Inside the Tube

Front row at 'Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien' (#0010)

2009-06-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

BEST OF '08: Top Cable (Freshman) TV Programs

2008-12-30T18:57:00.000-08:00

In alphabetical order.

BEST OF '08: Top Broadcast (Freshman) TV Programs

2008-12-30T18:49:00.001-08:00

In alphabetical order.

Honorable Mention

Editor's Note: It was extremely difficult for me to include "The Mentalist" on the list because I still believe it offers nothing new or enticing to the television landscape. However, I will give it credit in that Simon Baker's acting is commendable and frankly, better than 85% of television's leading men. Because of that, and a solid supporting cast, I am giving it its due.

BEST OF '08: Top Cable (Veteran) TV Programs

2008-12-30T18:41:00.000-08:00

In alphabetical order.

BEST OF '08: Top Broadcast (Veteran) TV Programs

2008-12-30T18:04:00.001-08:00

In alphabetical order.

Recovering from the holidays

2008-12-30T18:01:00.001-08:00

Don't worry, Inside the Tube will be back and better than ever in 2009. In fact, several lists (of varying topics) will be making their way onto the blog rather soon.

I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Christmas! Stay safe.

Inside the Tube back in business!

2008-11-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

After more than a week of absolute chaos, Inside the Tube is back for more television news and analysis.

Feel free to follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/insidethetube. I am constantly on it updating about the latest news about television. I've been getting several new followers from media websites so I'll certainly be keeping tabs on their pages for late breaking news. It also helps that I have a contact at CBS with possible spoiler-worthy info.

While Inside the Tube makes the transition to an actual domain (and as the nation prepares for its first African-American president), don't forget to visit the page as I will be adding new features and hopefully getting some more one-on-ones with the creative types we all know and love.

ROUNDUP: Jon Hamm, 'Privileged', 'Doctor Who' and more

2008-10-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

Here's this week's most noteworthy television news, including casting, guest stars, episode orders, cancellations and everything else you can think of!

- Rumors have been swirling that Jon Hamm of "Mad Men" will be making a multi-episode appearance on "30 Rock." Though the deal isn't final, I'm banking that he'll appear on the comedy staple in one form or another. He will be playing Liz Lemon's neighbor and potential love interest. Squee!

- Numerous sources report that David Tennant, the British actor who has played the Doc on "Doctor Who" for the past few seasons, will leave his post after the four "Doctor Who" specials air next year. Thoughts on his departure?

- I've come across many different news items about Strike.TV, a website for Hollywood writers, directors and actors to put their stuff online without the hindrance of executive types. One of my personal favorites is Mindy Kaling's "House Poor."

- Fox has finally canceled "King of the Hill."

- CW wants a "Melrose Place" remake (the original was a spinoff of "Beverly Hills, 90210") and Jennie Garth doesn't want any part in it.

- BREAKING: ABC has picked up full season of "Samantha Who?" Now all that's left for them is to pick up "Pushing Daisies" ...

- Dave Franco, James' little brother, will join the cast of "Privileged" as Rose's love interest. Thing is, he wouldn't appear onscreen until 2009, which means the CW needs to get a move on and pick up the back nine.

- In other casting news on "Privileged," Megan's mom will be played by Sharon Lawrence. Her arc is expected to last two episodes and the first of which will air in January.

- The CW has upped episode orders for three of its shows: "Gossip Girl" will now air 25 episodes (instead of 24), "One Tree Hill" will air 24 and "90210" will also shoot 24.

- "Pushing Daisies" will not return until November 19 with special guest star Fred Willard.

- Some news on NBC series "Kings," which stars Sebastian Stan ("Gossip Girl," "The Covenant"), Ian McShane and Christopher Egan ("Vanished"), Macaulay Culkin joins an impressive guest star roster that includes Miguel Ferrer ("Crossing Jordan"), Leslie Bibb ("Popular") and Michael Stahl-David ("The Black Donnellys").

- Dominic Monaghan joins "Chuck" for a guest stint on the February 2 episode. He plays a British rock star targeted by some very evil men.

- "Brothers and Sisters" has cast relative unknown Luke Grimes for the coveted role of the real "bastard" child, Ryan Lafferty. Grimes is an up-and-coming actor who has apparently caught the attention of many higher-ups.

- Major "Gossip Girl" spoiler here: B*r* B*s* is the one who dies. Not all that surprising, hm?

- For all you Daniel Craig fans out there, Mary McNamara talks "Archangel," an older project Craig did that is finally surfacing on American television. Will you watch?

- Courteney Cox and Bill Lawrence (creator of "Scrubs") are teaming up to bring you "Cougar Town" on ABC.

- "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" scribes Patrick Walsh and Sonny Lee have sold a comedy pilot to Fox called "Broke Friends." Congrats guys!

Rumors that 'Pushing Daisies' has been axed are untrue

2008-10-31T11:46:00.000-07:00

Apparently rumors have been swirling last night about the fate of one of the most beloved shows on television right now, "Pushing Daisies." However, what was rumored to be true has been proven to be just a small fib - for the time being.

We know that "Daisies" has been struggling ratings-wise to match up to its first season. But, if Wednesday's ratings (which jumped up close to a million viewers and was a season high) is any indication of good things to come, then our favorite piemaker is bound for greatness and well, baking those delicious-looking pies every week.

That's not to say those rumors weren't unfounded. As we all know, there is always an ounce of truth that fuels the fire and that's the case here. The current rumor was, according to E!'s Watch with Kristin, that episode 13 was to be treated as a series finale. Now here's where things get fishy. Since "Daisies" hasn't yet received a back-nine pick-up, production is essentially finished ... for the time being. The truth of the matter is, episodes 13 and 14 supposed to be a two-parter, but with the possibility that the show might not return after this season's 13th, the network wanted to make sure they covered all their bases (aka playing it safe).

So as of right now, "Daisies" is almost done with production (if not done), and all they're waiting for is the network to decide if they want to tack on the last nine episodes of the season. No decision will be made until after November 4 as the network wants to see how the show does post-election. Kristin Dos Santos found out that if episode 13 was the last episode of the series, much of the storylines would still be left hanging and as we all know, that's not the best way to please the 6 million loyal viewers each week.

Here's the motto for the day: Please watch next week's episode and the one after that, and the one after that. "Pushing Daisies" needs your help and it might not survive its sophomore season if ratings keep tumbling.

'It's Always Sunny' writing partners sell Fox comedy pilot, 'Broke Friends'

2008-10-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

As always, I am ten hours too late, but once I did check my email, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" scribe Sonny Lee revealed that he and his writing partner, Patrick Walsh (who made his acting debut in last Thursday's episode), have sold a comedy pilot to the Fox network.

Congratulations to both Sonny and Patrick for a well-deserved new project! Just another one to add onto what I'm sure what will be a long list of impressive comedic work. Cheers.

Taken from Variety:
The other project, "Broke Friends," came to Fox after a competitive bidding situation with NBC. Patrick Walsh and Sonny Lee ("It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia") are writing, while [Luke] Greenfield will direct and exec produce.

"Broke Friends" centers on an innocent Midwestern kid who relocates to New York, where he moves in with two scam artists.

"It's an ensemble comedy about which road you take in life -- the long, hard-working grind to the top, or the hedonistic joyride at the bottom."

Don Draper teaches us how to be him

2008-10-26T16:52:00.000-07:00

"Don Draper's Guide to Picking Up Women" was by far the highlight of last night's "Saturday Night Live" (not counting Coldplay's FOUR songs!). Rewatch it here.

'Life' moves to Wednesday nights; 'Lipstick Jungle' gets demoted to Fridays

2008-10-24T21:38:00.000-07:00

In the fall season's first shake-up, NBC has shifted its struggling crime procedural "Life" to the 9 p.m. timeslot on Wednesday nights. Preceding that will be newcomer "Knight Rider," which recently was given a full season order. "Law and Order," which will premiere November 5, will air at 10 p.m. when this scheduling change takes place.

