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new and noteworthy tv: 9/10-9/16

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Labor Day is over and fall is in the air…

Monday

  • The Voice/The New Normal (NBC, 8/10pm) Season/Series Premieres – Blind auditions and banter followed by cute new ‘family’ sitcom.
  • Basketball Wives LA (VH1, 8pm) Season Premiere – The wives are back.
  • Fall TV Preview (CBS, 8:30pm) – Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs of Two Broke Girls host the sharing of new CBS fare.
  • All On the Line (Sund, 9pm) Season Premiere – Joe Zee returns to lend more expertise to clothes and clothiers.
  • Hoarders (A&E, 9pm) Season Premiere – More horrors of stuff.

Tuesday

  • Parenthood (NBC, 10pm) Season Premiere – Following official return of Go On and new timeslot and new ep for New Normal the Bravermans and all their drama return.
  • Sons of Anarchy (Fx, 10pm) Season Premiere – Trouble is brewing in Charming and I know I’d be too tense to watch an hour and a half premiere on a school night but so excited this is back.
  • Bomb Girls (Reelz, 10pm) Series Premiere – New drama following women at work during WWII, who gets Reelz?

Wednesday

  • The X Factor (Fox, 8pm) Season Premiere – Check out Britney and Demi joining for a new season.
  • Damages (Dir, 9pm) Series Finale – How will the crazy end?
  • Cajun Pawn Stars/American Restoration (Hist, 9:30/10pm) Season Premieres – Pawning cajun style followed by restorations American style.
  • Guys with Kids (NBC, 10pm) Series Premiere – Three dads don’t look to bring a ton of comedy.

Thursday

  • Glee (Fox, 9pm) Season Premiere – Almost intrigued to see them take the Rachel show on the road.
  • The Real Housewives of Miami (Brav, 9pm) Season Premiere – Miami wives new and old.
  • Rock Center with Brian Williams (NBC, 10pm) Season Premiere – More newsiness.

Friday

  • Shark Tank/What Would You Do / 20/20 (ABC, 8/9/10pm) Season Premieres – New inventions, awkward situations and news stories.
  • The Ultimate Fighter (Fx, 9pm) Season Premiere – Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson.
  • Primetime Preview (NBC, 9:30pm) – Matthew Perry hosts a look at NBC’s new stuff.

Saturday

  • Bayou Billionaires/Redneck Rehab (CMT, 9/10pm) Season/Series Premieres – Spending money and getting back to country roots.
  • Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s (Own, 9pm) Season Premiere – New shop.
  • Saturday Night Live (NBC, 11:30pm) Season Premiere – Seth MacFarlane hosts.

Sunday

  • Rehab with Dr Drew/Behind the Music (VH1, 8/9pm) Series/Season Premieres – More struggles with addiction, this time it’s dubbed without the ‘celebrity’ angle which I can’t help it but I’ll watch,  followed by a look at Train.
  • Boardwalk Empire (HBO 9pm) Season Premiere – The season begins on New Year’s Eve.
  • Weeds (Show, 10pm) Series Finale – I lost this show seasons ago but it somehow wraps up.

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

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returning fall favorites

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

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

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

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

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

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

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procrastinator picks – top tv of 2011

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The critics have given their best lists so it’s time for mine. As most of you know I don’t get top tier cable so some of the HBO and Showtime and other options are waiting for a Netflix showing for me to properly evaluate. And as with all of my top ten lists there could be a good degree of variability particularly on order but also on inclusion depending on the way the wind blows… but here’s where I ended up today:

