new and noteworthy tv: 1/1-1/7

I’ve culled some of the backlog but need to do something about the full seasons of Mr. Robot and Queen Sugar and things are starting to kick back off again. Happy New Year!

  • Lovesick (Net) Season Premiere, Monday – The comedy of a man recalling his former encounters while pining for one of his best friends has its moments.
  • LA to Vegas (Fox) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 9pm – Dylan McDermott leads a cast of the airline crew and their passengers planning to hit big in Vegas, doesn’t look all that promising.
  • grown-ish (Free) Series Premiere, Wednesday, 8pm – black-ish never quite made my list so not sure this spin off of daughter heading to college will be my bag.
  • The X-Files (Fox) Season Premiere, Wednesday, 8pm – Picking up where last season left off which is likely a very uneven season.
  • 9-1-1 (Fox) Series Premiere, Wednesday, 9pm – Touching on emergency responders with some top talent including Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, and Connie Britton
  • Project Runway All Stars (Life) Season Premiere, Thursday, 9pm – Time for me to catch up on the last season of Runway.
  • Golden Globes (NBC) Sunday, 8pm – And the winner is…
  • The Chi (Show) Series Premiere, Sunday, 10pm – A look at the South Side of Chicago.

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST.

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my schedule

Things are already wrapping up for their fall finales but everything is finally basically out so here’s where I’m at. *New shows indicated.

Monday

  • 10pm – The Brave* (NBC)

This show isn’t necessarily all that good but it has avoided must of the unbearable personal stories or soapy drama that made the others of this ilk unwatchable, and you know so far they succeed on their missions in an uplifting way.

Tuesday

  • 8pm – The Middle/Fresh off the Boat (ABC) /  Lethal Weapon (Fox)
  • 9pm – This is Us (NBC) /  Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox)
  • 10pm – Kevin (Probably) Saves the World* (ABC)

Some good classics are still hitting the queue, though I am almost over This Is Us unless they find a way to make anyone else as interesting as Randall and his family’s stories. I am thoroughly enjoying the oddball Jason Ritter series where he’s trying to balance family and his new secret missions with his invisible to others new cohort.

Wednesday

  • 8pm – Speechless (ABC)

I dropped this show mid-way through last season but am glad to say I listened to critics and got back on board.

Thursday

  • 8pm – Gotham (Fox) / Superstore/The Good Place (NBC)The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
  • 9pm – Will & Grace*/Great News (NBC) / Mom/Life in Pieces (CBS)

I am mostly waiting for Gotham to be canceled and I am not sure how into Great News or Life in Pieces but some good comedies are still hitting Thursday night including the funny familiar though uneven Will & Grace.

Sunday

  • 8pm – Ghosted* (Fox)
  • 10pm – Madam Secretary (CBS)

I’m enjoying the buddy paranormal fighting comedy and the Secretary still gives me hope for politics where most things turn out ok.

And because no one lives on network alone, some cable shows that are in the queue: Better Things (Fx), Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (BBCA), Full Frontal (TBS), Good Behavior (TNT), Ink Master: Angels* (Spike), You’re the Worst (FXX), Z Nation (Syfy)

And I still haven’t watched this season yet but they’re backing up: The Long Road Home* (NGC), Mr. Robot (USA), Project Runway (Life), Queen Sugar (OWN), Top of the Lake (Sun)

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new and noteworthy tv: 12/19-12/25

Digging into the official ho ho ho week there’s not a ton new going on but I’ve still got some backlog to get through.

  • First Lady Michelle Obama Says Farewell (CBS) Monday, 8pm – Oprah and Michelle (I’m clearly on first name basis with both) chat one-on-one.
  • Marie Claire Young Women’s Honors (CW) Monday, 9pm – Gina Rodriguez hosts the first annual honors.
  • Michael Buble Sings and Swings/Tony Bennet Celebrates 90 (NBC) Tuesday, 8/9pm – Catch some tunes.
  • Terry Crews Saves Christmas (CW) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 8pm – Design and food experts help a family.
  • Toy Story that Time Forgot/Shrek the Halls/The Year (ABC) Tuesday, 9pm – Old school holidays and the year that was.
  • Game Changers with Robin Roberts (ABC) Wednesday, 10pm – Some of the most influential people.
  • Project Runway Junior (Life) Thursday, 10pm – A new crew of youngsters start to make it work.
  • Sense8 (Net) Friday, Special – Picking up where the last season left off, I haven’t checked in yet but this series is supposed to be worth a watch picking up after a few.
  • Travelers (Net) Friday, Series Premiere – A new time traveling drama where consciousness is sent back to the 21st century to save humanity, I haven’t heard about this yet so we’ll see.
  • A Home for the Holidays (CBS) Friday, 8pm – Performances in the special to raise awareness about adoption and foster care.
  • Yule Log (KOFY) Saturday, 11pm – Burning log and holiday music can get you into the spirit!

