Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The N's Halloween Stunt Includes Classic Nick Series Are You Afraid of the Dark; More Minor ION Changes
View episode info for the Are You Afraid of the Dark? week and more on The N's October 2008 programming.
ION Television has announced it has replaced the filler airings of The Drew Carey Show with more M*A*S*H. These filler airings are only a few times a month at 10:30PM when the ION Movie runs 2 1/2 hours instead of two hours or three hours, such as this Friday at 10:30PM. So, fans of Drew Carey Show will not see any episodes anymore, unless it is brought back to the regular line-up.
Still early in the day, if any news breaks, we will post...check back!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Hallmark Channel Adds More Cheers; ION Changes for This Week Only; More Cable Deals
ION Television has made some changes for this Wednesday and Friday only. On Wednesday, October 1, they have scheduled an extra Boston Legal at 10PM, replacing ER on this night. This is the week Boston Legal expands on ION from just Mondays at 8 to Mon-Thurs at 8 and Wednesdays at 9. So, this Wednesday it will air for the full primetime from 8-11PM. So far the show has done decent and much better than ER. This Friday (October 3), ION will have a Warner Bros. movie marathon from 4PM-10:30PM preempting their regular schedule, including the RHI primetime movies on this night. Movies airing are Above the Law, Unbreakable, and City of Angels, with an episode of Warner Bros. sitcom Drew Carey Show at 10:30pm.
Warner Bros. Thursday movie titles for the month are now in and you'll see Unbreakable, Grumpier Old Men, Matchstick Men, City of Angels and Above the Law each Thursday night in October.
See our ION Television October 2008 blog story for the details we previously relayed.
Bravo has acquired the exclusive cable rights for the original thirteen-episode run of the critically-acclaimed but low rated drama series Swingtown, from CBS. The cable network premiere of the series is scheduled for later this fall. Bravo says it doesn't plan on making original episodes. CBS was said to have been shopping the show to cable for future seasons as they have no plans for additional seasons. So will Bravo be the choice? Swingtown traces two generations of friends and neighbors as they forge intimate connections and explore new freedoms during the culturally transformative decade of the 1970s. The series stars Jack Davenport, Grant Show, Josh Hopkins, Molly Parker, Lana Parrilla, Miriam Shor, Shanna Collins, Aaron Howles and Britt Robertson.
Meanwhile, Oxygen has acquired the exclusive cable rights to the groundbreaking reality competition series America's Next Top Model. The network will bring viewers all the Top Model fashion challenges, photo shoots and model mayhem as the full library of the hit series joins Oxygen in January, 2009. In an agreement with CBS Television Distribution, Oxygen will retain exclusive cable rights to all episodes including the 11th cycle currently airing on the CW, the show's 12th cycle now in production and repeat airings of any future cycles beyond. The Top Model genre of programming and the show's personalities have already proven successful on Oxygen, with The Tyra Banks Show encores airing daily on the network after its run in first-run syndication and former Top Model judge Janice Dickinson's series The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency now in its fourth season on Oxygen.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Week 1 Numbers (First Four Nights); How the Sitcoms Did
Households: ABC: 9.3/14.5; CBS: 8.2/12.9; NBC: 5.1/8.0; Fox: 4.4/6.7; The CW: 2.1/3.2; MNT: 0.9/1.4.
Total Viewers: ABC: 14.46 million; CBS: 13.17 million; NBC: 8.14 million; Fox: 6.95 million; The CW: 3.12 million; MNT: 1.32 million.
Adults 18-49: ABC: 4.3/11.1; CBS: 3.8/9.8; NBC: 3.4/8.8; Fox: 2.8/7.2; The CW: 1.5/3.8; MNT: 0.5/1.3.
Analysis: We're back with another all-new TV season! The 2008-09 season has begun and most of the shows debuted this past week, with still some shows debuting in the next few weeks. Through the first four days, ABC has the lead in all categories as they did last year, with CBS second, NBC in third and Fox in fourth. ABC and CBS are just a tad down or on par really from last year's premiere week, but NBC and Fox have been down more. CBS remember didn't have CSI this week and it won't launch until Oct. 9. So that will cost them.
Monday was the first night of the 2008-09 season and it was all ABC thanks to the big return of Dancing with the Stars. The two-hour season premiere, with all the contestants dancing including the wild Cloris Leachman, did an impressive 21.34 million and a 5.3/13 in 18-49...viewers were up from last year but the 18-49 rating was down a bit. The season premiere of Boston Legal on a new night followed with its usual numbers, 8.82 million. No lead-in will help this show...it has its own fans. Next up was CBS with its comedies and CSI: Miami. The Big Bang Theory did a nice 9.32 million, similar to its series premiere last year and How I Met Your Mother followed with 9.79 million way up from last year's premiere. Two and a Half Men and the series premiere of single-camera sitcom Worst Week followed with 14.88 and 10.87 million. Men was up over a million from last year's premiere, while Worst Week was down from Rules of Engagement in the same slot last year. Disappointing start. The season premiere of CSI: Miami did 17.23 million, way up from last year's premiere. Nice Monday for CBS with one hiccup. NBC followed with an all-night Heroes. Quite frankly it didn't deliver in the ratings as promised. The one-hour clip show did only 6.0 million, that spelled bad news for the premiere. The two-hour premiere followed with 10.09 million...while that is decent, it dropped in each half-hour. The premiere was down over 4 million from last year as well, but the half-hour drops were more of concern. Fox was a distant fourth with Sarah Connor continuing to fall with just 5.89 million, though up a bit week-to-week, and Prison Break did a similar 5.84 million...cancel this already Fox. The CW is on its game this year on Mondays with Gossip Girl doing a solid 3.33 million and the resurgent One Tree Hill at 3.14 million.
Tuesday, CBS edged ABC in HH/viewers, while Fox beat ABC in 18-49. CBS had the always reliable NCIS opened the night off with 18.03 million, up nearly 5 million from last year (thought it faced Dancing last year in the slot), followed by the series premiere of The Mentalist which did a nice 15.6 million...has CBS found a hit here? And the once again moved Without a Trace did 11.28 million, way down than usual...that was actually on par with the canceled Cane's premiere a year ago. Not good news. ABC was next with the series premiere of family game show Opportunity Knocks at 6.56 million, disappointing indeed, but it is on the watch list because it did grow in its second half-hour...but needs to do better this week. Dancing with the Stars did 18.3 million from 9-11pm, on par with its Tuesday premiere last year (which was 8-9:30pm). Fox was third with House doing 12.38 million, which is not good for House. Did the 8pm move hurt or is the show on a downward trend? Fringe was next with 9.42 million for its third episode...down from episode two by a lot. Fringe might be lead-in dependent. NBC was fourth with The Biggest Loser 2-hour show doing 7.36 million, down a bit from its season premiere the previous week, followed by the Law & Order: SVU season premiere at just 9.68 million, down nearly three million from last year, while last year's premiere was off already by a lot from the year before. The CW aired the fourth episode already of 90210 with its lowest ratings yet with 2.94 million...should be doing better, the third episode of fellow rookie Privileged did just 1.81 million.
Wednesday again it was a battle between CBS and ABC. CBS had the season premiere of Old Christine on a new night and time do just 6.52 million followed by the series premiere of Gary Unmarried at just 6.82 million. Both were off from canceled Kid Nation's 7.62 million the same week last year. However veteran dramas Criminal Minds and CSI: NY did well and were up big (thanks to weaker competition) doing 17.01 and 14.59 million, after Bush's 15 minute speech at 9pm ET. This week Private Practice premieres its new season for ABC, so it should dent a bit of that. ABC had a special night and time of Dancing with the Stars, this time the Results. Bye bye to Ted McGinley (he didn't deserve to go yet!), as 15.87 million tuned in for the hour results show at 8pm. The special David Blaine: Dive of Death followed President Bush from 9:16-11:16 doing 7.13 million. Blame Bush for the weak ending and disappointing numbers. Pushing Daisies, Private Practice, and Dirty Sexy Money premiere this week for ABC. So that is what to watch this week. NBC opened the night with the series premiere of the new Knight Rider doing just 7.35 million...not even close to the TV-movies numbers last winter, followed by the second to last episode of summer series America's Got Talent at 10.3 million which was abbreviated from 9:15-10pm thanks to Bush. At 10pm NBC aired the season premiere of Lipstick Jungle at just 6.25 million. Why was this brought back? I see it going down more this week with the return of similar audience but higher rated Dirty Sexy Money. Fox was fourth, but started well with Bones at a strong 9.73 million, but then Bush aired and the sitcoms followed with just 3.72 and 3.58 million. The CW had its usual showing of Top Model at a decent 4.13 million, it's down but not out...a repeat of 90210 followed with 2.27 million.
Thursday it was ABC on top. ABC opened the night with Ugly Betty doing a solid 9.81 million, for second place...down a bit from last year's premiere. The two-hour Grey's Anatomy season premiere followed with 18.47 million, down about 2 million from last season's premiere...still a powerhouse. CBS opened with the two-hour premiere of Survivor: Gabon at 13.06 million. A repeat of last season's CSI season finale at 10pm did 9.28 million. NBC was a distant third with the one-hour episodes of My Name is Earl and The Office doing 6.4 and 9.34 million, but Earl was way down from last year's premiere. Is this show dead? ER closed the night with a low rated season premiere of just 8.03 million, down nearly two million from last year. Fox had a forgetful Thursday with two episodes of Kitchen Nightmares doing just 4.18 and 4.46 million. Smallville got a nice season premiere on The CW with 4.18 million, but down a million from last year, followed by Supernatural at a decent 3.18 million.
Now, final numbers for Friday and Saturday are not available, but ABC won Friday as their coverage of the first Presidential Debate was by far #1. NBC and CBS were battling for second, but NBC edged them. ABC's special 20/20 and CBS's encore of The Mentalist premiere at 8pm also did decent.
Saturday numbers saw CBS win in the preliminaries, and ABC in 18-49 for college football.
Tonight are the season premieres for ABC Sunday (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives, and Brothers & Sisters) and they will win the night in viewers, but CBS and NBC should have something to tout about, as NBC has a shot for 18-49 if the NFL game does big. CBS has two weaklings though in Amazing Race and The Unit which will not allow them to win in HH/viewers. Fox will do well in young adults.
