tv

dropped

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I’ve mentioned some of the shows that I’m looking forward to, but fall is also the time to make some cuts. There have been a few shows that have been dropped over the years, I can’t wait for them all to get canceled… Sometimes it’s because I can’t keep up with more than two shows per time slot but typically I just can’t take it anymore. For these I’ve only included shows that I’ve stuck with for a bit, and admittedly these aren’t all recent drops.

  • American Idol (Fox) – I keep trying, and tune back in to catch the new competitors as well as the new judges but I just find myself with not enough to keep me tuning back in, I’m out.
  • The Apprentice (NBC) – I tried some of the early seasons of these but just can’t get on board with watching the ‘celebrities’ fight and fight their way through challenges.
  • Criminal Minds (CBS) – This gruesome case of the week got a little monotonous for me though I do still tune back into reruns now and again.
  • Glee (Fox) – I loved the moments where they got the mix of humor and heart and music just right but those got fewer and farther apart, I’m slightly intrigued about life after high school but history tells us that it won’t improve things.
  • Gossip Girl (CW) – I loved a few seasons of this but again post high school shenanigans and re-pairings lost my interest much like every other teen drama.
  • Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) – I was still hanging on to this when a triple booking last season meant I would have to take an extra step like watching online, after I missed a couple eps… no more Meredith for me.
  • Hawaii Five-0 (CBS) – Though the show did make me want to visit Hawaii again, and I liked the banter between the boring and the funny leads, one character of interest in a case of the week wasn’t enough.
  • The LA Complex (CW) – It was so bad it was good but then this Canadian kids trying to make it big in LA just got plain bad.
  • Once Upon a Time (ABC) – I love a fairy tale remake but though I was engaged in some of the retold tales the present day town didn’t have much to offer.
  • Person of Interest (CBS) – If two men who don’t emote go around trying to save people does anyone care?
  • Private Practice (ABC) – Who would have thought that you could get cheesier than Grey’s?
  • Scandal (ABC) – The thing that may have kept me tuned into this was the fact that the lead wore some beautiful outfits, but the scandalous items and their resolutions are a little too preposterous.
  • Survivor (CBS) – Reality shows are the easiest for me to drop, I’m not engaged in the new set of characters and though new each season, it’s somewhat repetitive.

As noted on a couple shows are also probation: ANTM (CW), L&O: SVU (NBC), The Voice (NBC). What’s no longer in your queue?

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new and noteworthy tv: 9/3-9/9

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Labor Day signals the end of summer, and typically the start of nice weather in SF, perhaps a bit more tennis before we get serious about new tv…

Monday

  • US Open Tennis (CBS, 8am, T-Th ESPN2, F-Su CBS) – Enjoy Labor Day with a little tennis and then if you have to work perhaps skip the cable coverage during the week and tune back in starting with the men’s and women’s semis on Friday.
  • Switched at Birth (ABCFam, 8pm) Season Premiere – The gals go through another year of drama with their extended family.
  • American Chopper/Fast n’ Loud (Disc, 9/10pm) Season Premieres – Senior and Junior collaborate and then let the car restoration continue.
  • Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (Trav, 9pm) Season premiere – Sometimes the places that don’t take reservation are just plain weird.
  • Coma (A&E, 9pm) Miniseries Premiere – A remake of the ’78 thriller.
  • T.I & Tiny (VH1, 9pm) Season Premiere – Camping?
  • Girlfriend Confidential (Oxy, 11pm) Series Premiere – Eva from ANTM and some other gal pals hang in the big city.

Tuesday

  • Flipping Out (Brav, 9pm) Season Premiere – Designer flips out while trying to flip a house.
  • Democratic National Convention (NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, 7pm T/W/Th) – It’s the Democrat’s turn.

Wednesday

  • Ghost Hunters (Syfy, 9pm) Season Premiere – A serial killer’s revenge.
  • Sweat Equity (DIY, 10pm) Season Premiere – Converting a basement.

