tv

new and noteworthy tv: 11/26-12/2

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Well a long weekend and a discount code got me onboard with Hulu. And of course rather than immediately dropping into Handmaid’s Tale I did a little Mindy Project and Casual. Sometimes you just have to balance out the drama of Fortitude, Patriot, Downton Abbey, Big Love, Rectify, and even Sabrina with a little comedy. I’m about to wrap a couple of those up so should have a little room over the next holiday for a couple more good ones plus catching The Little Drummer Girl which I’ve yet to dive into. And this week a few more series with very little word which mostly seems to mean for streaming that they’re global imports that we’re not paying much attention to.

  • 1983 (Net) Series Premiere, Friday – This alt history thriller centers around secret conspiracies in Poland.
  • Baby (Net) Series Premiere, Friday – Two teens start living a double life in Rome.
  • Memories of the Alhambra (Net) Series Premiere, Saturday – Looking for the creator of an augmented reality game.
  • Nightflyers (Syfy) Series Premiere, Sunday, 10pm – An adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s novella about a spacecraft looking for alien life.

Returning streaming: F is For Family (Net, Friday)

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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new and noteworthy tv: 11/19-11/25

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I finally wrapped up Ozark, which lost a little bit of its living on the edge charm for me. And though I’m not done with my backlog I decided that starting a half hour show with Kominsky Method could slot right in and the first two episodes show promise. Along with some serious Thanksgiving downtime will look to sample Little Drummer Girl and Dirty John below.

  • The Little Drummer Girl (AMC) Series Premiere, Monday, 9pm – John le Carre novel comes to the small screen where a young actress is drawn into international espionage in six parts rolling out over these next three days, while it sounds like the plot may be imperfect the performances make it worthwhile.
  • A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (ABC) Wednesday, 8pm – Charlie is the hapless host.
  • Thanksgiving Day Parade/National Dog Show (NBC) Thursday, 9am/12pm – ‘Tis the season.
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas (NBC), Frosty the Snowman/Frosty Returns (CBS), Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (ABC), Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (CW) – Friday we’ve officially switched to our next holiday.
  • Dirty John (Bravo) Series Premiere, Sunday, 10pm – Romance gone awry, I’ll try it with Connie Britton, Eric Bana, and Jean Smart?

Streaming: The Last Kingdom (Netflix, Monday), The Bureau (SunN, Wed), No Activity (CBSAA, Thursday), Frontier (Net, Fri).

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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new and noteworthy tv: 11/12-11/18

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Before starting in on Patriot I felt like I needed to knock off a few other streaming options. I wrapped up Goliath and while I like the characters the second season just got ridiculous and still relatively difficult to follow as a seasonal case and while I should call it a day I just need to wrap up Fortitude. And I think I need to give some fresh eyes to the remaining Ozark oh wait and I still have some Sabrina, that hit a bit of a lag midway but still some good stuff in there.

  • Origin (YT Prem) Series Premiere, Wednesday – An intergalactic space thriller, I’m really still not yet onboard with these alt networks.
  • The Bisexual (Hulu) Series Premiere, Friday – A dramedy following a woman exiting a relationship with a woman looking to navigate dating both men and women.
  • The Kominsky Method (Net) Series Premiere, Friday – Actor turned acting coach Michael Douglas and his agent/friend Alan Arkin in an 8 episode dark comedy, critics are giving it some good buzz.
  • Marzapur (Net) Series Premiere, Friday – Indian gangsters.
  • The Prince of Peoria (Net) Series Premiere, Friday – A prince wants to experience regular life.
  • My Brilliant Friend (HBO) Series Premiere, Sunday, 9pm – An adaptation of the Ferrante novel of a coming-of-age story about childhood friends.
  • Queen America (Face Watch) Series Premiere, Sunday, 9pm – Catherine Zeta Jones takes on a new Miss America contender.
  • Escape at Dannemora (Show) Series Premiere, Sunday, 10pm – Benecio Del Toro and Paul Dano are prison inmates who escape.

Streaming returns: Narcos (Net, Friday).

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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dvdon’t

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So last weekend I decided to dust off my old Heathers dvd and alas the case was empty. When I went to check my blue ray player to see if it was inside alas the drawer would not open. And after trying the recommended steps online to no avail it brings up the age old question is it time to send my player/discs the way of my cds and cd player? I downloaded the cds that I wanted and now mostly stream music, but I actually don’t have these movies in owned form anywhere. Heathers was available for view on Netflix and I could theoretically buy them via Amazon, is that what one does? What amount of money makes sense? Will those movies really always be available to me? Should I just let my remote pause whenever I run across them playing in real time?