As for the week, ABC will win in HH, viewers and 18-49. This week last year, CBS was first in HH and viewers, with ABC first in 18-49. Will it be a clean sweep for ABC? They've got a good shot.
Last Sunday Sitcoms (counts for week of September 15-21)
- The Simpsons (Fox) 3 episodes - three repeat episodes starting at 7:30 to 9pm did 4.56, 5.16, and 5.15 million ...season premiere is tonight
- King of the Hill (Fox) - preempted...season premiere tonight.
- Family Guy (Fox) - 1-hour star repeat did just 5.32 million...season premiere is tonight. Can it top 10 million like last year's premiere?
- American Dad (Fox) - A special 7pm repeat did nothing with just 2.04 million against the NFL in many markets.
Monday Sitcoms
- The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - The season premiere did an impressive 9.32 million, better than the timeslot premiere of How I Met Your Mother last year and just under last season's series premiere, which was at 8:30pm, of 9.52 million. Great start, hopefully it can maintain 9 million for the rest of the season.
- How I Met Your Mother (CBS) - 9.79 million for the season premiere is way higher than last year's 8.12 million premiere, which was at 8pm, and it built on everything from the lead-in, making it a great season premiere. 4.0 18-49 rating!
- Two and a Half Men (CBS) - 14.88 million...up from last season's season premiere of 13.58 million. How does this show do it?
- Worst Week (CBS) - 10.87 million for the series premiere, but this was the weak link of the sitcoms. Why? It dropped quite a bit from the lead-in and last year Rules of Engagement did 12.23 million for its season premiere and had nice retention from the lead-in, not to mention Men was lower last year. Not a good start.
Tuesday Sitcoms
- None.
- Old Christine (CBS) - Season premiere on a new night and time didn't do so well. Only 6.52 million makes it a disappointment. I thought it would do 7 million, and it came short of that.
- Gary Unmarried (CBS) - Series premiere only mustered 6.82 million, it built from the lead-in...but I'm guessing it won't this week.
- 'Til Death (Fox) - Only 3.72 million...but blame Bush for it being that low as Bush's speech aired from 9-9:15pm ET delaying this show everywhere but out west by 15 minutes. Would have done probably close to 5 million otherwise, I think.
- Do Not Disturb (Fox) - The last airing of this dismal sitcom did just 3.58 million...and Fox has canned it after just three low rated airings. Repeats of 'Til Death will air the next two weeks.
Thursday Sitcoms
- My Name is Earl (NBC) - The two-episode season premiere did just 6.4 million, down even from last year's 8.66 million. This show is not what it used to be. Expect it to go downhill from here.
- The Office (NBC) - Building on the lead-in, the one-hour season premiere did 9.34 million, down a tad from last year's 9.65 million, but still a decent start. It's sad that this show is among NBC's highest rated shows now not counting the NFL.
Friday Sitcoms
- None.
Saturday Sitcoms
- None.
Airing tonight (Sunday) are season premieres of Fox's animated comedies from 8-10PM.
Summing it up. Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, The Office, were impressive for the week. Everything else was OK (such as Worst Week, Gary Unmarried) or just plain old terrible (such as 'Til Death, Do Not Disturb).
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Blog DVD Reviews: The Alvinnn!!! Edition, Daytona Jones and the Pearl of Wisdom, Alvin's Thanksgiving Celebration, and Classic Holiday Gift Set
The Alvinnn!!! Edition set features episodes from the Alvin and the Chipmunks original series from 1983-87 for the very first time!
Daytona Jones and the Pearl of Wisdom set features episodes from the The Chipmunks Go to the Movies series, which was the continuation of Alvin and the Chipmunks from 1990 where the Chipmunks re-enact your favorite classic movies like Indiana Jones, Batmanand Robocop!
Alvin's Thanksgiving Celebration features the Thanksgiving special and a few episodes from The Chipmunks series from 1988-89. The Halloween and Christmas DVDs were released previously, but will be available again with the Thanksgiving set in a Classic Holiday Gift Set.
See my Blog DVD Reviews of The Alvinnn!!! Edition, Daytona Jones and the Pearl of Wisdom, Alvin's Thanksgiving Celebration and the Classic Holiday Gift Set featuring the Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas specials:
Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Alvinnn!!! Edition (Paramount, $26.98) brings fourteen episodes from the original 1983-87 series! This is the very first time we get the actual original series on DVD, so fans will be very happy. It's Alvin in all of his mischievous glory! This 2-disc compilation includes Alvin's most hilarious, action-filled comedy adventures. It's time for side-splitting laughter with Alvin, whose antics take him from Hawaii to army boot camp, ski slopes and more! Even when he has the best of intentions, you'll understand when Dave cries, "ALVINNN!!!"
We have had many Chipmunk sets, some even re-released. Basically, we have had Chipmunks Go To The Movies sets (which featured episodes like "Daytona Jones and the Pearl of Wisdom," "Robomunk," "Star Wreck," "Batmunk," and "Funny...We Shrunk the Adults"). We have also had holiday themed sets such as Valentine's, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas specials releases. Paramount has also released the Chipmunk Adventure feature film from 1987.
This set has fourteen episodes from the original 1983-87 series. Actually the last episode ("Cadet's Regrets") on this set is from 1988 when it was retitled The Chipmunks. The original 1983-87 series had two 11 minute episodes or so in a half-hour. So we don't get the actual "full episodes," but one 11 minute episode from a full episode...and we get 13 of those mini-episodes. The episodes run 11-12 minutes (lowest is 10:42, highest is 12:00), some have actually the catchy opening theme. Some episodes have no opening theme, but have the closing credits. Two episodes on the second disc does have both the opening and closing themes. Weird. None of these episodes have the episode title card screen though, which is odd. The Chipmunk episode ("Cadet's Regret") though does, and it also has the opening and closing theme. That episode runs 22:30, as the episodes by then became one episode per half-hour. Each episode has 2 chapter stops on this set.
Packaging is simple and in the same line as the previous sets--a nice simple case with the discs inside with an insert for Chipmunks.com. This is the first set with two discs. Each disc is on both panels. Cover art has Simon & Theodore on the corners with a big yellow A in the middle with a big picture of Alvin. Disc art has the big yellow A and different shots of Alvin on both discs. All the artwork seems to be from the post-1987 version, and not the original series artwork for some reason. Oh well.
The menu screen has Play All and all the episodes listed on the main menu, with the big yellow A and a shot of Alvin and a red background. Autotrailers for Alvin, SpongeBob, and Go Diego Go! come before the main menu starts.
The video and audio are OK at best, some episodes look good, some don't. They are certainly not remastered or anything. They are watchable, though.
I highly do recommend any fan to pick up this set. We FINALLY get some episodes of the classic series from 1983-87. Those are the best and most memorable episodes. I just wish they start giving us season sets. It isn't that hard, is it? I want to see "The C Team" episode on DVD! Anyway, if you haven't gotten any of these Chipmunk sets yet, this is the one to get first. Classic Alvin!
-- Reviewed by Pavan
(4/5 stars)To purchase the DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Amazon.com
Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com Full DVD Reviews Page
Alvin & the Chipmunks TV.com Page
Chipmunks.com
Alvin & the Chipmunks Go To the Movies: Daytona Jones and the Pearl of Wisdom (Paramount, $16.99) brings three more episodes from the short-lived 13 episode series where the Chipmunks spoofed major Hollywood films.
We have had many Chipmunk sets, some even re-released. Basically, we have had Chipmunks Go To The Movies sets (which featured episodes like "Daytona Jones and the Pearl of Wisdom," "Robomunk," "Star Wreck," "Batmunk," and "Funny...We Shrunk the Adults"). We also got the Alvinnnn!!! Edition set featuring classic episodes from the 1983-87 series. Holiday themed sets have been released as well such as Valentine's, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas specials releases. Paramount has also released the Chipmunk Adventure feature film from 1987.
This set has three episodes from the 1990 series featuring spoofs on Indiana Jones, Batman, and RoboCop. Yes, the spoof on Batman was on another set and for some reason is on this one, too. Why? We still have some unreleased ones like Dick Tracy and Splash spoofs yet to be seen on DVD. The episode titles for this set are "Daytona Jones and the Pear of Wisdom," "Batmunk," and "Robomunk." As I said in previous reviews, why not just bring all 13 on two-discs or something? It doesn't make sense to me why just three episodes and one of them was already released on the last set. Episode runtimes are 23:03, 22:32, and 23:05. "Batmunk" has no chapter stops, while "Daytona Jones" has 4 and "Robomunk" has 5 chapter stops.
Packaging is simple and in the same line as the previous sets--a nice simple case with the disc inside with an insert for Chipmunks.com. Cover art has Alvin and the Chipmunks Go To The Movies logo with a reel strip and the mention of "Daytona Jones and the Pearl of Wisdom." Picture of Alvin as Daytona Jones is featured with Theodore & Simon tied up and captured. Disc art is the same as the cover art, but with just Alvin's shot from the cover.
The menu screen has a clapboard with shots of Alvin, Simon, & Theodore with the options of Play All and all the episodes listed on the main menu. The main menu is in a blue background. Autotrailers for Alvin, SpongeBob, and Go Diego Go! come before the main menu starts.
The video and audio are decent and very watchable and in line with the other Chipmunks Go to the Movies releases.
I highly do recommend any fan to pick up this set. New fans might also want to see this hilarious take on these popular films, but I am hoping we get all of them on one set soon, because having doubles of a few of these is crazy. I have said before the classic series needs to be released on DVD, and now we have seen 13 mini episodes released on the Alvinnn!!! Edition set, but we need season sets! Anyway, head on to the movies with the Chipmunks to see Daytona Jones, Batmunk, and Robomunk!
-- Reviewed by Pavan
(4/5 stars)To purchase the DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Amazon.com
Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com Full DVD Reviews Page
Alvin & the Chipmunks TV.com Page
Chipmunks.com
Alvin & the Chipmunks: Alvin's Thanksgiving Celebration and Alvin & the Chipmunks: Classic Holiday Gift Set (Thanksgiving: Paramount, $14.98; Classic Holiday Gift Set: Paramount, $35.98) brings the 1994 Thanksgiving special and three episodes from The Chipmunks years on DVD for the first time! Celebrate Thanksgiving, Chipmunk-style, with these fun-filled original episodes from The Chipmunks series from 1988-89 and the 1994 Thanksgiving special. On this DVD, the world-famous Chipmunks, Alvin, Simon and Theodore perform in a play, recall famous moments in American History, take care of a kitten and face the marriage of Dave!
