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new and noteworthy tv: 2/24-3/2

February 24, 2014 No Comments

A little delayed, and what with some new television actually available…

Monday

The Voice (NBC, 8pm) Season Premiere – We’re on the Shakira/Usher version, and I think I just read CeeLo will be out out so not sure if Usher is fighting to stay?
Dallas/Private Lives of Nashville Wives (TNT, 9/10pm) Season/Series Premiere – More of the Ewings and then some other stupid reality show.
RuPaul’s Drag Race (Logo, 9pm) Season Premiere – America’s next Next Superstar.
Cryptid (Hist, 10pm) Series Premiere – Alleged mythical swamp creatures.
The Tanning of America (VH1, 11pm) Series Premiere – A four part series on hip-hop pop-culture.
Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC, 12:36) Series Premiere – Really.

Tuesday

Amish Mafia/Clash of the Ozarks (Disc, 9/10pm) Season/Series Premiere – Some guy is back on top and then Arkansas family rivalry.
Game of Arms (AMC, 10pm) Series Premiere – Competitive arm wrestling!
Ink Master (Spike, 10pm) Season Premiere – Continuing my refinement of ink judgments.
Mind Games (ABC, 10pm) Series Premiere – Christian Slater is the kiss of death to a series these days but willing to check out he and Steve Zahn manipulating people.

Wednesday

Survivor (CBS, 8pm) Season Premiere – Cagayan anyone, this time its split into Brawn, Brains, and Beauty.
Mixology (ABC, 9:30pm) Series Premiere – Singles bar mingling, not supposed to be a winner but I’m always desperate for sitcoms.
The Americans (FX, 10pm) Season Premiere – Mission goes awry, I read two critics who say second season is even better than the first.
Legit/Ali G (FXX, 10/10:30pm) Season/Series Premieres – Our protagonist is a sex addict and then some sketches a la Borat.

Thursday

Countdown to the Oscars (ABC, 8pm) – In case you can’t wait until Sunday.
Mary Mary (WE, 9pm) Season Premiere – Returning from hiatus.
The Red Road (Sund, 9pm) Series Premiere – A sheriff forms a native american alliance, but pretty sure this isn’t Longmire.
Scandal (ABC, 10pm) Season Premiere – Something shocking?
Vikings (Hist, 10pm) Season Premiere – Someone recently was saying good things about this show I could never quite get into, take that for what its worth.
Portlandia (IFC, 10pm) Season Premiere – More of the randomness.

Friday

Inside Job/Save Our Business (TNT, 9/10pm) Series Premieres – Peeps looking for great gigs and bad companies trying to get it together.
Bellator MMA Live (Spike, 9pm) Season Premiere – Duke it out.
Hannibal (NBC, 10pm) Season Premiere – Oh how I missed the creepy crazies, will Will finally get a helpful medical diagnosis.
Betty White’s Off Their Rockers (Life, 10pm) Season Premiere – I hate that I feel bad saying a mean thing about Betty White.
Beyond Scared Straight (A&E, 10pm) Season Premiere – Will the aggressive regress?
Game of Stones (Disc, 10pm) Series Premiere – A rare stone collector.

Saturday

Deion’s Family Playbook (OWN, 10pm) Series Premiere – For those folks who need to see what Sanders is up to.

Sunday

Red Carpet/Oscars (ABC, 2/5:30pm) – And the winner is… speaking of my Oscar pool of course.

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: 2/11-2/17

February 11, 2013 No Comments

Monday

Bizarre Foods America (Trav, 9pm) Season Premiere – Blackened snakehead sammie, yum.
Bang Goes the Theory (BBCA, 10:20pm) Series Premiere – Sciency stunts and innovations.
Inside Comedy (Show, 11pm) Season Premiere – Louis CK kicks off the season.

Tuesday

The Face (Oxy, 9pm) Series Premiere – For those who just can’t smize anymore, follow Nigel Barker to another model/panel program, I can’t take ANTM, why do I feel compelled to check this out?

Wednesday

Survivor (CBS, 8pm) Season Premiere – Fans vs. favorites.
Hoarding/My Strangest Addiction (TLC, 9/10pm) Season Premieres – More looking at the people who make me feel super clean and normal.
Southland (TNT, 10pm) Season Premiere – More cop drama, this one’s a good one.

