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It began one Tuesday night when I was out. I set my DVR to record “Gilmore Girls” and “Veronica Mars,” two of the best-written shows in prime time, and I meant to set the office machine to tape “House.” But I forgot.

Me, the Hugh-Laurie, “yes you are a journalist, but I feel more like you’re stalking me,” fan. The woman who drools when he comes on screen. Forgot. I mean there were a few weeks of baseball there when he wasn’t on, but how could I have grown out of the habit so fast? And now I say things like, “Eh, I’ll catch it in re-runs.”

I’m like that about a lot of shows this season. I never missed an episode of “Lost” or “Desperate Housewives” until this fall. I’m keeping up this season, but I haven’t seen every episode. And it’s to the point with both shows that when people come on with story lines I don’t like, I fast-forward through them.

I also promised I’d watch “Kidnapped.” I know it’s soon to be dead, but I feel personally responsible because I never watched past the pilot and I liked the show. The same thing with “Jericho.” I’m glad CBS picked it up for a full season, so maybe I can catch it in re-runs. And I haven’t seen “Prison Break” since NBC began their new Monday nights. Or “Boston Legal,” “Nip/Tuck” or “Rescue Me.” I’ve dumped them all.

This past summer there was a lot of lip flapping about how many serialized shows a person can watch. And I do believe there is a limit. But it’s not just serialized dramas for me. I’ve had my fill of everything. I’m in TV overload. I’m fairly certain its one of the many side effects of being a television critic.

So what am I watching on a consistent basis, besides the aforementioned shows? “Greys Anatomy,” “Ugly Betty,” “Men in Trees” and my absolute favorites “Heroes” and “Studio 60.” If NBC cancels “Studio 60” … Argh! In fact, the last two are the only ones I watch when they actually air.  Everything else I power through on the DVR.

I wonder if the networks wouldn’t benefit from using some of the cable techniques. Like during series’ hiatus, maybe they could have marathons. That’s how I discovered the original “The Office,” “Project Runway” and “Hex.” I was sick and stuck on the couch and watched 12 hours straight of the shows. And since I’m confessing, I’ll also admit I’ve done that with “Pimp My Ride,” “Cribs” and back in the day, Ozzie and his crazy brood.

If NBC aired an entire weekend of “Kidnapped,” I’d be there. Or if Fox ran a “House” marathon, I’d be glued to the set. I know what you’re thinking: just get the DVD’s when they come out and stop whining. But it’s just not the same. For me, DVD sets are set aside for the special shows like “Alias,” “Gilmore Girls” and “Buffy.” Did your chick warning light just go off?

As a TV Critic you have to sample a bit of everything, and I do. But I’ve been surprised this season how easily it’s been for me to give up long-time favorites. I’m fickle that way.

So what are you watching? What have you given up? Any surprises?

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