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returning fall favorites

September 7, 2010 1 Comment

Though I learned from Alan Sepinwall that fall doesn’t officially start until September 20, I think anything after Labor Day is fair game. The tv season is in fact starting and what, you might wonder, have I missed most? Well since you asked:

Bones (Fox, 9/23) – Still a favorite among the procedurals, Booth, Bones, and the rest of the lap techs are fun characters with cases that bring out the best balance of science and humanity in everyone.
Chuck (NBC, 9/20) – They’ve done a really good job of having Chuck evolve as a spy without losing the total humor of the situation and the great supporting characters keep bringing the geek and the spy skills.
Cougar Town (ABC, 9/22)/Community (NBC, 9/23) – These two comedies both started out pretty dumb, but both situations of misfits bonded together by proximity (and characters forcing the bond), really grew into their characters and their funny to make them two of the highlights of my week.
Dexter (Show, 9/26) – No season has been as good as the first, and I still think I hate all the women, but I still long to find out what happens to Dexter and how he gets into and out of trouble and murder (or justice) each week.
Glee (Fox, 9/21) – This show is uneven for sure but there is enough heart and originality and of course fun musical numbers to make this show must see tv for me.
The Good Wife (CBS, 9/28) – Maybe the best show introduced last year, the tragic politician’s wife story brings a subtlety and drama to each of the characters and situations that make me as interested in the ongoing character stories as the weekly procedural.
Sons of Anarchy (FX, 9/7) – Tonight! Probably my most anticipated and favorite show to watch, the motorcycle gang and their families are violent and scheming and unmerciful as they protect their business and each other.

Honorable mentions (other fall stuff on season pass): ANTM (CW, 9/8), The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/23), Castle (ABC, 9/20), Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, 9/23), House (Fox, 9/20), How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 9/20), It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX, 9/16), Law & Order: SVU (NBC, 9/22), The Mentalist (CBS, 9/23), The Middle (ABC, 9/22), Modern Family (ABC, 9/22), The Office (NBC, 9/23), Parenthood (NBC, 9/14), 30 Rock (NBC, 9/23).

new for fall

September 16, 2009 1 Comment

glee The shows are starting to roll out and although I don’t get advanced copies for review, the previews and critics have me interested in the following:

Community (NBC, 9/17) – Joel McHale from Talk Soup plays an ousted lawyer hitting community college with a misfit study group including Chevy Chase.
FlashForward (ABC, 9/24) – This year’s weird entry has folks black out and envision their future and then?
Glee (Fox, 9/9) – Yes, it’s funny but not a typical comedy and yes there’s singing but it’s not a typical musical, tune in.
The Good Wife (CBS, 9/22) – Julianna Margulies is back as the wife of a disgraced politician, Chris Noth, and has to start at the beginning with her law practice.
Modern Family (ABC, 9/23) – Three interlinking wacked out families includes the family that tries too hard, adopting gay parents, and an older rich dude with a hot young wife.
V (ABC, 11/3) – It’s a remake but supposedly picks up with alien intrigue with Elizabeth Mitchell, Scott Wolf, and Morena Baccarin among others.

And of course time will tell for these as well:

The Beautiful Life: TBL (CW, 9/16) – Life behind the scenes of models up and coming to has beens, good bad or just bad; The Cleveland Show (Fox, 9/27) – Family Guy character takes his family to his own show, if you liked the Family Guy; Cougar Town (ABC, 9/23) Courtney Cox gives it another go as an ‘older’ divorced woman, early buzz isn’t great; Eastwick (ABC, 9/23) – Rebecca Romijn, Jaime Ray Newman, and Lindsay Price take on the roles of women discovering their powers, potential is rumored to not yet be realized; The Forgotten (ABC, 9/22) – Christian Slater joins the cast of folks finding lost folks, late replacement Slater and retooling of plot so we’ll see; Melrose Place (CW, 9/8) – Soapy over the top drama with characters new and old, meh; The Middle (ABC, 9/30) – Patricia Heaton is back with family in hard times, hard times are supposedly funny times; NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS, 9/22) – Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J head up the new spin LA style, hipper than the old version means something; Three Rivers (CBS, 10/4) – That guy from that other vampire show Moonlight is one of the drs in the organ transplant unit, looks like a snore; Trauma (NBC, 9/28) – Lots of explosions and then maybe some EMT drama, explosions can’t be maintained and the drama’s not quite dramatic yet; Vampire Diaries (CW, 9/10) – They look into each other’s eyes longingly, if you’re looking for fluff.