Thursday

  • 2012 MTV Video Music Awards (MTV, 8pm) – Kevin Hart hosts.
  • Raising House (DIY, 9pm) Series Premiere – Starting with a rebuild.
  • Texas Car Wars (Disc, 10pm) Series Premiere – Let the rivalries begin.
  • Living Abroad (HGTV, 11pm) Series Premiere – Three American families living in Shanghai.

Friday

  • Stand Up to Cancer (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, 8pm) – Celebs perform, chat about, and take money for cancer.
  • Making the Team/Cheer (CMT, 9/11pm) Season/Series Premieres – Cowboy’s prelims and if you’re a diehard cheer fan…

Saturday

  • My Fair Wedding (WE, 9pm) Season Premiere – Medieval-themed wedding.
  • I Was Impaled (Health, 10pm) Series Premiere – Seriously a whole show on impalements?

Sunday

  • Long Island Medium/Breaking Amish (TLC, 9/10pm) Season/Series Premieres – Family and the hereafter and then I think there might need to be special protections about filming the Amish, I mean how can they know how terrible reality tv is and how much privacy they’re giving up?
  • Wallander (PBS, 9pm) Season Premiere – How long until his peace is interrupted by a mystery?

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: 8/27-9/2

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A little more time ’til fall hits so time for a bit more tennis…

Monday

  • US Open Tennis (ESPN2, 10am) – The US Open kicks off, plus preview and Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day Sunday on CBS.

Tuesday

  • The Republican National Convention (ABC, CBS, NBC, 7pm also Wed/Thurs) – Convening.
  • 19 Kids & Counting/Abby & Brittany (TLC, 9/10pm) Season/Series Premieres – Lots of kids and then 22 year old conjoined twins.
  • Property Virgins (HGTV, 9pm) Season Premiere – Property happens.
  • Addicted (Health, 10pm) Season Premiere – Combating addiction.

Wednesday

  • Buying and Selling (HGTV, 9pm) Series Premiere – Getting ready to buy and sell.
  • Restaurant Stakeout (Food, 10pm) Season Premiere – Struggling chef needs help.

Thursday

  • Gigolos (Show, 11pm) Season Premiere – They’re back.

Friday

  • Perhaps a little ANTM?

Saturday

  • Doctor Who (BBCA, 9pm) Season Premiere  – The Doctor’s next escapade.

Sunday

  • TV’s Most Dynamic Duos (ABC, 8/9pm) – Robin Roberts counts them down.
  • Million Dollar Contractor (DIY, 10pm) Season Premiere – Big restorations.

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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returning fall favorites

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The fall season is starting to trickle in… Until we get the full lay of the land of the new stuff, let’s take a look at what I’m looking forward to that’s coming back.

  • Community (NBC, Oct 19) – They’re able to do a crazy good job with random theme episodes and ongoing arcs that leverage the characters as well as pop culture.
  • The Good Wife (CBS, Sept 30) – Still one of my favorite dramas, I am somehow interested in all the aspects of the people, cases, relationships and politics.
  • Happy Endings (ABC, Oct 23) – This is my fave buddy/relationship comedy as each of these characters have evolved into their own random peeps.
  • Hart of Dixie (CW, Oct 2) – My new favorite fluffy small town rom-com, I want to see if Summer Zoe is still rocking the shorts at her medical practice.
  • The Mentalist (CBS, Sept 30) – This procedural has maintained the most of my interest, mostly due to Simon Baker being a likable wackadoodle.
  • New Girl (Fox, Sept 25) – This show too had some growing pains in the first season but I like that Jess has found a better balance of innocence and reality and the supporting cast has become more well rounded.
  • Parenthood (NBC, Sept 11) – What will befall the Bravermans this season, they get into some stupid situations but usually treat them with the right amount of humor and heart.
  • Parks & Recreation (NBC, Sept 20) – I almost wanted this show to end with the council election because it was just so perfect but am thrilled to see the return of these misfit government workers.
  • Sons of Anarchy (FX, Sept 11) – Every season I wonder how Jax and the crew will get out of their latest fix and am eagerly anticipating their new season of good bad guys.
  • The Walking Dead (AMC, Oct 14) – I finally caught back up and am ready for a new season of relationships strained to the max as they fight for their survival of the zomb-pocalypse.