  • Justified (Fx) – Last season’s plot line did a great job of not only showcasing why we love US Marshall Raylan but the complexities of the good and not so good guys in rural Kentucky.
  • The Good Wife (CBS) – I’m still impressed with the well rounded stories and characters and the politics that go into everything they do, be it the weekly court case, the running of the law firm, the family drama and of course the politics.
  • Parks and Recreation (NBC) – This series started off a little rough not quite knowing what to do with their Office spinoff-ish format, but the show has really found its footing week after week with small town office politics and the characters involved.
  • Sons of Anarchy (FX) – Have recently been wondering how many club members could die a season and still keep going, but this show makes me mostly suspend belief as I am caught up in all the tensions wondering how they will ever make it through the next jam.
  • Bones (Fox) – So far I still enjoy the chemistry and character between/of the two leads as their relationship progresses on this sciency procedural with a supporting cast of folks that add good stuff to each week.
  • The Glee Project (Oxy) – This new angle on talent competition, looking for someone who would fit into a specific show focusing on slightly underdog characters, coached and judged by the cast, staff, and creators gives a great look at both the talent and what goes into getting it all together.
  • Men of a Certain Age (TNT) – Ray Romano, Scott Bakula and Andre Braugher each embodied a wonderfully nuanced character dealing with the dramas of life, I enjoyed what was unfortunately the final season.
  • Parenthood (NBC) – Ah the silly Bravermans keep making missteps but they seem to mostly balance family drama ridiculousness with some touching and truthful moments from each of the generations.
  • Cougar Town (ABC)/Community (NBC) – These two comedies were more uneven than some but still consistently gave me the most laughs and enjoyment, both took a little while to find their footing but they each were able to find the funny in their off beat characters and situations.

And of course lots of  stuff almost made the list, my TiVo is certainly full! What are your picks?

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critic’s picks – top tv 2011

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It’s that time of year again, yearend top tens! So the critics favored some new and some old. I don’t have Showtime, or HBO, so more to add to my queue. Check the links at bottom for a little more background and in some cases a longer list (people, I know 10 is arbitrary but 30?). Stay tuned for my Top TV of 2010, I’m still assimilating my TiVo backlog.

  • 30 Rock (NBC) – TG
  • American Horror Story (Fx) – MEF, GG
  • Archer (Fx) – TVM
  • Awkward (MTV) – MoR, MEF
  • The Big Bang Theory (CBS) – MR
  • The Big C (Show) – Sat
  • Boardwalk Empire (HBO) – AS, Sat, TG, JL, AFI, GG
  • Boss (Starz) – GG
  • Breaking Bad (AMC) – AS, Sat, TG, MEF, TVM, MoR, AVC, KT, JP, AFI, MR, DF
  • The Colbert Report (Com) – KT
  • Community (NBC) – AS, Sat, JL, MoR, JP, MR, AVC
  • Cougar Town (ABC) – TVM
  • Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO) – AFI
  • Downton Abbey (PBS) – MEF, JL, MoR, MR, DF, KT
  • Enlightened (HBO) – GG, JP, KT, AVC
  • Episodes (Show) – Sat, GG
  • Friday Night Lights (DirTV/NBC) – JP, AS, Sat, JL, TVM, MoR, AVC, DF
  • Fringe (Fox) – TVM, MR, KT
  • Game of Thrones (HBO) – AS, TG, MEF, JL, GG, MoR, AVC, JP, AFI, MR, DF
  • Glee (Fox) – GG
  • The Good Wife (CBS) – JL, AVC, JP, AFI, MR, KT
  • Homeland (Show) – AS, TG, MEF, JL, GG, TVM, MoR, AVC, AFI, MR, JP, DF, KT
  • The Hour (BBCA) – DF
  • The Inbetweeners (BBCA) – TG
  • It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Fx) – Sat, TG
  • Justified (Fx) – AS, Sat, TG, MEF, JL, TVM, MoR, JP, AFI, MR, DF, KT, AVC
  • Louie (Fx) – AS, Sat, TG, TVM, MoR, JP, AFI, DF, KT, AVC
  • Men of a Certain Age (TNT) – AS, MoR
  • The Middle (ABC) – MR
  • Modern Family (ABC)  – Sat, MEF, AFI, MR, GG
  • New Girl (Fox) – MR, GG
  • Parenthood (NBC) – JL
  • Parks and Recreation (NBC) – AS, TG, JL, TVM, MoR, AVC, KT, JP, AFI, DF
  • Raising Hope (Fox) – MEF
  • Sons of Anarchy (Fx) – Sat, MEF, TVM
  • Treme (HBO) – Sat
  • The Vampire Diaries (CW) – DF
  • The United States of Tara (Show) – AS