We have had many Chipmunk sets, some even re-released. Basically, we have had Chipmunks Go To The Movies sets (which featured episodes like "Daytona Jones and the Pearl of Wisdom," "Robomunk," "Star Wreck," "Batmunk," and "Funny...We Shrunk the Adults"). We also got the Alvinnnn!!! Edition set featuring classic episodes from the 1983-87 series. Holiday themed sets have been released as well such as Valentine's, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas specials releases. Paramount has also released the Chipmunk Adventure feature film from 1987.
This set has "A Chipmunk Celebration" (1994), and episodes from 1988-89: "Food For Thought," "Cookie Chomper III," and Dave's Getting Married." The episodes run 21:35, 21:35, 21:41, and 23:23. The Thanksgiving special has 4 chapter stops. "Food for Thought," has no theme, but has 4 chapter stops, an episode title screen, and the closing theme. "Cookie Chomper II" has the Chipmunks theme, the episode title screen, 3 chapter stops but doesn't have the closing theme. "Dave's Getting Married" has everything...the opening theme, episode title screen, and closing theme with three chapter stops.
Packaging is simple and in the same line as the previous sets--a nice simple case with the disc inside with an insert for Chipmunks.com. Cover art has the Alvin and the Chipmunks logo with shots of Theodore, Alvin and Simon playing with fruit and vegetables and Dave coming inside with a tray of vegetables. Disc art is the same as the cover art, but with just Alvin's shot from the cover.
The menu screen has a Thanksgiving colors background with three screenshots of the family and Alvin in a turkey costume, with the options of Play All and all the episodes listed on the main menu.
The video and audio are decent and very watchable and in line with other holiday and The Chipmunks 88-89 series releases.
I highly do recommend any fan to pick up this set, especially if you have the Halloween and Christmas sets which came out a few years ago. We finally have the Thanksgiving one! All three will be released on a special Classic Holiday Gift Set, which I will talk about in the next paragraph. But if you have those other two special DVDs already, then buy this one! Spend some time with Alvin's family with your family!
Now I'll just comment a bit on the new release of the Classic Holiday Gift Set, which brings "A Chipmunk Christmas," "Alvin's Thanksgiving Celebration," and "Trick or Treason" on DVD all in one nice set. Everything is the same as the single releases, but the box that holds these cases. So, if you have not gotten any of these holiday specials, then buy this set, as you get them all in one box. The box is very neat. It has all three holidays in one picture on the cover art. Simon celebrating Christmas, Alvin in Thanksgiving turkey, and Theodore as pumpkin for Halloween. You see presents, pumpkins, vegetables, Christmas trees, snow, trees with no leaves, etc. Nicely done. The back of the box has details on all three sets. See our link below to buy this Classic Holiday Gift Set. Can't believe we are nearing the holiday season already.
-- Reviewed by Pavan
(4/5 stars) for both setsTo purchase the DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Amazon.com
Also purchase the Classic Holiday Gift Set featuring the Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas sets all in one box:
Amazon.com
Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com Full DVD Reviews Page
Alvin & the Chipmunks TV.com Page
Chipmunks.com
Friday, September 26, 2008
Fox Pulls Do Not Disturb for Next Week; Some BET Schedule Updates
Do Not Disturb is not "officially" canceled though. As of now, it is slated to air October 8 at 9:30pm with the actual pilot episode, which was not aired first. IF that airs, that might be the last airing in a while or ever because Oct. 15 is a Presidential Debate, Oct. 22 is a World Series game and on Oct. 29 another World Series game, if necessary. So did we see the last of this show or will we see it again on Oct. 8 for possibly the final time? We shall find out. Certainly not good news for this show in anyway. Stay tuned!
Other new shows in jeopardy right now are NBC's America's Toughest Jobs, Fox's Hole in the Wall and The CW's Privileged. Still too early to tell on other series after just one airing, like Gary Unmarried.
BET has made some more changes. Judge Karen and Judge Hatchett will move back to 10-11am after a short run from 11am-12pm. Smart Guy remains 9-10pm. 11am hour will now be another Judge Hatchett followed by an episode of Girlfriends. Steve Harvey and Smart Guy remain 4-5pm and 5-6pm weekdays. A Different World will air everyday next week in the 3am hour. On Saturdays, Smart Guy is extended from 11am-1pm, moving Steve Harvey to 1-2pm on Saturdays.
The debate is on tonight, as McCain said he will be there. So tune in tonight at 9pm ET on ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox for the first debate between Obama and McCain. And don't forget the Sunday premieres of Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters on ABC, as I have seen them already...view my thoughts on the premieres.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Nick at Nite October 2008 Has Urkel Week and Halloween Week; Lifetime Acquires How I Met Your Mother for Fall 2010
On Columbus Day (Monday, October 13), Nick at Nite will bring out the stars on George Lopez with a marathon from 9pm-4am. Got a favorite guest star? Check out the special line-up of hand picked celebrities all of whom have graced the George Lopez stage to see if your favorites made the cut! Eva Longoria, Mario Lopez, Jerry Springer, Adam West, Barbara Eden, Jim Belushi, Sandra Bullock, Lou Diamond Phillips, Paris Hilton, Hilary Duff, Richard Lewis, Kimberly Williams, Laila Ali, Andy Garcia, who made the cut? Find out on October 13!
Get up close and personal with Steve Urkel himself (Jaleel White) as he reminisces with Nick and Nite on what it was like to play one of America's favorite nerds and his favorite episodes. Jaleel White hosts an hour a night from Oct. 20-26 featuring classic Steve Urkel-themed episodes of Family Matters. Classic episodes include his very first episode, Jaleel as Myrtle Urkel, the Urkel dance episode, Urkelbot, Urkel & Grandmama, and classic Stefan episodes.
Finally, it's a spooktacular week for Nick at Nite the week of October 27-31. Tune in all-week long to catch Halloween themed episodes of your Nick at Nite favorites (Fresh Prince, George Lopez, and Home Improvement) in the 9pm hour and also in regular timeslots for more Halloween fun. It will be capped off with a Halloween marathon on Halloween night from 10pm-1am featuring George Lopez, Home Improvement and Family Matters. Be ready for the scary Stevil!
View the full Nick at Nite October 2008 schedule and highlights.
Continuing the aggressive expansion of its comedy programming, Lifetime Television has acquired the exclusive basic cable rights to the popular sitcom How I Met Your Mother from Twentieth Television, beginning in the fall of 2010.
How I Met Your Mother joins Lifetime comedy mainstays such as Reba, Still Standing, Will & Grace and Frasier. So far in 2008, Reba ranks #1 in cable comedies among W18+ and W25-54 in the Monday-Friday, 8-9PM (ET/PT) time period.
Both Lifetime and Twentieth Television declined comment on the financial terms of the deal, but sources said the sitcom fetched around $725,000 per episode in a highly competitive bidding situation that included at least six interested cable nets, including TBS, ABC Family and FX. The deal will be a four-year deal and could add on a year each time it gets renewed on CBS. The deal can reach as high as eight years. Lifetime's deal is the second biggest license fee ever by a cable network for a sitcom in the first cycle, beaten only by the near $800,000 an episode that FX did for Warner Bros. Domestic's Two and a Half Men. Lifetime can also reportedly air two episodes a week by early next year before it can be stripped for daily play in fall 2010.
Last week, Twentieth TV scored deals with the Fox-owned TV stations in N.Y. (WNYW), L.A. (KTTV) and Chicago (WFLD) for reruns of How I Met Your Mother for local station play starting in fall 2010. Stations in five other major markets, including CBS-owned outlets in Philadelphia (WPSG) and Dallas (KXTA) bought the series. WLVI Boston, KQCA Sacramento, and Seattle's KCPQ/KMYQ round out the additional five.
Starring Neil Patrick Harris, Josh Radnor, Jason Segal and Alyson Hannigan, How I Met Your Mother debuted on CBS in 2005 and currently airs Mondays at 8:30PM (ET/PT) on CBS in its fourth season.
In other Lifetime news, just a reminder that original sitcom Rita Rocks launches with five new episodes airing in a one week strip, beginning Monday, October 20, through Friday, October 24, at 8:30PM (ET/PT), following Reba repeats. Then starting Tuesday, October 28, Rita Rocks will air regularly Tuesdays at 8:30PM (ET/PT). Also, starting Monday, October 5, The Nanny will return to weekdays at 8-9am replacing a Desperate Housewives airing. The Nanny had been airing only weeknights at 2am and will still retain that slot. Both The Golden Girls and The Nanny will be expiring from Lifetime in early 2009, so Lifetime will have some slots to fill. We'll let you know what happens.
Tonight it is the season premieres of Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy on ABC. I have watched both premieres already and both are very good, especially the two-hour Grey's Anatomy premiere. On Ugly Betty, a month has passed and Betty has made her choice. When she returns, she finds out what happened to Mode and Daniel. Meanwhile, Betty's dad is now working at a local hamburger place...where Betty's high school bully Kimberly (Lindsay Lohan) is the manager. Very fun scenes with Betty and Kimberly. And Hilda's romance with Coach Diaz continues, despite his marriage. Without giving anything away, the premiere is funny and it's a fresh start with lots of changes. The move to New York in production has paid off!
As for Grey's Anatomy, the premiere is fantastic. It also has change. It seems many ABC shows this fall has changes, and it is for the good. A freak fall ice storm has hit Seattle and Seattle Grace Hospital has moved out of the top 5 in the rankings of best teaching skills. Chief Webber has to make changes and decisions to get the hospital back to its credibility. Making quite the entrance in this episode is the very talented Kevin McKidd, who plays General Hunt, a doctor in the military. He has excellent scenes with Cristina...and steamy ones. There are a few dream sequences, some shocking and some touching...not giving it away though. Also, I won't give it away, but the keyword for the episode is "icicle." It's a premiere you will want to watch for sure.