"Lipstick Jungle," which held the Wednesday at 10 p.m. timeslot, will move all the way to the end of the week, beginning October 31. This is a bad sign for the oft-struggling series, which centers on three women at the height of their careers in different aspects of the entertainment industry.

So while "Life" may be getting new - wait for it - life with its new, more competitive timeslot (though having it up against CBS juggernaut "Criminal Minds" might be a detriment), the Brooke Shields staple is slowly losing ground. Maybe Friday nights will become the new "girls night in"?

Take one: A few of my favorite things (of the moment)

2008-10-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

While making my daily rounds on the blogs and websites, I came across Tim Goodman's favorite things post, and thought, "Maybe I should do that too." So here are some of the things (of the moment) that make me turn that frown upside down.

Favorite singer-songwriter: Jason Mraz, Adele.
Favorite band: MGMT, Keane, Snow Patrol.
Songs I can't stop listening to: "Kids" - MGMT, "Chasing Pavements" - Adele,"Human" - The Killers, "Don't Save Us From the Flames" - M83.
Albums I can't stop listening to: Perfect Symmetry - Keane, A Hundred Million Suns - Snow Patrol.
Network shows I adore to no end: "Privileged," "The Office," "30 Rock," "How I Met Your Mother," "House."
Cable shows I adore to no end: "True Blood," "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "Psych," "Burn Notice," "My Boys."
'Brilliant-but-canceled' shows I believe could take "Knight Rider's" timeslot: "Wonderfalls," "The 4400," "Freaks and Geeks," "Undeclared," "My So-Called Life," "Jack & Bobby," "Firefly."
Favorite colors: Blue.
Favorite book I've just read: Sadly, I'm working on the seventh book of the Gossip Girl series. Does that count?
Favorite kinds of books: Fiction, pop culture.
Favorite authors: Nicholas Sparks (shut up), Chuck Klosterman, Stephen Chbosky, Caprice Crane.
Concerts in the queue: Sadly, none.
Favorite magazines: Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, Nylon.
Favorite comedians: Jon Stewart, Demetri Martin, Stephen Colbert (is he considered one?).
Favorite drinks: Mango magarita (yum), Pepsi.
Favorite sports: Baseball, college/professional football, swimming.
Favorite sport to watch: Tie between baseball and football.
Favorite cities I've been to: Paris, San Francisco, New York, Sydney.
Favorite candy: Sour patch watermelon.
Favorite food: Chinese, American.
Favorite thing in the whole world: My happiness (and sanity).

Entertainment Weekly gives 'Heroes' some pointers

2008-10-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

There has been much talk about this week's issue of Entertainment Weekly, in which the cover story talks about five ways to make "Heroes" likable/watchable/bearable/(insert choice word here) again. Even if you're a huge fan of the show and are one of the few who thinks this season is the best the show has ever been (like my roommate), these five things might make it a tad bit enjoyable.

I should say that I lost interest in the show after the first season (I'd say even after the pilot). It doesn't suit my style and it doesn't cater to my belief that shows should center on some sort of realistic ground (otherwise known as some sort of believable reality). One of the problems I have with it (and this also pertains to "Lost," unfortunately) is the convoluted story-telling based solely on time travel/past/present/future/whatever that frustrates me to absolutely no end.

But if the creators and writers actually follow through with the suggestions this EW writer is suggesting (and I've read from E! Online's Watch with Kristin that changes have already been in the works), then it might not be as bad as people are making this year out to be.

Take a gander at the article, then put your thoughts here.

One of TV's beloved shows might be inching closer to closing the book

2008-10-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

According to some fast overnight ratings for last night's primetime schedule, ABC's "Pushing Daisies" is in danger of not returning after this season (if it even lasts that long).

The show has been on a consistent decline ever since it came back earlier this month after a nine-month break. The decision made by the network to push back "Daisies," along with "Dirty Sexy Money" and "Private Practice" might have been one major factor to low returns this season. Though "Practice" is safe for the season, "Money" is not. The 10 p.m. show has also been steadily declining in viewership and has lost its hold on its audience from the previous year.

It is common knowledge that ABC loves "Daisies," but having the network behind you 100% doesn't necessarily justify a show scraping by and consistently placing in last place (among the major broadcast networks) in its timeslot. There's only so much you can say week in and week out when NBC's "Knight Rider" (what?!) gets more viewers than a unique and original show like "Daisies."

So please be sure to watch "Daisies" when it airs next Wednesday. Although Nielsen ratings don't necessarily tell the full story and its numbers might not reflect who actually watches these shows, it's the only measuring tool we have for TV viewership - an unfortunate truth for an inconsistent TV landscape.

Shows you should be watching: 'Supernatural' and 'Privileged'

2008-10-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

Maureen Ryan of the Chicago Tribune has a very good piece about two CW shows you all should be watching: "Supernatural" and "Privileged."

I haven't kept up with "Supernatural" after the first season, but I've heard positive reviews across the board, which says a lot for a fourth year show on a struggling network.

"Privileged," on the other hand, I am an advocate for and hope will get at least a full season pickup. The ratings for last night's episode were 36% lower than the previous week because of a lack of a stronger lead-in. ("90210" was a rerun.)

Please check out her piece and maybe you'll be swayed one way or the other.

BoSox v. Tampa Bay in pivotal Game 7 of ALCS

2008-10-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

I'm currently watching the BoSox playing against the Rays in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. I'm rooting for the Sox! Who are you cheering for?

Sarah Palin stops by 'Saturday Night Live'

2008-10-19T02:22:00.000-07:00

Did you catch Amy Poehler rapping during Weekend Update? Or Mark Wahlberg talking to a donkey and almost punching Andy Samberg's nose? How about when Alec Baldwin mistook Sarah Palin for Tina Fey? Or the memorable moment when Tina Fey and Sarah Palin crossed paths?

If you missed it, here are some of last night's highlights. (19-year-old Adele was beyond fantastic as the musical guest, by the way.)

BREAKING: Fox picks up second season for low-rated 'Terminator'

2008-10-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Fox has ordered the back nine for "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles," which means the show - which has struggled to maintain a respectable viewership each week - will last at least until April/May 2009.

To give you a frame of reference, the most recent episode had only 5.7 million viewers. Thoughts on the full season pickup? I think it's a good move on the network's part, only because there isn't much to back it up if they gave the show the boot.

'Princess of Nebraska' debuts on YouTube tonight

2008-10-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Even though I'm not a film junkie, I've been getting emails about this from different organizations, outlets, etc. so I figure this is worthy of a post.

Wayne Wang's "Princess of Nebraska" will be debuting exclusively on YouTube's Screening Room tonight at 9 p.m. Pacific, so if you're curious or the trailer (see below) interests you, mark that on your iPhones or e-calendars.

"Princess of Nebraska" Sasha (Ling Li) is a foreign exchange student who finds herself pregnant. She's the new generation of China, unmoored to traditions and history. As she says, "In America I learned a new phrase, 'moving on.' Tomorrow I can start a new page." She travels from Nebraska to San Francisco to get an abortion, but in her exploration of the city in the next 24 hours she learns that turning a new page doesn't necessarily mean turning your back on the past.

It was only a matter of time when filmmakers were going to catch on to this online phenomenon called YouTube.

ROUNDUP: "HIMYM," "Prison Break," Tuesday nights and more

2008-10-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

In what I hope to be a daily rundown of TV (and some film) news, critiques and raves from the past few days, here is today's (more) in-depth, blog-worthy collection.

