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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)

new and noteworthy tv: 9/7-9/13

September 5, 2015 No Comments

So post Labor Day is officially Fall in my book if not in everyone’s. And to reward me is the return of one of my fave new comedies from last year You’re the Worst which pairs well with off color in a slightly different way The League. As an added bonus the resurrection of Longmire, to see if everyone is still alive. And if you like some zombie action but prefer it a little lighter than Walking Dead you really should check out Z Nation.

Monday – Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood, Season Premiere (VH1, 8pm), CBS Fall Preview (CBS, 8:30pm), The Civil War, Series Premiere (PBS, 9pm), Rusted Development, Season Premieres (Disc, 10pm), Ladies of London, Season Premiere (Bravo, 10pm)
Tuesday – The Awesomes, Season Premiere (Hulu), A Season with Notre Dame Football, Series Premiere (Show, 10pm)
Wednesday – My Big Fat Fabulous Life/Suddenly Royal, Season Premiere (TLC, 9/10pm), The League/You’re the Worst, Season Premieres (Fxx, 10/10:30pm)
Thursday – Longmire, Season Premiere (Netflix), How It’s Made, Season Premiere (Sci, 9pm)
Friday – Think It Up (Various, 8pm), Bering Seas Gold, Season Premiere, Season Premiere (Disc, 9pm), Tyler Perry’s for Better or Worse, Season Premiere (OWN, 9pm), 20/20, Season Premiere (ABC, 10pm), Z Nation/Continuum, Season Premiere (Syfy, 10/11pm)
Saturday – US Open, Women’s Finals Sat, Men’s Finals Sun (ESPN, 12/1pm)
Sunday – Miss America (ABC, 9pm), House of DVF, Season Premiere (E!, 9pm), Sister Wives, Season Premiere (TLC, 9pm), Project Greenlight/Doll & Em, Season Premieres (HBO, 10/10:30pm)

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.

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?

movies, tv

stream it…

December 24, 2013 No Comments

Just in case someone you know recently received or signed up for Netflix streaming, the procrastinator thought it might be time to do a recommendation round up to help with your distractions. For latest movies and all series you still might need to go to the full dvd subscription but I find enough to keep my backlog filled during my regular series downtime. I definitely lean toward the television (at least until I get a couple more series under my belt) but there are a few new and old movie options that are worth a peek as well.

TELEVISION

House of Cards/Orange is the New Black/Arrested Development – Netflix original series might be what drove you to pull the trigger and they’re worth a watch (plus the backlog of earlier AD still hold up).
Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse, Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog – Sometimes I just like to revisit the Joss Whedon backlog.
Battlestar Galactica/Friday Night Lights/Chuck/Terriers/The Riches/Saving Grace/Freaks and Geeks – These more dramatic series, some cut far too short and some a little long, are good slightly irregular watching.
Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23/My Boys – Some comedic fare for just a little something quick.
Sherlock/Luther/Parenthood/Sons of Anarchy – A mix of dramatic series that are still going and definitely worth a look if you have yet to get on board.
Louie/Wilfred/The League/It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia/Parks and Recreation – And a little comedy catch up for those also still running.

On my to do list: Mad Men, The Fall, Rescue Me, Top of the Lake

MOVIES

A peek at some more recent releases back into the classics:

The Hunger Games
Safety Not Guaranteed
Jeff Who Lives at Home
Hit & Run
Adventureland
Young Adult
Lars and the Real Girl
Bernie
The Kids are Alright
Zoolander
Being John Malkovich
House of Yes
Lost in Translation
Memento
The Breakfast Club/Ferris Bueller’s Day Off/Clueless/13 Going on 30/Heathers – Some classics never get old.
The Italian Job, Parker, Blitz, Safe – I’ve developed a Jason Statham video weakness.