AFI, AS – Alan Sepinwall for HitFix, AVC – AV Club, DF – Daniel Feinberg for Hitfix, GG – Golden Globes,  JL – Jace Lacob for The Daily Beast, JP – James Poniewozik for Time, KT – Ken Tucker for EW, MEF – Maria Elena Fernandez for The Daily Beast, MR – Matt Roush for TV Guide, MoR – Maureen Ryan for The Huffington Post, Sat – Satellite Awards, TG – Tim Goodman for the Hollywood Reporter, TVM – TVMcGee

 

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my schedule

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There still may be some rearranging but here’s where I’m at…

Monday

  • 8pm- How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
  • 9pm – House (Fox) / Hart of Dixie (CW)
  • 10pm – Castle (ABC)

Hart of Dixie is the new addition to this evening, not an incredible show but I like Rachel Bilson and the Gilmore Girls-esque town, it makes me happy. House has been hanging by a thread on my schedule but I’m always interested if not entertained by the supporting cast shakeups.

Tuesday

  • 8pm – Glee (Fox)
  • 9pm – New Girl/Raising Hope (Fox) / Ringer (CW)
  • 10pm – Parenthood (NBC)

New Girl is one of two new enjoyable sitcom additions with a nice quirky feel that I hope they’ll grow into well, and it brought Raising Hope, which I sort of enjoy, back from being abandoned by me. Ringer is hanging on by a thread but I keep wanting to give Buffy a chance and see where it’s going.

Wednesday

  • 8pm – The Middle/Suburgatory (ABC)
  • 9pm – Modern Family/Happy Endings (ABC) / ANTM (CW)
  • 10pm – L&O: SVU (NBC)

Sitcom addition number two, Suburgatory, is another nice dose of quirky fun made better than average by the lead. ANTM all star edition is getting me back on board with this, and the new cast may not be enough to keep me on board with SVU.

Thursday

  • 8pm – The Big Bang Theory (CBS) / Community/Parks & Rec (NBC)
  • 9pm – [Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)] / Person of Interest (CBS) / Bones (Fox) /[The Office (NBC)]
  • 10pm – The Mentalist (CBS) / Prime Suspect (NBC)

Prime Suspect may not be getting great ratings but it is coming into its own, while it’s clearly the 9 o’clock hour that’s a problem. Grey’s is always borderline on schedule, but I can pick them up online if need be while PofI isn’t the most awesome new show I might be more interested than the no longer in its prime Office.

Friday

  • 8pm – Chuck (NBC)
  • 9pm – Grimm (NBC)

I was a little over Chuck’s family drama over the past season(s) but hoping their final year and rogue spy troupe is back to basics and giving the new fantastical procedural a go.

Saturday

  • Day of rest or frolic

Sunday

  • 9pm – The Good Wife (CBS)

She’s still good.

And not forgetting cable I’ve got Sons of Anarchy (Fx), It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Fx), Walking Dead (AMC) still in the queue and am still on board but not sure how much I love the new totally bizarre but working it out American Horror Story (Fx).

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new and noteworthy tv: 9/12-9/18

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And so it begins… For new fall network series I’ll try to denote repeats of pilots, personally I’m a little overbooked until I rule stuff out so it’s nice to have some scheduling options.

Monday

  • Tennis (CBS, 1pm) – The rain delay is scheduled to kick men’s finals ’til Monday.
  • Monday Night Football (ESPN, 7pm) Season Premiere – Patriots at Dolphins.
  • Kate Plus 8 (TLC, 9pm) Series Finale – Please tell me I won’t have to hear anything else about her.
  • The Best Thing I Ever Ate (Food, 10pm) Season Premiere – All-American tastings.
  • Extreme Couponing (TLC, 10pm) Season Premiere – How much money can they save?
  • Showhouse Showdown (HGTV, 10pm) Series Premiere – Which of the identical rooms has the best design?