And now although they’ve been sitting there getting dusty I’m now eager to watch each of these movies again:

  • 13 Going On 30 – Who can resist Jennifer Garner’s idealism as she tackles women’s mags in this ladies Big.
  • The Breakfast Club – My fave of this genre of film, the premise, characters, and soundtrack make it a winner (though there were a few great soundtracks in this era).
  • Bring It On – Yes it’s campy and yes its cheerleading but it’s boy meets girl and triumphing by being moral and yes it’s cheerleading.
  • The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai – I remember going to this movie when it came out and just being in wonderment that someone could make a movie this odd and this fun, and as perfect as Perfect Tommy.
  • Buffy the Vampire Slayer – So the movie is a much different tone than the series which also of course became a fave but there are moments of what this could become and it was fun despite it not quite living up to that.
  • Cherish – House arrest has never been so enjoyable as Robin Tunney tries to do a little sleuthing with the help of her parole officer.
  • Clueless – This take on Emma, Alicia Silverstone triumphs in this title role in Heckerling’s period perfect coming-of-age rom com, with fun supporting cast.
  • Cruel Intentions – Another fresh take on a classic, this one Dangerous Liaisons with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillipe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair bringing a spoiled rich kids good vs evil, campy goodness.
  • Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog – As a big Joss Whedon fan I was still delightfully surprised at how good this three act miniseries produced for the internet turned out to be with wonderful performances by Simon Helberg, Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, and Felicia Day.
  • Gidget – The original Gidget is often the movie I tout as my favorite when pressed, the period and surfing and language of it all is fun but it’s also got a strong female empowerment message for 1959.
  • Heathers – I’m still not a Winona Ryder fan but there are some roles that go beyond the person and this black comedy is so very, I endorse the move to rewatch this instead of the doomed series.
  • Josie and the Pussycats – Though this didn’t do well in the box office I still find it a completely entertaining look at culture and commercialism.
  • Pee Wee’s Big Adventure – Your pal Pee Wee was the luckiest boy in the world, at least for a bit, and his weird world brought a lot of enjoyment to kids and adults alike while it’s the series I value the most but when this movie hit the big screen it certainly brought Pee Wee to a whole new level.
  • Valley Girl – Speaking of soundtracks, this flick brought two LA worlds together Romeo and Juliet style with Nicolas Cage, in the way I always try to remember him, is totally tripendicular.

What dvds do you have still gathering dust or have you moved on to all things digital?

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new and noteworthy tv: 11/5-11/11

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No early buzz to point to a yes or no on the new findings but I am cautiously optimistic for a new season of odd Patriot.

  • Elections (Various) – Tune in to see if the big blue wave makes its way to shore.
  • Clique (Pop) Series Premiere, Wednesday, 10pm – Besties head off to uni but does this clique of alpha girls have a dark underbelly?
  • The Cry (SundN) Series Premiere, Thursday – English psychological thriller follows young parents struggling with custody battles and unthinkable tragedy.
  • Sally4ever (HBO) Series Premiere, Sunday, 10:30pm – Sally is about to marry David but then Emma comes along…

Returning streaming: The Great British Baking Show (Net, Friday), Patriot (Am, Friday).

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

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Most of the dust has settled and very few shows were picked up by me, let’s see what I’m still looking at.

Tuesday

  • 8pm – The Conners (ABC)
  • 9pm – Lethal Weapon (Fox)

I do find The Conners a much fresher take than the previous Roseanne incarnation and while I’m a little less enthusiastic about the update to a new wildcard partner on Lethal Weapon, the new dude has potential but the stories and characterization seem light and knowing Wayans is bowing out after this season leaves a low enthusiasm. I’ve also dropped This is Us because the few things I thought were well done were far outweighed by my disdain for most of the characters and plotting.

Wednesday

  • 9;30pm – Single Parents (ABC)

It’s not quite a good show but so far I like the characters enough to see if they can be something like the new Cougartown with kids.

Thursday

  • 8pm – Big Bang Theory (CBS) / Superstore/The Good Place (NBC)
  • 9pm – Mom (CBS) / Will & Grace (NBC)

The favorite laugers have returned and I’ll also give Murphy Brown one more shot but while I like the cast and the idea of their slant on news today it’s just not quite hitting the mark for me. I still need to catch Legacies on CW but having passed on previous incarnations am assuming that will also get a pass but who knows it could be a gem of a young supernaturals option.

Friday

  • 8pm – Last Man Standing/Cool Kids (Fox) / Speechless (ABC)

No promises on keeping Kids but as a pairing with the predictable but mildly entertaining Last Man, it’ll get another viewing. And I still find Speechless fresh but I’m dropping Fresh Off the Boat which is hitting the repetitive character archetype point Modern Family did for me after a few seasons. I also couldn’t get on board with Midnight, Texas for a second season but it was a fun summer show last year.

