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new and noteworthy tv: 8/2-8/15

August 1, 2021 No Comments

Are you enjoying the Olympics? Are you watching the Olympics? I am doing some dabbling as planned. And still managing to get some other watching in. I wrapped LA’s Finest (Net) which I thought was fun. And Girls5eva (Peacock) which was cute.

As the Olympics run out we’ll likely start to see some things returning again. Until then I’ve also got some decent summer fare with reality Making It (NBC) and Making the Cut (Prime). I’m also doing the dramatic with the final season of Animal Kingdom (TNT), Motherland: Fort Salem (Free), Professor T (PBS), and recording but not yet watching David Makes Man (OWN). And of course a little comedy with the return of a new spin on Miracle Workers (TBS), odd but enjoyable Dave (FXX), and the final season of Younger (TVL). And looking forward to the return of Brooklyn Nine-Nine (NBC) for its final season

Mr. Corman (App+) Series Premiere, Friday 8/6 – A dramedy bring Joseph Gordon-Levitt back to tv as a fifth grade teacher struggling.
Reservation Dogs (Fx/Hulu) Series Premiere, Monday 8/9 – A half hour comedy following four Indigenous teens in Olkahoma trying to save money to get to California.
Fantasy Island (Fox) Series Premiere, Tuesday 8/10, 9pm – A new version of the ’70s tv show at a lux resort where fantasies are fulfilled but never turn out as expected, I was the wrong age to really watch this first one but will give it a spin to check out the vibe.
The Ms. Pat Show (BET+) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/12 – A former convicted felon turned suburban mom
Brand New Cherry Flavor (Net) Series Premiere, Friday 8/13 – An aspiring film director embarks on supernatural revenge.
Heels (Starz) Series Premiere, Sunday 8/15 – Chasing dreams in the world of small town pro wrestling two brothers must play the good guy and the nemesis while chasing after their father’s legacy.

More streaming

SOZ Soldiers or Zombies (Am) Series Premiere, Friday 8/6 – This Mexican thriller where a drug lord battles for survival when an experiment goes wrong.
Hit & Run (Net) Series Premiere, Friday 8/6 – A man searches for the truth behind his wife’s death.
Navarasa (Net) Series Premiere, Friday 8/6 – The nine human emotions of Indian aesthetic theory are explored in this anthology series
Alrawabi School for Girls (Net) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/12 – Bullied outcasts plot revenge in this Jordanian teen drama.
The Hunt for a Killer (SundN) Series Premiere, Thursday 8/12 – Based on the true story of Swedish detectives on the hunt for a killer of an 10-year-old.
Gone for Good (Net) Series Premiere, Friday 8/13 – Based on Harlan Coben’s novel this French crime series where a man’s girlfriend disappears ten years after he lost two other loved ones.
The Kingdom (Net) Series Premiere, Friday 8/13 – A televangelist becomes Argentina’s presidential candidate

Returning streaming: Car Masters (Net, 8/4), Control Z (Net, 8/4), Short Circuit Experimental Films (Dis+, 8/4), Departure (Pea, 8/5), Madagascar (Hulu, 8/6), Heartbreak Island (Disc+, 8/7), Gabby’s Dollhouse (Net, 8/10), Slasher (Shud, 8/12), Star Trek: Lower Decks (Para+, 8/12), Titans (HBOM, 8/12), Modern Love (Am, 8/13), Valeria (Net, 8/13).

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

my schedule

November 17, 2017 No Comments

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)

returning fall favorites

September 13, 2017 No Comments

The fall season doesn’t have quite the weight it once did but the shows are coming back. So here’s a look at some of the things that I’m looking forward to.