- Tim Goodman critiques a weakened Tuesday night lineup from the five broadcast networks, and not surprisingly, I have to side with his analysis.

- A "major character" gets the big axe on "Gossip Girl." I use quotations because do you really think they'd kill off Nate or Vanessa (as rigid as she might be)? And is Bart Bass really considered that much of a factor? Seriously.

- Starz' small screen adaptation of the 2006 Oscar winner, "Crash," well, crashes - and badly.

- James Poniewozik of Time makes an interesting comparison between Monday's "How I Met Your Mother" episode and its change-centric anti-sitcom premise.

- "Crusoe," which premieres tonight on NBC, is a combination of "Lost" and "Pirates of the Caribbean." What?

- David Kelley ("The Practice," "Ally McBeal") is set to develop a new dramedy for NBC centered on a father-daughter lawyer team. Sounds like a time warp.

- "American Idol" champ David Cook will perform as "Saturday Night Live's" musical guest on November 1. Let's hope the host is light years beyond in talent to offset this unfortunate imbalance.

- Dwight gives birth to a watermelon. No, I'm not kidding.

- The trailer for the Daniel Craig film (and vying for a couple of Oscars), "Defiance," looks action-packed, emotional and gripping. The A-list cast includes Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell. Other trailers include Swedish horror flick, "Let the Right One In" and "The Haunting in Connecticut."

- Emmy winner Zeljko Ivanek ("Damages") will have a 10-episode arc on "Heroes." Maybe this'll turn the tide for the struggling third year series.

- Someone who we saw from day one of "Prison Break" will die, but it won't be Michael. Thank god. Guesses as to who bites the dust?

- You can purchase Charlie's ("It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia") infamous Green Man costume here.

- "Juno" scribe, Diablo Cody, is penning a new Showtime half-hour comedy starring Toni Collette called "The United States of Tara." Preview it here.

Quick Takes:
- "Mad Men" gets a third season order from AMC.
- Jenny and Nate have a brief romance in upcoming episodes of "Gossip Girl."
- Jessica Walter ("Arrested Development") has been demoted to recurring status on "90210."
- The fourth freshman series to get a full season is "The Mentalist." Not shocked at all. (The first three were "90210," "Fringe" and "True Blood." "True Blood" had already filmed all its episodes for the first season prior to the pilot airdate, but HBO ordered a second season quickly thereafter so it qualifies.)
- The final episodes of Sci Fi's "Battlestar Galactica" (no!) will start airing January 16.
- ABC orders four more scripts for "Eli Stone" before it premiered Tuesday night, which brings its current total to 17 episodes.
- Sarah Palin will appear on "Saturday Night Live" tomorrow.

'Pushing Daisies' gains half a million viewers

2008-10-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

A little late, I know, but I am happy to announce that Wednesday's episode of "Pushing Daisies" gained 500,000 viewers from last week to push its rating up 12%. And, according to EW's PopWatch, it barely lost any viewers during the whole hour!

Let's keep this up guys!

Sneak peek of tonight's 'Life on Mars' episode

2008-10-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

I hope you all watched and enjoyed last week's premiere of "Life on Mars." Here's a sneak peek of tonight's new episode.

Is anyone else loving Gretchen Mol?!

New 'It's Always Sunny' viral video featuring Sweet Dee and Artemis

2008-10-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

I recently went to the "Boldly Going Nowhere" production offices on the Fox lot in Century City to interview "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" writers Sonny Lee and Patrick Walsh. The full transcript of that interview will be up once I send it into Give Me My Remote.

However, to keep you guys up to speed, Sonny just sent over a link to a new YouTube video starring Sweet Dee and Artemis. Enjoy!

More than a month into the season, TV schedule gets makeover

2008-10-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

Before September rolled around, I was adamant on trying to watch as much television as possible. A couple weeks in, however, I found myself falling behind and struggling just to keep up with my rather ambituous schedule I set out to follow. This meant that I was forced to make drastic cuts, some due to the fact that I just can't keep up with the show anymore for expositional reasons and some due to lack of time and interest.

I've been following a couple critics and bloggers for the past few weeks and it seems as though they're having the same trouble. This fall season has to be one of the least anticipated seasons of the contemporary period, and that says quite a lot about how much the writers' strike affected the development and production of future series.

Just to give you all an idea to the dramatic changes to my schedule (prior to September 1), here is what it was before the fall officially began:

MONDAYS
8 p.m.: "Chuck" (NBC), "Gossip Girl" (CW), "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" (Fox)
8:30 p.m.: "How I Met Your Mother" (CBS)
9 p.m.: "Prison Break" (Fox), "Heroes" (NBC)
9:30 p.m.: "Samantha Who?" (ABC)
10 p.m.: "CSI: Miami" (CBS), "My Own Worst Enemy" (NBC)

TUESDAYS
8 p.m.: "House" (Fox)
9 p.m.: "Privileged" (CW), "The Mentalist" (CBS), "Fringe" (Fox)
10 p.m.: "Eli Stone" (ABC)

WEDNESDAYS
8 p.m.: "Pushing Daisies" (ABC), "Bones" (Fox)
9 p.m.: "Private Practice" (ABC)
10 p.m.: "Dirty Sexy Money" (ABC), "Lipstick Jungle" (NBC), "CSI: NY" (CBS)

THURSDAYS
8 p.m.: "Ugly Betty" (ABC)
9 p.m.: "The Office" (NBC)
9:30 p.m.: "30 Rock" (NBC)
10 p.m.: "Life on Mars" (ABC), "Eleventh Hour" (CBS), "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (FX)

FRIDAYS
9 p.m.: "The Ex List" (CBS)

SUNDAYS
8 p.m.: "The Amaazing Race" (CBS)
9 p.m.: "True Blood" (HBO)
10 p.m.: "Brothers & Sisters" (ABC), "Californication" (Showtime)

Clearly, I was way in over my head. Now, my schedule looks more like this (blue = DVR, black = watching live, red = on the cusp of giving up; shows that are completely off the list have been dumped):

MONDAYS
8 p.m.: "Chuck" (NBC), "Gossip Girl" (CW)
8:30 p.m.: "How I Met Your Mother" (CBS)
9 p.m.: "Prison Break" (Fox)
9:30 p.m.: "Samantha Who?" (ABC)
10 p.m.: "My Own Worst Enemy" (NBC)

TUESDAYS
8 p.m.: "House" (Fox)
9 p.m.: "Privileged" (CW), "Fringe" (Fox)
10 p.m.: "Eli Stone" (ABC)

WEDNESDAYS
8 p.m.: "Pushing Daisies" (ABC), "Bones" (Fox)
9 p.m.: "Private Practice" (ABC)
10 p.m.: "Lipstick Jungle" (NBC), "CSI: NY" (CBS)

THURSDAYS
8 p.m.: "Ugly Betty" (ABC)
9 p.m.: "The Office" (NBC)
9:30 p.m.: "30 Rock" (NBC)/"SNL Weekend Update" (NBC)
10 p.m.: "Life on Mars" (ABC), "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (FX)

FRIDAYS
9 p.m.: "The Ex List" (CBS)

SUNDAYS
8 p.m.: "The Amazing Race" (CBS)
9 p.m.: "True Blood" (HBO)
10 p.m.: "Brothers & Sisters" (ABC), "Californication" (Showtime)

This schedule doesn't even include midseason premieres or returnees, such as USA's "Burn Notice" or "Psych," both of which I follow like a desperate little lemming. Even though I've cut my schedule substantially and am on the fence about a couple shows, I'm still incredibly behind on my TV. Oh, the life of a TV blogger ...

If there are some returning/new/future shows that you think I should cover more or start watching or keep an eye out for, please let me know. I am always open to suggestions, but knowing that I only have so many hours in the day and the fact that I have other obligations (work and school), it might be a teensy bit difficult to add but you never know! Pitch me your show and I'll certainly think about it!