Honorable Mentions (On the TiVo): 30 Rock (NBC, Oct 4), The Big Bang Theory (CBS, Sept 27), Bones (Fox, Sept 17), Castle (ABC, Sept 24), Dexter (Show, Sept 30), Don’t Trust the Bitch in Apartment 23 (ABC, Oct 23), Grimm (NBC), Hot in Cleveland (TVL, Nov 28), How I Met Your Mother (CBS, Sept 24), It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX, Oct), The League (FX, Oct), The Middle (ABC, Sept 26), Modern Family (ABC, Sept 26), Suburgatory (ABC, Oct 17).

Debatable but may check in: American Horror Story (Fx, Oct), America’s Next Top Model (CW, Aug 24), Law & Order: SVU (NBC, Sept 26), The Office (NBC, Sept 20), The Voice (NBC, Sept 10).

Chime in with comments on what you’re looking forward to or other questions on returning faves.

Shows listed in alphabetical order and all premiere dates are of course subject to change.

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new and noteworthy tv: 8/20-8/26

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A light week may mean more Netflix catch up and of course I’m on about page 500 of 650 on my book… Or you know I could go outside.

Monday

  • Beyond Scared Straight (A&E, 10pm) Season Premiere – Prison fun for rebellious kids.
  • InBetweeners (MTV, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – I never caught the UK version of this comedy about high school awkwards, worth checking out.

Tuesday

  • Face Off (Syfy, 9pm) Season Premiere – Creature creation competition.

Wednesday

  • Dirty Jobs Down Under (Disc, 10pm) Season Premiere – Mike Rowe goes down under.

Thursday

  • Repeats, reality, netflix?

Friday

  • America’s Next Top Model (CW, 8pm) Season Premiere – Fierce Fridays begin with a new crop of judges and a college crew of wannabes, I will at least check out the new talent.
  • Bering Sea Gold/Yukon Men (Disc, 9/10pm) Season/Series Premieres – Hunting for gold and then hunting in Alaska.
  • Say Yes to the Dress/I Found the Gown (TLC, 9/10pm) Season/Series Premieres – Wedding dress fun.

Saturday

  • US Open Series (CBS, 9:30am, during week at ESPN2) – Men’s finals at Winston-Salem Open.
  • Wrestlemania (NBC, 9pm) – Rock vs. Cena.

Sunday

  • A day of rest.

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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watch this: breaking bad

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I’m pleased to introduce our inaugural guest post, our first guestinator is our very own reader Leslie Zellers. Send the procrastinator a note if you’re interested in adding a “watch this” or other post or having the procrastinator contribute to your site.

Do you ever find yourself talking out loud to the TV, imploring the characters to make a different choice other than the obviously stupid choice they are about to make? Breaking Bad is one of those shows for me. I actually consider this a sign of good TV, since it means I am invested enough in what they are doing that I want to see it turn out ok for them. Although who are we kidding, things are not going to turn out ok for Walter White of AMC’s Breaking Bad.

For those who haven’t watched the show, which recently returned for its fifth season, I won’t give too much away. Even without watching the show for the first three seasons I knew that Walt – played by Bryan Cranston, who is utterly transformed from his role as dad on Malcolm in the Middle – is a high school chemistry teacher turned meth cook in order to provide for his family in the wake of a lung cancer diagnosis. Ok, that explains his motivations in season 1 but Walt’s reasons for continuing in the meth business become more complicated as the show goes on. Or maybe his reasons for continuing are simple – greed, power, and hubris – but it’s his life that becomes complicated in the wake of his decision.