Tuesday

  • Rise Up (ESPN, 7pm) Series Premiere – Communities come together to rebuild community sports facilities.
  • 90210/Ringer (CW, 8/9pm – Ringer replays 9/16 8pm, 9/19 9pm) Season/Series Premiere – Never got on board with new 90210 but might get on board with the new Sarah Michelle Geller as twin playing a twin with perhaps some twists and drama.
  • Parenthood (NBC, 10pm) Season Premiere – I need to remind myself what kind of trouble they were into last season.
  • I Hate My Bath (DIY, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – I assume this is like I Hate My Kitchen…

Wednesday

  • Survivor (CBS, 8pm) Season Premiere – Welcome to Samoa.
  • H8R/ANTM (CW, 8/9pm) Series/Season Premiere – So passing on confronting folks who hate celebrities but can’t resist at least the first all stars models edition.
  • Operation Repo/Hulk Hogan’s MCW (Tru, 9/10:00pm) Season/Series Premieres – Repossessions and  then Micro Championship Wrestling
  • Up All Night/Free Agents (NBC, 10/10:30pm – replays 9/15 8:30/9:30pm, 9/17 9/9:30pm) Series Premieres – The first could be funny while the second is supposed to stink.

Thursday

  • The Vampire Diaries/The Secret Circle (CW, 9/10pm – SS replays 9/16 9pm) Season/Series Premiere – Vampires and then witches, which I will check out, might be dumb but it’s got that cute girl from Life Unexpected.
  • Angels Among Us (CMT, 9pm) Series Premiere – Real life divine intervention?
  • It’s Always Sunny/Archer (Fx, 10/10:30pm) Season Premieres – All kinds of wrong funny, and then perhaps I’ll check out at least one ep of the animated series.
  • LA Ink (TLC, 10pm) Series Finale – Another reality person I’d be ok with not hearing any more about.

Friday

  • NCLR Alma Awards (NBC, 8pm) – Eva Longoria and George Lopez host.
  • 20/20 (ABC, 10pm) Season Premiere – Newsy.
  • Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO, 10pm) Season Premiere – No HBO for me.

Saturday

  • Confronting (OWN, 10pm) Series Premiere – I’m sure it’s all emotional and stuff to confront people.

Sunday

  • Emmys (Fox, 8pm) – Jane Lynch hosts.
  • Shake it Up (Dis, 8pm) Season Premiere – Characters on a scripted show audition for a reality show?

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

 

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returning fall favorites

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The drought is almost over, and as I wait for the critics to chime in on what’s worth a watch of the new crop of shows, we can take a look at what I’m most looking forward to returning.

  • Bones (Fox, 11/3) – Of the procedurals this still is probably my fave, like all the characters, and curious to see how the Booth/Bones baby will play.
  • Community (NBC, 9/22) – Embracing pop culture and media to the hilt, way more hits than misses with our pack of misfits.
  • The Good Wife (CBS, 9/25) – They’ve done an excellent job making each character and each storyline dimensional enough that I’m intrigued by it all, this season will the good wife be a little bad?
  • Modern Family (ABC, 9/21) – This show is a little uneven for me, but when it’s on, it’s on and the mix of family characters makes me laugh.
  • Parenthood (NBC, 9/13) – I had written this show off early but after a marathon I ended up falling a little bit in love with the Bravermans and their family drama, and Lauren Graham and Peter Krause don’t hurt.
  • Parks & Recreation (NBC, 9/22) – This show has really found its stride with the small town politics and their quirky crew, adding Rob Lowe and Adam Scott was also surprisingly a great move.
  • Sons of Anarchy (FX, 9/6) – It’s just too fun to watch these bad boys try to do good, and sometimes try to do bad, a hunky lead and complex family and motorcycle club relations keep me coming back for more.
  • The Walking Dead (AMC, 10/16) – I am thoroughly intrigued as to how they’re going to keep the story of these survivors of the Zombie-pocolypse going after a short season intro, although I’ve learned not to watch before bed, I can’t wait for season two.

Honorable Mention (TiVo Season Passes): ANTM (CW, 9/14), The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 9/22), Castle (ABC, 9/19), Chuck (NBC, 10/21), Dexter (Show, 10/2), Glee (Fox, 9/20), Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, 9/22), HIMYM (CBS, 9/19),  House (Fox, 10/3), It’s Always Sunny (FX, 9/15), L&O: SVU (NBC, 9/21), The Mentalist (CBS, 9/22), The Office (NBC, 9/22).

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

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looking beyond summer…

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The fall upfronts are done. ‘The what?’ Some of you may be asking… This is when the networks start pimping their fall shows to advertisers.