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation. Times noted are typically PST.

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returning fall favorites

This year fall sort of snuck up on me but as usual as much as it’s upon us it’s a slow roll. A few of the shows that I’ve got on season pass ready to return:

  • The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/19) – This show might not be revolutionary but still makes me laugh enough to look forward to it for the fun mix of personalities.
  • The Blacklist (NBC, 9/22) – I would be happy never to see Elizabeth again and Red may not be enough to keep me tuning in for another season but my interest is still greater than my annoyance, for now at least.
  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox, 9/20) – Another one I find funny, the characters have all grown in nice ways and create interesting complementary relationships.
  • Elementary (CBS, 10/2) – I found I was paying less attention to this last year but still like the main characters enough, and enjoy having a good procedural to be available so for now I’ll tune in for more than Joan’s outfit.
  • Empire (Fox, 9/21) – There was a bit of a sophomore slump on this one but I love a good fast moving soapy show and the musical accompaniment adds a nice touch.
  • Fresh Off the Boat (ABC, 10/11) – The mix of cultures and generations in our 80s era setting are well explored with a nice ensemble of well-drawn characters.
  • Gotham (Fox, 9/19) – I never love this reinvention of the early years of the dawn of Batman as much as I want to but I find that I always enjoy the villains and the complexity of the ‘good’ guys more than I think I’m going to.
  • Life in Pieces (CBS, 10/27) – I spent every episode last season deciding whether I was going to keep watching this show but I made it through the year so we’ll see if this extended family laugher keeps me laughing.
  • Madam Secretary (CBS, 10/2) – I am keeping this show in the lineup as basically a poor man’s The Good Wife but this politics meets family show will do for now.
  • Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC, 9/20) – Repeat Gotham description here.
  • The Middle (ABC, 10/11) – This comedy has help up to the test of time and continues to bring amusement even as college is taking them away.
  • Mom (CBS, 10/27) – This show has grown into a nice comedy while still keeping the drama of the darker moments of their lives.
  • New Girl (Fox, 9/20) – Repeat The Big Bang Theory description here.
  • Superstore (NBC, 9/22) – There was enough intriguing and amusing in this workplace comedy to keep me coming back.

And of course a few cable fare: Longmire (Net, 9/23), Project Runway (Life, 9/15),  Rectify (Sund, 10/26). The Walking Dead (AMC, 10/23), Younger (TVL, 9/28), You’re the Worst (Fxx, 8/31), Z Nation (Syfy, 9/16)

Though as I read my reccos I realized most aren’t that strong, here’s hoping the new crop of shows offers some new faves. Stay tuned for my look at what I’m looking forward to.

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new and noteworthy tv: 2/8-2/14

I’m almost done trying to watch the best movies of last year and can start to turn my attention back to my tv backlog. Trying to finish rewatching X Files before I started watching the new season was probably a mistake.

  • Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (TBS) Series Premiere, Monday, 10:30pm – The Daily Show correspondent gets her own gig.
  • Not Safe with Nikki Glaser (Com) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 10:30pm – An Inside Amy Schumer gal gets her own gig too.
  • Project Runway All Stars (Life) Season Premiere, Thursday, 9pm – Caught up to being only a season behind.
  • Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (ABC) Sunday, 8pm – The kids are up to some comedic and heartwarming things.
  • The Bachelor at 20 (ABC) – Sunday, 8pm – A look at how they all found love.
  • Tonight Show Valentine’s Day Special (NBC) – Sunday, 9pm – Because when I think Valentine’s Day…
  • Vinyl (HBO) – Series Premiere, Sunday, 9pm – With Jagger and Scorsese behind this dramatic look at Bobby Canavale as a 70’s record exec it’s gotta be worth a watch.
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new and noteworthy tv: 8/3-8/9

weathermanBetter late than never?