On my to do list: The American, Being Elmo, Cinema Paradiso, End of Watch, Extract, Flight, Drug War, Hoop Dreams, Melancholia, The Messenger, Our Idiot Brother, The Road, Tiny Furniture

Of course you can check the new releases and recently added to keep up to date. What’s missing from the list?

returning fall favorites

September 17, 2013 No Comments

Some new stuff is a’coming but before we get caught up in the new shiny things here are some of the tried and true that I’m most looking forward to:

The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/26) – This show is still good for a chuckle and the upping of the gal pals doesn’t hurt.
Elementary (CBS, 9/26) – Sherlock and Watson in a new modern day slant, I dig them and it.
The Good Wife (CBS, 9/29) – Still one of my fave dramas, balancing good characters and story.
Grimm (NBC, 10/25) – Ghoul of the week in a fairy tale kind of way kept me coming back.
Hart of Dixie (CW) – Our big city doctor may not be all that revolutionary but sometimes you need a cute small town show.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia/The League (FXX) – So wrong they’re right.
Luther (BBCA) – Ok this is basically already done but I love some Luther.
The Mentalist (CBS, 9/29) – Slightly odd no longer fake psychic still keeps me intrigued.
The Middle (ABC, 9/25) – Good ole middle American family comedy, under the radar but worth a look and a laugh.
The Mindy Project/New Girl (Fox, 9/17) – These ladies and their supporting casts both got a good stride last year.
Parenthood (NBC, 9/26) – The Braverman’s are always getting into some trouble or another, but I just want them all to be happy.
Parks & Recreation (NBC, 9/26) – When they’re on, this might be my favorite comedy on tv.
Sons of Anarchy (Fx, 9/10) – Damn those MC guys can’t just chillax, lots of drama and conflict and lack of impulse control, all in the name of trying to make something or other right.
The Walking Dead (AMC, 10/13) – Zombie fun and what’s the right choice in the new world order?

Honorable Mention (aka still on the TiVo): Bones (Fox), Castle (ABC, 9/23) How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 9/23), Modern Family (ABC, 9/25).

What are you most looking forward to?

new and noteworthy tv: 9/2-9/8

September 1, 2013 No Comments

We’re finally getting some good stuff, and don’t forget to check your settings for FXX, it’s showing up in my guide at 803 so reset my Season Passes for It’s Always Sunny and The League…

Monday

Tamra’s OC Wedding (Brav, 8pm) Series Premiere – Another Real Housewives spinoff.
Fast n’ Loud/Turn & Burn (Disc, 9/10pm) Season/Series Premieres – More stuff with n’s and &s.

Tuesday

Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition (Life, 9pm) Season Premiere – Dance your little heart out.
Top Gear/We’re the Fugawis (Hist, 9/10pm) Season/Series Premieres – Gear and then a look inside a motorcycle club.
My Big Fat Revenge (Oxy, 9pm) Series Premiere – Apparently revenge is getting skinny?
Cold Justice (TNT, 10pm) Series Premiere – It’s like L&O: Cold Case but it’s a reality show.
Luther (BBCA, 10pm) Season Premiere – He’s back! And this short season plays each subsequent night.
Tosh.0/Brickleberry (Com, 10/10:30pm) Season Premieres – New clothes, new adventures.

Wednesday

Digfellas (Trav, 8pm) Series Premiere – Diggin’ it.
Inside the NFL (Show, 9pm) Season Premiere – James Brown, Phil Simms, and Cris Collinsworth kick it off.
Ghost Mine (Syfy, 10pm) Season Premiere – Looks back and ahead to the rest of the season.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia/The League/Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell (FXX, 10/10:30/11pm) Season Premieres – Don’t miss your comedies on the new FXX.

Thursday

Sunday Night Football (NBC, 5:30pm) Season Premiere – I love that Sunday premieres on a Thursday.
Tamar & Vince (WE, 9pm) Season Premiere – Hitting the road to promote the new single.
Customer is Always Right? (OWN, 10pm) Series Premiere – Starting with Mrs. Fields.