Last night's 'HIMYM' reveals flurries of new speculation

2008-10-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

Over at the TV Addict, there is some ideas floating around about what we saw when the show fast-forwarded one year to 2009, when the gang of five sat in their booth of their favorite bar.

Robin and Barney looked a little chummy, while Lily didn't take a sip of her beer. The crew went up post-bar to the apartment upstairs, which begs the question: Are Robin and Ted living together? Remember the episode with the goat last season when future Ted accidentally mixed up his 30th birthday with his 31st? Hm ...

Head on over to the TV Addict and judge for yourself. What are your thoughts as to what the gang is up to in 2009?

ROUNDUP: '24,' 'My Own Worst Enemy,' 'Kath & Kim,' Mark Wahlberg and more

2008-10-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a roundup of some of the week's notable TV headlines:

- "24: Redemption," airing Sunday, November 23, saves the children.

- Mark Wahlberg hated "Saturday Night Live's" spoof.

- Mixed-to-positive reviews are coming in for tonight's premiere of "My Own Worst Enemy," starring Christian Slater.

- "Kath & Kim" is "dumb and dull."

- CW ups "Gossip Girl" season order to 24 episodes.

- Zachary Levi gets dunked on "Ellen."

- Watch the series premiere of "Life on Mars" here.

- Tim Goodman of the San Francisco Chronicle says there's not a lot of quality TV to watch.

Learn 'The Office' slang with Addictionary

2008-10-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

NBC.com has a new "Office" feature that might add some more hours to your daily procrastination. "The Office" Addictionary's most popular words include "Big Tuna," "Pam Pong," "Scrantonicity" and "progidal." Visitors can also add words and definitions to the addictionary, so go on and start wasting those minutes!

Watch the series premiere of 'Life on Mars'

2008-10-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

ABC was nice enough to send over a widget player that allows you to view "Life on Mars" on the site. If you haven't seen it already, I urge you to try and catch it here. It's a wonderfully unique show and the pilot certainly keeps you on your toes.

(OT) Final 'Twilight' trailer reveals everything and leaves nothing

2008-10-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

I know this isn't quite television, but after viewing the final "Twilight" trailer that was released a few days ago, I must say that I was disappointed with what I saw. A trailer is supposed to engage an audience and persuade them to go out and see that movie because of the two and a half minutes they just saw, not give you the entire plot (and resolution).

I will say that "Twilight" is different, in the sense that everyone pretty much knows what happens at the end of the first book, but that still doesn't justify the need to show the climax of the book/film (the fight scene in the dance studio between Bella, Edward and James). With that being said, I will probably go see it when it comes out on November 21, but only because I'm a curious fellow.

Are you guys going to watch it when it comes out? Any thoughts on the final trailer, maybe even the music?

USA Network renews 'Burn Notice,' 'Psych'

2008-10-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

NBC Universal's cable hotshot USA Network has given full, 16-episode orders to "Burn Notice" and "Psych."

Both series will return in 2009 for the second halves of their respective seasons; however, "Psych" will air a special Christmas-themed episode in late November. The new seasons ("Burn Notice's" third season and "Psych's" fourth) will most likely begin airing during the summer.

Hooray for USA!

'Daisies,' 'Practice,' 'Money' losing viewers

2008-10-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

According to The Hollywood Reporter's Live Feed, the Wednesday ABC 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. hours are steadily decreasing, and it was no different last night.

While I loyally stayed put at 8 p.m. to watch "Pushing Daisies," I must admit that it was difficult for me to want to watch the "Grey's Anatomy" spin-off or "Dirty Sexy Money" right after.

Even though "Daisies" reached a series low last night with only 5.6 million viewers, it was only down a tenth, while "Private Practice" (7.3 million, also a series low; down 24% from the previous week) and "Money" (5.9 million, series low; down 17%) were down a lot more. So maybe that's the only good news that can be gathered from the bad.

Please get your friends and family to start watching "Pushing Daisies" next week at the very least!

'Privileged' gains traction (and viewers)

2008-10-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

Great news for the often-struggling CW network: "Privileged" just might be the underdog of the year.

I have always sang the praises of the 9 p.m. show, ever since it premiered more than a month ago after the terrible revival series, "90210." "Privileged" is gaining traction, as evident with the impressive 22% increase with 2.3 million viewers after last night's broadcast compared to its previous week. (Yesterday's "90210" dropped slightly with 3.1 million.) It has to be one of the best scripted series of the freshman class this year, yet it hardly gets any press or exposure.

Barring anything crazy happening or the world ending, I foresee that this Tuesday night show will stay put for a while.

Reminder to tune in to 'Pushing Daisies' at 8 p.m.

2008-10-08T18:11:00.001-07:00

"Pushing Daisies," a critical darling, needs all the help it can get. If you haven't been watching, please tune in tonight at 8 p.m.!

'How I Met Your Mother' gets more viewers than 'Heroes'

2008-10-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

Here are the numbers on some notable shows from last night:

"How I Met Your Mother" (CBS) - 9 million viewers; up 9% from previous week.
"Chuck" (NBC) - 5.8 million; down 15% [series low].
"Heroes" (NBC) - 8.2 million; down 11% [series low].
"Prison Break" (FOX) - 5.8 million; up slightly.
"Worst Week" (CBS) - 8.9 million; up 3%.

Now I can understand the huge dips in viewership for the hard-to-follow and often convoluted storylines that plague "Heroes," but what's up with the steady declines of "Chuck"? I'm a bit confused myself.

Sarah Jessica Parker commits to next post-'Sex and the City' project

2008-10-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

Sarah Jessica Parker is helming a HBO comedy pilot called "Washingtonienne" that was just recently cast. Rachael Taylor, Amanda Walsh and Bitsie Tulloch ("quarterlife") are the three female leads.

The show, according to The Hollywood Reporter, is this:

"Based on the semi-autobiographical book by Jessica Cutler about the sexploits of a low-level female congressional staffer with powerful men on Capitol Hill. "Washingtonienne" revolves around the professional and personal lives of three smart, sophisticated 28-year-old girls working on the Hill.

At the center is Jackie (Taylor), a recent transplant from New York who has decided to pursue a career as a speechwriter but first must work her way up from the intern desk.

Her mentor in the ways of Washington is her old college friend April (Tulloch), who has been on the Hill since graduation and lives a prematurely middle-age lifestyle with a boyfriend who seems more in love with his flashy senator boss than with her.

And finally there's Laura (Walsh), a small-town girl whose workaholic ways often come at the expense of a social life and who is constantly defending her Republican views to her liberal friends."

Based on synopsis alone, it sounds sort of interesting, but another version of "Lipstick Jungle" or "Sex and the City." Thoughts?

'My Boys' comes back in 2009 for its third season

2008-10-07T18:42:00.000-07:00

TBS' buddy comedy, "My Boys," which stars Jordana Spiro, has been renewed for a third season. The cable network that also airs "The Bill Engvall Show" and Tyler Perry's "House of Payne" has ordered nine episodes that will air sometime next year.

I'm a fan of this show. Are you?

'It's Always Sunny' takes over YouTube with Dee's PatheticGirl43

2008-10-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

Remember that video Charlie discovered of Dee airing out her confessions during the premiere of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"? Well, life is imitating art! PatheticGirl43 has become a YouTube sensation.

Here's the first of three video diaries:

'Jack & Bobby' makes a triumphant return, sort of

2008-10-07T00:44:00.000-07:00

I'm a little miffed right now. I just made a big post about "Jack and Bobby's" return on TheWB.com but Blogger decided to act up and delete my post. (And it was a damn good one too!)

