Those of you who didn't catch Popular during its two-season reign on the WB may have thought it was just another blink-and-you'll-miss-it teen drama. Fortunately, now that the first season is finally coming out on DVD, you'll have another chance to see one of the funniest, most unconventional shows on television featuring Tammy Lynn Michaels, a lesbian mom, and lots of smart, attractive women.

Introduced in the fall of 1999, Popular explores the fallout that ensues at a fictional American high school when the leaders of two opposing cliques become reluctant stepsisters.

The popular group is comprised of queen-bee Brooke (Leslie Bibb), head cheerleader Nicole (Tammy Lynn Michaels), and sassy beauty-queen-wannabe Mary Cherry (Leslie Grossman), plus Brooke's boyfriend Josh (Bryce Johnson) and his friend Sugar Daddy (Ron Lester). The outcasts are Carmen (Sara Rue, who now stars in the sitcom Less Than Perfect), Lily (Tamara Mello), Sam (Carly Pope), and Sam's best friend Harrison (Christopher Gorham).

The unpopular group's view of the Glamazons (as the cheerleading squad is called) is summed up by Sam's comment that "They're like some bad Mariah Carey power ballad come to life"; Nicole charitably describes Sam's friends as one of the school's many "unloved alternate groups."

Over the course of the season, Sam and Brooke's parents meet, fall in love, move in together, and eventually marry--forcing a collision between the two groups that brings out the worst in everyone.

This teen dramedy developed a cult following for its wickedly funny writing, excellent cast, and ability to simultaneously spoof pop culture and worship it. It won the 2000 Teen Choice Award as the best breakout show and was nominated for the TV Guide Award for Favorite Teen Show.

Unfortunately, Season Two of Popular got a little off-track and a little too bizarre for all but its most ardent fans. But that doesn't detract from the beauty of Season One, which is truly a season to be savored by viewers of all sexual orientations.

Since there is a glut of TV shows on DVD these days, however, and only so many hours in the day, here are the top ten reasons why you should check out Popular.

1. Tammy Lynn Michaels/Nicole Julian

This is the series that introduced Tammy Lynn to the world (before she became known as Melissa Etheridge's wife). If you've only heard of her as Mrs. Etheridge, this is your chance to see Michaels in action--and she delivers, in spades. Nicole Julian exemplifies the character you love to hate, as she veers between backstabbing bitch to, well, a little less bitchy. Alone or with sidekick Mary Cherry (see reason #2), the hilarious barbs fly so fast and furious you'll barely have time to catch your breath between fits of laughter.

Some of Nicole's more memorable lines in the first season:

"Sugar D., stop staring at Mary Cherry like she's a Hot Pocket!"

"You'll play right into Sam's cold, unmoisturized hands."

"Sure, I'll put Carm on the squad...when hell freezes over and/or Melissa Joan Hart gets nominated for an Oscar."

"Brooke and Spam cannot be officially bonded as stepsisters as it would upset the natural order. As ringleaders of both the popular and the unloved alternate groups, a merging would muddy the lines, causing both teen girls to wonder: Who am I? Where do I fit in? In short, 'We Are Family' is a disco tune we ain't gonna be singing at this school, kids. Got it?"

Even the funniest lines would be nothing without Micheals's delivery, however, which is spot-on every time. This is also one of the few teen roles on TV played by an out lesbian, even if she wasn't out at the time (Michaels came out in real life after the second season).