I have seen many of the premieres for ABC, so check my thoughts on them if you want to read it. More is on the way, so keep checking back.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
TV Land November 2008 Highlights; Bush Speech Hits Primetime Tonight Affecting Network Primetime
This November on TV Land it's time to vote and then have a feast on Thanksgiving! Its election season and TV Land is offering viewers the chance to voice off on a homefront issue of grave importance: Who should be the first family of TV Land -- The Taylors (Andy, Aunt Bea and Opie of The Andy Griffith Show), the Sanfords (Fred, Lamont and Aunt Esther of Sanford & Son) or the Clampetts (Jed, Granny, Elie-Mae and Jethro of The Beverly Hillbillies)? For two weeks, beginning Saturday, October 18 and leading up to election weekend, viewers will have the opportunity to go to tvland.com to vote on their favorite TV Land clan after viewing clips featuring the contending families at their best...and their worst. So whether they are having each other's backs or sticking a knife in it, TV Land's contenders always come together in the end to cut through the red tape and bring the laughter. On Sunday, November 2, after the viewers have voted on their favorites, the winning family will be featured in an 8 hour block from 8p-4a. Exciting!
Every Wednesday at 10pm, TV Land continues with TV Land Myths & Legends in November. The season premiere is October 8 and runs through November 19.
Don't miss the movies that made you believe a man can fly with a 3-night primetime limited commercial interruption event...of Superman! Superman and Superman II will be presented at 10pm on Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22. Then on Sunday, November 23 at 8pm, TV Land encores both movies in a special double-feature presentation (both of which will be enhanced with additional content giving viewers the scoop on behind the scenes drama along with fun facts and trivia about the Superman myth and the stars themselves.) Superman will save the day once more on Sunday, December 14 when the movie will encore on the eve of the 30th Anniversary of the film featuring limited commercial interruption and movie facts! It's certainly not a bird or plane!
Finally, TV Land's 2nd Annual Overstuffed Thanksgiving Weekend is serving up four fun-filled days of great television from Thursday, November 27 through Sunday, November 30 beginning at 10am each day. Viewers will delight in having four fun-filled days of classic and modern shows, TV Land originals and dynamic movies. With shows like The Andy Griffith Show, The Cosby Show, The Beverly Hillbillies, Sanford & Son, I Love Lucy and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition together with movies like Superman and Police Academy, viewers will keep coming back for more like they do with turkey on Thanksgiving!
There will be no schedule changes to the regular line-up in November. Movie premieres for the month include Superman, Superman II, Dennis the Menace and Fatal Attraction with encore showings of City Slickers, Easy Money and Police Academy.
View the full TV Land November 2008 schedule and highlights.
President Bush plans to talk to Americans directly about the financial crisis in a primetime tonight at 9PM ET. This means primetime programming will be delayed after 9PM tonight. The speech will last 15 minutes and will delay all programming on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in Eastern, Central and Mountain time zones. Pacific time programming will not be affected by this, as they will get the speech at 6PM PT, so no delays out west. Out in the east and central, for ABC, David Blaine: Dive of Death will run from 9:15-11:15PM ET (that's 8:15-10:15PM CT). For CBS, the season premiere of Criminal Minds will run 9:15-10:15PM ET and CSI: NY's season premiere will run from 10:15-11:15PM ET. NBC's America's Got Talent will run 9:17-10:00PM ET and be abbreviated (it will air fully out west)the season premiere of Lipstick Jungle will run normally at 10-11PM ET. And finally, Fox's struggling sitcoms will be on a delay, with 'Til Death from 9:15-9:45PM ET and Do Not Disturb from 9:45-10:15PM ET. Set those DVRs or be on alert tonight!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
WGN Edits Schedule and Adds ALF, Legal; Schedule Updates for TV One, The N ; 90210 Gets Full Season; Nick at Nite's Fido Awards Gets Willard As Host
WGN America has edited their fall schedule again. They will make a few changes to their weekend line-up this week (Sept. 27-28). On Saturday, September 27, at 6pm ET they will premiere Boston Legal leading into the White Sox game at 7pm ET. On Sunday, Sept. 28 from 11am-12pm ET will be two episodes of Funniest Pets & People for his week only. Now at 12 noon ET, WGN America will air Boston Legal every week. Following Legal, will be two episodes of Whacked Out Sports at a special time from 1-2pm leading into the regular season finale for the Chicago Cubs. Beverly Hillbillies Sunday airings will move to 1-2am ET, following the Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie hours.
So what will happen regularly? Originally starting Saturday, October 4, NewsRadio was slated to join the WGN America line-up airing Saturdays 6-7pm ET followed by two Becker episodes from 7-8pm ET on Saturdays. Now NewsRadio won't be airing at all. Becker will slide to that 6-7pm ET timeslot on Saturdays followed by Boston Legal airing Saturdays at 7pm ET. On Sundays, as mentioned earlier, Boston Legal will air at 12 noon ET. The Cosby Show will be replaced on Sundays from 6-7pm with ALF, as ALF joins the regular line-up! The '80s comedy will actually launch Wednesday, October 1 from 8-10pm ET with a four episode block, for that week only. However, ALF will air on Mondays from 9-10pm ET as well starting Monday, October 6! So, Sundays 6-7pm ET and Mondays 9-10pm ET starting Oct. 5 and 6 for ALF. Also, on Sundays, as mentioned earlier, Beverly Hillbillies will move from Sunday daytime to 1-2am ET Sunday night. What a sitcom block on WGN from 5pm-2am on Sundays (with a break for news at 10-11pm ET), with Coach, ALF, WKRP, Newhart, Honeymooners, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie & Beverly Hillbillies!
Finally, starting Monday, November 3, weekdays 1-2am ET has changed a bit. Reno 911 is now 5 days a week rather than just airing 5 times on Fri/Sat nights. Corner Gas will move to 1:30am ET, as Becker will leave late nights but will still air weekday afternoons at 4pm ET and Saturday evenings from 6-7pm ET. Reno/Corner will follow The Bob and Tom Show at midnight ET weekdays starting Nov. 3. And the Saturday night midnight ET airing of Reno 911 will be another episode of The Honeymooners instead starting November 8, since Reno 911 will be airing weekdays. So, The Honeymooners gains another slot (it already airs Sundays 9-10pm ET).
I suggest you view the FULL WGN America Fall schedule so you don't get confused. We're not done with WGN America, as in the coming days or weeks we will announce what is airing on Halloween for a marathon!
TV One has made a few schedule changes. Beginning on Monday, September 29, the TV One primetime schedule will make a few adjustments. In the 9:30pm weeknight timeslot, TV One will now air the sitcom For Your Love replacing All of Us which has moved now to 10pm. Also beginning that week, the Friday night 4am timeslot will now be an additional airing of the animated comedy series The PJs. However, from Monday, October 6 and continuing through Thursday, October 9, that late night 4am timeslot will also be The PJs preempting All of Us for this week only. Also, the previously announced "Living Single: Celebrity Edition" marathon on Saturday, October 11 beginning at 11am, will now include an encore airing of Living Single: The Reunion Show, which reunites the cast from the classic hit sitcom.
TV One has pulled the launch for short-lived sitcom South Central. The sitcom was slated for a launch marathon on Saturday, October 18, but now movies will air instead that day. It will definitely air at a later date. The TV One programming and marketing group decided that they had too many other things to promote this fall, and they wanted to be able to give it the attention they think it deserves. We will of course let you know when it is scheduled again. So, yes, it won't air regularly on Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at 6pm either. Instead we will get two back-to-back episodes of fellow short-lived sitcom Where I Live starting Sunday, Oct. 19 airing Sundays 6-7pm and Saturdays 11am-12pm. Where I Live was previously scheduled to air Saturdays 11:30am and Sundays 6:30pm following South Central.
Moving on to The N...we mentioned Saved by the Bell was pulled last week and now a week later, it's back! The show is now airing weekdays at 3:00pm & 3:30pm starting immediately. Also, from 4-5pm two episodes of H2O is replacing two episodes of Kenan & Kel, which goes off the schedule. And from 5-6pm two episodes of Unfabulous replaces to shots of All That, which also is off the line-up now. Degrassi is back on The N with a weekend marathon from Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5. The show will air all day on those three days from 6am-6am, except 12-2am when That '70s Show airs. Degrassi returns for an all-new season the week after on October 10 at 8pm with an one-hour season premiere as Mia's got a new friend, a new guy, and maybe even a job as a model -- if she's willing to do what it takes to beat the competition. The season premiere will be followed by the season premiere of South of Nowhere at 9pm. If that weekend marathon was not enough, the week of October 6 will see more Degrassi. Degrassi will air Monday, October through Thursday, October 9 from 6am-10am, 3-6pm, and 2-6am. And all day on Friday, October 10 leading up to the season premiere.
The CW's drama 90210, quickly becoming one of the most popular series among young women, has been picked up for a full season of episodes even before it aired an episode during the actual TV season which started Monday.
The two-hour debut of 90210 on Sept. 2 shattered ratings records for The CW Network, becoming the highest-rated series premiere in the network's history with women 18-34 (4.5/12), adults 18-34 (3.1/9) and adults 18-49 (2.6/7). The 90210 series opener on Sept. 2 led The CW to become Tuesday's #1 network in all key demographics. With a double airing of the 90210 premiere during the opening week (Tuesday and Thursday), 12.7 million viewers watched all or part of The CW's highly anticipated new series. Facing increased competition, the most recent telecast of 90210 scored week-to-week gains in target demos, including 6% in women 18-34 (3.3/10), 14% in adults 18-34 (2.4/7) and 3% in total viewers (3.3mil). In addition, the series debut of 90210 added over a third more viewers in target demographics with Live-Plus Seven Day DVR viewing included.
While it is off to a good start, I think The CW should have waited until at least after today to announce it has picked up the back nine. The first Tuesday of the season is tonight, so it would have been wise to see how it would do tonight in the actual season.
A blues-singing beagle, a bull dog who can skateboard and flush the toilet on command and a Jack Russell terrier who can jump rope and walk up steps backward are among the semifinalists as the final round of voting begins for the top six pups who will compete for the champion title on the First Annual Worldwide Fido Awards, airing in primetime, Sunday, Oct. 5, at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nick at Nite.
The one-hour special event hosted by actor/comedian Fred Willard (Best in Show) will showcase the six Fido finalists and best of WorldwideFido.com's user-generated videos, where one lucky dog will ultimately be crowned the 2008 Worldwide Fido winner. Fans can vote now on http://www.worldwidefido.com to determine the finalist in each of the six categories, including "Cutest Dog," "Best Dressed," "Best Voice," "Most Outrageous," "Best Trick" and "Dog/Owner Look-Alike." Popular dog trainer-to-the-stars Tamar Geller will serve as one of the judges, while one very special dog will be presented the "Hero" Award, to honor invaluable services provided to humans. The show will also feature pooch performances throughout the evening.