And a few to pull out that have been labeled as losers:

Accidentally on Purpose (CBS, 9/21) – Jenna Elfman gets pregnant by a young one night stand; Brothers (Fox, 9/25) – Ex NFL star moves home after dad’s heart attack; Hank (ABC, 9/30) Kelsey Grammar is back as a family patriarch recently hitting harder times; Mercy (NBC, 9/23) – Another hospital drama from the nurse’s POV.

returning fall favorites

September 9, 2009 No Comments

mentalist With Sons of Anarchy starting this week I am starting to get excited about some of the shows that are coming back. What shows you say, well let me tell you:

Bones (Fox, 9/17) – Booth and Bones and the rest of the squints have just kept up the good chemistry while doing science on the stiffs.
Castle (ABC, 9/21) – Nathan Fillion finally found a good role where he could work his charms, and be called out by new partner when they border on smarmy, on admittedly not cutting edge crimes.
Chuck (NBC, 2010) – Sad to see I have to wait even longer for the great mix of comedy, action, and of course romance on this spy show.
Dexter (Show, 9/27) – I may get mad at Dexter for letting people into his life and jeopardizing his serial killer secrets but I can’t wait to see what mess he’ll get into next.
Dollhouse (Fox, 9/25) – I would follow creator Joss anywhere but Dollhouse really started hitting its stride last season as Echo takes on new personalities each week while she and others take on the secrets.
Gossip Girl (CW, 9/14) – Still my favorite trashy pleasure with the gang that gets into tons of drama and tons of great clothes, what will life post high school have in store?
The Mentalist (CBS, 9/24) – Simon Baker is another favorite, and his role of overly observant tortured crime fighter suits him, though who knew California had a Bureau of Investigations.
Sons of Anarchy (Fx, 9/8) – The boys are back, with the women who love them, dealing with crime and family, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
How I Met Your Mother/Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/21) – These two gangs made me laugh.
30 Rock/The Office (NBC, 9/17) – Work can be funny too.

next week 8/31

August 30, 2009 No Comments

New and notable in the week ahead… procrastinator picks are underlined.

Monday

CMA Music Festival (ABC, 8pm) – Do Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift make you want to tune in?
Greek (ABCFam, 9pm) Season Premiere – So glad to be heading back to school and not just for another chance for Casey and Cappie, you know his rejection won’t last for long.
Ultimate Cake Off (TLC, 10pm) – Arg, let the pastry chef’s bake off in the cake off with a pirate theme.

Tuesday

Andrew Zimmern’s Bizarre World (Trav, 10pm) Series Premiere – How bizarre will first stop Cuba be?
Rehab (Tru, 10pm) Season Premiere – I don’t know if this party at the Hard Rock hotel has anything to do with actual rehab.
Surviving Disaster (Spike, 10pm) Series Premiere – Will watching this show make me feel more or less fearful?

Wednesday

CBS Fall Preview (CBS, 8:30pm) – The cast of How I Met Your Mother hosts the display of what’s to come.
Glee (Fox, 9pm) – In case you missed the pilot at the end of last season tune in tonight (or tomorrow) to prepare for the season to come.

Thursday

Football (Fox, 7pm) – Tonight is repeatapalooza unless you want to watch some exhibition football.

Friday

Eureka (Syfy, 11pm) – In case you missed the start of this amusing show, you can tune in for the pilot and some marathon action to catch up.

Saturday

At the Movies (ABC, 6:30pm*) Season Premiere – The balcony is open again but this season former guest hosts NY Times AO Scott joins Chicago Tribune’s Michael Phillips as new regulars.

Sunday

Tennis (Sat/Sun, CBS, 8am) – The US Open kicks off on Monday but moves from ESPN2 to network for the Labor Day weekend, will it be favorites Federer and Serena?