Not only does Walt need to worry about getting caught by law enforcement, as anyone in the illegal drug business would, he also has to figure out how to hide his business from his family and navigate the territorial battles of rival drug dealers. All of which introduces us to the rich cast of supporting characters orbiting Walt. Jesse Pinkman (played by Aaron Paul) is Walt’s partner in the drug business. As a chronic underachiever in life, Jesse is treated with a mix of contempt and resignation from his former chemistry teacher, whom he refers to. Mr. White for all 5 seasons of the show even though Jesse probably knows Walt better than anyone.

Walt’s extremely uptight wife (Anna Gunn) vacillates between fear, hatred, and confusion the more she learns about Walt’s secret life. When Walt finally tells his wife where the money to pay for his cancer treatment came from, his distinction that he is a drug manufacturer not a drug dealer does not put Skylar at ease about the safety of her two children. And did I mention that Walt’s brother in law is a DEA agent? That would be enough intrigue for most shows, however Breaking Bad delves deeper into questions of morality and right and wrong by introducing us to a bad guy who is often more likable than Walt, the supposed “good guy” of the show. Giancarlo Esposito’s portrayal of cool and calculating chicken franchise owner Gus Fring features prominently in seasons 3 and 4 and is not to be missed.

Which brings me to the question of how to watch Breaking Bad. If you are a show novice I strongly recommend you follow the advice that I ignored and watch the show from the beginning. Whether you “binge” on multiple episodes in one sitting as described by Jim Pagels of Slate or watch the show at a leisurely pace is up to you. However I find that each episode requires my full attention — no going to the kitchen for a snack, because each scene serves a purpose.

For those who are already fans of the show, what do you want to see happen in this final season? Do you want Walt to get his comeuppance or would you like a “happy” ending?

Details: Breaking Bad, AMC, Sundays at 10pm (catch S5 with On Demand or from the start with Netflix streaming).

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olympic me

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So I love the Olympics. There’s something very feel good about it and as much as I think of Olympians as not human, it’s fun to see folks compete in some of the regular and irregular sports. Much like my fragmented watching of various sports I thought I’d share a fragmented list of observations:

  • I like that there are five channels of coverage but I can’t watch 1,000 hours, so I’m ok with NBC picking ‘favorites’ even if I don’t always agree, though you could mix it up a bit.
  • I feel like I was able to sample a bit of everything except: sailing, modern pentathlon, handball, and field hockey.
  • NBC needs to make sure the listings are correct because I can’t tape five channels for 24 hours straight ‘just in case’.
  • I don’t mind the delayed coverage but I can’t come back to your website without seeing who just won on something yet to be televised.
  • I don’t mind the delayed coverage but I hate people who need to comment on social media about how awesome it was that person XX won gold, can’t you be more vague until I get a chance to be as excited as you are.
  • I like some of the feel-good bits, but love that I can fast forward past them because I don’t care who is getting tweeted about the most.
  • I feel bad that I buy in to the fact that not winning gold is a failure.
  • If I remember you from four years ago I care more.
  • What’s with all the yellow Nike shoes?
  • I’m super intrigued by sports that are added or removed, this year removals were softball and football with additions of women’s boxing and mixed doubles for tennis.
  • I don’t think it’s wrong but I think it’s weird that there are four different things that you can throw: javelin, discus, shot put, and hammer.
  • Who knew tug of war used to be an Olympic sport?
  • Sports that I think should be removed from the Olympics because they’re not ‘sporty’ enough: synchronized diving, trampoline, rhythmic gymnastics, synchro swimming pairs (team synchro is still bad-ass).
  • Sports that I think should be removed from the Olympics because they’re too boring: badminton, air rifle.
  • Sports that I think should be removed from the Olympics because they get enough glory elsewhere: basketball, tennis.

All in all there were some fun moments but I’m glad to get back to regular programming. Time to get in to training for fall! Did you watch? What were your favorite and least favorite things?

