This week we start the annual look at the various networks as they announce their new fall schedules. We look at the season just ending as well as what's coming up next season. First up...
So NBC's new fall lineup has some strange suprises...but first a look at what's not returning at all.
American Dreams -- 3 Seasons/61 Episodes -- Surprised it lasted as long as it did.
Committed -- 1 Season/13 Episodes -- The nice part was this kooky comedy had some closure in case it didn't come back. Maybe they knew something.
Father of the Pride -- 1 Season/13 Episodes/2 Unaired/DVD release -- Ugh...this crappy, bizarre and tasteless piece of animated tripe gets a DVD release??
Hawaii -- 1 Season/8 Episodes/1 Unaired -- Didn't watch. Can't comment (well...could comment, but won't).
Last Comic Standing -- 3 Seasons/34 Episodes -- These stand ups weren't funny and most of them weren't exactly "fresh" either.
Law & Order: Trial By Jury -- 1 Season/13 Episodes/1 Unaired -- It's too bad this one didn't last. Bebe Newirth will find other work, I'm sure.
LAX -- 1 Season/13 Episodes -- See my comments on Hawaii.
Medical Investigation -- 1 Season/20 Episodes -- This got the three episode tryout. Yawn. I don't even remember why I didn't like it.
Revelations -- 1 Season/6 Episodes -- Missed this (only in the "didn't get to view it" mode), but regardless of NBC calling it a "mini-series" had it done well, it would be back. It will be getting a DVD release.
Third Watch -- 6 Seasons/132 Episodes -- This was on for that long? It's like "Wings" or "Coach" for the hour long dramas.
Here are the old shows that are returning:
The West Wing -- Starts 7th Season by moving to Sundays at 8pm. I still won't watch. It's not as funny as the real life version (does anyone else miss "That's My Bush").
Law & Order: Criminal Intent -- 5th Season sees Chris Noth return as he alternates with Vincent D'Onofrio. The best of the series should get some re-energizing with this new format.
Crossing Jordan -- 5th Season -- I vaguely remember watching a few episodes of this in its first season. I think its well on its way to becoming another "Third Watch"
Las Vegas -- 3rd Season -- Have yet to see an episode. My parents like it and its got James Caan...take that for what it's worth.
Medium -- 2nd Season -- TV always feels a bit brighter when there's a Glenn Gordon Carron show on the air. It's been too long.
The Biggest Loser -- 2nd Season -- a reality show to both humiliate and inspire. Wait...aren't they all like that?
The Office -- 2nd Season -- Ugh...why did this get a second season? By the time the last episode of season 1 ended I was praying it wouldn't be back. With "Scrubs" now returning mid-season, I won't be compelled to keep the TV on and wind up watching this misfire.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit -- 7th Season -- Isn't it time for the leads to leave this show?
Law & Order -- 16th Season -- With that many years and three spin-offs under its belt, is there really any new stories they can tell?
Joey -- 2nd Season -- It's still funnier than the last few seasons of "Friends"...but that isn't saying much. We need to see more of his agent.
Will & Grace -- 8th Season -- The show is still dominated by guest stars and the secondary characters. They may appear in every episode, but Will & Grace became boring oh so long ago. Someone put them out of our misery.
The Apprentice -- 4th Run -- The only reality show I enjoy watching. Not sure why as it lost its novelty after the first run.
ER -- 12th Season -- I still stand by my pick of "Chicago Hope" as the doctor drama to watch 12 years ago. Is there anyone left from the start now?
Dateline -- 14th Season -- It's only on two days a week now (Sunday and Friday) so be thankful for small favors. Yawn. More news...like we don't get enough?
The new shows are:
Fathom -- This sci-fi show (at least that's what I'm gathering) stars Lake Bell (formerly of "Boston Legal") and is about a group of scientists who encounter some new sea creatures. Boy is that vague. It'll get the 3 episode trial from me.
My Name Is Earl -- Jason Lee stars in this sitcom about a man who has a life changing experience after winning the lottery. It's the star that gets this the 3 episode trial from me.
The Apprentice: Martha Stewart -- If you can't tell what it is by the title...isn't it great that we live in a country that treats its convicted criminals the way we do...well...the rich ones at least...I expect by mid-season we'll have a third version "The Apprentice: Enron" all set to go. I'll be passing.
E-Ring -- Dennis Hopper and Benjamin Bratt star in this Jerry Bruckheimer & Taylor Hackford produced show about the goings on inside The Pentagon. It'll be loud and flashy...haven't figured out what I plan on doing yet. It may or may not get the three episode test from me.
Three Wishes -- Because we don't have enough "Reality TV" or Amy Grant, someone decided to put the two together as the musician travels to small towns to grant people wishes. If I ask nicely and wish for crap like this to go away will she come to Stamford?
Inconceivable -- With "ER", "House" and "Gray's Anatomy" doing well it was only a matter of time before we got yet another Medical Drama. This one's set in a fertility clinic. I'll pass.
The Mid Season Replacements are:
Scrubs -- 5th Season -- Why this show got relegated to mid-season is beyond me. Luckily, we're now getting DVD releases of the early seasons to keep us warm and fuzzy.
Fear Factor -- 6th Season -- So that's how many insects and testicles one nation of TV viewers can stomach?
Four Kings -- Seth Green stars in this sitcom from the creators of "Will & Grace" about four lifelong friends who wind up moving in together. That sounds original, doesn't it? The star is what gets it a trial run from me whenever this airs (I'll guess soon after "The Office" finally tanks).
Thick and Thin -- Jessica Capshaw stars in this sitcom about a former fat woman trying to adapt to life as a skinny girl...while she's got a powerhouse supporting cast (Martin MUll, Sharon Gless), this just sounds like a bad idea all over.
The Final Schedule:
Mondays
8pm Fathom
9pm Las Vegas
10pm Medium
Tuesdays
8pm The Biggest Loser
9pm My Name Is Earl
9:30 The Office
10pm Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Wednesdays
8pm The Apprentice: Martha Stewart
9pm E-Ring
10pm Law & Order
Thursdays
8pm Joey
8:30 Will & Grace
9pm The Apprentice
10pm ER
Fridays
8pm Three Wishes
9pm Dateline
10pm Inconceivable
Saturdays
8pm Movie
Sundays
7pm Dateline
8pm The West Wing
9pm Law & Order: Criminal Intent
10pm Crossing Jordan
Next up ABC.
Be seeing you.
No comments:
Post a Comment