*Check your local listings.

new fall tv

September 8, 2008 No Comments

Well this season is a bit of a wild card as this last year’s strike shook up the pilot cycle. Shows didn’t produce in the same way and most didn’t have a traditional critical review. Since most critics are relegated to watching shows live like the rest of us we’re relying a little more on buzz and people associated show than critical reviews.

So what am I looking forward to:

90210 (CW 9/2) – The nostalgia factor alone (Brenda and Kelly return!) makes this a must see, though so far it’s not quite appointment tv.
The Ex List (CBS 10/3) – Though I admittedly was annoyed by her Jane Doe character on Grey’s, Elizabeth Reaser’s new role has potential as she looks up her former loves to find the one that could be true.
Fringe (Fox 9/9) – With JJ Abrams (Lost and Alias) behind the show who can help but be a little excited though early leakings of the pilot have people noting that it has potential but a little way to go.
Life on Mars (ABC 10/9) – This redo of a BBC hit has present day cop stuck in the 70s, there’s potential with casting like Jason O’Mara, Harvey Keitel, Michael Imperioli, Gretchen Mol, and Lisa Bonet.
The Mentalist (CBS 9/23) – Simon Baker (the Guardian) stars as a former ‘fake’ psychic and now uses his skills and charisma for good, I just really like him.
My Own Worst Enemy (NBC, 10/13) – I always dig a spy show and I actually like Christian Slater though I can’t quite picture him as two different characters, the spy org apparently plants a brain chip to create a clean cut alter ego and this one is breaking down.

And of course there’s more shows coming:

Crusoe (NBC 10/12) – A series based on the old story is pretty hard to take seriously.
Do Not Disturb (Fox 9/10) – Jerry O’Connell stars in this Hotel comedy hoping for hilarity, he’s normally likable enough but initial reviews haven’t been good.
Easy Money (CW 9/21) – A family of loan sharks walk the line of legality in this ‘dramedy’.
Eleventh Hour (CBS, 10/9) – Rufus Sewell stars in this redo of BBC miniseries where a scientist and his by-the-book FBI partner come in at the last minute to solve scientific mysteries, for some reason the promos just look dull.
Gary Unmarried (CBS 9/24) – Jay Mohr stars as a single dad divorced guy dealing with his kid, his ex, and his new life, though Mohr can be good this show might be average.
In Harm’s Way (CW 9/21) – This reality show checks out folks in tough jobs.
Kath & Kim (NBC 10/9) – This remake of the Aussie show stars likable Selma Blair and Molly Shannon in roles that made me cringe in the previews.
Privileged (CW 9/9) – Cute Joanna Garcia (Reba) is a live-in tutor for some spoiled girls, based on some books, this show might not be great television but it could be entertaining enough.
Knight Rider (NBC 9/24) – This show was previewed in a tv movie this last year and neither new lead (Michael Knight’s son), nor Kitt (voiced by Val Kilmer), nor the story had any new or retro pizzazz.
Stylista (CW, 10/22) – It’s another reality competition and in this lackeys are hoping for an entry level lackey gig at Elle magazine.
Surviving Suburbia (CW 11/2) – Bob Saget returns to the comedic in this darker role of husband and father dealing with life.
Valentine (CW 9/21) – Greek Gods play with regular folk’s love lives, Aphrodite in the regular world seems doubtful.
Worst Week (CBS 9/22) – Based on another hit British show, I’m skeptical that although the lead is apparently appealing this one problem after another show can keep the laughs coming.

tv guide fall preview

August 27, 2008 No Comments

Labor day is upon us and fall is here! TV Guide still does a nice job laying out the new season. I am a big fan of the printable premiere calendar and of course the grid of what’s on when: http://www.tvguide.com/special/fall-preview-2008/

Sadly as I take a closer gander at scheduling it’s looking a little cramped in a couple of slots. Monday at 8 with Big Bang/HIMYMother, Gossip Girl, Terminator, and Chuck. Then Wednesday at 8 with Pushing Daisies, Old Christine, ANTM, and Bones. I like to limit myself to two shows max per time slot so I’m going to have to make some accommodations. At least CW typically reruns ANTM and GGirl, and of course there’s some stuff online. I mean who could think of dropping a show, for other than enjoyment considerations, but that’s often how it happens for me. And of course I never expect the new shows to all hit so I should be able to drop one of the cramped Tuesday at 9 options of The Mentalist, Privileged, and Fringe (sadly the cute Joanna Garcia may lose to the cuter Simon Baker and of course JJ Abrams newest product).