Better Things (FX, 9/14) – This Pamela Adlon series was the half hour show that I most looked forward to in what I sort of think of as the Louie vein of comedy.
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/25) – I’m always happy to see what the gang is getting up to.
Bojack Horseman (Net, 9/8) – It’s odd but it’s good on so many layers.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox, 9/26) – Since the original they’ve really found a way to bring out great qualities in each character and pairings.
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (BBCA, 10/14) – This was such an wacky series but I was won over by the conspiracies and time travel and the relationships that formed.
Elementary (CBS, 10/2) – Still invested in the pair of crime fighters if not always the crime and whatever the overarching drama is.
Fresh Off the Boat (ABC, 10/3) – The backdrop of immigrant family in the 90s adds a nice layer to the family hijinks.
Good Behavior (TNT, 10/15) – Intrigued to see what our con woman and hit man get up to this season.
The Good Place (NBC, 9/20) – This was a great intro last season and I’m excited to see where Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, and the gang take us this season.
Lethal Weapon (Fox, 9/26) – Light and fluffy this new duo of Riggs and Murtaugh have a good groove.
Madam Secretary (CBS, 10/8) – This is my hopeful political show where just enough magically gets resolved that I can ignore the real world for a bit.
The Middle (ABC, 10/3) – This show has done a surprisingly good job of keeping the family comedic beats as the kids age.
Mom (CBS, 11/2) – Allison Janney, Ana Faris, and their mostly recovering cohorts bring it in a great balance of real and unreal ways.
Mr Robot (USA, 10/11) – Also a little uneven but the wins on this show are strong enough for me to dive back in.
New Girl (Fox, 9/20) – One more season before the roomies and romances take their full stride into the tv afterlife.
Queen Sugar (OWN, 10/3) – This is my first Oprah drama and I like the way the location is as much of a character as the fragmented family of sugar farmers.
Speechless (ABC, 9/27) – I actually dropped this show last season but after hearing continued good things went back and picked it up and was rewarded enough to season pass it.
Stranger Things (Net, 10/27) – I wasn’t as enamored of this show as everyone else, maybe much due to my Winona disdain, but it’s definitely a fun bingeable what I’ll call summer show.
Superstore (NBC, 9/28) – The characters in this show have developed enough to make me keep tuning back into this work place comedy.
This is Us (NBC, 9/26) – This one is on everyone’s radar, and while I find it a bit uneven the drama on here fills my missing sort of Parenthood slot.
Transparent (Am, 9/22) – I’ve binged this since finally getting onboard with Prime and as reported it’s well worth a watch for the Pfefferman drama.
Will & Grace (NBC, 9/28) – I guess I’m calling this returning, and while I’m actually curious to see how it goes I remember the early series less dramatic moments fondly enough that I can’t imaging not sticking with it.
You’re the Worst (Fxx, 9/6) – I really enjoy the risks this show takes in regard to characters and storytelling and will keep tuning back in.

With a few others that I’ll check back in on: Gotham (Fox, 9/21), Life in Pieces (CBS, 11/2), Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD (ABC, 9/20), Search Party (TBS, 11/19), Z Nation (Syfy, 9/29)

Note: Premiere dates subject to change always check your local listings.

my schedule

October 28, 2016 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?

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

September 18, 2016 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.

returning fall favorites

September 14, 2016 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.

new and noteworthy tv: 9/21-9/27

September 20, 2015 No Comments

Fall television is officially here, in addition to some returning reccos I’ve basically underlined anything new, your guess is as good as mine for most part. Hearing some potential for Life in Pieces (Modern Family meets Parenthood), Blindspot (Blacklist + tattoos), Scream Queens (Mean Girls meets Scream), Quantico (Grey’s FBI), and cautious about a Heroes reboot. Looking lacking but I’l take a look are sadly The Muppets, Limitless, Rosewood, The Player, and Blood & Oil.

Monday – The Big Bang Theory/Life in Pieces/Scorpion/NCIS: Los Angeles, Season/Series Premiere (CBS, 8/8:30/9/10pm), Gotham/Minority Report, Season/Series Premiere (Fox, 8/9pm), The Voice/Blindspot, Season/Series Premiere (NBC, 8/10pm), Castle, Season Premiere (ABC, 10pm)
Tuesday – The Muppets/Fresh Off the Boat, Series/Season Premiere (ABC, 8/8:30pm), NCIS/NCIS New Orleans/Limitless, Season/Series Premiere (CBS, 8/9/10pm), Scream Queens, Series Premiere (Fox, 8pm), The Bazillion Dollar Club, Series Premiere (Syfy, 10pm), If Loving You Is Wrong, Season Premiere (OWN, 10pm)
Wednesday – The Middle/The Goldbergs/Modern Family/Black-ish/Nashville, Season Premieres (ABC, 8/8:30/9/9:30/10pm), The Mysteries of Laura/L&O: SVU, Season Premieres (NBC, 8/9pm), Rosewood/Empire, Series/Season Premieres (Fox, 8/9pm), Survivor, Season Premiere (CBS, 8pm)
Thursday – Grey’s Anatomy/Scandal/How To Get Away With Murder, Season Premieres (ABC, 8/9/10pm), Heroes Reborn/The Player, Series Premieres (NBC, 8/10pm), Fashionably Late With Rachel Zoe, Series Premiere (Life, 10:30pm), Are You The One, Season Premiere (MTV, 11pm)
Friday – The Amazing Race/Hawaii Five-0/Blue Bloods, Season Premieres (CBS, 8/9/10pm), Last Man Standing/Shark Tank, Season Premieres (ABC, 8/9pm), Step It Up, Series Premiere (Life, 10pm)
Saturday – Fame Kills/Behind the Screams, Series Premieres (Reelz, 8/9pm), 48 Hours, Season Premiere (CBS, 9pm)
Sunday – Once Upon a Time/Blood & Oil/Quantico, Season/Series Premieres (ABC, 7/8/9/10pm), Super Soul Sunday, Season Premiere (OWN, 7pm), 60 Minutes, Season Premiere (CBS, 7:30pm), Bob’s Burgers/The Simpsons/Brooklyn Nine-Nine/Family Guy/Last Man on Earth, Season Premieres (Fox, 7:30/8/8:30/9/9:30pm), Indian Summers, Series Premiere (PBS, 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.

returning fall favorites

September 20, 2015 No Comments

It’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)

my schedule

November 7, 2014 No Comments

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.

returning fall favorites

September 9, 2014 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?