Basically, to make this short and sweet, I loved this show like no other. It didn't cave in to the demands of the lazy, impatient, brainless viewer. It kept true to its intentions and provided profoundly written storylines and characters we could all relate to. The show required the viewers to think, to engage with the stories they were telling.

Even though it's been a few years since it last aired on the WB (yes, it was that long ago), I urge you all to watch the complete season online when you get the chance. I promise that you will like it.

'Castle' teaser out months before scheduled 2009 premiere

2008-10-06T18:56:00.001-07:00

Nathan Fillion. That name should say it all. I haven't seen the video below yet but my roommate who just saw it said it looked like a good show. Take a peek and judge for yourself!

'SNL' spoofs VP debate

2008-10-05T22:58:00.001-07:00

ABC's 'Life on Mars' makes its debut in less than one week

2008-10-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

I apologize in advance if I'm bombarding you with updates. Since I've been slacking all week, a bunch of notable TV news has crept up and because I'm a procrastinator, Fridays always seem to be the day I post 'em all up whilst at work. Oops.

Finally more information has been made available for ABC's new drama "Life on Mars," starring Jason O'Mara. (Since I'm lazy and don't want to upload the videos they sent to me, I'm embedding the YouTube videos.) Even after watching these videos, I'm still unsure of how the show will be received. Unfortunately, based on what's happened in the past, the shows that creep up on you almost always have a dim future ahead of them.

For everything you need to know about the show, take a look at this helpful four-minute rundown.

Sneak peek #1: Sam Tyler (O'Mara) gets stuck in 1973.

Sneak peek #2 (sort of).

Based on what you've seen above, are you going to tune in on Thursday at 10 p.m.? It's going to cause problems with my viewing of FX's "It's Always Sunny," but I am willing to give it a chance - if only because the concept is more interesting than say "Boston Legal" or any of the "Law and Orders" out there. Just sayin'.

CW orders pre-Robin series, 'The Graysons'

2008-10-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

Oh CW. You take one step forward with "Gossip Girl" and Privileged," but take five steps back when you order a pilot of a pre-"Batman series centered on Dick Grayson before he becomes the Batman's partner-in-crime. Network, what are you thinking?! Or are you even thinking at all?

According to Variety, "The Graysons" will be similar in style and tone to another superhero show "Smallville." It will be produced by the same guys from "Smallville" and McG ("The O.C.," "Terminator: Salvation").

Is this potential "Smallville" replacement going to alter Dick Grayson's origins? It's pretty clear how he came to be Robin. Entertainment Weekly's PopWatch comments on why "The Graysons" is the worst idea of the week. I'll go even as far as to say, year. Here is their take on it:

1) Dick Grayson's origin story goes like this: He was a kid when his circus-acrobat parents died in an "accident" engineered by very bad men. He's taken in by Bruce Wayne, who channels the kid's fury into fighting crime, and gives him a girl's/bird's name to do it. Not a whole lot there to base a TV show around, unless you monkey with his origin to a point where it's unrecognizable. Which is exactly what they're doing. According to the Variety piece, The Graysons "will be set in modern times, young DJ will face challenges involving first loves, young rivals and his family as he grows up." Ecch.

2) They're changing his name to D.J. Grayson. Look, I get that you don't want your hero to be called "Dick" all the time. But what's wrong with "Richard'? Every time I hear "D.J." I think its going to be followed by "and the Bear."

3) Of all the DC Comics properties to make a TV show out of, this is the wrong one to choose. Hell, even if you wanted to make a Batman-related show, to capitalize on The Dark Knight's success, there are far better choices. Here's one, of the top of my very large head: Gotham Central, a police procedural that shows how the cops deal with all the stuff Batman doesn't have time for. You never once have to show Batman, it's not his show. So, no tights. But you still have access to the entire Batman rogues gallery. You do that one right, it's like Law and Order...but 23 percent more awesome.

4) See No. 2. Blurg.

Um, tell me about it.

CW's 'Privileged' is all 'sizzle'

2008-10-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

Reading reviews of television shows or movies I've seen is always fun because half the time I'm in complete agreement with the reviewer's analysis and the half, I don't see eye to eye with the reviewer. That is the case with The Hollywood Reporter's review of the CW's Tuesday post-"90210" hour, "Privileged." (It should be noted that I interned there for three months this summer.)

It explores the lives of rich people in a way that makes reality seem exactly like a cartoon. But for those who like a little realism with their comedy, it doesn't fly too terribly high.

I disagree. Yes, it might follow the typical CW formula of the cute teen/young adult dramedy with each episode being message-themed in some way, but "Privileged" offers a lot more than just a pretty leading lady navigating her way through the trials of life (and class society) as a strong, mid-twenties woman. (I will give the reviewer credit for picking up on the show's vibe, however, that is part of its appeal. You have to remember, the target audience for the CW is entirely different than that of ABC or Fox.)

The comedy is realistic; every situation that the characters are in (with the exception of one or two) feels sincere and genuine. Most importantly, you believe Megan's (brilliantly played by JoAnna Garcia) dilemma and hardships. Every conflict she encounters, whether it be romantic, familial or work-related is fully realized in each episode and no stone goes unturned. I can't think of any situation the characters have been exposed to that neither feels realistic nor cartoonish.

The opener, written by executive producer Rina Mimoun, sets the table for the stranger-in-a-strange-land, fish-out-of-water conceit capably but without a whole lot of cleverness.

I do agree with the reviewer in that the concept isn't exactly the most original, but sometimes it's not about how innovative you can get with your show synopsis (like "Fringe"), but how you interpret that formula and execute it onscreen. Rina Mimoun ("Gilmore Girls") does effectively tie in the "Gilmore Girls"-esque quality into "Privileged," and unlike what this reviewer says, that style of writing and dialogue works to the benefit of a simple, straightforward show such as this.

People don't really speak with the freewheeling rat-a-tat-tat confidence that they do here, and aside from Garcia none are interesting enough to much care about, much less relate to.

People don't normally talk like they did on "Gilmore Girls" but clearly, enough liked it enough to keep it on the air for almost a decade.

Rose (Lucy Kate Hale) is strong and likable, as well as the more innocent of the two sisters. Charlie (Michael Cassidy), Megan's best friend, is a welcomed addition as someone she confides in who isn't in Palm Beach's high society. The show is perfectly cast and all the characters are interesting in their own ways and in varying degrees.

This isn't a promising sign for a series just leaving the starting gate.

While its ratings are modest (less than 2 million viewers each week), television bloggers have been singing its praises like Zap2it, Give Me My Remote and even Entertainment Weekly's PopWatch.

Mac and Charlie die in 'It's Always Sunny'

2008-10-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

Cross-posted at Give Me My Remote.

Ready for some Philly fun? Thought so – but before we get into the crazy happenings of our five favorite Pennsylvania do-gooders, if you haven’t been visiting “Sunny’s” supplemental blog, Paddy’s Pub, please drop everything you’re doing right this second and head on over for a gander! (You must be 21 to enter…or you can lie - a fake ID really holds up well online). It’s constantly updated with chapters from Dennis’ erotic memoir, mailbags with the cast and behind-the-scenes production notes.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, here’s a rundown of what went down in tonight’s hour long where Mac and Charlie both die … sort of.

So we know from the second season that Mac’s dad is in jail and that he’s a big, scary guy with tattoos and the whole shebang. Well, after Charlie – as he usually does – is caught saying some not so nice things about Mac and Charlie’s butts in Mr. Mac, Mac’s dad is granted parole and released from jail. In an effort to be free and safe of the threat of Mr. Mac (I’ll just refer to him as such as we never find out his name), Mac and Charlie get the incredible idea to somehow fake kill themselves, only it takes Charlie a little longer to figure that out – as always. At one point, he has the idea – among many others – to kill Mac via a knife jab in the neck. Effective? Not so much.

