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new and noteworthy tv: 7/3-7/9

July 2, 2017 No Comments

I just wrapped up GLOW on Netflix, which was quite good but I just didn’t love it as much as I had hoped, for me it took a bit for the more dramatic mix of this half hour show to find its footing. And enjoying some summer fare like Killjoys, Orphan Black, Queen Sugar, Wynonna Earp, Playing House, and Animal Kingdom. Still need to take a pass at Broadchurch and the new Prime Suspect: Tennison.

Wimbledon (ESPN) Monday, 4am – The first round of this fortnight begins.
Tour de France (NBCSN) Monday, 5am – Apparently I no longer have this on my radar because it started on Saturday, too much tv for me to follow this race but might catch a replay of the preshow on Monday before the regular time race to get the lay of the land.
4th of July Fireworks (NBC) Tuesday, 8pm – In case you don’t want to leave your home but still want to see the sparkle and some performances.
Snowfall (Fx) Series Premiere, Wednesday, 10pm – The rise of crack in LA in the 80s has gotten more talk of potential than raves about the start of the series.
Pure (Hulu) Series Premiere, Friday – Import of a Canadian drama about a Mennonite pastor battling drug trafficking in his neighborhood.
Tour de Pharmacy (HBO) Saturday, 10pm – Andy Samberg’s latest comedic entry is a look back at the drug filled cycling, perhaps an amusing break from today’s actual tour?

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

new and noteworthy tv: 6/5-6/11

June 3, 2017 No Comments

Not a ton new and noteworthy but there are some fun summer shows that I enjoy returning, while I’m still attending to Fargo and kicking through some streaming shows.

Ink Master (Spike) Season Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – I’m still unresolved about my no longer getting Spike.
King of the Road (Vice) Season Premiere, Wednesday, 9pm – I thought the first season of this was a weird fun combination of skateboarding and stupid scavenger hunt hijinks.
Queen of the South (USA) Season Premiere, Thursday, 10pm – I enjoyed the first season of this drug dealing show with a good protagonist and lots of things going bad.
Orange is the New Black (Net) Season Premiere, Friday – Picking up where we left off with big trouble in Litchfield prison.
Wynonna Earp (Syfy) Season Premiere, Friday 10pm – This was a fun campy fighting the dead sort of show.
Orphan Black (BBCA) Season Premiere, Saturday, 10pm – The final season of what has been a great, though sometimes uneven show, excited to return to Sarah, her sisters and their friends and family.
Tony Awards (CBS) Sunday, 8pm – And the award goes to…
Claws (TNT) Series Premiere, Sunday, 9pm – Things are complicated in this Florida nail salon dramedy.
Steve Harvey’s Funderdome (ABC) Sunday, 9pm – Audience votes on one of two entrepreneurs.
French Open (NBC) Saturday/Sunday, 6am – Ready for some finals!

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

new and noteworthy tv: 4/11-4/17

April 10, 2016 No Comments

Well I’ve finally wrapped X-Files and though I enjoyed some of the revisits, and feel accomplished to have caught up to the new eps, this isn’t the greatest example of a successful reboot (though apparently ratings and interest were high enough that we’re likely to see more). Glad to free up some queue space, I feel like I need to knock off the rest of Returned before I dig into the next season of Daredevil or House of Cards plus of course Orphan Black comes back this week.

The Detour (TBS) Series Premiere, Monday, 9pm – Always willing to check out a new comedy though this road trip from hell might not be up my ally.
Hunters (Syfy) Series Premiere, Monday, 10pm – The latest terrorist/aliens plot might not bring much fresh.
Game of Silence (NBC) Series Premiere, Tuesday, 10pm – Secrets from 25 years ago and secrets from today feels like a retread of something else but might offer some intrigue.
The Last Panthers (Sund) Series Premiere, Wednesday 10pm – I’ll always check out a heist drama though I don’t get this channel.
Orphan Black (BBCA) Season Premiere, Thursday, 10pm – The clone clubs activities may sometimes get muddled but the myriad of sisters are always a win.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Net) Season Premiere, Friday, 3am – This had a cute and entertaining first season and I’m looking forward to what Kimmy gets into next.

