On May 23, “Lost” came to an end. The Man in Black was defeated, the island was protected and the stories surrounding our favorite castaways concluded. So for fans, when the screen went black for that final time, a wave of pain was felt universally. Sure, it’s just a television show, but it was also like losing a friend – a life sucking, melodramatic friend that told you to shut up every time you asked a question – but a friend nonetheless. In the end, Jack went from a man of science to a man of faith. Locke went from a man of faith to a man of… smoke. And a story that lasted six years came full circle in the most beautiful way possible. Since the first season, Jack has always needed to fix things. He wasn’t able to give up, and when he took his final breath and closed his eyes for the last time, he had succeeded in his destiny. He saved his friends, he saved the island and he learned to let go. Now it’s time for us to do the same, and what better way to do that than watch another show? So from The Oracle to you, here are the best shows, new or old, to help you move on and get obsessed all over again. – Maxim Alter
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
When a race of machines wipes out mankind, only a group of about 40,000 survive. In a plot focused on their effort to find a mysterious planet called Earth known only in legend, “Battlestar Galactica” is hands down one of the greatest replacements to “Lost,” ever. It may be over, but there are still plenty of ways to watch it, and trust me, it’s worth buying the DVDs. Unfortunatley, “Battlestar” is the kind of show that didn’t get all of the attention it deserved. The name alone usually turns down those who aren’t attracted to science fiction. But don’t let that deter you. “Lost” is just as sci-fi, if not more. “Battlestar,” like “Lost,” has an incredible musical score, and similar themes that delve into the existence of destiny, a larger purpose and the will to survive. The characters are extremely engaging and the acting is top-notch. From the moment the story gets going, it’s a non-stop, edge of your seat ride that will blow your mind. – Maxim Alter
TRUE BLOOD
If you’ve never heard of “True Blood” – because you either live in complete isolation or you associate vampires with the piece of crap that is “Twilight” – let me give you a few reasons why this show is worth watching. First, both Losties and Trubies enjoy jaw-dropping plot revelations and supernatural themes. While “Lost” has twists, “True Blood” is seriously twisted. By that I mean its content is not suitable for children or anyone who is squeamish. The storyline, in short, is about a telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) who falls in love with vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) in a world where humans and the undead coexist. The supernatural that is present in “True Blood” goes beyond just blood suckers. There are werewolves, shapeshifters and even a strange creature called a maenad. This is a vampire story that actually doesn’t suck. It’s fang-tastic. -Sunya Bhutta
MAD MEN
A glass of fine scotch in one hand, a slowly burning cigarette in the other. Calm and in control. This is Don Draper. This is “Mad Men.” Set in the 1960s at the fictional Sterling Cooper advertising agency on Madison Avenue in New York City, “Mad Men” is the story of Don Draper, played by Jon Hamm. Draper is the creative director at the agency and king of a world where men are men, infidelity runs rampant and dark secrets are as hidden behind glamour as the products the agency advertises. “Mad Men” is a story of human nature breaking free from the bonds of an oppresive society. If you’re looking for a “Lost” replacement that is a sexy, visually authentic and beautifully done commentary on early 60s society, watch “Mad Men.” You’ll see how far we’ve come, and yet, how much we’ve stayed the same. Also, Christina Hendricks is the very definition of Va-Va-Va-Voom, just saying. -Ryan Patrick Hanrahan
DEXTER
I’m sick of vampires, and zombies are a little gross. But serial killers, yeah, they’re the new thing. They’re hot, and Michael C. Hall’s character, Dexter Morgan, is the hottest. Showtime’s “Dexter” is starting its fifth season in September and it’s going to be the strangest season yet. Blood splatter analyst by day, husband and dad by evening and knife-slicing psychopath by night, Dexter goes after the rapists and murderers that get away with their crimes. Each season is crawling with tension, dark comedy and usually one main serial killer rival, all while taking place along the beaches of Miami. Although I can’t give much away, I’m nervous about the upcoming season. I have absolutely no idea where the show is going, especially after leaving the last season with such an unpredictable twist. So if you’re still crying over “Lost,” spend the next few weeks watching “Dexter” and you’ll be so glad he wasn’t on the island too. -Zan Strumfeld