  • Monday – Vegas Rat Rods, Season Premiere (Disc, 9pm), Significant Mother, Series Premiere (CW, 9:30pm), Great American Food Finds, Series Premiere (Food, 10:30pm)
  • Tuesday – CMA Music Festival (ABC, 8pm), It Takes a Sister, Series Premiere (Oxy, 9pm), Playing House, Season Premiere (USA, 10pm)
  • Wednesday – ANTM, Season Premiere (CW, 8pm), Job or No Job, Series Premiere (ABCF, 9pm), Mr Robinson, Series Premiere (NBC, 9pm), A Wicked Offer, Series Premiere (CW, 9pm)
  • Thursday – Project Runway, Season Premiere (Life, 9pm), Behind Bars, Series Premiere (A&E, 10pm), Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Season Premiere (CMT, 11pm)
  • Friday – Club De Cuervos/Project Mc2, Series Premieres (Net, 3am), Human Resources, Season Premiere (Piv, 10pm), The Comment Section, Series Premiere (E!, 10:30pm)
  • Saturday – America’s Next Weatherman, Series Premiere (TBS, 11pm)

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation other than those underlined. Times noted are typically PST.

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my schedule

gotham

A pretty dismal season for television so far though one or two options still might make the cut. Still waiting for State of Affairs but until then, here’s where I’m at:

Monday

  • 8pm – Gotham (Fox)
  • 9pm – Sleepy Hollow (Fox)
  • 10pm – Blacklist (NBC)

The jury is still somewhat out on Gotham but there’s enough interesting about it that it’s still sticking for now. And returning series remind me that there were better shows last year, Hollow is still bonkers but super fun, Spader still makes it.

Tuesday

  • 8pm – Selfie (ABC)
  • 9pm – SHIELD (ABC) / New Girl/Mindy Project (Fox) / Marry Me/About a Boy (NBC)

Happy to keep some of these comedies around, actors are likable enough for me to keep for now, and Shield has been finding some new rhythms though I oppose a triple booking I am deferring a cut with On Demand.

Wednesday

  • 8pm – The Middle (ABC) / The Mysteries of Laura (NBC)
  • 9pm – The 100 (CW)

Ok, I’m not totally sold on Laura but it’s a decent enough filler for now while Middle and 100 are still keeping me in.

Thursday

  • 8pm – Bones (Fox) / Big Bang Theory/Mom (CBS)
  • 10pm – Elementary (CBS) / Parenthood (NBC)

I really am almost done with Bones but it’s still a decent procedural and keeping up with the rest of the regulars.

Friday

  • 9pm – Grimm (NBC) / ANTM (CW)
  • 10pm – Constantine (NBC)

After two Constantines I’m not sold but still don’t feel like I have a feel for the week to week, it’s a good pair with the solid freak of the week on Grimm and yes the models, last year’s addition of boys was a welcome one.

Sunday

  • 8pm – Madam Secretary (CBS) / Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox)
  • 9pm – The Good Wife (CBS)

Secretary still sort of comes across like the poor man’s version of West Wing crossed with Good Wife (which is still fantastic) but even a poor man’s version keeps me in so far and Brooklyn still keeps me amused.

And for the cable fodder: Benched (USA), Ink Master (Spike), The League (Fxx), Project Runway (Life), Sons of Anarchy (Fx), Z Nation (Syfy)

What’s in your queue?

Update: Selfie is cancelled and Constantine no longer made the cut.

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new and noteworthy tv: 10/27-11/2

benched_aspot_600x500

Animated Mike Tyson, really? But the one review I read was positive so who knows. Benched is worth at least a look to see if Eliza Coupe (Happy Endings) brings the right balance to attorney melt down. Enjoyed Mom and Elementary and ready to check out new sitcom McCarthys. And yes we are now officially another season behind on Runway.

