These days, any show that makes it all the way through its first TV season is something of a rarity. A show that succeeds long enough for five seasons is practically a miracle — especially if it's a show that also gets popular buzz, critical acclaim, and industry awards.

But in 2004-05, we TV viewers somehow got lucky. That season saw the launch of several fantastic series, and these five are the cream of the crop. Together, they've been nominated for 121 Emmys, won 20 of them, and consistently appear on lists of the most-watched and/or most-loved shows on television.

This year, these five shows will launch their fifth seasons, and to celebrate, here's my salute to the valedictorians of the TV class of 2004-05. Just hit "Start."