tv

breaking up is hard to do

No Comments

With the wrapping up of Grimm and Bones, two shows that I quite enjoyed but abandoned along the way, made me start doing another think on shows that had once be enjoyed (some making my favorite tv of the year lists) and had to be given up along the way. Real estate for tv shows these days is limited so though I like to give some a long leash eventually the cost (time)/benefit (enjoyment) needs to hit a reality check.

  • The 100 (CW) – This pretty teens style CW show really developed into an interesting post-apocalyptic take but after a mixed season last year (as well as some unfortunately cast cuts) this year’s latest impending doom just couldn’t keep my interest.
  • The Blacklist (NBC) – I was never a fan of Elizabeth and as all the drama revolves around her it was always a matter as to whether Red and the others could balance that out, and when things turned to Elizabeth and her baby I couldn’t take it anymore, I wish they had killed her off.
  • Empire (Fox) – I love a fun soapy show and the musical angle on this just made it that much more fun, but these all seem to have a shelf life, no matter how much I enjoy the characters there’s a limit to how many circles of drama can keep me engaged.
  • The Outsiders (WGN) – This captured a little of the spirit of the total chaos of Sons of Anarchy with the wild folks in the woods but turned out to be too much of a mixed bag to keep it in the lineup.
  • Sleepy Hollow (Fox) – The first season of this was what’s been described as ‘bonkers awesome’ and then while they continued to struggle with how to manage the stories and supporting cast the key was always the chemistry between the two leads, and when they decided to nix one of the two in a reboot that was it for me.
  • The Walking Dead (AMC) – Ok, so the drama here was usually a good balance of zombie chaos outshone by drama and violence of the more human kind but somehow eventually managed to undermine the characters and my patience in sticking through some of the downs for more sparing ups.

And some previous drops Awkward, Grey’s Anatomy, Last Man on Earth, Major Crimes, Modern Family, Nashville, Suits and my most controversial Breaking Bad following season 2 (I am tempted to go back and see if I would have turned back around on this).

Continue Reading

tv

my schedule

No Comments

There’s always room for tinkering but as it stands here’s what I’ve got on the plan, or at least the TiVo queue.

Monday

  • 8pm – Gotham (Fox)
  • 10pm – Timeless (NBC)

Wacky time travel is the new addition to this timeslot, it’s a rompy fun show and we seem to get a new historical event each week plus of course some sort of overarching conspiracy. And I’m hanging in with this slant on the Batman world with the characters and cases still providing enough interest.

Tuesday

  • 8pm – The Middle (ABC) / Brooklyn Nine-Nine/New Girl (Fox)
  • 9pm – Fresh Off the Boat (ABC) / No Tomorrow (CW) / This is Us (NBC)
  • 10pm – SHIELD (ABC)

New additions this this night include two hours that have been engaging so far. One a ridiculous rom-com where they keep playing with whether the dude is crazy (he is predicting the apocalypse, but you know citing science) and whether crazy matters if he’s good in the meantime. And the second the natural family drama fill in for Parenthood which so far has some members of the family more well-rounded than others but it’s keeping me in. And sticking with some of the amusing and riding out the ups and downs of the Marvel tv incarnation.

Wednesday

  • 8pm – Lethal Weapon (Fox)

As long as you don’t pretend it’s a remake the new buddy cop drama is fun. Note I almost stuck with Speechless, the kid in the wheelchair and his aide are great but the show doesn’t end up bringing enough comedy for me.

Thursday

  • 8pm – The Big Bang Theory (CBS) / Superstore/The Good Place (NBC)
  • 9pm – Pitch (Fox) / Mom/Life in Pieces (CBS)

New additions here are the afterlife mix up which I find amusing with the plot so far moving quickly into new territory each week and the girl baseball player which isn’t revolutionary but so far I find the main characters engaging. I did watch one episode of The Great Outdoors and will check out another but don’t imagine sticking around. And I am holding on to some other amusements.

Sunday

  • 9pm – Madam Secretary (CBS)
  • 10pm – Elementary (CBS)

Neither of these are the most amazing for me but I like enough about them and the roles that they play in my schedule so am going to stick them out.

And lest we forget about other random cable channels that I tend to watch less on schedule: Atlanta (FX), Better Things (Fx), Queen Sugar (OWN), Younger (TVL), You’re the Worst (Fxx), and Z Nation (Syfy). I was also intrigued enough by the first Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (BBCA) to take it for another spin, though it is admittedly so odd I don’t know whether that’s going to be enough or too much.