  • Monday: 2 Broke Girls, Season Premiere (CBS, 8pm), Mike Tyson Mysteries, Series Premiere (AdSw, 10:30pm)
  • Tuesday: The Great Halloween Fright Fight (ABC, 8pm), Prison Wives Club, Series Premiere (Life, 10pm), My Crazy Love, Series Premiere (Oxy, 10pm), Benched, Series Premiere (USA, 10:30pm)
  • Wednesday: American Pickers, Season Premiere (Hist, 9pm)
  • Thursday: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (ABC, 8pm), Mom/Two and a Half Men/The McCarthys/Elementary, Season/Series Premieres (CBS, 8:30/9/9:30/10pm), Project Runway All Stars, Season Premiere (Life, 9pm), Beat Bobby Flay, Season Premiere (Food, 10pm)
  • Sunday: Kourtney & Khloe Take the Hamptons/House of DVF, Season/Series Premiere (E!, 9/10pm), Olive Kitteridge, Miniseries Premiere (HBO, 9pm)

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation other than those underlined. Times noted are typically PST.

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new and noteworthy tv: 7/21-7/27

manhattan-key-artA little more reality including the latest Runway (I think we’re almost only a season behind) and a new age of atomic drama from WGN.

  • Monday: Hotel Hell, Season Premiere (Fox, 9pm)
  • Tuesday: Food Fighters, Series Premiere (NBC, 8pm), Face Off, Season Premiere (Syfy, 9pm)
  • Wednesday: Soundclash, Series Premiere (VH1, 9pm), Who Do You Think You Are, Season Premiere (TLC, 9pm), BAPS, Series Premiere (Life, 10pm), Restaurant: Impossible, Season Premiere (Food, 10pm),
  • Thursday: Project Runway/Undone with Amanda de Cadenet, Season/Series Premiere (Life, 9/10:30pm)
  • Sunday: Masterpiece Mystery!: Poirot, Season Premiere (PBS, 9pm), Escaping Alaska, Series Premiere (TLC, 10pm), Manhattan, Series Premiere (WGN, 10pm)

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation other than those underlined. Times noted are typically PST.

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new and noteworthy tv: 7/15-7/21

CedarCover-Banner

Monday

  • The iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party (CW, 8pm) – Highlights of the music festival. 

Tuesday

  • 2013 MLB All-Star Game (Fox, 4:30pm) – Go fake regional team
  • Whose Line is it Anyway/Perfect Score (CW, 8/9pm) Season/Series Premieres – Improv games and competing for dates.
  • Giuliana & Bill (Sty, 8pm) Season Premiere – More of them.
  • Weird or What? (Syfy, 8pm) Season Premiere – I’m guessing weird.
  • Covert Affairs/Suits (USA, 9/10pm) Season Premieres – Annie’s on the case and then more office deceit and whatnot, I’m still moderately engaged with the fake lawyer nonsense.
  • Catering Wars (Life, 10pm) Series Premiere – Who can cater to the top.
  • Ink Master (Spike, 10pm) Season Premiere – Inking inmates.

Wednesday

  • Here Comes Honey Boo Boo/Wedding Island (TLC, 9/10pm) Season/Series Premieres – No comment and then following a wedding planner. 
  • Deal With It (TBS, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – Another annoying prank show.

Thursday

  • Road to/Project Runway (Life, 8/9pm) Season Premiere – Season 12 designers, time to finish up season 11. 
  • Money from Strangers (MTV, 11pm) Season Premiere – And another annoying prank show.

Friday

  • Teen Beach Movie (Dis, 8pm) – Who are the next teens stars who we will soon see go off the rails. 

Saturday

  • Cedar Cove (Hall, 8pm) Series Premiere – I didn’t realize Hallmark did original series but Andie McDowell brings what seems to be a Hallmarky book about a small town judge to the small screen. 

Sunday

  • City Girl Diaries (Sty, 9pm) Series Premiere – Following five working women. 
  • Sister Wives/Breaking Amish (TLC, 9/10pm) Series/Season Premieres – More of these peeps.
  • Axe Cop/High School USA! (Fox, 9:30/9:45pm) Series Premieres – Two new fifteen minute additions to the animation domination.
  • Brother vs Brother (HGTV, 10pm) Series Premiere – Renovation showdown.
  • Tattoo Rescue (Spike, 10pm) Series Premiere – Tattoo parlor interventions.

The procrastinator lists items that may not be on your regular season pass, though notation does not imply recommendation other than those underlined. Times noted are typically PST.

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