After some hard thinking, Mac and Charlie settle on the ultimate fake death plan: Leave Charlie’s teeth all around Dee’s ’97 Dodge Neon. Throw videotape out of car window of last words. Drive car towards brick wall. Jump out of car three feet before car hits said wall. Have car blow up in a blaze of glory. Did that happen? Not so much. After Charlie decides to be the loyal watcher from afar, Mac drives straight into the wall and dings himself quite a bit, after which the “dead” duo saunters over to a local Philly pawn shop to find something to blow up the car and Mac, spotting a gangly white wedding dress, is determined to get his hands on it. Charlie, now the sane one (now isn’t that a scary thought), tries to get Mac to part with the wedding dress, but at least now we know Mac is a closet bride, or bridesmaid at the very least.

One “old” grenade later, the car blows up slightly, much to the disappointment of the two. In a fit of confusion or insanity, asks, “Where’s the bride?” while donning his new purchase. Back at Paddy’s, Dee and Frank discover a very large hole between two bathroom stalls in the men’s bathroom to which Dennis explains is a Glory Hole (for people to do their personal business … ahem, with another person). Let’s just say Frank and Dennis make a small visit over to an elite anonymous sex party (where everyone wears masks and ends up being middle-aged, overweight men) and see that that’s not quite what they bargained for post-Glory Hole discovery. Dennis says it best when he made the observation that it was more a “half-naked buffet party.”

After Dee finds Mac and Charlie’s videotape, it begins to set in that they might really be gone and because they’re so incredibly selfless, Mac and Charlie crawl through the vents above the bar to see how their friends and families cope. It takes only a couple of hours for Dennis to get over Mac and Charlie’s faux deaths, and he takes out a personal ad looking for new roommates to try that “Three’s Company” thing. A shady-looking European guy answers the call, and at first Dennis thinks he’s found the one after two hot women grace their presence, but once he finds out that the weird European guy sets up a makeshift sex date in the bathroom for Dennis and Frank, things go a bit haywire. Oh and Dee (after she tries to get in on the whole faking your own death thing), Mac and Charlie reveal that they aren’t really dead – but everyone already knew that, so much for a shocking surprise dudes and dudette.

While I became a huge fan after listening in on Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day and Rob McElhenney talk about “It’s Always Sunny” at this year’s Comic-Con, this two-parter cemented my love for their absolutely wrong moral compass and illogical resolutions to outrageous problems to begin with. Only on this show is it acceptable and funny for something like the shadow of a penis encroaching towards someone’s head (you’ll know what I’m talking about if you’ve seen the episode) or have people attending their own funerals through vents.

What were your favorite parts of the episodes? If you had to fake your own deaths, what would the circumstances have to be?

Memorable Lines
- Mac: “We’re going to have enough to buy that (pointing to a gun) and the wedding dress right?”

- Frank: “Do you want to bang on an empty stomach?”
Dennis: “Good point.”

- Charlie (to Mac): “This would be better with beans.”

- Charlie (to Dee): “What’s your bean situation? Got some beans on you?”

Quick Takes
- Dennis and Frank go to the elite sex society party wearing black capes and ridiculous Halloween masks, to which Frank says the password to get in, which turns out to be ORGY. Obvious much?

- While Dee tries the public transportation in Philly, she gets puked on by a guy who breathes right into her face. I have to say that moment was completely unexpected for me as a viewer, and because of that, I commend the writers/cast/crew/whoever thought that one up. It was completely disgusting, but so funny at the same time.

- Who knew Charlie wanted to be cremated and then put into everyone’s tea so they’d be drinking him?

- The funeral at the Pub with Mac and Charlie’s mothers as the only other visitors besides Dennis, Dee and Frank – and Mac’s mom was falling asleep with a cig in her mouth. Priceless!
- Dennis and Frank almost do it in the bathroom (via the Glory Hole)!

- Who’s been keeping count of how many teeth Charlie has lost this episode? I think he’s lost at least eight or nine. Anyone want to give a definitive count?

- Was I the only one sort of creeped out by what Frank could’ve been doing to that Charlie mannequin? I shudder at the possibilities.

VP debate between Biden, Palin better than scripted television

2008-10-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Updated at 2:14 p.m.

Like 38 million other people, I sat down last night to watch the anticipated Vice Presidential Debates between Senator Joe Biden of Delaware (Dem.) and Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska (Rep.). I've already made up my mind on who won that debate, but even if you're still unsure about who took home the gold, at least we can all agree it certainly was entertaining.

Here are just some of the highlights from the debate.

Joe Biden shoots down Sarah Palin's description that Presidential hopeful John McCain is a "maverick." End of the debate.

The VP candidates talk about their respective health care plans.

Palin gets the U.S. Commanding Officer's name wrong. Turns out the guy she named was in the Civil War.

Palin: "White flag of surrender." Probably one of her best highlight from the debate. Oh so quotable, ahem, "Saturday Night Live."

Nielsen line shows Biden wins big on topic of war.

If you haven't watched the debate, don't worry. CSPAN has graciously uploaded the full 92-minute (oh no, they went over by 120 seconds!) VP debate on YouTube.

Top 10 biggest fall gainers (and losers)

2008-10-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Hollywood Reporter's Live Feed has put out an interesting fact sheet of this season's top 10 television series gainers and losers. Unfortunately, several critically-acclaimed shows are on the latter. Let's hope that it was just an abherration.

Please remember that some of these shows who might have gained the most viewers are still well below acceptable broadcast viewership standards.

Top 10 Gainers (so far)
1. CW SUPERNATURAL 1.2 to 1.7 = 42%
2. CBS CRIMINAL MINDS 3.5 to 4.7 = 34%
3. CBS HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER 3.3 to 4.0 = 21%
4. CBS CSI: MIAMI 4.6 to 5.2 = 13%
5. CBS NCIS 3.2 to 3.6 = 13%
6. CBS TWO AND A HALF MEN 4.8 to 5.3 = 10%
7. CBS CSI: NY 3.7 to 4.0 = 8%
8. CW GOSSIP GIRL 1.6 to 1.7 = 6%
9. CW ONE TREE HILL 1.6 to 1.7 = 6%
10. FOX AMERICAN DAD 3.1 to 3.2 = 3%

Top 10 Losers (so far)
1. ABC PUSHING DAISIES 4.4 to 2.0 = -55%
2. FOX TERMINATOR 4.2 to 2.4 = -43%
3. FOX DON'T FORGET THE LYRICS 2.9 to 1.7 = -41%
4. CBS WITHOUT A TRACE 4.7 to 2.8 = -40%
5. CBS OLD CHRISTINE 3.2 to 2.1 = -34%
6. ABC DIRTY SEXY MONEY 3.6 to 2.4 = -33%
7. CW AMERICA'S TOP MODEL 2.5 to 1.7 = -32%
8. FOX SMARTER THAN 5TH GRADER 2.5 to 1.7 = -32%
9. NBC HEROES 7.3 to 5.0 = -32%
10. NBC MY NAME IS EARL 3.8 to 2.7 = -29%

New Inside the Tube coming soon

2008-10-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

Though I started this blog as a supplement to my weekly column in the USC Daily Trojan, I have gotten hooked on the idea of possibly pursuing this as my side project for the rest of my television-watching days (which won't end for awhile, I can guarantee you that).

I've been looking around for hosting sites and plans and have settled on where I want to go. It's just a matter of when it's most logical for me to start putting things together and working on the new design and such. If any of you are good with WordPress or any other blogging mechanism, please leave a comment, find me on Twitter or send an e-mail. I would really appreciate your expertise.

I love Blogspot, but it's too restricting. Plus, search optimization is low. I'll let you all know what's going on with the new site and hopefully I'll debut it in the coming months.