Plus there’s still midseason! What’s in your schedule?

Continue Reading

tv

new and noteworthy tv: 9/19-9/25

No Comments

With the return of the fall season I’ve returned to noting the majority of the season premieres of scripted shows along with new series. My TiVo is going to start getting a workout again.

  • The Big Bang Theory/Kevin Can Wait (CBS) Season/Series Premieres, Monday, 8/8:30pm – Still a fan of Big Bang and am not expecting any more from Kevin James’ new comedy than stereotypical comedic family.
  • Gotham/Lucifer (Fox) Season Premieres, Monday, 8/9pm – Looking forward to what James Gordon is up to with the latest criminal element and didn’t quite catch on to the devil coming to town.
  • The Voice (NBC) Season Premiere, Monday, 8pm – This season Miley Cryus and Alicia Keys join Levine and Shelton.
  • The Good Place (NBC) Series Premiere, Monday, 10pm – One of the new comedies I’m looking forward to as Kristen Bell joins Ted Danson in a heavenly way.
  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine/New Girl/Scream Queens (Fox) Season Premieres, Tuesday, 8/8:30/9pm – I’m amused by the first hour of this block.
  • NCIS/Bull/NCIS: New Orleans (CBS) Season/Series Premieres, Tuesday, 8/9/10pm – I haven’t heard great things about the new Michael Weatherly as renowned trial consultant but perhaps.
  • Agents of SHIELD (ABC) Season Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – I’ll tune in to see what the next chapter holds in this slice of the Marvel world.
  • This is Us (NBC) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – This dramedy of intertwined lives is being compared to Parenthood which makes me want to give it a go.
  • The Goldbergs/Speechless/Modern Family/Blackish/Designated Survivor (ABC) Season/Series Premieres, Wednesday, 8/8:30/9/9:30/10pm – I tuned out of this comedy lineup but will check out this latest family comedy and Kiefer Sutherland taking on the presidency.
  • Lethal Weapon/Empire (Fox) Series/Season Premieres, Wednesday, 8/9pm – I’ve heard enough promise in the latest incarnation of this buddy cop drama and am still engaged with the soapy musical family.
  • Survivor (CBS) Season Premiere, Wednesday, 8pm – Millennials vs. Gen X, I’m not only not following this show anymore I’m not sure how old that makes the participants.
  • Law & Order: SVU/Chicago PD (NBC) Season Premieres, Wednesday, 9/10pm – For those that are sticking these out.
  • Easy (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday – Curious to see what this ensemble cast, anthology, romantic comedy series is about.
  • Grey’s Anatomy/Notorious/HTGAWMurder (ABC) Season/Series Premieres, Thursday, 8/9/10pm – I couldn’t keep up with the myriad of seasons of Grey’s and didn’t want to keep up with Murder and I’m not hearing great things about this Piper Parabo criminal law and media newcomer though I’ll check it out.
  • Rosewood/Pitch (Fox) Season/Series Premieres, Thursday, 8/9pm – I skip the private practice forensics but I’ll check out this first woman pitcher show.
  • Superstore/Chicago Med/The Blacklist (NBC) Season Premieres, Thursday, 8/9/10pm – The Good Place also joins the lineup of the amusing Superstore and though I skip the generic med I do stay tuned for James Spader.
  • Longmire (Net) Season Premiere, Friday – I enjoy the stories and characters and beautiful country.
  • Transparent (Am) Season Premiere, Friday – Still hear great things about this series.
  • Hell’s Kitchen/The Exorcist (Fox) Season/Series Premiere, Friday, 8/9pm – I don’t do Ramsay but I did actually read a good review of the latest demonic possession.
  • Last Man Standing/Dr Ken/Shark Tank (ABC) Season Premieres, Friday, 8/8:30/9pm – Yes both of these comedies are still on, followed by more pitches.
  • MacGyver/Hawaii Five-0/Blue Bloods (CBS) Series Premiere, Friday 8/9/10pm – As some of you know I was a huge MacGyver fan both with sincerity and the appropriate dose of kitch and although I’ve seen this kid use a Swiss army knife in the preview I’m really not optimistic about this reboot, followed by crime in various styles.
  • Van Helsing (Syfy) Series Premiere, Friday, 10pm – Yet another redo that might be a redon’t.
  • Once Upon a Time/Secrets and Lies/Quantico (ABC) Season Premieres, Sunday, 7/8/9/10pm – The lineup returns.
  • Bob’s Burgers/The Simpsons/Family Guy/Last Man on Earth (Fox) Season Premieres, Sunday, 7:30/8/9/9:30pm – Seasons 7, 28, 15 and 3 joined by the first season of Son of Zorn.
  • Poldark (PBS) Season Premiere, Sunday, 8pm – I rarely keep up with the PBS fare.
  • NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS) Season Premiere, Sunday, 8:30pm – Is there a mole in the department, not sure since I’m not sure who’s actually in the department?