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new and noteworthy tv: 8/13-8/19

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I think I, and my TiVo, have survived the Olympics, now it’s time for fall to start trickling in before the big push…

Monday

  • Hotel Hell (Fox, 8pm) Series Premiere – Because we need more Gordon Ramsay.
  • Stars Earn Stripes/Grimm (NBC, 8/10pm) Series/Season Premiere – “Celebrities” in the military and the return off the irregular creature crime fighter.
  • The Closer/Major Crimes (TNT, 9/10pm) Series Finale/Premiere – Say goodbye to Brenda Leigh Johnson and welcome Captain Sharon Raydor to her new role.
  • United Bates of America/Big Tiny (TLC, 9/10pm) Series Premieres – Lots of kids and then dwarf siblings.
  • Blog Cabin (DIY, 9:30pm) Season Premiere – Redecorating.
  • Gallery Girls (Brav, 10pm) Series Premiere – Seven folks in the art world are followed.
  • Counting Cars (Hist, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – A car is restored.
  • Get to Work (Sund, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – A boot camp to get folks employable.

Tuesday

  • Top Gear (Hist, 9pm) Season Premiere – Drive challenge comparison.
  • Collection Intervention (Syfy, 10pm) Series Premiere – Hoarders meets collectibles.
  • The Week the Women Went (Life, 10pm) Series Premiere – South Carolina men are fending for themselves, well probably not all South Carolina men.
  • The Burn with Jeff Ross (Com, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – Comedians riff on popular culture.

Wednesday

  • Oh Sit (CW, 8pm) Series Premiere – Musical chairs!
  • Storage Wars Texas/American Hoggers (A&E, 9/10pm) Season Premieres – What’s in the lockers and how are the hogs?
  • Toy Hunter (Trav, 10pm) Series Premiere – In search of rare vintage items.

Thursday

  • The Next (CW, 9pm) Series Premiere – Celebs find and coach aspiring musicians.
  • Time Machine Chefs (ABC, 9pm) Series Premiere – Back to the basics of kitchen equipment.
  • Braxton Family Values (WE, 9pm) Season Premiere – The Braxton girls are back.
  • Run My Renovation (DIY, 9pm) Season Premiere – Viewers vote to determine next steps.
  • Bullet in the Face (IFC, 10pm) Series Premiere – Comedy series begins with a criminal getting a new face and a new job with the police.
  • Extreme Chef (Food, 10pm) Season Premiere – Dropped into a location and scavenge for ingredients, sounds yummy.

Friday

  • Teachers Rock (CBS, 8pm) – A tribute to US educators and a promotional vehicle for new flick Won’t Back Down.
  • Boss (Starz, 9pm) Season Premiere – The Mayor returns.
  • Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO, 10pm) Season Premiere – Bill’s back.
  • Strike Back (Cin, 10pm) Season Premiere – Military drama?

Saturday

  • Renovation Realities (DIY, 9pm) Season Premiere – Renovate it.
  • 10 Kids, 2 Dads (OWN, 10pm) Series Premiere – A gay couple with adopted kids.

Sunday

  • All American Handyman (HGTV, 10pm) Season Premiere – Who can replace a toilet or build a dog house first?
  • Married to Jonas (E!, 10pm) Series Premiere – Yes, I believe they are old enough to be married.
  • Copper (BBCA, 10pm) Series Premiere – A cop in 1864 New York.
  • The Great Food Truck Race (Food, 10pm) Season Premiere – Ready, set, cook…
  • Lovetown, USA (OWN, 10pm) Series Premiere – Oprah ushers in some matchmaking.

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: 8/6-8/12

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One more week of sporting and getting ready to sample some fall fun…

Monday

  • Olympics (NBC, 8pm) – Track and field, gymnastics, men’s diving, beach volleyball.
  • Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives (Food, 10pm) Season Premiere – Non traditional traditional fare.