Personally I try not to get too invested in anything new. Most of the pilots aren’t finalized and certainly aren’t reviewed so things can change dramatically between now and then (and even go away). Though I am admittedly not immune the hope of a high concept show (Charlie’s Angels), the return of a favorite talent (Sarah Michelle Gellar in Ringer), or creators with a somewhat proven track record (Once Upon a Time from the creators of Lost and Spielberg’s Terra Nova).

What I tend to pay a little more attention to at this point are shows that have been canceled (see notations below) and shows in a schedule shootout. Every fall there is at least one time slot where something gets kicked to the curb that would normally make the cut. I do like to watch new shows at least once so thank goodness for a couple of replays and online viewing to ensure the right picks are getting the season pass. Here’s what it’s looking like for me for now:

Monday

  • 8pm – How I Met Your Mother/Two Broke Girls (CBS) vs. Terra Nova (Fox) vs. The Sing-Off (NBC)
  • 9pm – House (Fox) vs. Hart of Dixie (CW) vs. Two and a Half Men (CBS) – willing to give Ashton a try
  • 10pm – Castle (ABC) vs. Hawaii Five-O (CBS) vs. The Playboy Club (NBC)

Tuesday

  • 8pm – Last Man Standing/Man Up (ABC) & Glee (Fox)
  • 9pm – Ringer (CW) & New Girl (Fox)
  • 10pm – Unforgettable (CBS) & Parenthood (NBC)

Wednesday

  • 8pm – The Middle/Suburgatory (ABC) vs. The X Factor (Fox) vs. Up All Night/Free Agents (NBC)
  • 9pm – Modern Family (ABC) vs. ANTM (CW) vs. Harry’s Law (NBC) vs. The X Factor/I Hate My Teenage Daughter (Fox) – I admittedly can’t endorse 2 out of those 4 but I do watch
  • 10pm – Revenge (ABC) & L&O: SVU (NBC) – say goodbye to Stabler

Thursday

  • 8pm – Charlie’s Angels (ABC) vs. Big Bang Theory/How to Be a Gentleman (CBS) vs. X Factor Results (Fox) vs. Community/Parks & Rec (NBC)
  • 9pm – Grey’s (ABC) vs. Person of Interest (CBS) vs. The Secret Circle (CW) vs. Bones (Fox) vs. The Office/Whitney (NBC)
  • 10pm – The Mentalist (CBS) & Prime Suspect (NBC)

Friday

  • 8pm – Chuck (NBC)
  • 9pm – Grimm (NBC)

Saturday – Nothing

Sunday

  • 8pm – Once Upon a Time (ABC)
  • 9pm – The Good Wife (CBS)
  • 10pm – Pan Am (ABC)

And for a look at your own schedule check out TV Guide’s fall grid and for what’s been canceled (and sticking around) check out The Futon Critic’s scorecard. New shows are in italics.

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my schedule

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Until mid-season or the schedules shake up again I’ve mostly settled in to a lineup. So far here’s how things shake out. Though there aren’t any new breakout hits for me I have added a couple new picks.

Monday

  • 8pm – Chuck (NBC)/How I Met Your Mother (CBS) [House (Fox)]
  • 10pm – Castle (ABC)/Hawaii Five-O (CBS)

I’m still tempted to drop House but I get into this mental state where I feel like I’ve invested so many seasons into it so I kind of want to see how things play out. Other than that old favorites Chuck, HIMYM, and Castle are joined by fluffy fun enough so far 5-0.

Tuesday

  • 8pm – No Ordinary Family (ABC)/Glee (Fox)
  • 9pm – Raising Hope/Running Wilde (Fox)
  • 10pm – The Good Wife (CBS)/Parenthood (NBC) [Detroit 1-8-7 (ABC)/Sons of Anarchy (Fx)]

So far NOFamily is a nice mix of family drama and super skills [though this isn’t a bad show I found I wasn’t engaged enough to keep it on the listings] while the uneven Glee still keeps me coming back. Keeping SofA on the schedule is not a problem since FX replays stuff repeatedly, but debating on what to do about wanting to add 1-8-7 to my already booked hour. Since both Hope and Wilde are on my chopping block I wish I could move one of these up an hour.