Thursday

Zero Hour (ABC, 8pm) Series Premiere – I think this is kind of like National Treasure Da Vinci Code kind of series, worth a watch.
Swamp People/Big Rig Bounty Hunters (Hist, 9/10pm) Season/Series Premieres – People in the swamp and then tacking down missing trucks.
Freakshow/Immortalized (AMC, 9:30/10pm) Series Premieres – A look at Venice Beach Freakshow and then taxidermi-rastic.
Ridiculousness/Failosophy (MTV, 10/10:30pm) Season/Series Premieres – Pauly D breaks down viral videos and then comedians mock web fails.

Friday

Spontaneous Construction (HGTV, 8pm) Series Premiere – Flash mobs and renovation go hand in hand.

Saturday

Wendell & Vinnie (Nick, 8:30pm) Series Premiere – Adapting to a new guardian sitcom-style.

Sunday

The Amazing Race (CBS, 8pm) Season Premiere – The race is on!

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.

dropped

September 6, 2012 2 Comments

I’ve mentioned some of the shows that I’m looking forward to, but fall is also the time to make some cuts. There have been a few shows that have been dropped over the years, I can’t wait for them all to get canceled… Sometimes it’s because I can’t keep up with more than two shows per time slot but typically I just can’t take it anymore. For these I’ve only included shows that I’ve stuck with for a bit, and admittedly these aren’t all recent drops.

American Idol (Fox) – I keep trying, and tune back in to catch the new competitors as well as the new judges but I just find myself with not enough to keep me tuning back in, I’m out.
The Apprentice (NBC) – I tried some of the early seasons of these but just can’t get on board with watching the ‘celebrities’ fight and fight their way through challenges.
Criminal Minds (CBS) – This gruesome case of the week got a little monotonous for me though I do still tune back into reruns now and again.
Glee (Fox) – I loved the moments where they got the mix of humor and heart and music just right but those got fewer and farther apart, I’m slightly intrigued about life after high school but history tells us that it won’t improve things.
Gossip Girl (CW) – I loved a few seasons of this but again post high school shenanigans and re-pairings lost my interest much like every other teen drama.
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) – I was still hanging on to this when a triple booking last season meant I would have to take an extra step like watching online, after I missed a couple eps… no more Meredith for me.
Hawaii Five-0 (CBS) – Though the show did make me want to visit Hawaii again, and I liked the banter between the boring and the funny leads, one character of interest in a case of the week wasn’t enough.
The LA Complex (CW) – It was so bad it was good but then this Canadian kids trying to make it big in LA just got plain bad.
Once Upon a Time (ABC) – I love a fairy tale remake but though I was engaged in some of the retold tales the present day town didn’t have much to offer.
Person of Interest (CBS) – If two men who don’t emote go around trying to save people does anyone care?
Private Practice (ABC) – Who would have thought that you could get cheesier than Grey’s?
Scandal (ABC) – The thing that may have kept me tuned into this was the fact that the lead wore some beautiful outfits, but the scandalous items and their resolutions are a little too preposterous.
Survivor (CBS) – Reality shows are the easiest for me to drop, I’m not engaged in the new set of characters and though new each season, it’s somewhat repetitive.

As noted on a couple shows are also probation: ANTM (CW), L&O: SVU (NBC), The Voice (NBC). What’s no longer in your queue?

reality detox

June 10, 2008 No Comments

I made a decree a few years ago that I wasn’t adding any more reality television, I just watch too much television and I can be easily sucked into nearly anything. I also decided that I’d be dropping a few of the regulars, ANTM obviously made the cut, Survivor and American Idol did not (I did tune back into AI this last season but that’s it, I’m pretty sure). I watched my first full episode of the Bachelorette just to be able to contribute to the conversation of what kind of guy I thought was cute (of that lot, Graham, but not just because he’s super hot).

I tried not to sample too much of the new options that they trotted out over the years though I was a big fan of Rock Star: INXS/Supernova. Last year when I expanded my television from network to basic cable my channel surfing led me to review a show or two more. After some sampling, Project Runway is a keeper, I love the personalities but it’s the clothes each week that kept me coming back. Rock of Love stayed on the tivo for the first season but I couldn’t stay on the train wreck through season two.