ABC's Wednesday premiere night returns with dramatic declines

2008-10-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

This is not a good sign.

According to The Hollywood Reporter's Live Feed, last night's premieres of "Pushing Daisies," "Private Practice" and "Dirty Sexy Money" were down substantially from last year.

"Daisies" was down a whopping 55% with 6.3 million viewers, "Practice" was down 38% with 8 million viewers and "Money" was down 31% with 7.1 million viewers.

Despite great reviews, "Daisies" - which was arguably the breakout hit of last year - suffered the most, placing fourth in the 8 p.m. time slot for the night.

If this is a sign of coming times, I urge you to please start watching these shows (if anything, at least "Daisies") live.

'Pushing Daisies' buzzes with a Bee Man, Lil' Gum Shoe and lots of mite(s)

2008-10-02T00:35:00.000-07:00

Wasn't tonight's season premiere of "Pushing Daisies" just fantastic? I forgot how much I missed this show. Even the guest stars ("Wonderfalls'" Diana Scarwid and "The O.C.'s" Autumn Reeser) were magnificent in their minor supporting roles. Since I have to get up early (in less than eight hours), I'll post up a formal review some time on Thursday. I might also do some mad YouTube searching for some of the episode's highlights.

Have a good night!

'Fringe' gets full season order from Fox

2008-10-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

It's official, Joshua Jackson and company will be gracing the small screen for the rest of the television season! "Fringe" is the second official full-season order, behind CW's expected back-nine order of its "Beverly Hills, 90210" remake, "90210."

Who wants to bet that "Privileged" will get a full season too? Come on, you know you want to ...

Back from a mini-break on Wednesday night

2008-10-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

I apologize for slacking a little for the past few days. I've been pretty busy writing my column for the newspaper and working on little television blurbs here and there, but I promise I'll be back and in full force tomorrow night in time for the "Pushing Daisies" premiere!

I also have some "Grey's Anatomy" goodies that'll take me lifetime and a half to upload, but I promise all you diehard "Grey's" fans, that you won't be sorry. Also, the sneak peek of "Dirty Sexy Money" will be up (hopefully) before the premiere tomorrow, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

Just so you guys will believe that I have been keeping tabs on some shows that just premiered and ones I've been watching, here are some of my quick takes:

- Sunday's "Brothers & Sisters" third season premiere started off the same, but who doesn't like watching sparring siblings try to keep secrets hidden, fighting over the family business and mucking their relationships up? My favorite TV couple, Scotty and Kevin, almost surpasses the adorableness of Jim and Pam from "The Office" with their quick-witted banter. (I did say almost right?) [First Impression: 7/10]

- Is it just me or is "Chuck" just getting better and better as the episodes (and seasons) continue? Monday's premiere was full of what we all love - Chuck getting into a mound of crap, Chuck and Sarah moving two millimeters closer to being more than just co-workers, Chuck and Morgan planning out an elaborate Call of Duty battle plan and Chuck saving the day ... as Charles Carmichael, which actually worked. Take note my amateur spy friends, take note. [First Impression: 8/10]

- I had to watch Monday's "Gossip Girl" episode because of "How I Met Your Mother" (sorry "GG" fans!), but I did manage to watch most of it this afternoon. In my mind, "Gossip Girl" can do no wrong and it proved that with this Fashion Week-centric ep. It was entertaining, funny and complete with quotable one-liners. Who doesn't love that? But, where was Nate and Vanessa? [First Impression: 7.5/10]

- Tonight's episode of "Privileged" ("Fringe" will be viewed tomorrow afternoon) was so damn adorable, I don't even know what to do with myself. The characters are perfectly cast and the dialogue is neither stupid nor overwhelming to the viewer. Though previous episodes certainly paved the way for a possible love triangle between Megan, her best friend Charlie (so adorable) and hot, wealthy neighbor Will, this only cemented that fact - only now, it's more of a ... love rhombus? [First Impression: 8.5/10]

- I missed the first 20 minutes of "House" because I was at dinner at Philippe's with my roommate but I can already tell this episode is filled with sarcastic zings from the limping doc himself and comparable comebacks from his private investigator slash new best friend. [First Impression: 9/10]

On a lighter note, "How I Met Your Mother" was great. Who knew Reeg could act so well? (Kidding, sort of.)

'The Office's' Jim and Pam get engaged!

2008-09-28T12:45:00.001-07:00

If you haven't watched Thursday's hourlong premiere of "The Office," get out of this post as soon as possible! For everyone else, the best moment of the episode was at the very end. Here's Jim proposing in the rain at a gas station (where that soda exploded on him).

Can you say squee-worthy?!

Hear what the stars of 'Pushing Daisies' have to say about the show

2008-09-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

As promised, interviews with Lee Pace, Ellen Greene and Swoozie Kurtz! Don't forget to tune in on Wednesday at 8 p.m. on ABC for the season premiere of "Pushing Daisies."

Also, starting on Monday night, pivotal moments in "Grey's Anatomy" history will be up, just in time for Thursday's new episode!

Another sneak peek into 'Pushing Daisies' season premiere on Wednesday

2008-09-26T18:52:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is the second sneak peek into the season premiere of "Pushing Daisies"! Don't forget to tune in Wednesday, Oct. 1 on ABC at 8 p.m.

Sarah Michelle Gellar goes back to TV (finally)

2008-09-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

"Buffy" alumna Sarah Michelle Gellar is set to return to the small screen in an upcoming HBO series, "The Wonderful Maladys," which she will also executive produce, according to Variety.

Gellar will play a woman that acts like "a drug addict with a to-do list," an interesting character description, no?

The show starts shooting next year. Looking forward to hearing more info on this new ensemble series!

Thursday ratings drop for 'Ugly Betty,' 'The Office'

2008-09-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Oh no, say it isn't so! Last night's premieres were substantially lower than in years past, and it seems like not one show was immune to this outbreak.

According the The Hollywood Reporter's Live Feed, "Grey's Anatomy" had an impressive 18.3 million viewers, but it was down 18% from last year. "Ugly Betty" premiered to a solid 9.8 million, but was down 15% from 2007. Even though ABC's ratings slipped a little from the previous year, the network won the night.

NBC's highly anticipated "The Office" premiere held strong with 9.2 million viewers, but slipped 9% from last year. Its lead-in, "My Name Is Earl," however, lost the most viewers, down 29% with 6.4 million viewers.

Webisodes for 'Ugly Betty' revitalize struggling dramedy

2008-09-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

ABC.com has created a new web series, "Mode After Hours," that follows "Ugly Betty" characters (and heavy fan favorites) Marc (Michael Urie) and Amanda (Becki Newton).

According to the Futon Critic, the series will follow the two friends as they navigate the office after work hours and everyone else has left. New webisodes will be posted every Thursday morning to coincide with that night's "Ugly Betty" episode.

ABC also plans on premiering new webisodes for "Scrubs," which returns midseason, and "Brothers & Sisters," which premieres its third season Sunday night at 10 p.m.

Hopefully this will help "Ugly Betty" sustain its viewers.

Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart spoof New Yorker cover for EW

2008-09-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

This will brighten your day. Comedy Central stalwarts Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart grace the cover of the current issue of Entertainment Weekly, but it's not just any old photo shoot. Nope, instead Colbert and Stewart parody the controversial New Yorker cover.

You can read the full interview here. Can you even recognize the two comedians on the cover? I had to do a double take.

Who thought Jon Stewart and/or Stephen Colbert should've hosted the Emmys this year?

'Pushing Daisies' season 2 sneak peek adds bees to the mix

2008-09-26T02:17:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 1 because it's going to be a great night of television, beginning at 8 p.m. with ABC's cinematic masterpiece "Pushing Daisies."