So poke around and see what’s going to be happening. I will of course continue to note the premieres in the Next Weeks. And as soon as I hear a little more from the critics I’ll let you know what of the new stuff we’re all most excited about.

more fall fun

August 18, 2008 No Comments

So some folks were asking about shows that they know I watch but weren’t listed in Fall Favorites… By now folks know I watch and enjoy more shows than a person probably should. In addition to previously noted favorites Bones, Chuck, Dirty Sexy Money, Gossip Girl, Heroes, The Office, Pushing Daisies, and 30 Rock, there are a few other returning shows that typically hit my tivo:

America’s Next Top Model (CW, Wed 9/3 ) – Yes Tyra is annoying but it’s not really about her, it’s about the annoying wannabe models and this year they promise a transgender contestant.
Big Bang Theory (CBS, Mon 9/22) – I don’t love this show but Sheldon makes me laugh enough, and Darlene is joining her Roseanne boyfriend as a regular this season.
Brothers & Sisters (ABC, Sun, 9/28) – I almost don’t even like this show but I can’t help but tune in to see what mess the Walker family is getting into and this season we should see the real illegitimate half sibling.
Criminal Minds (CBS, Wed 9/24) – I usually actually only catch this special FBi unit cathing the brutal serial killer of the week show in repeats.
Eli Stone (ABC, Tues 10/14) – This quirky guy with visions that may be leading him along won me over, but did we really leave him in a coma after an operation?
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, Thurs 9/25) – Yes Grey herself is totally annoying but maybe as she theoretically sticks with McDreamy this season we can focus on the rest of the good supporting cast.
House (Fox, Tues 9/16) – Last year’s shakeup to cranky House’s team gave him some new fodder, though they didn’t find a good balance yet of old and new, and what of best bro after his girlie’s death?
How I Met Your Mother (CBS, Mon 9/22) – This show still has a lot of hilarity, though I don’t care how he met the mother, or whether it is or isn’t Sarah Chalke.
Law & Order (NBC, midseason) – I dropped this for a few years but found myself tuning back in this last season as the current ensemble seems to be working.
Law & Order: SVU (NBC, Tues 9/23) – I know this show is all about Stabler and Benson but I don’t love them, though I keep tuning in, this is the one with the sex crime slant.
Life (NBC, Mon 9/29) – This detective back on the force after being falsely accused amused and interested with his oddball antics though not so much on the conspiracy of his conviction.
Lost (ABC, midseason) – Well I loved the start of last season but at the end of the day was a little underwhelmed by the Oceanic 6 getting off and having to go back, this season starts a new chapter, I’m very curious and definitely still in.
My Name is Earl (NBC, Thurs 9/25) – I am still amused enough by Earl and his trashy family getting his karma back in line, though bored by the coma version of Earl and the normally likable Alyssa Milano.
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS, Wed 9/24) – I still think this is a great role for Dreyfus to do broad funny as an crazy and awkward single mom with her misfit family.
Numbers (CBS, Fri 10/3) – This isn’t a great procedural but the interplay between FBI and math genius brothers solving cases works, though math brother just lost his credentials, whatever will they do.
Reaper (CW, midseason) – This show started strong last season and almost lost me with its capture of the week but the devil’s bounty hunter and friends found a new rhythm by introducing some additional intrigue, and the devil is fantastic.
Samantha Who? (ABC, Mon 10/6) – Applegate is winning as her post amnesia persona tries to marry her old bad ways with her new clean slate.
Scrubs (ABC, midseason) – I was surprised by the network move though I think this show has a great cast and good balance of silly fun, though we’ll see how well they transition to the predicted new young cast additions.
Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox, Mon 9/8) – This show grew on me as the cast and intrigue were better developed while Sarah and her son John try to change the future by jumping years with the help of hot chick terminator Summer Glau.
Two and a Half Men (CBS, Mon 9/22) – This show’s lost its edge a bit for me as the brothers work their odd couple dynamic with lazy kid getting less cute as he grows up, but there are still some good laughs.