Monday, September 22, 2008
60th Primetime Emmy Awards Winners; ION Adds More Warner Bros. Movies; New TV Season Begins Tonight
COMEDY SERIES
Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)
The Office (NBC)
Two and a Half Men (CBS)
30 Rock (NBC)
Entourage (HBO)
WINNER: 30 Rock
DRAMA SERIES
Lost (ABC)
House (Fox)
Damages (FX)
Boston Legal (ABC)
Mad Men (AMC)
Dexter (Showtime)
WINNER: Mad Men
LEAD ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock (NBC)
Tony Shalhoub, Monk (USA Network)
Lee Pace, Pushing Daisies (ABC)
Steve Carell, The Office (NBC)
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men (CBS)
WINNER: Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock (NBC)
LEAD ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty (ABC)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Old Christine (CBS)
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who? (ABC)
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds (Showtime)
Tina Fey, 30 Rock (NBC)
WINNER: Tina Fey, 30 Rock (NBC)
LEAD ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES
Hugh Laurie, House (Fox)
James Spader, Boston Legal (ABC)
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Gabriel Bryne, In Treatment (HBO)
Michael C. Hall, Dexter (Showtime)
Jon Hamm, Mad Men (AMC)
WINNER: Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad (AMC)
LEAD ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES
Glenn Close, Damages (FX)
Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer (TNT)
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace (TNT)
WINNER: Glenn Close, Damages (FX)
SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES
Kevin Dillion, Entourage (HBO)
John Cryer, Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Rainn Wilson, The Office (NBC)
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Jeremy Piven, Entourage (HBO)
WINNER: Jeremy Piven, Entourage.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty (ABC)
Amy Poehler, SNL (NBC)
Jean Smart, Samantha Who? (ABC)
Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies (ABC)
Holland Taylor, Two and a Half Men (CBS)
WINNER: Jean Smart, Samantha Who? (ABC)
SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES
Zeljko Ivanek, Damages (FX)
William Shatner, Boston Legal (ABC)
John Slattery, Mad Men (AMC)
Ted Danson, Damages (FX)
Michael Emerson, Lost (ABC)
WINNER: Zeljko Ivanek, Damages (FX)
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES
Rachel Griffiths, Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Sandra Oh, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Candice Bergen, Boston Legal (ABC)
Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Diane Wiest, In Treatment (HBO)
WINNER: Diane Wiest, In Treatment (HBO)
See complete list of winners.
COMMENTS: The night belonged to the mini-series John Adams, comedy 30 Rock and drama Mad Men. Too much cable stuff was winning. Surprise of the night was Bryan Cranston winning for Lead Actor in a Drama Series for AMC's Breaking Bad. Besides the 30 Rock wins (Comedy, Lead Actor, and Lead Actress) and the win for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Jean Smart of ABC's Samantha Who?, the night was all cable...AMC, FX, HBO. I liked the tributes to the memorable TV shows and moments...as the Emmys turned 60. As for the hosts, they should have just done 1 or 2...Tom Bergeron was clearly the best. 30 Rock doesn't launch its third season until October 30, so no carry over likely, however the show's second season is coming to DVD on October 7. I think it is the new Arrested Development...critically acclaimed show that no one watches.
Combining the winners for the creative portion on Sept. 13, HBO had the most wins with 26, thanks to mini-seroes John Adams, which became the most-honored program ever. ABC led the broadcast networks with 12 wins. CBS, NBC and PBS tied for third overall with 10 overall wins. AMC had 8 wins overall.
ION Television, the "Positively Entertaining" general entertainment network reaching over 94 million homes, has inked a multi-year film acquisition deal with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution. Extending from fall 2008 through summer 2010, this multi-year deal brings 27 critically acclaimed and Academy Award-winning films to the network's film slate.
The network already had a deal with Warner Bros., now 27 more movies come and the deal gets extended through summer 2010. ION Television kicks off the first of its new Warner Bros. films on Wednesday, September 24th at 8:00 p.m. ET with the comedy favorite Grumpier Old Men (starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ann-Margret and Sophia Loren). ION will air the movies regularly on Thursdays from 9-11PM (sometimes 8-11PM) starting October 2. Through summer 2010, blockbusters featuring some of the biggest names in Hollywood will grace ION Television in a series of cinematic favorites spanning multiple genres.
Dramatic thrillers and crime sagas include classics like The Fugitive (starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones), GoodFellas (starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco and Paul Sorvino) and Heat (starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer and Jon Voight), as well as more recent favorites such as Deep Blue Sea (starring Saffron Burrows, Thomas Jane, LL Cool J and Samuel L. Jackson) and Training Day (starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke).
Also in the mix are two movies from the famed Batman series, Batman Forever (starring Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman and Chris O’Donnell) and Batman Returns (starring Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken), plus Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon 1, 2 and 4.
Modern comedy classics include The Mask (starring Jim Carrey), Analyze This (starring Robert De Niro, Billy Crystal and Lisa Kudrow) and National Lampoon's European Vacation (starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo), among many others.
Rounding out the cinematic variety of ION Television's "Positively Entertaining" new movie lineup are dramas like City of Angels (starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan) and romantic comedies such as You've Got Mail (starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan). So that's 16 of the 27 new Warner Bros. movies, if you were counting. What about the rest? Above the Law, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Major League 2, Malice, Matchstick Men, Memphis Belle, Murder in the First, The Negotiator, The Specialist, Tango & Cash and Young Guns II! There you have it! Lots of good movies for Thursday nights.
The new season starts tonight! Expect Monday hits Dancing with the Stars, CSI: Miami, Two and a Half Men, and Heroes to be the night's highest rated shows. Other new notables tonight is the launch of the CBS sitcom Worst Week rounding out the CBS Monday sitcoms (8-10PM) and the Monday debut of ABC's Boston Legal.
My bets of the night: Dancing with the Stars (ABC 8-10:00PM) and The Big Bang Theory (CBS 8:00-8:30PM). Two fun-filled shows!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Summer Week 17 Sitcom Ratings; New Season Preview
Last Sunday Sitcoms (counts for week of September 8-14)
- The Simpsons (Fox) 2 episodes - Fox only aired comedies from 7-8pm and two repeats did 2.68 and 4.07 million...which was up against Football on CBS for the most of the country.
- King of the Hill (Fox) - preempted.
- Family Guy (Fox) - preempted
- American Dad! (Fox) - preempted
Monday Sitcoms
- The Big Bang Theory (CBS) - 5.94 million for a repeat...should have done a bit better, but the more important thing is how will it do tomorrow for its season premiere? Anything less than 8-8.5 million would be disappointing.
- How I Met Your Mother
- Two and a Half Men (CBS) - 9.97 million for a repeat, up from previous week...tomorrow's season premiere should do above 12 million, but it will battle Dancing with the Stars on ABC, which should do 20 million+.
- Old Christine (CBS) - 7.42 million for a repeat but remember the series will move to Wednesdays at 8 this week. New sitcom Worst Week will air in this slot, and I expect at least 10 million for the premiere.
- None, Tuesdays used to be a sitcom night...now nothing.
- Old Christine (CBS) 2 episodes - Two repeats didn't muster much...just 4.38 and 4.59 million. This week it will be new and I really am not expecting much...look for 7 million or less. Gary Unmarried will follow and will likely build a bit for its premiere at least, but after this week, maybe not.
- 'Til Death (Fox) - Just 4.89 million for week two of the new season, down from the season premiere's 6.06 million...it'll go down more this week and it is time for Brad Garrett and company to end.
- Do Not Disturb (Fox) - Just 3.9 million for the second episode...down already from the series premiere's 4.65 million. This was my pick for the first cancelation of the season, and so far doesn't look good for Jerry O'Connell and gang.
- My Name is Earl (NBC) - A repeat at a special time of 8:30pm following a special America's Got Talent Results did 5.05 million, down a bit from previous week. Look for more erosion for Earl this year. It's no longer a must see comedy as the show will only do 7 million or less for its premiere.
- The Office (NBC) 1 Hour - One-hour repeat did just 4.48 million. Look for the one-hour premiere this week to do close to 9 million and a good 18-49 number (NBC hopes for a 5 rating). It's no Grey's Anatomy but a solid hit that contends for #1 sitcom in 18-49, while Two and a Half Men and Samantha Who do better in viewers.
Friday Sitcoms
Saturday Sitcoms
- None.
Tonight you can catch encores of Fox's animated comedies from 7-10 tonight but everyone will be watching the Emmys on ABC from 8-11 (and ESPN's coverage of the last game at Yankee Stadium). Jimmy Kimmel's hilarious Emmy special will air at 7pm on ABC.
New Season Preview (Season Starts Tomorrow, Sept. 22):
The new season starts Monday and here is a preview what is airing on premiere week! On ABC, it's the season premiere of Dancing with the Stars from 8-10pm and the last season premiere of Boston Legal on a new night at 10pm. CBS will launch its comedy block with season premieres of The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men & the series premiere of Worst Week from 8-10pm, and the season premiere of drama CSI: Miami at 10pm. NBC will have a Heroes night with a countdown special at 8pm followed by the two-hour season premiere of 9-11pm. Fox and The CW already launched their Monday series a few weeks ago with Fox's dramas Sarah Connor Chronicles & Prison Break off to very slow starts and good starts for The CW's Gossip Girl & One Tree Hill.
On Tuesday, ABC will launch new game-reality show Opportunity Knocks at 8pm followed by a special Dancing with the Stars from 9-11pm where the couples do a second dance for the first time in premiere week, while one person goes home at the beginning of the show. CBS will launch a new season of the reliable NCIS followed by the series premiere The Mentalist, and the season premiere of Without a Trace, on yet another night. NBC launched The Biggest Loser last week to OK numbers will have another two-hour episode from 8-10pm followed by the season premiere of old faithful Law & Order: SVU. Again, Fox and The CW launched their Tuesday shows already with Fox airing House & Fringe and The CW airing 90210 & Privileged. Expect all four of those to be down a bit this week.