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

best, tv

procrastinator picks – top tv of 2015

January 30, 2016 No Comments

I tend to internally mock critics who say they can’t narrow it down to 10, but seriously too much out there, it’s impossible. I kept it to ten but I did cop out this year and put them in alphabetical order. My caveats as usual, these probably aren’t the best shows out but ones that I personally enjoyed, and I can’t completely rate on just an individual season. Also my usual clarification that I don’t get high end cable so those shows might be on my to do list but they won’t be here, plus shows that I’m behind on like Mad Men and Rectify (which I love).

The 100 (CW) – The dynamics amongst all the factions in this post-apocalyptic world have increased in quantity and in stakes and it’s moved beyond the pretty young things CW slant, though certainly maintained the pretty people.
The Americans (Fx) – Spy mom and dad and great spy wigs sure keep getting in and mostly out of fixes, and the relationships with others keep getting more complicated, what are the chances that bringing in spy kids will go smoothly?
The Good Wife (CBS) – I didn’t love running for office Alicia but starting over yet again Alicia brought yet another new spin on this rich cast of characters that just keeps me entertained with the cases and the personal lives where there’s not always a real right.
Humans (AMC) – Lots of riffs out there on the androids taking over but this truly human look at a group of unanticipated aware and feeling synths and their interactions with each other, the humans around them, society as a whole and of course some ‘evil’ corporation kept me all in.
Jessica Jones (Net) – A new crop of great series on Netflix but this less Marvel-ish Marvel is the one that truly made me want to binge as I enjoyed the tough damaged lead and her fight against uber creepy villian with the help and hindrance of some good supports.
Justified (Fx) – The last season brought back much of what I loved about the series, Raylan was someone we all fell in love with as he fought the good fight in sometimes the wrong ways to hunt down folks as only a Marshall near his own Harlan, Kentucky hometown can do.
Mr. Robot (USA) – This is the show that put USA on the map this year and it was quite a big swing, the lead Rami Malek really should get much of the credit for carrying this peculiar character in a psychotic split between computer hacking, and well hacking, tempted to go back and watch again.
Orphan Black (BBCA) – This admittedly wasn’t my favorite season of this show but I love it so much even a dip in the distractions to the clone club from the boy clones couldn’t dampen my love for the performances of Tatiana Maslany and her band of supporters.
UnREAL (Life) – My fave new campy show this look behind the scenes of a Bacheloresque show had so many layers as we follow Producer Rachel trying to come back from her own personal drama while the manipulations on and off camera reach new highs, or should I say lows, and I’m not a Bachelor watcher.
You’re the Worst (Fxx) – The first season of this show won me over with a new twist on the rom com by playing into and out of the stereotypes as the characters were all a mess, and the second season delved into Gretchen’s mess/depression in a way that was able to include some truly funny moments in what was a dramatic and sensitive, amazing work by Aya Cash.

My honorable mentions were giving me too much stress so I’ve even eliminated those. What were some of your favorites from last year?

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?

new and noteworthy tv: 4/14-4/20

April 13, 2014 No Comments

Can’t wait to start getting behind on Orphan Black too….

Monday

Metal Hurlant Chronicles/Warehouse 13 (Syfy, 8/9pm) Series/Season Premieres – Based on the French graphic novels and then a final season of oddities.
The Real Housewives of OC (Brav, 9pm) Season Premiere – Blah blah.
16 & Pregnant (MTV, 10pm) Season Premiere – Pregnant from a one-night stand, that’s crazy.
Bam’s Bad Ass Game Show (TBS, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – I don’t even want to know.

Tuesday

Pioneers of Television (PBS, 8pm) Season Premiere – Starting with a look at stand-up goes sitcom.
Celebrity Wife Swap (ABC, 9pm) Season Premiere – I find this show horrifying in that it seems like child cruelty, except when it truly does show another side of things in already child cruelty type homes.
Fargo (Fx, 10pm) Series Premiere – We all know it won’t be the Coen brothers original but hope for it to find its own stride, worth a watch.
Awkward (MTV, 10pm) Season Premiere – I lost interest as our protagonist just sort of seemed annoying.

