Top 10 TV Highlights

Two of the most memorable events in television this year were the departures of ROSIE O'DONNELL from "The View" and ISAIAH WASHINGTON from "Grey's Anatomy."

In the case of Rosie, it was her decision to leave after only one year. She originally made the announcement at the end of April, saying she would leave when her contract ended at the end of the season. At that time, she also said she would return as a guest host occasionally.

But Rosie ended up leaving the ABC daytime chat-fest early, following an on-air spat with ELISABETH HASSELBECK. The fireworks occurred when a long-running debate about the Iraq war turned into a shouting match between the opposing co-hosts -- both near tears by the end of their dispute. As JOY BEHAR called for directors to "go to commercial," Rosie and Elisabeth got into a personal dispute with finger pointing and Rosie calling Elisabeth "cowardly." As a result, Rosie asked to be released early from her contract, a request that was granted.

On the other hand, Isaiah's departure from "Grey's Anatomy" caught the actor totally by surprise. He had expected to return to the hit ABC drama, and when he got word that he would not be back, he said in a statement, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore."

It had been a controversial year for the actor, who sought counseling for anti-gay slurs he made during the Golden Globe Awards and on the "Grey's" set regarding castmate T.R. KNIGHT. He also met with gay community leaders and issued a public apology. It seemed as if everything had been resolved when he was notified of his release from his contract.

In his first interview after receiving the news on LARRY KING's TV show, Isaiah explained that he hadn't been able to defend himself previously, because he said he was under a gag order from his employers.

When the fall season began, Isaiah did return to the tube. He joined the cast of NBC's "Bionic Woman" for five episodes in a recurring role as one of Jaime's handlers.

Another memorable moment this year was the Feb. 1 episode of "Ugly Betty," on which REBECCA ROMIJN -- the mystery woman behind the mask -- came out and revealed that she had gone from being Alex Meade to Alexis Meade -- and she did it during Fashion Week.

"Alex didn't like being a guy so much," Rebecca tells ET's MARK STEINES. "I am playing a woman. Alexis is a woman. We are trying to be responsive and sympathetic to the transgender community. I would not want to insult anyone in the transgender community by playing her as a guy."

ET was on hand as the cast of "The Sopranos" got together for the final time and said goodbye to the boys from Jersey. "I am so sad," series star EDIE FALCO (Carmela) told ET. "I have had nothing but great things to say about this [job] from the get-go. No actor is luckier. It has been the ideal job, and I will miss it terribly."

One thing's for sure, the fans of the series are not going to soon fughedaboutit -- especially in light of the controversial ending when the screen went to black, leaving fans in the dark as to Tony's (JAMES GANDOLFINI) fate. Did he get whacked? Or just go on with life as usual?

Also notable was the fact that "American Idol" continued to rock the ratings, despite being in its sixth season. This year, fans of the hit series picked their youngest "Idol" ever, when 17-year-old JORDIN SPARKS walked away with the title, garnering 74 million votes, a record-breaking number, for the win.

"'American Idol' has truly been a life-altering experience," the bubbly teen said. "I can't wait to share this next chapter of my story with all the fans that have supported me so far."

America also had dance fever, as "Dancing with the Stars" continued its run on ABC. In the beginning of the year, the championship battle was between APOLO ANTON OHNO, who emerged victorious, and JOEY FATONE, who while finishing second, revitalized his career, becoming the host of NBC's "Singing Bee."

Apolo, who was named the "Dancing" king on his 25th birthday, commented, "This entire experience has been completely transforming." He also thanked his partner JULIANNE HOUGH, saying, "Not only is she a great dance partner, but she's a great friend."

Julianne went two-for-two when she won the title this fall, partnering with Brazlian race car driver HELIO CASTRONEVES.

"This is an incredible moment right now. I can't think," Helio stammered while being presented with the mirror-ball trophy and enfolding Julianne in a victory embrace. "I want to thank everybody."

It was a fairytale wedding for EVA LONGORIA this past July, when the "Desperate Housewives" star married TONY PARKER in both a civil and church ceremony in France, followed by a lavish reception. In fact, it was a strong contrast to Gaby's TV wedding to Victor (JOHN SLATTERY), which was the May season finale of "Desperate Housewives," at which she started an affair with her ex (Carlos, RICARDO ANTONIO CHAVIRA), before the ink was even dry on the wedding license.

The games are the same, but the host was different when "The Price Is Right" returned for its 36th season on CBS with DREW CAREY stepping into BOB BARKER's shoes. "We're giving away the prizes here, but it's not my money, so we can give away anything you want," he told ET's JANN CARL. "It doesn't matter to me!"

"House" had a shocking season finale in May, when Dr. House (HUGH LAURIE) loses his entire staff, including neurologist Dr. Eric Foreman (OMAR EPPS), intensivist Dr. Robert Chase (JESSE SPENCER) and immunologist Dr. Allison Cameron (JENNIFER MORRISON).

The changes in a show-that-wasn't-broken has seen the series do better in the ratings than ever, even outperforming an original episode of "Grey's Anatomy" in Adults 18-49 one week without "American Idol" as its lead in. It just goes to show that "House" can definitely stand on its own.

And last, but not least, "Jericho," starring SKEET ULRICH, is proof positive that sometimes the people can make themselves heard. Last May, CBS canceled the series, and fans took action. The disgruntled viewers inundated the eye network's executives with thousands of pounds of nuts, which was inspired by a line from an episode in which a character said, "Nuts." As a result, "Jericho" will return to the schedule mid-season for seven episodes, which will allow the writers to resolve the post-apocalyptic story and Jericho's conflict with the neighboring town of New Bern. And, if the numbers warrant it, it could get picked up for even more episodes.