Tuesday

  • Olympics (NBC, 8pm) – Track and field, gymnastics, beach volleyball.
  • Shipping Wars (A&E, 9pm) Season Premiere – Let the wars resume.
  • Extra Yardage (DIY, 9:30pm) Season Premiere – First stop creating an artist retreat.
  • Hard Knocks (HBO, 10pm) Season Premiere – Miami Dolphins.

Wednesday

  • Olympics (NBC, 8pm) – Track and field, women’s diving, beach volleyball.
  • Here Comes Honey Boo Boo (TLC, 10pm) Series Premiere – Because we need a Toddlers & Tiaras spinoff.
  • Paranormal Witness (Syfy, 10pm) Season Premiere – Parapsychological investigations.
  • Go On (NBC, 11:05pm) Series Premiere – Chandler’s back and NBC is trying to give it a little Olympics promo check in on him as sportscaster checking out a support group.

Thursday

  • Olympics (NBC, 8pm) – Track and field, women’s diving, beach volleyball, bmx cycling.
  • Totally Biased wtih W. Kamau Bell (Fx, 11pm) Series Premiere – Comedic political talk and whatnot.

Friday

  • Olympics (NBC, 8pm) – Track and field, men’s diving, bmx cycling.
  • The Dead Files (Trav, 10pm) Season Premiere – More hauntings.

Saturday

  • Olympics (NBC, 8pm) – Track and field, women’s volleyball, men’s diving.
  • Tanked (AnPl, 9pm) Season Premiere – A whole show about special tanks?

Sunday

  • Olympics (NBC, 7pm) – Closing Ceremonies.
  • Hell on Wheels (AMC, 9pm) Season Premiere – The railroad returns.
  • Shark Week (Disc, 9pm) – Sharks, sharks, and more sharks get going on Discovery.
  • Animal Practice (NBC, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – Another try at post Olympic promotion, sadly this show perhaps about an animal hospital couldn’t look more dumb.

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: 7/30-8/5

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A little tardy with my posting but it’s really all Olympics anyhow… As it has been, tune into the myriad of channels NBC, NBC Sports, MSNBC, CNBC, Bravo and Telemundo. Check out http://www.nbcolympics.com/ for specific listings, though of course be prepared for a spoiler or two if you click it, highlighted below are prime time spots.

Monday

  • Olympics (NBC, 8pm) – Men’s team gymnastics, Swimming, Diving, Beach Volleyball.
  • Off the Hook (Disc, 9pm) Series Premiere – Extreme catches.

Tuesday

  • Olympics (NBC, 8pm) – Women’s team gymnastics, swimming, women’s syncro platform diving.
  • All the Right Moves (Oxy, 9pm) Series Premiere – Follow dance dudes from So You Think You Can With the Stars as they dance it up reality style.
  • HGTV Design Star All Stars (HGTV, 9pm) Series Premiere – Six former designers.
  • Rat Bastards (Spike, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – Hunting giant swamp rats?

Wednesday

  • Olympics (NBC, 8pm) – Swimming, diving, men’s gymnastics, and beach volleyball.

Thursday

  • Olympics (NBC, 8pm) – Swimming, women’s gymnastics, and beach volleyball.

Friday

  • Olympics (NBC, 8pm) – Swimming, Diving, women’s Volleyball, men’s Trampoline (really?), and the start of Track and Field.
  • Super Saver Showdown (OWN, 9pm) Series Premiere – Doing more on less.

Saturday

  • Olympics (NBC, 8pm) – Swimming conclusion, Track and Field, Diving, and Beach Volleyball.
  • Home By Novogratz/Dina’s Party (HGTV, 7pm) Season/Series Premieres – Homes and parties.
  • The uneXplained (Bio, 10pm) Series Premiere – Metaphysical helpers.

Sunday

  • Olympics (NBC, 8pm) – Track and Field, Gymnastics apparatus, Diving, and Beach Volleyball.
  • Flip Men (Spike, 10pm) Season Premiere – The guys flip it.

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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