It may seem like I have all kinds of time to watch unlimited tv, but that is only partially true. Or maybe more than partially...or...never mind. Here is my view on new shows, returning shows, and even some shows I haven't watched!NEW SHOWS
My Own Worst Enemy: I watched it once. The premise is intriguing, but it apparently didn't capture my attention on a crowded night. I find myself watching a show I tivoed (verb: to tivo or record. Used here generically for vcr, dvr, betamax, whatever).
Knight Rider: Remake of classic (dumb??) 1970s show about a high-tech talking car. The new car is very cool...medical diagnosing, glovebox surgery (go ahead, stick your arm in there), finding people using GPS technology, etc. Lead character just doesn't have the same pizzazz. Can't see it lasting the full season.
Ex-List: Like it. But it is limited because the writers pulled off one of my biggest pet peeves: they didn't plan for success. Psychic tells girl she will never marry unless she meets/marries "the one" in the next 12 month. Oh ya, and she has already had a romantic relationship with him. What if the show is a hit? How long can they drag out 12 months? It has a definite My Name is Earl sense to it as she makes a list of all her ex-boyfriends. Don't see it lasting. Especially with its morgue-like Friday night slot.
Starter Wife: I have had every intention to watch this, but haven't. Yet. It is hard to remember shows on TBS. Guess I should tivo it.
Life on Mars: Perhaps my top new pick for this season, and I am surprised. A BBC copy (like the office) where a NYPD cop is hit by a car and wakes up 35 years earlier in 1973. I am a sucker for time travel and it has some of the same nostalgic feel of That 70s Show, but it is better than I expected. And I am not a big police show fan. Worth a look.
Kath and Kim: Another copied show, this one from Australia. I like Molly Shannon, but this show gets two thumbs down. If you want to see it, hurry. It is too annoying to last long.
Gary Unmarried: They gave it a good time slot on Wednesday, but it is only okay. I put it in the light and funny category, but I don't see it lasting long. Watchable.
RETURNING SHOWS
Dancing with the Stars: I don't watch it, but daughter Liz is a big fan. She correctly called that 82 year-old Cloris Leachman would survive for many weeks ("lots of old ladies watch the show and they will vote for her"). Too much drama and dead time for me, plus I don't like shows on more than once a week. But some of the dancing is very entertaining. It definitely has the elusive "buzz" again this season.
The Office: Back and as good as ever. Very popular with many people I know. I like it, but find it a little too realistic to be one of my favorites.
Big Bang Theory: Another light and funny comedy about geniuses and the girl next door. Very well done. I watch it regularly, but you don't get lost if you miss a week.
How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM): I have watched this show since inception, and it is one of the better written scripts currently. This season seems to be winding down a bit, but a great DVD choice if you want to start from the beginning.
New Adventures of Old Christine: I don't know why I watch this show, but I do. Funny with some good characters. Especially friend played by Wanda Sykes, harmless dysfunctional brother, and stereotypical blond soccer mom snobs at the private school.
Gossip Girl: I have never seen it, but friend Rebecca says this season is very strong. It is also praised by the critics.
Smallville: Last remaining show from my WB phase a few years ago. Superman prequel that has sucessfully outlived its premise as it went through Clark Kent's HS days and is now running into the original story. The only thing missing is Perry White. Intriguing characters, but would be hard to pick up now if you haven't been watching. Early seasons are very good.
Samantha Who?: Christina Applegate has had several good (not great) shows that haven't lasted long, and this may fit that bill. ABC has backed it, but I will be suprised if it makes a long run. The amnesia premise is a good one, but is hard to milk for a long time.
30 Rock: Why are they waiting so long to start the season? They could not have anticipated Tina Fey's success with Sarah Palin. Or is it the other way around? A very funny show in an uncomfortable sort of way (has a little Office in it). Definitely a laugh out loud opportunity.
SNL on Thursday: Creative use of talent for the political season. Show consists of one political spoof (debate, endorsement, etc.) followed by Weekend Update for the rest of the 30 minutes. Well done, but won't be the same without Amy Poehler (just had her baby), unless Tina Fey returns. Thursdays are done after this week (due to the election).
MY FAVORITES
Pushing Daisies: My top show the last two seasons, but it was one of the newcomers hurt by last year's writers strike. It is quirky and colorful in an Edward Scissorhands sort of way, but has depth and is very entertaining. The premise is somewhat morbid (guy can bring things back from the dead, but only for a minute or something similar in the vicinity will die), but the absurdity overpowers the tragic in one of the most artistic shows in years. Even Dr. Suess would love the character names: Ned the piemaker, Charlotte Charles (aka Chuck), Emerson Cod, Olive Snook. The first episode was a headspinner trying to make up for lost time with the shortened season one, but it has settled in and is even better than last year.
Chuck: A secret agent spoof...think Bond meets the Pink Panther. Zachary Levi plays Chuck to perfection, and several other characters are very entertaining also (especially insecure bff Morgan). This is definitely my 1A favorite and looks like it may last for several years. However, like many 7:00 shows, I think the subject matter is better suited for a later timeslot. But tv execs stopped being responsible in this regard many years ago.Ugly Betty: A spoof on serials, but a serial itself. Brilliant. Actually a pretty good show with good story lines and some top notch humor. I don't think you need any background to start enjoying this show if you haven't been watching. Yet another that could be in a later timeslot (but I am not sure what they would show at 7 anymore??).
Heroes: Love the premise, some people have different special abilities. Time travels hooks me on this one too. Another show badly damaged by the strike last year. The show varies from week to week, and you have to have your thinking cap on to keep track of everything. It is too much sometimes. I don't like that the writers adjust future scripts based on fan reaction. Too much appealing to the masses rather artistic storytelling. Still one I watch every week.
NUMB3RS: Okay, I thought I would be one of the few to watch a show about a geek math genius who applies theory to help solve FBI cases. And being a Friday night show, I figured it was doomed early. But it is flourishing in season 3. It is actually back to using math in a more believable and understandable way to catch bad guys. Producer Ridley Scott has also done several movies that you have probably enjoyed over the last few years. This is a good quality show that you show consider for the tivo.
SHOWS I'VE STOPPED WATCHING: Okay, I still flip to them every once in awhile but I stopped watching these shows regularly one or more years ago: Grey's Anatomy, Boston Legal, Desperate Houswives (although I am intrigued with the idea that they jumped ahead 5 years, and might take one peek).
SHOW I WATCH IN RERUN: That 70s Show. Brilliantly funny and very well acted. They run on ABC Family (usually 14 shows a week). I have seen most of them, but they are still good the second time. Kitty is a hoot. Monk. I am glad they keep making new ones, but I only watch the reruns. Keep an eye out for Monk Marathons on TBS.
SHOWS I SHOULD WATCH: I mean, I think I would like these if I watched them. House, Bones, Mentalist, Starter Wife, The Closer (at least Rebecca thinks we all would like it).
SHOWS I WON'T WATCH (even if nothing else is on): Worst Week, Survivor, ER (is this really still on?), daytime talkshows, or pretty much any daytime show for that matter. I am sure there are plenty of others I am not remembering.
Vote in the poll if you get a chance. If your favorite show is not there, mention it in a comment or drop me an email and I will add it as a choice. Probably.
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