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

Continue Reading

tv

returning fall favorites

No Comments

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.

Continue Reading

tv

new and noteworthy tv: 9/28-10/4

No Comments

grandfatheredRolling out a few more fall, I’m on the fence about going back to Bones and Sleepy Hollow, but will check out two new promising sitcoms with some noted faces.

  • Monday – I’ll Have What Phil’s Having, Series Premiere (PBS, 10pm), The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, Series Premiere (Com, 11pm)
  • Tuesday – Grandfathered/The Grinder, Series Premieres (Fox, 8/8:30pm), SHIELD, Season Premieres (ABC, 9pm)
  • Wednesday – Criminal Minds/Code Black, Season/Series Premieres (CBS, 9/10pm), Chicago PD, Season Premiere NBC, 10pm)
  • Thursday – Bones/Sleepy Hollow, Season Premieres (Fox, 8/9pm), The Blacklist, Season Premiere (NBC, 9pm), Benders, Series Premiere (IFC, 10pm)
  • Friday – Dr Ken, Series Premiere (ABC, 8:30pm), Love at First Swipe/Sex in Public/What She Said, Series Premieres (TLC, 9/10/10:30pm), The Jacksons, Series Premiere (Life, 10pm)
  • Saturday – The Graham Norton Show, Season Premiere (BBCA, 10pm), SNL, Season Premiere (NBC, 11:30pm)
  • Sunday – Madam Secretary/The Good Wife/CSI: Cyber, Season Premieres (CBS, 8/9/10pm), Homeland/The Affair, Season Premiere (Sho, 9/10pm), The Leftovers, Season Premiere (HBO, 9pm), Bar Rescue, Season Premiere (Spike, 10pm), Naked & Afraid, Season Premiere (Disc, 10pm), The Widower, Series Premiere (PBS, 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.

Continue Reading

tv

returning fall favorites

No Comments

izombieIt’s that time of year again. And while the new shows trickle in here’s a look at some of the returning fall shows I’m excited about.

  • The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/21) – This show has done a pretty good job of keeping things going and evolving with the genius misfits and their pals.
  • The Blacklist (NBC, 10/1) – It’s still only worth it for James Spader but we’ll see whether Liz on the run works.
  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox, 9/27) – They’ve gotten a good rhythm with Samberg’s foolishness and fleshing out the other characters, makes me laugh.
  • Elementary (CBS, 11/5) – My current fave standard procedural, I enjoy the reinvention of the modern day crime fighting duo and think some of the less successful asides are wrapped.
  • Empire (Fox, 9/23) – The funnest reentry into last season’s schedule the campy family and music drama is irresistible.
  • Fargo (Fx, 10/12) – Last season’s odd crime ensemble captured the spirit of the flick but brought out a new slant, and this season attempts to do the same in a new tale.
  • Fresh Off the Boat (ABC, 9/22) – This immigrant family embracing suburbia in the ’90s has enough anticipated humor and enough unanticipated that it was refreshing.
  • The Good Wife (CBS, 10/4) – They haven’t all been home runs but they’ve managed to reinvent this show in a compelling way after so many seasons, excited to see the latest not so good Alicia.
  • iZombie (CW, 10/6) – This show is less zombie more of a Veronica Mars-esque girl getting in over her head detective show and she happens to eat brains which give her a little dead person insight.
  • The League/You’re the Worst (Fxx, 9/9) – Worst was a fave from last season which grew into more than just a coupe of snarky people, but the ensemble remains snarky with another season of people who actually are the worst in fantasy football and in life.
  • Longmire (Net, 9/10) – Glad this show got picked up on Netflix and happy to spend another season with the laconic lawman and the latest troubles.
  • The Royals (E!, 11/15) – Season one of a look behind the scenes of a fake royal family was fantastically trashy and fun, can’t wait to see what comes of them next season.
  • The Walking Dead/Z Nation (AMC, 10/11; Syfy, 9/11) – I enjoy a little post apocalypse world and these two shows give a totally different tone of voice.