Last season I was so indignant about the new show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew that I almost didn’t watch the first episode. Now I knew Dr Drew was a real Dr, I had listened to Loveline on KROQ back when it started and was Dr Drew and the Poorman, but I didn’t realize he was an addiction specialist. I still had my doubts as I thought reality had sunk to a new low. But you can tell where this is heading, I was addicted.

Sure there was a train wreck aspect to things, but I was again surprised at how I came to be interested in the lives of people who I really couldn’t care less about. When Jeff Conaway left we all thought he was going to die when he checked out, and were frustrated that Chyna was having trouble even identifying/admitting what her problem was, and we all hoped that they would make it. Dr Drew and the staff really appeared to want to help these people and seeing them struggle with the filmed/celebrity aspect of the show was a challenge that I wonder how it will change in the next season.

And you can tell where this is leading, there is a next season. Casting is confirmed as: Jeff Conaway (back after back surgeries to give it another go), Sean Stewart (reality specialist and son of Rod/Sons of Hollywood), Amber Smith (model/actress?), Rodney King (from back when reality made people famous), Nikki McKibbon (this year’s American Idol), Steven Adler (this year’s rocker from Guns n Roses) and Tawny Kitaen (Actress?). And we also have Gary Busey (this year’s Baldwin sharing his path to sobriety – 13 years sober from his cocaine addiction?).

I assume this means they’ll be checking in now, but we won’t see shows until around October. Does that mean to fill this summer I should watch more Denise Richards or Living Lohan? The answer to that is no.

next week 5/5

May 2, 2008 No Comments

New and notable for the week to come:

Monday

Two and a Half Men (CBS, 9pm) – Thursday’s CSI writer’s swap with these guys whilst George Eads makes a pop by to see the men this evening.

Tuesday

Dancing with the Stars (ABC, 8/9pm) – It’s the 100th episode at 9 after we see the judges all-time top 10 at 8.

Wednesday

Audition: Barbara Walter’s Journey (ABC, 10pm) – She’s got an autobiography out where she talks about sleeping with some senator forever ago, if that’s the most interesting who knows what else she’ll talk about.

Thursday

Scrubs (NBC, 8:30) Season Finale – Hard to tell the difference between fantasy and the regular show, but this one takes it down the fairy-tale road.

Friday

TV’s All-Time Funniest (ABC, 8pm) – I don’t know that recounting what’s funny is all that funny, but for nostalgia’s sake…

Saturday

I can’t talk about movies of the week again, so perhaps go to an actual theater.

Sunday

Survivor (CBS, 8/10pm) Season Finale – I don’t watch this show anymore but I think they still have a good balance of playing the game and keeping it interesting, the two-hour finale is followed by the reunion show.
Brothers and Sisters (ABC, 10pm) Season Finale – This family drives me crazy but I’m still watching them get into mischief and in each other’s way.

reality round up

November 7, 2007 6 Comments

So since I was talking reality television I felt like I wanted to rate the shows, but I have to admit if I’ve watched even one of these shows I don’t do it regularly (those I watch noted in bold)… so I’m doing it anyway but I’m not really standing behind these somewhat arbitrary grades.

