless someone is selling the non-head box complete).
  
• My fav's are probably Season 5, 6, and 7 so far.
  

Lost

How can a show about 40 people stranded on an island from a plane crash be good? That was my first thought about this show. I assumed it would be typical, sort of like a scripted Survivor, which I'm not a big fan of anyway. Like a more dramatic Gilligan's Island. I couldn't have been more wrong.
Lost has a wide array of incredibly complex characters, some of whom you think you know everything about at first glance, but later find out you can never judge a book by it's cover. Some are developed in such a way that can't even tell if you love or hate them. All the while a mysterious island keeps the action intense and full of, well, msytery. The show is currently one season released on DVD, with the second due out September 5th. The third Season will premeire Wednesday, October 4th, 2006 at 9pm. Better get watching to catch up! (Trust me, you'll be through the first season in a few nights!)

• Season One retails at around $40-$50; ebay seems to have it closer to the $20 area, which is a great price for this show; just be wary of bootlegs!

Arrested Development

As critically acclaimed as it was, Arrested Development was short-lived at best. Spanning only 3 short seasons, the show grabbed audiences and swept them away in a torrent of laughter. With huge, elaborate sets, a multitude of characters, story lines that lept from one epsiode to another (read: call-backs everywhere), and high-brow jokes that reference everything from current political situations to television shows such as Happy Days, the show dragged in ratings. But this means nothing of the quality! On dvd the show really shines, because you don't have to wait a week or even a day to find out what happens next, and the jokes just carry better that way. The sets are attractive looking, thin, and usually not too pricey, making this a sure-fire addition to anyone's collection. Even if you've never seen the show, buy season one, sit down, and prepare to laugh.

• Seasons 1 & 2 are available now; Season 3 will be released August 29th, 2006.
  

Seinfeld

Seinfeld is one of those shows that began strong and never really seemed to let up. Considered by many to be the greatest sitcom in history, this is one show you simply can't pass up. With commentaries, "notes about nothing", and various extras scattared about each disc, this is one set that's sure to please. The only real qualm I have with the sets is that the menu's, while creative, are a bit amatuerish to me; too cluttered and "weird" looking. But not every set can be a Simpsons ;)

• Season 1 and 2 come packaged together in one set, since season 1 was really only 4 episodes long to begin with.
• Hardcore fans can get a Season 1 & 2 gift set, which includes Salt and Pepper shakers and a script; Season 5 was released as a similar gift set, featuring a "puffy shirt".
• The series ran 9 seasons and is currently released on DVD through season 6.
  

The Venture Bros

The super funny adventures of the Venture family are reminiscent of johnny Quest, among other late 70's Hanna-Barbara cartoons. With characters such as a pill popping doctor father, two straight-arrow sons (Hank and Dean Venture), and a muscular Swedish bodygaurd named Brock, you can almost imagine the funny things that might happen. Throw in a Super Villain dressed as a butterfly and a Necromancer neighbor trying to make it as a single dad, and this show is a sure hit.

24

If you've never seen this amazing television show, you're really missing out. It's edge of your seat action, with great characters and writing. Set in present day Los Angelos, Special Agent of the Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) Jack Bauer spends every moment of every day saving his family, the city, and the world. It's incredible action and drama, and what's more, each episode is one hour of a 24 hour day, in (nearly) real time.

• The season sets are large; the shows easily span 6 discs, often with a seventh disc thrown in for good measure (extras, etc). If you are short on shelf space, this will definitly be a tough one to squeeze in, but oh-so-worth it!
• Like Lost, 24 is best watched one episode after another, making this a perfect match for Tv on DVD!
• The series has been released on DVD through season 4, with season 5 not scheduled for release yet (but of course it's coming).

The Tip of the Ice Berg...

This is just a short list of some of the shows I've enjoyed on DVD, to get you started. Other shows you may enjoy are:

• King of the Hill  - Season 6 avaialable now.
• Futurama  - Short lived with only 4 seasons, all available on DVD.
• The Critic  - From Simpsons creators, and starring John Lovitz, the show comes in it's entirety in one set; an easy buy to get the complete series.
• Family Guy  - Season 1 & 2 in Volume 1, Season 3 in Volume 2, Season 4 in Volume 3.
• The X-Files  - Being re-released in smaller, less expensive packaging, this show is a great creepy addition to anyone's collection.
• Anime fans may want to check out Cowboy Bebop for great, stylized action, or Cromartie High School for humorous insnaity! (But be super wary of bootlegs when buying anime!)
  

Some things to consider...

• One of the great things about ebay is the ability to buy multiple shows all at once; if you're looking for a complete series, try to find listings with all seasons included. But make sure you don't end up paying more than you would for the seasons by themselves!
• Shipping is a key factor to consider when buying anything. If the shipping seems way to much, move on. It's not worth the hassle. Average shipping for a tv show on dvd set ought to be about $5-$8, no higher than $10 (and I think that's stretching it).
  
• Try to get brand new, factory sealed DVD's, and even then be wary of bootlegs. Look for listings with lots of pictures, good summary, and words such as "complete", "new", or NIB (new in box). The listing should be as new and region 1 (most "all region" DVD's are bootlegs).
• If it seems to good to be true, it most likely is.
• Check feedback of every seller! A good tool to use is ebay negs for Firefox.
• Ask questions when in doubt!