Wednesday

Unusually Thicke (TVGN, 10pm) Series Premiere – Who is wondering what Alan Thicke is up to?

Friday

The Writers’ Room (Sund, 9pm) Season Premiere – Who puts the scandal in Scandal?

Saturday

Orphan Black/The Real History of Science Fiction (BBCA, 9/10pm) Season/Series Premieres – If you haven’t caught up, do, and then more sci fi.
Tobacco Wars (CMT, 10pm) Series Premiere – Kentucky’s tobacco.

Sunday

In My Dreams (ABC, 9pm) – Made for TV anyone?
Devious Maids (Life, 10pm) Season Premiere – Another round of the campy Latinas that with love and perhaps betrayal.
Salem (WGN, 10pm) Series Premiere – Another take on an old tale, who’s the real witch?

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.

best, tv

procrastinator picks – top tv of 2013

January 12, 2014 No Comments

I think we know by now that I watch a lot of television, and I really enjoy much of it. Critics have done it and so it’s my turn, though coming up with a top ten list is always challenging and with television it’s difficult to judge. There are more episodes, seasons aren’t really independent, and honestly I am watching and thinking of shows differently at different times, but this isn’t science right? And of course I should probably state that although I stand behind my choices I could probably make a lot of different versions of this list:

The Good Wife (CBS) – This has been on my list for years but this year it showed how to give new energy to a show that’s later in its arc, great characters and complexity, curious to see if they can sustain it and close out its nice long run with continued excellence (and no I don’t know when this show is ending but it’s s5 and not sure what ratings are up to).
Orange is the New Black/House of Cards (Net) – The original programming from this ‘channel’ was the talk of the town this year and for good reason; both based on existing material but both felt fresh compared to other things on television, Orange’s lead character might be a bit annoying but she’s merely the catalyst for the stories around her with an amazing cast and a good mix of fun and dramatic moments and Spacey does talk to the camera in Cards (which didn’t actually bug me) and I’m curious to see how his scheming will keep up.
Orphan Black (BBCA) – Not only is the primary actress, who we meet as she starts meeting her clones, fantastic in her various roles but the slightly fantastical premise managed to keep things engaging and if not believable an interesting take on ethical and personal issues.
Bunheads (ABCF) – The latest from the creator of Gilmore Girls, a bad name and a silly sounding premise on a network that’s coveting a cheesier side of teen life, didn’t quite land but as the characters in another quirky small town were fleshed out the dance numbers continued to bring the emotion I fell for it.
Hannibal (NBC) – I’m not all that familiar with the various source material other than the Anthony Hopkins iconic moments but this new take just feels fresh with both weird main guys, Dr Lecter and his friend/nemesis/victim Will and the peculiar visual style.
Parks and Recreation (NBC) – I like a good comedy, and even an average comedy, and of the current selections this one is my current fave, they keep a lot of heart with the dysfunction and find the sweet spot of each character’s peculiarity.
Southland (TNT) – They wrapped this series with another bounty of terrible story lines that made you never ever want to be a cop on the streets of Los Angeles but really want to watch these complicated characters needing to make complicated and urgent decisions.
The Americans (FX) – They got me to wish for Russian success and for those high waisted 80s jeans to come back, but only if I look like Kerri Russel, the couple’s relationship to each other and to their goals made this spy show a must see.
Justified (Fx)/Luther (BBCA) – Is it always that a damaged but noble protagonist is more appealing than a straight up antihero, these shows continue to make me anticipate the next chapter as these lawmen navigate their very different worlds.

Honorable Mention (some of these have may have great aspects or may not be as consistent): The Middle (ABC), Longmire (AE), Elementary / The Mentalist (CBS), Brooklyn 99 / The Mindy Project (Fox), The Bridge / Sons of Anarchy (Fx), Sleepy Hollow (Fox), The Blacklist (NBC), Lost Girl (Syfy), Top of the Lake (Sund).

What about you? What’s are your favorite shows, comment below. Happy watching!