And before you ask, current cable faves include: Battlestar Galactica (behind but catching on dvd), Breaking Bad, Burn Notice, The Closer, Dexter (dvd), Eureka, Flight of the Conchords, Greek, Project Runway, The Riches (yet to be renewed), and Saving Grace.

potpourri

April 9, 2008 2 Comments

Not much to report on tv shows themselves this week so I thought I’d just check in on a few things of note.

NBC released its year round upfront to the upfronts. Although I actually try not to pay much attention to these since everything changes or disappears before it goes live but, worth noting are a ‘The Office’ spin-off, the surprising return of not great ‘Knightrider‘ and ‘Lipstick Jungle‘ but also another shot for ‘Life‘ which I just told someone wasn’t coming back.

As for the other networks we’re not official yet but I might be a tiny bit excited about Joss Whedon’s (Buffy!) expected ‘Dollhouse‘ show starring Eliza Dushku (Faith!) and trepidatious about Rob Thomas’s (VMars) ‘90210‘ the next generation (Donna has expressed interesting in playing a milf though it sounds like they’re courting Kelly to round out the older generation on the show).

‘Project Runway‘ is slated to move from Bravo to Lifetime, not this next season but the one after, though NBC has something to say about that. People with Tivos will follow but will this impact the show or the networks? Wait do I get Lifetime? And if I hear correctly ‘Scrubs‘ is moving to ABC. So what one more season?

‘ANTM‘ is getting busted for showing some full frontal – albino Anya’s nudie shoot with Nigel was deemed by some to be inappropriate for evening eyes. I actually watched this and thought she was wearing little coveries but I guess they just blurred her out, really it was all fine, but conservative parental organizations are still arguing about Dennis Franz’ butt on ‘NYPD Blue‘ so perspective is not something these organizations have.

Oh and Kathie Lee Gifford took up residence in the last hour of ‘The Today Show‘, I haven’t watched this in ages but maybe she can put some life in what I recall was nearly dead air.

this week 9/8

September 10, 2007 6 Comments

Well full fall’s still not quite upon us but the shows are trickling out, here’s the premieres you can catch this week:

In case you missed it some new reality returned with Cops (Fox, Sat 9/8, 8pm) and America’s Most Wanted (Fox, Sat 9/8, 9pm). I don’t think I’ve even watched an episode of either of these. And we ramp up the week with the return of The Biggest Loser (NBC, Tues 9/11, 8pm). Since it started after I made the decision to drop reality I can’t vouch for this weight loss challenge, but I know folks who are addicted to the competition that offers a little less backstabbing and a little more hope for folks to change their lives. Then there’s new show Nashville (Fox, Fri 9/14, 9pm) that’s a reality show following wannabe music stars, that I’ve heard are attractive and actually talented. Since it’s by the producers of Laguna Beach think more docu-soap than competition. And this next weekend brings us Mad TV (Fox, Sat 9/15, 11pm) and Talk Show with Spike Feresten (Fox, Sat 9/15, 12am). I’ve never watched these and I’d like to say it’s because I’m always out on a Saturday night, so I will, that’s what I’ll say.

tv guide fall preview

August 31, 2007 3 Comments

I still can’t comment on what’s worth watching of the new stuff… but for a full overview of what’s new, and returning, as well as a nifty printable premiere date calendar (so everyone can plan their schedules accordingly), TV Guide has done a nice little section.

http://www.tvguide.com/special/fallpreview07/

In case you’re not ready to dip in it looks like next week the only premieres you need to worry about are a couple gameshows Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? (Fox, Thurs 9/6, 8pm) and Don’t Forget the Lyrics! (Fox, Thurs 9/6, 9pm). As mentioned, I don’t really do gameshows.

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