On Wednesday, the three night Dancing with the Stars premiere concludes with the Results Show on a special night and time of 8-9pm followed by the highly addicitive David Blaine Special from 9-11pm, this time he goes for the Dive of Death. On CBS, sitcom Old Christine moves to a new night and time of 8pm followed by the series premiere of Gary Unmarried...then the big guns of Criminal Minds & CSI: NY will have their season premieres. NBC will premiere Knight Rider, which hopefully got better after that awful TV movie, followed by one of the last episodes of the summer show America's Got Talent leading into the season premiere of Lipstick Jungle at 10pm. Fox and The CW will continue their line-ups, Fox with Bones and sitcoms 'Til Death & Do Not Disturb. The CW has Top Model and an encore of 90210.
On Thursday, ABC will have the season premiere of Ugly Betty at 8pm and the two-hour season premiere of Grey's Anatomy from 9-11pm. The clear winner of the night in ratings. CBS will have a two-hour premiere of Survivor: Gabon from 8-10pm, the first time ever the show will launch with a two-hour episode, followed by an encore of CSI's finale from last year at 10pm. CSI launches its new season on Oct. 9. NBC will have a two-episode premiere of My Name is Earl, followed by the one-hour The Office season premiere at 9pm, and ER at 10pm will have its season premiere. Fox will have two episodes this week of Kitchen Nightmares from 8-10pm. And The CW will have week two of Smallville and Supernatural.
On Friday, the first Presidential Debate takes over primetime from 9-11pm ET as Obama and McCain debate for the first of three times. At 8pm, ABC will air a special 20/20, CBS will encore the premiere of The Mentalist, NBC will have dud America's Toughest Jobs, and Fox will air a new Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? The CW will have its last airing of WWE Smackdown, as it moves to MyNetworkTV.
On Saturdays its slow as usual with ABC probably doing the best with College Football. Fox is new with Cops and AMW.
And next Sunday, its more premieres, as ABC will have the two-hour season premiere of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition from 7-9pm, followed by the anticipated season premiere of Desperate Housewives at 9pm and the family drama Brothers & Sisters at 10pm. CBS has an all-new night with 60 Minutes, Amazing Race 13, Cold Case and The Unit on its new night and time. NBC will turn it over once again to Sunday Night NFL. Fox will have the premieres of their animated series The Simpsons, King of the Hill, Family Guy and American Dad! from 8-10pm following NFL coverage. The CW still has repeats until the MRC block launches.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Blog DVD Reviews: Brothers and Sisters: The Complete 2nd Season (Sept. 23) and Cashmere Mafia: The Complete Series
Brothers and Sisters: The Complete 2nd Season (ABC Studios, $59.99) brings all 16 episodes of the writers' strike shortened second season of the hit family drama on DVD! Take a fascinating look at a complex American family much like your own as you witness the loves, the losses and the personal triumphs of the Walker clan. Their differences make them human and their bond makes them family. The series airs Sundays at 10PM on ABC and stars Calista Flockhart as Kitty Walker, Sally Field as Nora Walker, Rachel Griffiths as Sarah Walker Whedon, Ron Rifkin as Uncle Saul Holden, Balthazar Getty as Tommy Walker, Matthew Rhys as Kevin Walker, Dave Annabale as Justin Walker, Sarah Jane Morris as Julia, Emily VanCamp as Rebecca Harper, with Rob Lowe as Senator Robert McCallister, and Patrica Wettig as Holly Harper. Recurring are Kerris Dorsey as Paige Whedon, Maxwell Perry Cotton as Cooper Whedon, John Pyper-Ferguson as Joe Whedon, Eric Winter as Jason McCalister, Denis O'Hare as Travis, Emily Rose as Lena, Luke Macfarlane as Scotty, Ken Olin as David, Chevy Chase as Stan, Danny Glover as Isaac, and Steven Weber as Graham. With special guest star Tom Skeritt as William Walker.
This second season is very good. It might not be as good as the first year but it is still very well done despite being cut short due to the writers' strike. Some storylines like Justin-Rebecca and Tommy-Lena made some fans upset, but honestly I didn't have a problem with it. Lena was just temporary. Some classic episodes include the season premiere "Home Front," as it picks up the story of the Walkers at the end of the summer, and Nora's video-mail to Justin in Iraq fills everyone in on the family doings, while Kitty is under pressure as the Senator's fiancee and not just as a staffer anymore. In "American Family," Kevin, Nora and Kitty go to pick up Justin who has just returned home from the war. McCallister finds that he’s getting closer to Walkers. Meanwhile, the truth is revealed between Sarah and Rebecca and Tommy is not able to get the hang of being a father. In "Domestic Issues," Sarah becomes embroiled in a difficult battle with Joe for custody of their children. Kitty's Halloween announcement has consequences for the entire Walker family. In "36 Hours," The Walkers unite as Justin's addiction hits an all-time low. Kitty and Robert build new plans for their future. In "Holy Matrimony," Robert and Kitty get married but not before a political scandal and a severe case of cold feet threatens the wedding. Meanwhile Isaac distracts Nora from her romance with Stan, Holly gets a surprise visit from an old friend and some secrets are revealed. In the first episode after the strike, "Separation Anxiety," Isaac has an important question for Nora. Rebecca begins to question whether William Walker is really her father, so she decides to have DNA tests done. Robert and Kitty visit a fertility clinic. In "Moral Hazard," After an international business deal goes bad, Holly becomes the saving grace for Ojai Foods. Meanwhile Justin delivers heartbreaking news about a family member, and Saul makes a shocking confession about himself. Also Scotty and Kevin share a life-changing moment together. And in the season finale, "Prior Commitments," Kevin and Scotty make a commitment to be life partners, while Saul finally comes to grips with his identity in a public way as the family discovers that William kept yet another painful secret from them and Rebecca and Justin begin a new beginning. Those episodes really stand out, but they are all very good I think, while it may not be as good as season one in quality, but it is still good TV. The episodes run usually in the 43 minute range (with a few at 42 or under 42 a bit)...unedited of course. There are about 7-9 chapter stops per episode. The video is digitally mastered and is in widescreen and looks very good! The audio is great and sounds very good, as it is in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. This is from the 2007-08 season, so it has to be good.
Packaging has a nice light brown/beige outer box with a nice cast photo of the main cast near the front door of the Walker house on the front cover...the back cover has information on the series & set and has three screen shots. There is also a section detailing the special features in a blue box with technical specifications also. Inside the box is a digipak case. The front of the digipak has another cast photo, this time they are all at the family business, "Ojai Foods." The back of the digipak has headshots from episodes of Kitty, Robert, Nora and Sarah. Opening the case once, we get a pocket on the left that holds inserts and four more head shots from episodes on the right (Rebecca, Justin, Saul, Holly). The pocket holds three items, one is so nicely done. We get a nice envelope that holds Collectible Walker Family Recipe Cards, labeled "Nora's Favorite Family Recipes." It is very creative and has nice graphics and the items are actually featured this past season on the show! The back of the envelope has a disc by disc breakdown of episodes. Time to cook some Paella and some Pasta! We also get two other inserts for other ABC Studios products and Blu-ray. Opening the case once more, we get discs one and two in the middle, with three more head shots from episodes of Kevin, Tommy, and Julia. Opening it one final time, now we see discs three and four, and discs five and six. The discs overlap, like most ABC Studio DVDs. Each disc is in beige like the color scheme of the set and has artwork from items of the show. Disc one has episodes 1-4 with artwork of Justin's bedroom as you see his crutches. Disc two has episodes 5-8 and has artwork of some fruit in Ojai Food Co crate. Disc three has episodes 9-12 and has artwork of a flower bouquet from Kitty's wedding. Disc four has episodes 13-16 and has artwork of the vineyard with some grapes and wine bottle from Walker Landing Winery. Disc five holds the bonus features with artwork of Kevin's law office, I believe. After you remove the discs, you get nice promotional photos on the panels itself.
The menu screen starts by showing us the view of the Walker house then clips start playing as the audio gives us nice background music from the show then we see the family album with the snapshot sound. It is really neat once again. On disc one only, before the main menu we have auto trailers for DVDs of Private Practice, Samantha Who, Grey's Anatomy and Dirty Sexy Money. The options on the main menu are Play All, Episode Selection, Bonus Features, Set Up, and Sneak Peeks. Sneak Peeks is just on disc five and has sneak peeks of Wall E, Miramax Films, Narnia, and ABC promos for Dirty Sexy Money and Brothers & Sisters itself. Set Up section has the option of subtitles in English, French or Spanish and how to register your DVD. Bonus Features are on each disc but disc three. Disc 5 has all the actual extras, while the other discs have audio commentary. The Episodes option gives us the episode number and title to choose along with a screenshot...all in a family album form.
Moving on to the bonus features. Disc one has audio commentary on the episode "Homefront" by director Ken Olin, and actors Patricia Wettig (Holly) and Matthew Rhys (Kevin). Disc two has audio commentary on the episode "36 Hours" by actors Dave Annable (Justin), Sarah Jane Morris (Julia), and Emily VanCamp (Rebecca). Disc four has audio commentary on the season finale "Prior Commitments" by executive producer Monica Owusu-Breen and actors Matthew Rhys (Kevin) & Luke Macfarlane (Scotty).
That's just the commentaries! There is more on disc five! We get 7 Deleted Scenes that run: 1:31, 1:53, 0:23, 0:45, 1:36, 0:50, and 0:36. We have a very interesting and long featurette titled "Guestbook" that runs 14:03. We get details on all the great guests and recurring guests for this past season such as Ken Olin, Danny Glover, Chevy Chase, Garry Marshall, Steven Weber, Dennis O'Hare, Emily Rose, Bill Smitrovich, and Luke Macfarlane...they are all interviewed plus the producers and regula cast comment on them! Then we have a short 6:18 featurette titled "TV Dinners: Food from Season 2." Get a taste how food is made for scenes for the show! Food stylist Jessie Sieben discusses how she prepares the food. Producers and the cast discuss the food as well. We have another featurette titled "Open House: Designing the Brothers & Sisters Set," that runs 10:10. Get a low-down how the the set is designed from Denny Dugally (production designer) and set decorator Bryan John Venegas. We finally have 4:21 worth of Bloopers & Outtakes. Very fun to watch always and longer than last year.
I highly recommend this series and set. It is such a well written and acted show. I look forward to it every Sunday on ABC and can't wait until the third season starts on Sept. 28. I have seen the season premiere already in advance and it is very good mixed with great drama and hilarious comedy. The Walkers all get together in a nice beach house at the Laguana, and things come out. You'll want to watch! But before that buy this set and re-live or catch up on season two in time for the third season premiere. I know...they should have released this on Sept. 2 with Desperate Housewives, so fans can catch-up if they missed any episodes. And have Eli Stone come out the 23rd instead. Don't take a "Walker Roadtrip" to buy this DVD because you can just click below to order!