A few other items that I’ll check back in on and see whether I want to keep them in the queue: Bones (Fox, 10/1), Gotham (Fox, 9/21), Grimm (NBC, 10/30), The Last Man on Earth (Fox, 9/27), Madam Secretary (CBS, 10/4), The Middle (ABC, 9/23), The Mindy Project (Hulu), Mom (CBS, 11/5), SHIELD (ABC, 9/29), Sleepy Hollow (Fox. 10/1), Undateable (NBC, 10/9)

Continue Reading

tv

my schedule

No Comments

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.

Continue Reading

tv

returning fall favorites

No Comments

the-good-wife

Well we’re easing into it but I think we can officially categorize post Labor Day September as fall. And while I’m still waiting for a little more info on new shows to see what I’m most excited about there are some returning favorites already queued up with a season pass.

  • The League (Fxx, 10/3) – This is one of those off color Fx (now Fxx) series that has sort of grown on me, people who are so wrong it’s right, no football appreciation required (if you like It’s Always Sunny this is a nice pairing).
  • Sons of Anarchy (Fx, 9/9) – This show has had some uneven spots but watching the interpersonal drama, and admittedly the significant violence, and who’s lying, Jax, makes it a can’t miss to see where our favorite motorcycle gang ends up.
  • New Girl/The Mindy Project (Fox, 9/16) – Both of these shows have improved with time and with fleshing out the ensemble, they make me laugh enough.
  • The Good Wife (CBS, 9/21) – Last season this show really demonstrated how to shake up a longer term series, and still hold on to what makes it special; still has the best balance of weekly cases with the personal and political drama where I’m interested in what everyone is doing.
  • Sleepy Hollow (Fox, 9/22) – One of the critics I read dubbed this show ‘bonkers awesome’ and she’s right, it’s a ridiculous premise but the fast pace and main character dynamics keep it oh so interesting and did I mention headless horseman ridiculous?
  • The Blacklist (NBC, 9/22) – This one is really all about James Spader and fortunately that’s enough to keep this criminal with unclear motives catching bad guys on his list interesting.
  • The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/22) – They’ve done a pretty good job keeping what could be a one note show going, adding to the ensemble and growing the characters a bit, but keeping the mockery in top form.
  • Parenthood (NBC, 9/25) – As we enter the final season we can assume that the Braverman family will not be drama free and while I haven’t loved every story arc I’ve come to be invested, plus I would follow Lauren Graham and Peter Krause anywhere.
  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox, 9/28) – The latest addition to funny, again finding the balance of the could be annoying main character Samberg has been key but it’s really the ensemble with the amazing Andre Braugher among others that makes it.
  • The Walking Dead (AMC, 10/12) – Each season has had a different feel based on where the cast is but I’m intrigued to see them back together and of course getting out of whatever fix they’re in since the live people are often more of a problem than the dead ones.
  • The 100 (CW, 10/22) – I keep giving these relatively cheesy CW shows a shot and this one, which is basically pretty people land on earth and so far run into pretty people who survived, but I’m often a sucker for that whole moralistic creating your own society and what’s really right, we’ll see if this season keeps me coming back.
  • Grimm (NBC, 10/24) – A procedural show of the not normal variety, in that there is a world of non humans among us, and while I wouldn’t say I love this show the characters and stories keep me coming back.
  • Elementary (CBS, 10/30) – I can’t watch this show at the same time as Sherlock because they’re so different in tone but I am down for seeing what our re-imagined Holmes and Watson get up to each week mostly because I like Miller and Liu.

Notable mention (those that are either a little uneven, a little passed their prime, or too fresh to see if I’m hooked): Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD (ABC, 9/23), The Middle (ABC, 9/24), Bones (Fox, 9/25), Mom (CBS, 9/29)

And keep your love for a few of these shows on the back-burner until mid-season and beyond: The Americans, Cougar Town, Hannibal, Hart of Dixie, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Justified, Lost Girl, Louie, The Mentalist, Orphan Black, Parks and Recreation

What are you most excited to see return?

Continue Reading