image: 605magazine.com

With 2011 winding down, we look back on some of our favorite programs and wonder what it was that made them our favorites. Was it the endless drama? Was it the witty dialogue? Or was it simply a case of, “Man that host is a hottie!”

Let’s take a brief look at a small sampling of the hottest hosts of the year as we hope to see them again next year:

image: abc.com

Jill Wagner helped to host ABC’s “Wipeout” which showcased Americans who were gluttons for punishment and embarrassment on national television as they attempted nearly impossible to defeat obstacle courses. She has been lovely to look at and laughed at others mishaps right along with us.

image: tvguide.com

Nick Lachey may have sometimes seemed uncertain on television as he hosted this year’s “Sing Off” singing competition (yes, another singing competition). What didn’t bother us, however, was how good he looked in a suit.

image: nydailynews.com

Meredith Viera and her sparkling eyes and pearly white smile lit up the set of reruns of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”. She was kind to the contestants which is always attractive and definitely easier on the eyes than Regis Phillbin.

image: extratv.warnerbrothers.com

If dark haired and dimpled is more your style, Mario Lopez was sure to please as a host on the entertainment news show, “Extra”. His days of dazzling with that smile began back on “Saved By the Bell” days, but things haven’t changed much since then except that he’s ditched the curly mullet, thankfully!

image: tampabay.com

Julie Chen had a couple of hosting gigs under her belt including “Big Brother” and “The Talk” in 2011. She’s put in her fair share of appearances over the years, but she’s never looked better.

Obviously there are many other hosts who made it that much easier to tune in week to week. Who else deserves a spot on the Hottest Hosts of 2011?