-- Reviewed by Pavan
(4.5/5 stars)To purchase the DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
Amazon.com
Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com Full DVD Reviews Page
Official Website
Brothers and Sisters TV.com Page
Cashmere Mafia: The Complete Series (Sony, $29.95) brings all 7 episodes of the series that aired during the writers' strike on DVD! Set in glamorous New York City, four women stay close as they strive for success in the business world. They are known as the "Cashmere Mafia," because they rely on each other for support in both their careers and personal relationships. Executive producer Darren Star was the creator of Sex and the City and he brought to ABC a similar style series. The series aired Wednesdays at 10PM on ABC during the writers' strike and starred Lucy Liu as Mia Mason, Miranda Otto as Juliet Draper, Frances O'Connor as Zoe Burden and Bonnie Somerville as Caitlin Dowd. Recurring are Peter Hermann as Davis Draper, Julian Ovenden as Eric Burden, Tom Everett Scott as Jack Cutting, Lourdes Benedicto as Alicia Lawson, Noelle Beck as Cilla Grey, Jack Yang as Jason Chun, Daniel Gerroll as Clive Hughes, Kevin Kilner as Clayton, and Addison Timlin as Emily Draper. Guest stars include Krista Allen.
The show only lasted 7 episodes and was probably wasted during the strike. Had not for the strike, who knows, this could have done better in the ratings and could have become a hit. The 7 episodes are all good really. The episodes run usually run around 42...unedited of course. Runtimes are as follows: 42:53, 42:32, 42:00, 41:39, 39:51, 41:04, and 40:57. There are about 7 chapter stops per episode. The video is digitally mastered and is in widescreen and looks very good! The audio is great and sounds very good, as it is in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. This is from the 2007-08 season, so you expect the best.
Packaging has a nice white/red outer box with a nice cast photo of the four ladies in a New York City background on the front cover...the back cover has information on the series & set and has five small screen shots along with the four ladies sitting in a fancy dinner table. The table also details the special features. Inside the box we get two slim cases and a Sony booklet for other Sony TV DVDs. The front of both slim cases have a different cast photo on each. The back of both slim cases have three head shots and episode descriptions with the episode number, title, and synopsis. Inside the cases we get nice photos in the background. The discs are on the right side of both slim cases. Disc one holds episodes 1-4 and has artwork of Juliet and Mia. Disc two holds episodes 5-7 and the extras and has artwork of Caitlin and Zoe.
The menu screen starts by showing us four or five different shots of each of the four ladies then we get to the main menu with a shot of all four ladies with the theme music playing in the background. Options are: Play All Episodes, Episode Selection, Subtitles, and Special Features. Special Features are on disc two only. Subtitles are in Thai, Chinese and Korean. Episode Selection gives us a list of episodes with episode number and title. Each submenu has different background music from the series.
Moving on to the special features. We have four very short featurettes and the generic Sony Previews. Each featurette is for one of the four ladies. First one is "Revenge Sex: You Get as Good as You Give," running 2:00 and is Juliet themed and Mirando Otto discusses. Next one is "Move In Or Move Out," running 2:34 and is Mia themed and Lucy Liu discusses. Then we have "Kiss My Glass Ceiling," running 2:12 and is Zoe themed and Frances O'Connor discusses. Finally, we have "Pick a Team, Any Team," running 2:06 and is Caitlin themed and Bonnie Somerville discusses. There are also Sony previews for movies like Made of Honor starring Patrick Dempsey.
I think you should buy this set if you're a fan or if you've never seen the show. It's only 7 episodes, so why not? You can watch it like a long movie. Lucy Liu has already moved on to Dirty Sexy Money (season premiere on Oct. 1 on ABC), so watch her in that. Hopefully the other three ladies can move on to other shows as well. So join the fun and drama of the "Cashmere Mafia" by buying this set!
-- Reviewed by Pavan
(4/5 stars)To purchase the DVD, click below and help support SitcomsOnline.com:
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Related links:
SitcomsOnline.com Full DVD Reviews Page
Cashmere Mafia TV.com Page
Friday, September 19, 2008
CBS Fall Pilot Review: Gary Unmarried - Premieres September 24; Our 2008 Emmy Awards Picks
Gary Unmarried - Wednesdays 8:30PM ET/PT on CBS
Premieres Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 8:30PM ET/PT
Gary Unmarried stars Jay Mohr and Paula Marshall in a comedy about Gary Barnes, a recently single painting contractor, and his controlling ex-wife, Allison, who face post-divorce mayhem after 15 years of marriage as they each embark on new relationships. He's the fun parent and she's the strict one. Together, they share custody of their two children - Louise, a politically correct and environmentally conscious 11-year-old, and Tom, their socially awkward 14-year-old son who is nervous around girls.
Charming and acerbic, Gary hasn't dated since the split, but finally connects with Vanessa, a single mother whose condo he was hired to paint. He dreads telling Allison about Vanessa because it doesn't adhere to her belief in their marriage counselor's book, "Rules for the Perfect Divorce." However, when Allison tells him that she's engaged to their shrink, all bets are off and Gary decides it's time to move forward. Now, in pursuit of post-marriage happiness, Gary must juggle his eclectic world of an ex-wife, their two kids, their shrink and his gorgeous new girlfriend.
Cast Details:
* Jay Mohr as Gary Brooks
* Paula Marshall as Allison Brooks
* Jaime King as Vanessa Flood
* Ryan Malgarini as Tom Brooks
* Ed Begley Jr. as Dr. Walter Crandall
* Al Madrigal as Dennis Lopez
* Kathryn Newton as Louise Brooks
The multi-talented Jay Mohr's career has spanned over a decade. He first received audience notice with his dead-on impressions of Christopher Walken, Dick Vitale and Sean Penn on "Saturday Night Live." Soon after that, he landed his breakthrough film role as a rival sports agent in the blockbuster hit "Jerry Maguire," and followed that up in a touching good-guy turn in "Picture Perfect." Other film credits include "Playing By Heart," "Suicide Kings," "Seeing Other People," "Even Money," "The Groomsmen," "Pay it Forward," "Street Kings" and "Go," as well as comedic leads in "King's Ransom" and "Are We There Yet?" On television, Mohr created, executive produced and hosted "Last Comic Standing," now in its sixth season. Other credits include "Action" and his most recent role as Professor Rick Payne on the CBS series "Ghost Whisperer."
A native of Rockville, Maryland, Paula Marshall's big break came when she landed a guest-starring role on "Seinfeld." Marshall is an extremely busy actress with a recurring role on the current television series "Californication." Her other television credits include co-starring roles in the CBS comedy "Out of Practice," "Snoops," "Cupid," "Spin City," "Nip/Tuck" and "Veronica Mars." Paula starred in the feature films "Cheaper by the Dozen," "That Old Feeling," "A Family Thing" and "The New Age," among others.
Jaime King broke into television when she was selected to host MTV's "House of Style." Following a guest-star appearance on "The O.C.," King landed a role on "Kitchen Confidential" and was later cast in a recurring role on the CBS comedy, "The Class." King's feature film roles include "Pearl Harbor," "Blow," "Slackers," "Two for the Money," "White Chicks," "Sin City," "Cheaper By the Dozen 2," as well as the independent features "Pretty Persuasion," "The Tripper," "They Wait," "A Fork in the Road" and "The Pardon." She will be seen next on the big screen in the upcoming films "The Spirit," "My Bloody Valentine" and "Fanboys."
Ryan Malgarini caught the acting bug observing his grandmother's involvement in show biz. Tagging along one day to be an extra in one of her commercials, he was pulled out of the crowd by the director and wound up featured in the ad. Other commercials followed, including spots for McDonald's and Washington Mutual Savings Bank. Malgarini made his feature film debut in "The United States of Leland" starring opposite Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey. Shortly after, other offers kept rolling in and he got to work with another Oscar recipient, Tom Hanks, in "The Polar Express." Other film credits include "Freaky Friday" and "How to Eat Fried Worms."
Ed Begley Jr. was inspired by his father to become an actor. His father won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in the 1962 film "Sweet Bird of Youth." The big break for Ed Begly Jr. came when he was cast as Dr. Victor Ehrlich on the long-running television series "St. Elsewhere," for which he received six Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe nomination. Begley's feature film credits include "Pineapple Express," "A Mighty Wind," "Best In Show," "For Your Consideration," "Batman Forever," "The Accidental Tourist," "The In-Laws," and many others. On television, Begley had recurring roles on "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "CSI: Miami," for the Network. Additional television credits include "Six Feet Under," "Veronica Mars," "7th Heaven," "Arrested Development" and "Boston Legal."
Called "dynamic" by the New York Times, San Francisco native Al Madrigal's flair for storytelling has established him as one of the nation's premiere stand-up comedians. He won the "Jury Award for Best Stand-up Comedian" at the 2004 HBO Comedy Festival. He was a regular cast member on the CBS comedy "Welcome to the Captain," and can be seen regularly on television in his own half-hour "Comedy Central Presents" special, as well as frequent guest spots on "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson."
Kathryn Newton's entrance into show business began at the age of four when she was cast as Colby Chandler on the popular soap opera, "All My Children." It was a recurring role she would end up playing for five years. Newton's other acting credits include the independent films "Bun-Bun" and "Abbie Down East." In addition to television and movies, she has accumulated a long list of commercial and print jobs to add to her resume.
Pilot Plot:
#1 Pilot
Gary's ex-wife has got engaged and he finds himself trying to navigate fatherhood and his own new love interest. The series opens with a scene of Gary and Vanessa in bed. She shows him one of her tattoos. We learn that Gary owns his own painting business and has 2 kids. Allison comes to the house to talk to Gary and the kids. Gary goes to his son's room and has a few funny lines about computers. Gary talks to one of his employees, Dennis, and Vanessa at a job. Back at the house, he talks to Allison and his daughter, Louise. His son, Tommy, has a girl in his room. Dr. Walter Crandall, Gary's former marriage counselor and Allison's new fiancé, has a few words with Gary and Allison. Vanessa visits with her son, Parker. The episode closes with a scene with Gary and Vanessa where they discuss their future plans.