Friday

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (CMT, 9pm) Season Premiere – Making the team.
Hello Ross (E!, 10pm) Series Premiere – Ross the intern from The Tonight Show gets his own gig.
20/20 (ABC ,10pm) Season Premiere – Newsishness.

Saturday

Cupcake Wars (Food, 8p Season Premiere –m) Jessica Alba judges.
David Tutera (WE, 9pm) Season Premiere – Party planning.
Six Little McGhees (OWN, 10pm) Season Premiere – The sextuplets are a little bit older.

Sunday

US Open (CBS, 1:30pm) – The women get the Sunday spot since men go tomorrow.
Last Tango in Halifax (PBS, 8pm) Series Premiere – Childhood sweethearts are reunited 60 years later in this latest dramedy.
Rachel vs. Guy (Food, 8pm) Season Premiere – Kids cook off.
Boardwalk Empire (HBO, 9pm) Season Premiere – Back to another season in the 20s.
Oprah’s Lifeclass (OWN, 9pm) Season Premiere – Fatherless America.
Miami Monkey (VH1, 10pm) Series Premiere – Alas not a monkey show but a Big Ang spinoff bar.

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.

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

October 7, 2012 No Comments

Just a few more shows in our fall reveal…

Monday

90210/Gossip Girl (CW, 8/9pm) Season Premieres – The post teens teen dramas continue.
Independent Lens (PBS, 10pm) Season Premiere – Chronicling three years in the lives of Wisconsin residents post plant closing.
The Mortified Sessions (Sund, 10pm) Season Premiere – Starting with Busy Philipps sharing embarrassing tales.

Tuesday

Iconoclasts (Sund, 8pm) Season Premiere – Starting with James Franco and Marina Abramovic discussing art and process.
Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition (Life, 9pm) Series Premiere – Dancers and judges announced and then compete for money and Joffrey Ballet scholarship.
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along-Blog (CW, 9pm) – If you haven’t caught this Joss Whedon internet sensation with Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day do it now!
Ink Master (Spike, 10pm) Season Premiere – Tattoo challenges with losers just seems wrong.
Keyshia & Daniel (BET, 10pm) Series Premiere – The latest celebrity couple shares their life.

Wednesday

Arrow (CW, 8pm) Series Premiere – Of the new CW shows this one has heard the most praise, but I’m not sure if that’s saying much, I’ll give it a shot.
Nature (PBS, 8pm) Season Premiere – Siberian Tiger quest.
Chicago Fire (NBC, 10pm) Series Premiere – This is supposed to be a lesser Dick Wolf show but sometimes that’s just enough in a formulaic drama.
Duck Dynasty (A&E, 10pm) Season Premiere – More duck family activities.
Nashville (ABC, 10pm) Series Premiere – Good buzz about this look into the country world focusing on Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere.

Thursday

Vice Presidential Election Debate (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, 6pm) – Can Biden do it?
The Vampire Diaries/Beauty and the Beast (CW, 8/9pm) Season/Series Premieres – More vampires and then a hot looking dude somehow becomes the beast to Kristin Kreuk’s beauty, I like to watch at least one of all these dramas but they’re making it difficult.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia/The League/Brand X with Russell Brand/Totally Biases with W. Kamau Bell (FX, 10/10:30/11/11:30pm) Season Premieres – Sunny and League make me laugh in a totally inappropriate way.
Little Shop of Gypsies (TLC, 10pm) Series Premiere – Dress maker to gypsies and travelers.

Friday

Cursed (Bio, 10pm) Series Premiere – Misfortune follows objects.

Saturday

Too Cute! (AnPl, 8pm) Season Premiere – Fluffy puppies and baby goats.

Sunday

The Walking Dead/Talking Dead/Comic Book Men (AMC, 9/11/11:30pm) Season Premieres – Let the zombie hijinks continue, though I do find this show to scary tense to watch before bed, I’ve never quite gotten into the whole show of commentary about 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.

returning fall favorites

August 23, 2012 No Comments

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.