It's probably safe to say what a lot of television was dedicated to in 2001: live events. I hate the 24 hour cable news cycle, but if O.J. invented that style of coverage, 2001 ensured we'd never go back. It has to be mentioned. Fortunately, 2001 also served as a year during which many of the era's great television characters were thriving and/or beginning. I'm always one for optimism.
Honorable: HOMR