Wednesday

  • 8pm – The Middle/Better With You (ABC)/America’s Next Top Model (CW)
  • 9pm – Modern Family/Cougar Town (ABC)/Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
  • 10pm – The Defenders (CBS)/Law & Order: Los Angeles (NBC) [Terriers (Fx)]

Am losing interest in ANTM and the Law & Orders but keeping them in the running with the comedies. Better w/You isn’t quite funny but the episode about living in a fire house kept me interested just because I’ve always wanted to live in a fire house (or light house) but it may go soon. Terriers is probably my favorite new show so keeping that on the agenda isn’t a problem while Defenders is so far sort of charming enough to keep me tuned in.

Thursday

  • 8pm – The Big Bang Theory (CBS)/Bones (Fox)/Community/30 Rock (NBC)
  • 9pm – Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)/The Office (NBC) [Project Runway (Life)]
  • 10pm – The Mentalist (CBS)/It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Fx)

Another tough first hour as I’m not willing to give up Bones, Big Bang or Community though the rest of the night seems to fit in fine. Holding out to see if Office picks up or drops off, especially with Michael’s scheduled departure.

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new and noteworthy tv: 9/13-9/19

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Another week until the full onslaught of fall kicks in, get your dvrs ready… procrastinator picks are underlined.

Monday

  • Oprah Winfrey/Nate Berkus Show (Syndicated) – I don’t really follow daytime but thought it worth noting that Oprah kicks off her last season while her latest protege, who is adorable, gets his own show.
  • 90210/Gossip Girl (CW, 8/9pm) Season Premieres – I watched GG for a few seasons with pleasure but just lost interest as the college years started, which would make me think this might be the last good season of 90210 if I had ever liked it.

Tuesday

  • One Tree Hill/Life Unexpected (CW, 8/9pm) Season Premieres – Another couple shows that I gave a little time to but just couldn’t stick with.
  • Parenthood (NBC, 10pm) Season Premiere – This show grew on me over the season with the family drama and the always likable Lauren Graham and Peter Krause (and we all know they’re dating in real life right?).
  • Fashion’s Night Out (CBS, 10pm) – Neil Patrick Harris hosting almost makes me want to tune in.
  • 1000 Ways to Die (Spike, 10pm) Season Premiere – Um, ick.
  • Sextuplets Take NY (TLC, 10pm) Series Premiere – The obsession with procreation continues.

Wednesday

  • Survivor (CBS, 8pm) Season Premiere – Another season, another destination, Nicaragua.
  • Ma’s Roadhouse (Tru, 9/9:30pm) Series Premiere – A Dallas man and his ma manage a bar, bike shop, and tattoo parlor.
  • Outlaw (NBC, 10pm, repeats Friday) Series Premiere – Jimmy Smits stepping down as Supreme Court Justice to help the little guy hasn’t gotten great buzz for a relatively procedural courtroom drama.
  • The Ultimate Fighter (Spike, 10pm) Season Premiere – Fight!
  • Top Chef Just Desserts (Brav, 11pm) Series Premiere – If you’re a Top Chef fan you can imagine what this’ll be like.

Thursday

  • The Apprentice (NBC, 10pm) Season Premiere – Taking a break from celebrities, this season features the unemployed.
  • It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia/The League (Fx, 10/10:30pm) Season Premieres – So wrong it’s right, and then taking fantasy leagues to the next level.

Friday

  • Ghost Adventures (Trav, 9pm) Season Premiere – Travel at its spookiest.
  • Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO, 10pm) Season Premiere – Bill keeps it real.

Saturday

  • Dvr catch up?

Sunday

  • Boardwalk Empire (HBO, 8pm, repeats various) Series Premiere – Maybe the most critically buzzed about new show, Martin Scorsese directs Steve Buscemi as an Atlantic City power guy during 1920s Prohibition.
  • Real & Chance/Fantasia for Real/La La’s Full Court Wedding (VH1, 9/10/10:30pm) Series/Season Premieres – More shows, more reality.

Since scheduling come fall gets difficult and networks sometimes rerun pilots I’ll try to note repeat airings for new shows, all times are typically PST.

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