Reality TV has earned its place on the schedule, and the best shows in the genre have proved their ability to turn ordinary people into stars.

But as the syndicated success of everything from "I Love Lucy "to "Friends" proves, this hasn't altered our need to connect with characters — or the joy we feel when good actors find the right role, the right writers, the right production.

So with the 2003 season at an end, let's celebrate the work of this year's acting MVPs. They've helped make TV better for their presence.

Jason Bateman as Michael Bluth in Fox's "Arrested Development"

Jason Bateman is Michael Bluth in Fox's "Arrested Development." ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, HBO and Advertiser library photos

Bateman often has come across as being smarter than the room, and "Arrested" plays off his ability to project a humorous intolerance for his crazy family's foibles. What it adds to his mix, however, is a recognition of Michael's dependence on his family. By infusing that contrast with personal charm, Bateman cements his place at the show's center, which in turn allows the wonderful supporting cast to whirl around him like crazed tops.

Adam Brody as Seth Cohen in Fox's "The O.C."

Those attempting to copy the "O.C." formula had better include Brody in their calculations.

My bet is they won't. They'll copy the beachfront setting, the rich kid/poor kid romance, the multigenerational parade of pretty people — and they'll forget the show's success hinges on its most unusual character: Seth.

Brody has created a hero for high school outcasts everywhere: the doofus who gets the girl and befriends the coolest guy in town. And while going through the season's most entertaining transformation, he also has served as the surrogate voice of the show's incredibly clever young creator, Josh Schwartz.

Jon Cryer and Charlie Sheen as Alan and Charlie Harper in CBS' "Two and a Half Men"

The two stars of the season's only real new sitcom hit have established themselves as an incredibly amusing TV team.

Seldom have two actors complemented each other as well or meshed as smoothly. Sheen has an easy-to-like, laid-back style but limited range. Cryer is a vastly underrated comic actor, but he can be a hard sell as a star. United, Sheen supplies the magnetism, while Cryer does whatever heavy lifting the script requires.

Victor Garber as Jack Bristow in ABC's "Alias"

There may be weeks Sydney would rather not have Jack around, but "Alias" couldn't do without him.

The sillier the plots become, the more important Garber is as the series' grounding force. His concern for Sydney heightens the drama, and his ability to switch gears to a cold, calculated ruthlessness fuels many of the show's best surprises.

And if the cliffhanger is any clue, Jack will be even more vital next season.

Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane in NBC's "Frasier"

Kelsey Grammer is Frasier Crane in NBC's "Frasier."

As an actor, his skill and reach allowed the writers to go in any direction they desired, from romantic comedy to family drama, from intellectual word play to physical shtick and flat-out farce.

As a star, his generosity and good sense in sharing the show's spotlight allowed each member of the ensemble to shine, and no doubt extended his own character's shelf life.

For two decades, millions of Americans invited Grammer into their homes every week. To anyone who thinks a "Survivor" or "Bachelor" will ever have a similar run, all I can say is, "Get real."

Laura Innes as Kerry Weaver in NBC's "ER"

If it has been a better year for "ER," it's all thanks to women.

As a group, the male cast is uniformly dull, and dampens any female character who wanders into a romantic orbit. Have you noticed how much more fun Maura Tierney's Abby and Sherry Stringfield's Susan became after dumping Carter, and how flat Linda Cardellini's Sam became the moment she hooked up with Kovac? In fact, you'd be tempted to think being a lesbian is the best thing that ever happened to Dr. Weaver, because it saved her from the show's ridiculously forced doctor matchups.

In truth, the best thing that has happened to "ER" may be Innes, who has created a prickly character who's difficult to love and impossible to dislike.

Saddled with an all-too-predictable custody battle, Innes still is able to break your heart. And no one on the show is better at slapping a doctor back into place or snapping out one of the show's few funny lines.

Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in HBO's "Sex and the City"

You can't have romance without a star who inspires love.

Sex is different. You can believe a character is sexy even if he or she is unlikable in other ways. But romantic comedy requires us to root for the star, to believe that happiness is, and should be, within reach.

That interest is what Parker brought to "Sex and the City." When the show required her to be sexy, she complied. When it needed her to be fashionable, she was a willing mannequin.

And when, in recent seasons, it switched focus from hooking up to settling down, she soared. She took a character who could be seen as selfish and single-minded and imbued her with sweetness and vulnerability. She made us fall in love. After we've forgotten the show's fashion trends, love's what we'll remember.

Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer in Fox's "24"

If "24" is a ticking clock, Sutherland is the gear that makes it go. Sutherland's Jack Bauer isn't just the link that ties all the disparate stories together. Sutherland's total commitment to the role gives the story the weight it needs to keep us involved. Even when the plot defies belief, there's not a moment when you don't believe in Jack.

Consider the way the show chose to end its season. Jack, having been stoic throughout, gets in his car and breaks down in tears. It was as unexpected an image as any "24" has offered. Sutherland made it seem inevitable.

Amber Tamblyn as Joan Girardi in CBS' "Joan of Arcadia"

Amber Tamblyn is Joan Girardi in CBS' "Joan of Arcadia."

Tamblyn's task is to make you believe God does and would speak to this child, and she succeeds beyond anyone's wildest expectations. Even the way she cries, with her face all scrunched up, represents the application of adult-level acting skills to create a true-to-life teenager. That's talent — and talent at this level is its own little miracle.

Michael K. Williams as Omar in HBO's "The Wire"

Michael K. Williams is Omar in HBO's "The Wire."

In Omar — a gay drug dealer who turns government witness to avenge his murdered boyfriend — Williams brought life to a character unlike any we've ever seen before.