Amazing Race (A) – See pairs of people interact and travel the world, and it is a race so winners win.
Survivor (A) – Groups of people living in some tough isolated conditions around the world, good mix of the strategic alliances and the wild card of the varied skill challenges. They vote each other off and try not to alienate folks too much since they pick their own winner.
Project Runway (A-) – (Bravo) Seeing these wannabe fashion makers trying to rise to the challenges at break neck speed, without breaking anyone else’s neck, is compelling and with Tim Gunn’s encouragement to ‘make it work’ I may not like all the results but they’re worth seeing. Heidi leads the panel of judge’s decisions.
ANTM (B+) – If you’ve read these at all you know I’m a fan of the crazies and their model skills, a good photo means a lot but in person presence, acting, walking and various other things keep it interesting. Tyra leads the panel of judges decisions.
Rock Star: INXS/Supernova/? (B+) – I had heard at one point that this was renewed with unknown talent. This show takes AI to the next level with actual songs and singers you might like, mixed with the combination of America and wild card band votes and a little behind the scenes action. I miss Marty Casey.
Biggest Loser (B) – Tough love as folks really change their lives, and even those voted off and working from home try to lose to win.
Dancing with the Stars (B) – A unique mix of ‘stars’ and their professional dancing partners compete. A mix of judge and America’s votes keeps narrowing down ‘til we find the winner.
American Idol (B) – If you don’t know about this show you’ve been living under a rock, it still maintains a rabid following season after season. Our panel narrows it down to finalists then it’s all about America’s pick.
Rock of Love (B/D) – (VH1) Ok this is so bad it’s good, I live in disdain of the Bachelor but make it a house full of skanks, psychos and strippers and I couldn’t look away. Brett Michaels adds a nice touch as a crazy rockstar who is surprisingly in touch with his feminine side.
Beauty and the Geek (B-) – The dumb beauties and the socially stunted smarties team up to overcome their limitations and on their way learn a little. Competitions rule.
Bachelor (B-) – As noted I can’t take this whole good-looking vapid women compete to fall in love with what is typically a good-looking but not super interesting guy. I would give this a worse grade but after getting addicted to Rock of Love I had to reconsider.
Extreme Makeover Home Edition (C+) – Total home remodel with varied themes and goals and always a touching story.
The Apprentice (C) – If it weren’t for annoying Donald Trump the competitions to determine business savvy are pretty interesting.
Kid Nation (C) – Kids in the wild west making it on their own. Rewards are given and competitions determine perks and duties, and they can opt out at any time.
Next Great American Band (C-) – I think I am the only person watching this band competition, I am amazed that there aren’t more talented groups included but I like the mix of originals and covers and like The Clark Brothers and Franklin Bridge (and Six Wire), not that I would buy any of their albums.
America’s Got Talent (D) – I don’t know that America does, but if you’re looking for random acts, this is where you find ’em.
Kitchen Nightmares (F) – Watching some mean chef yell at people just doesn’t do it.
Big Brother (F) – So they put a bunch of people in a house, and show it for like three nights a week, I don’t understand how this can be on like season 8.
Phenomenon (F) – Again, magicians…

me and tv

August 21, 2007 10 Comments

Well there are some things that I have to go on the record about if I’m going to share anything I have to say about television. I only have basic cable. There I said it. And I don’t mean everything but HBO, I mean the shows you should get with an antenna but don’t, with a few extras thrown in for good measure. TVland, Food Network, Verses, WGN, and Discovery Channel are the major hightlights. I can’t bring myself to throw down for a greater cable expense and the only reason I buckled on this much was because I could no longer get good reception on NBC. Oh and I thought it would be easier with Tivo.

I heart my Tivo! But I have the old one where you can only record one show at a time. I am tempted to pony up for a new box but I have a lifetime membership which isn’t transferable from my current box. And well clearly I’m cheap. My friend keeps trying to get me to get rid of my vcr but I need it as backup. Little does he know that I have a second vcr that’s not even hooked up to the cable in case of emergencies like the start of the fall season before you settle into shows or shows settle into their final timeslots.

So what’s my tv history? I like a mix of dramas, dramedies and sitcoms. To give you some examples from days of yore, Buffy the Vampire Slayer holds a high bar for strong and sassy leads, but I also hold a dear spot in my heart for Alias, Veronica Mars, and Gillmore Girls (particularly the early years). Of course Buffy lead me into anything by Joss Whedon, and I dug Angel and Firefly (while they let me). I’ve done the whole must see Thursday night TV with Friends and Seinfeld, and always had hopes to be amused by anything else they threw in the lineup. I like the faux smart television of West Wing (also the early years). And I can’t help but love a little cheesy soap, think 90210 and the OC, though they always outlive their best times.

I’m not a huge watcher of reality shows. I got hooked on the early years of Survivor, American Idol, and America’s Next Top Model among others. But I find that they are easier to drop from season to season since there’s no ongoing story or characters to follow, and some of them just became to repititive after awhile. While I accept there are some good ones out there, and that even the bad can often be entertaining, I decided that was where I would draw the line. Did I mention I still can’t stop watching America’s Next Top Model? Well there I said that too.

I like a general crime procedural show but I tend to pick those up during summer reruns. I stay away from gameshows, traditional sports, and generally stay away from daytime tv. Though I’m guilty of the occasional glimpse at The View or Ellen or Oprah on a sick day.

Yes though I’ve really only touched on shows of yesteryear, stay tuned for what I’m most looking forward to returning in this fall season.