Written by Ed Yeager
Directed by James Burrows
Guest Stars: Ashley Farley as Danielle, Charles Henry Wyson (or Jackson Fox) as Parker
Analysis:
Gary Unmarried was originally titled Project Gary. The multi-camera sitcom is filmed in front of a studio audience. The pilot gives us a good introduction to all of the characters and has some funny lines. Jay Mohr returns to a sitcom. You may remember him from the critics' favorite, Action, on Fox about a decade ago. Here he plays your typical sitcom dad. He's in virtually every scene and has the funniest lines in the pilot. One of the best is when his son is talking about a computer game and he says that when he was a kid that they didn't have anything like that and they had outside. Paula Marshall plays his ex-wife, Allison, and appears frequently in the pilot. The chemistry between Jay Mohr and Paula Marshall is evident from the very beginning. Paula Marshall has often been referred to as the female version of Ted McGinley with the shows she has been on not lasting very long. Maybe this will be the right role for her. Jaime King plays Gary's new girlfriend named Vanessa. I enjoyed her on another CBS sitcom, The Class. Larry Miller was originally cast as Allison's new fiancé, but he was replaced by Ed Begley Jr. in the pilot. Larry would have been funny in the part, but maybe they were looking for somebody that looked older and Ed does have the look of a doctor. He's not given a lot in the pilot, but I expect his role to expand in future episodes. He was hilarious on Arrested Development. Ryan Malgarini does a good job as the son who is nervous around girls. Laura Marano was originally cast as the daughter, but she was replaced by Kathryn Newton and they re-taped the scenes. Poor girl was also replaced on Back to You last season. She just has had bad luck and hopefully can find the right role in the future. The pilot I was sent had Laura Marano in it, so I've not seen the reshot scenes with Kathryn Newton.
Conclusion:
This sitcom has a lot of promise. It was cast well and the pilot was funny. I also saw the pilot of Worst Week and would give a slight edge to that one because of the physical comedy and sheer wildness of it. Gary Unmarried is the more traditional, multi-camera sitcom. One of the producers also worked on Still Standing, and I can see the similarities between the two. The setup is also similar to the show that is airing right before it, The New Adventures of Old Christine. Will they be a good match? Old Christine has a large female audience, but it will be interesting to see how many stick around for it.
CBS has tried unsuccessfully to launch a second night of comedy on Wednesdays. The competition will be tough with ABC's Pushing Daisies, NBC's Knight Rider and Fox's Bones. The New Adventures of Old Christine and Gary Unmarried should greatly improve on the ratings of last season's Kid's Nation. The pilot is worth checking out. I wasn't sure how Jay Mohr would play a blue-collar guy with kids, but he manages to pull it off. It will be interesting to see how the character's relationships will play out in future episodes. Ed Begley Jr. was underutilized in the pilot, so I expect to see him more in upcoming episodes. Tune in for the pilot on September 24 and see if you crave "mohr" episodes on Wednesdays at 8:30 ET/PT on CBS.
Final Numbers (out of 5 stars):
Watchability: 4/5
Funniness: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
-- Reviewed by Todd on 09/19/08
Discuss the show after you watch it on Wednesday, September 24 on our message board.
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Here are our Emmy Awards picks for The 60th Primetime Emmy Awards, which will air Sunday (Sept. 21) at 8/7 central on ABC. It will be a night to remember memorable TV moments as the Emmys turn the big 6-0!
COMEDY SERIES
Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)
The Office (NBC)
Two and a Half Men (CBS)
30 Rock (NBC)
Entourage (HBO)
OUR PICK: 30 Rock. I'm pissed no Pushing Daisies.
DRAMA SERIES
Lost (ABC)
House (Fox)
Damages (FX)
Boston Legal (ABC)
Mad Men (AMC)
Dexter (Showtime)
OUR PICK: Lost. It so deserves it (sorry Mad Men).
LEAD ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES
Tony Shalhoub, Monk (USA Network)
Steve Carell, The Office (NBC)
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock (NBC)
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Lee Pace, Pushing Daisies (ABC)
OUR PICK: Lee Pace, Pushing Daisies. Really anyone can win here but Sheen...one of the toughest calls.
LEAD ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty (ABC)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Old Christine (CBS)
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who? (ABC)
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds (Showtime)
Tina Fey, 30 Rock (NBC)
OUR PICK: Christina Applegate, Samantha Who? I've got a hunch. It could be Fey or Ferrera though.
LEAD ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES
Hugh Laurie, House (FOX)
James Spader, Boston Legal (ABC)
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Gabriel Bryne, In Treatment (HBO)
Michael C. Hall, Dexter (Showtime)
Jon Hamm, Mad Men (AMC)
OUR PICK: James Spader, Boston Legal. He wins it every year, but maybe Hamm can win it.
LEAD ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES
Glenn Close, Damages (FX)
Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer (TNT)
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace (TNT)
OUR PICK: Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters. Going for the two-peat, but can Sedgwick win it?
SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES
Kevin Dillion, Entourage (HBO)
John Cryer, Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Rainn Wilson, The Office (NBC)
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Jeremy Piven, Entourage (HBO)
OUR PICK: Jeremy Piven, Entourage.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty (ABC)
Amy Poehler, SNL (NBC)
Jean Smart, Samantha Who? (ABC)
Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies (ABC)
Holland Taylor, Two and a Half Men (CBS)
OUR PICK: Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies. Olive is hysterical!
SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES
Zeljko Ivanek, Damages (FX)
William Shatner, Boston Legal (ABC)
John Slattery, Mad Men (AMC)
Ted Danson, Damages (FX)
Michael Emerson, Lost (ABC)
OUR PICK: Ted Danson, Damages. Wouldn't be surprised if Shatner won it.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES
Rachel Griffiths, Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Sandra Oh, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Candice Bergen, Boston Legal (ABC)
Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Diane Wiest, In Treatment (HBO
OUR PICK: Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy. She was fantastic this year and so deserves it.
LEAD ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty (ABC)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Old Christine (CBS)
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who? (ABC)
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds (Showtime)
Tina Fey, 30 Rock (NBC)
OUR PICK: Christina Applegate, Samantha Who? I've got a hunch. It could be Fey or Ferrera though.
LEAD ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES
Hugh Laurie, House (FOX)
James Spader, Boston Legal (ABC)
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad (AMC)
Gabriel Bryne, In Treatment (HBO)
Michael C. Hall, Dexter (Showtime)
Jon Hamm, Mad Men (AMC)
OUR PICK: James Spader, Boston Legal. He wins it every year, but maybe Hamm can win it.
LEAD ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES
Glenn Close, Damages (FX)
Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer (TNT)
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace (TNT)
OUR PICK: Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters. Going for the two-peat, but can Sedgwick win it?
SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES
Kevin Dillion, Entourage (HBO)
John Cryer, Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Rainn Wilson, The Office (NBC)
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Jeremy Piven, Entourage (HBO)
OUR PICK: Jeremy Piven, Entourage.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty (ABC)
Amy Poehler, SNL (NBC)
Jean Smart, Samantha Who? (ABC)
Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies (ABC)
Holland Taylor, Two and a Half Men (CBS)
OUR PICK: Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies. Olive is hysterical!
SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES
Zeljko Ivanek, Damages (FX)
William Shatner, Boston Legal (ABC)
John Slattery, Mad Men (AMC)
Ted Danson, Damages (FX)
Michael Emerson, Lost (ABC)
OUR PICK: Ted Danson, Damages. Wouldn't be surprised if Shatner won it.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES
Rachel Griffiths, Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Sandra Oh, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Candice Bergen, Boston Legal (ABC)
Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Diane Wiest, In Treatment (HBO
OUR PICK: Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy. She was fantastic this year and so deserves it.
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Sitcoms Airing Tonight / Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows
Thursday, November 21
Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage - "The 6:10 to Lubbock" (CBS, 10:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Georgie and Mandy get fed up staying with her parents and reconsider their living situation after a fight with Mandy’s mom, Audrey.
Ghosts - "Man of Your Dreams" (CBS, 10:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Sam learns that one of the ghosts’ powers is to enter the dreams of the livings and influence their decisions. Also, two of the ghosts think they’ve learned the secret to moving on.
Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of November 18)
Thursday, November 21
- Jim Gaffigan (The Jim Gaffigan Show/My Boys/The Ellen Show/Welcome to New York) - Catch Jim on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC.
- Rita Moreno (One Day at a Time/Happily Divorced/9 to 5) - Rita appears on Late Night with Seth Meyers at 12:36am on NBC.
- Justine Lupe (Nobody Wants This/Cristela), Jackie Tohn (Nobody Wants This/GLOW) and Timothy Simons (HouseBroken/Veep) - Justine, Jackie and Timothy are guests on After Midnight at 12:37am on CBS.
- Kristin Chenoweth (Trial & Error/Kristin) - Kristin appears on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen at 10pm on Bravo.
- Maura Tierney (NewsRadio/The Van Dyke Show) - Maura is in the studio to discuss the neww season of Law and Order on Live with Kelly and Mark, so check your listings.
- Paul Reiser (Mad About You/Red Oaks/Married/My Two Dads) - Paul is telling Drew about his huge return to comedy after thirty years with his standup special, Life, Death and Rice Pudding, and his new movie The Gutter on The Drew Barrymore Show, so check your local listings.
- John O'Hurley (Seinfeld/Over the Top/The Mullets) - John will be on PIX11 Morning News on WPIX in New York at 9:40am.
New on DVD and Blu-ray
09/10 - Rick and Morty - The Complete Seasons 1-7
09/10 - The Ropers - The Complete Series (VEI)
09/10 - Ted - Season One (Blu-ray) (DVD)
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09/17 - Top Cat - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
09/24 - Friends - The Complete Series (4K UHD)
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10/08 - Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Twelfth Season / The Complete Series
10/22 - Veep - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
11/05 - I Love Lucy - The Complete Series (Blu-ray)
11/12 - The King of Queens - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (2024 Release)
11/19 - SpongeBob SquarePants - The Complete Fourteenth Season
11/26 - Looney Tunes Collector's Choice - Volume 4 (Blu-ray)
12/03 - Angel (1960-1961) - The Complete Series, Volume 1
12/17 - Seinfeld - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) (4K UHD)
02/04 - Bewitched - The Complete Series - 60th Anniversary Special Edition (Blu-ray)
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