Sunday

  • 8pm – God Friended Me (CBS)
  • 10pm – Madam Secretary (CBS)

And here’s to my night of hope, while God is a little too schmaltzy it scratches the Kevin Probably Saves the World itch, and Tea Leoni gives me hope that politics can be challenging but people are trying to do the right thing.

And a we’ve got some continued fun in cable with: Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (TBS), Ink Master (Spike), It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Fxx), You (Life), Z Nation (Syfy)

What are you watching?

 

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new and noteworthy tv: 10/29-11/4

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Well the gas is easing off of new scripted series. Which is good because I’ve just about caught up to eliminating almost everything new. I’ve been ignoring my streaming shows (Ozark, Rectify, Fortitude, Goliath, Big Love, Downton Abbey) but did manage to take a first stab at Sabrina which isn’t amazing but is definitely a fun dark spin on comic.

  • Tell Me A Story (CBSAA) Series Premiere, Thursday – Fairy tales reimagined as psychological thrillers.
  • Homecoming (Am) Series Premiere, Friday – Julia Roberts does a round in series in a psychological thriller by Sam Esmail (Mr Robot).

Returning streaming: Startup (Crack, Thursday)

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

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new and noteworthy tv: 10/22-10/28

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I think after this week we’re basically done with new fall shows. Which is good because I’ve gotten a little behind trying to sample all things new.

  • Bodyguard (Net) Series Premiere, Wednesday – This psychological thriller is getting some good early buzz.
  • Legacies (CW) Series Premiere, Thursday, 9pm – The next generation of supernatural beings, not sure how closely tied this is to The Vampire Diaries or The Originals.
  • Heathers (Para) Series Premiere, Thursday, 10pm – Loved the movie but this series is basically just a burn off since it was cancelled for being what sounds like bad and tone deaf.
  • The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Net) Series Premiere, Friday – I have fond memories of the more campy Sabrina the Teenage Witch but it sounds like this more dramatic take with Kiernan Shipka could be a keeper.

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

 

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new and noteworthy tv: 10/15-10/21

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Not much of the new network fare is sticking, All American felt like a not fresh version of the compared to OC. I am hanging in with God Friended Me and a few more things this week that could hit the queue.

  • The Conners (ABC) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 8pm – Critics seem to be indicating the show is working better than its previous incarnation.
  • The Kids are Alright (ABC) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 8:30pm – This ’70s set comedy with Michael Cudlitz and Mary McCormack and their eight sons has some good peeps but may not be enough good material here for them to work with.
  • The Rookie (ABC) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – 47 year old Nathan Fillion playing a 40 year old rookie cop may need to be enough to keep this show afloat, which he might be.
  • Best Worst Weekend Ever (Net) Series Premiere, Friday – This limited comedy series follows four friends making the most of their last weekend before high school, who knows.
  • Distrito Salvaje (Net) Series Premiere, Friday – A new Columbian drama with one of the guys from Narcos.
  • Wanderlust (Net) Series Premiere, Friday – Toni Collette in this drama taking a look at a marriage might be worth a look but mixed early reviews.
  • The Woman in White (PBS) Miniseries Premiere, Sunday, 10pm – Mystery, ghosts, or just crazy people?

Returning streaming: The Seven Deadly Sins (Net), Lore (Am), Making A Murderer (Net), Daredevil (Net).

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new and noteworthy tv: 10/8-10/14

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Things are slowing down for a moment so I can try to clear things off a bit more and still get in the occasional streaming. And of course a couple more new things on the horizon.

  • American Music Awards (ABC) Tuesday, 8pm – Tracee Ellis Ross hosts.
  • All American (CW) Series Premiere, Wednesday, 9pm – Compton to Beverly Hills this high schooler has to navigate more than football sounds like early episodes might have promise if not recognized yet.
  • The Haunting of Hill House (Net) Series Premiere, Friday – A modern re-imagining of a Shirley Jackson novel about five siblings who grew up in a haunted house, early reviews are good if you like this sort of thing.
  • Light as a Feather (Hulu) Series Premiere, Friday – Girls played teh game and are now dying, no word on this one yet.
  • The Romanoffs (Am) Series Premiere, Friday – This new series from Mad Men’s Matthew Weiner brings standalone stories all tied together as descendants of the Romanov family, getting mixed reviews so far.
  • Titans (DC) Series Premiere, Friday – A group of superheroes comes together to defend the Earth and I’m not entirely sure where to watch DC Universe.
  • Pod Save America (HBO) Series Premiere, Friday, 11pm – For those who can’t get enough of this podcast here’s a four part political discussion.
  • Charmed (CW) Series Premiere, Sunday, 9pm – Curious enough to see if our new sisters and their witchcraft can entertain.
  • Camping (HBO) Series Premiere, Sunday, 10pm – Mixed reviews on this Jennifer Garner lead group of campers filled with contentiousness.

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

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