To tie you all over until then, I have been fortunate enough to have some special videos teasing the season premiere as well as an interview with some of the cast members, including Lee Pace, Swoosie Kurtz and Ellen Greene.

Disclaimer: If you don't want to be spoiled with crucial story elements, I advise you to skip over the videos.

Check out the blog on Friday night for another sneak peek video of the upcoming season premiere. Check back on Saturday afternoon for a behind-the-scenes interview with the cast.

'The Office' spoiler alert: Jim proposed and Pam said yes!

2008-09-26T00:11:00.001-07:00

Not really a spoiler alert, but for those of you who haven't yet seen the premiere, boo on you!

This is a momentous ocassion in television coupledom! Not only did our favorite "Office" couple finally become engaged, after the moment was unknowingly taken away by Andy's proposal to Angela in last season's finale, but the moment was perfect.

In the rain. At the gas station (Jim (via AIM): "Exit 17, the one where the soda exploded on me."). Halfway between New York City and Scranton, PA. Oh, PB&J, how I've missed you.

Even though this isn't the real proposal, this'll tie us all over until tonight's iconic (real) proposal is uploaded onto YouTube, but for now, the fake one will do.

'Do Not Disturb' is donezo (what took them so long?)

2008-09-25T19:49:00.001-07:00

The half-hour sitcom starring "Reno 911's" Niecy Nash and Jerry O'Connell is finally done for good. After three aired episodes, "Do Not Disturb," which follows a hotel staff, is just a blip on the radar.

According to E!'s Kristin Dos Santos, the official announcement will not be made until next week, but that the show is done.

I, for one, am happy for this decision. That show wasn't funny and was just a disaster waiting to happen. Save those 30 minutes for something else.

'The Office' comes back, but does Jim still plan to propose?

2008-09-25T19:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the night we've all been waiting for. Alright, so maybe it's just me who's anticipating the hourlong premiere at 9 p.m. on NBC.

Last season ended filled with surprises. We found out that Jan, Michael's former lover and boss, was pregnant - but not with Michael's child. Andy proposed to Angela, stealing Jim and Pam's thunder, and Angela accepted - but not without revealing that she was still sleeping with her ex-boyfriend (cat killer) Dwight. The new HR representative, Holly Flax, rightly assumed that Kevin was ... slow. And Ryan was arrested via a YouTube video because of fraud.

All in a day's work at the office.

So after months of suspended anticipation, we'll finally see (for the first time ever) what the gang at Dunder-Mifflin have been up to this summer. Is Angela and Dwight still secretly going on about with their little scandalous tryst? Will Jim propose soon to Pam? Is Pam going to that art program she was accepted to? What's up with Michael and Holly? And that's just the start of it.

So tune in tonight at 9 p.m. on NBC. It's going to be legendary.

Look out for ABC sneak peeks

2008-09-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

To remind everyone of the big shows that are returning to ABC, I have a few sneak peek videos of some upcoming shows, like "Pushing Daisies" and "Dirty Sexy Money," that will be posted in the coming hours/days.

Also, don't forget to tune in to "The Office" season five premiere tonight at 9 p.m. on NBC!

VP hopeful Joe Biden blasts Obama ad on McCain's 'irrelevancy'

2008-09-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

This has been making the headlines this morning and is obviously not a good thing for the Obama camp to be dealing with right now. Vice presidential candidate Joe Biden isn't happy with the advertisement that calls Republican presidential nominee John McCain irrelevant and old.

In the advertisement, in a story posted by AOL News among other reputable news sites, the Obama campaign calls McCain computer illiterate and ignorant about the economy.

Thoughts?

Ciphers, second first dates and a mission to terminate 'Chuck' entertain in premiere

2008-09-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching the second season premiere of "Chuck" and since this isn't an official review of it, I am going to leave it short and sweet.

Basically, the gang picks up literally right when its first season ended. Its action-packed first hour balances the nerdy humor (the Nerd Herders at the Buy More), CIA/NSA ass-kicking and a sweet, sentimental moments between Chuck and Sarah at a Morgan-approved Chinese restaurant. There are so many fantastic moments within the first five minutes that it would be an impossible task to list every funny or awesome thing that happened, but here are some of the highlights:

- Casey, an NSA agent partnered with CIA agent Sarah and Chuck, drives his car straight into a Chinese restaurant where Chuck and Sarah have their second first date only to be surrounded by a bunch of hoodlums and says the best line of the episode, "Did anyone order drive-thru?"

- Ryan McPartlin, the Nerd Herders and Big Mike at the Buy More are all included in the opening credits!

- Captain Awesome working out in the hallway. Hot.

Perhaps the funniest exchange is between Zachary Levi (Chuck) and guest star Michael Clark Duncan (Colt) -
Chuck: What exactly are you doing?
Colt (stretching): Stretching, getting limber.
Chuck: Why are you doing that?
Colt: So I won't pull a muscle when I break your neck. Maybe you should get limber too.

- Casey catches Chuck - by the leg, no less - when he is thrown off the side of a building. Quite touching really.

- Chuck saves the day ... or wait, is it Charles Carmichael?

CW orders back nine for '90210'

2008-09-22T18:56:00.001-07:00

We're stuck with the skinny blonde/brunette bimbos of the CW's (what feels like a '96) revival of the classic "Beverly Hills, 90210" for an entire season, at the very least. How I miss the original ...

Not a good sign in terms of the state of this year's fall season, not a good one at all.

TheWB.com finally makes full seasons of 'Veronica Mars' available

2008-09-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

Though TheWB.com is still testing in Beta (the several times I've visited, there have been many problems with loading time efficiency and video lag time), they have finally made the entire three seasons of Rob Thomas' (not the singer) cult favorite "Veronica Mars" on the website.

Here's to hoping the technicians fixed some of those errors I just mentioned above, because "Veronica Mars" is one show that should never have to deal with technical incompetency.

Other teen-centric shows that have full seasons up for viewing are "The O.C." and "One Tree Hill."

'Chuck', 'Lipstick Jungle' premieres available on NBC.com

2008-09-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

Even though NBC's "Chuck" doesn't premiere until next Tuesday, the network has graciously provided its nerd-lovin' season two starter for the impatient and the anxious to view!

"Chuck" was one of last season's breakout hits, and with good reason. The cast is cohesive and funny, the dialogue is smartly written and the action sequences are fantastically shot. So please, if you haven't yet jumped on the bandwagon yet, now is not too late. Take a shot at the pilot and see if you enjoy it as much as I have.

Also available for streaming before their official premiere dates on NBC.com are "Knight Rider" (premieres Sept. 24), "Lipstick Jungle" (premieres Sept. 24). I've seen the season two premiere of "Lipstick Jungle" and it is definitely enjoyable. Mary Tyler Moore starts her multi-episode arc as Brooke Shields' characters mother. Heard from a friend that "Knight Rider" is a complete and utter JOKE. Don't even waste your precious time with it.

60th Primetime Emmys disappoints and shocks

2008-09-22T00:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a long night. After liveblogging for the Daily Trojan, which included watching over seven hours of pre-Emmy and red carpet coverage in addition to the three-hour snoozefest that almost made me wish I had a bottle of alcohol nearby, I can successfully say that I have survived the hauntingly boring and arbitrary ceremony that was the Emmys.

To check out my minute-to-minute Emmys updates for the newspaper, go here. Now I'm off to finish up my column and catch some much-needed zzz's.

'Roswell's' Brendan Fehr cast as David Boreanaz's brother on 'Bones'

2008-09-20T23:19:00.000-07:00

Maybe now I'll have a reason to actually pay attention to the episodes. (I caught barely half of Wednesday's episode.)

"Roswell" alumnus Brendan Fehr, who was also on ABC Family's miniseries "Samurai Girl" and "CSI: Miami," has been cast as Agent Seeley Booth's (Boreanaz) brother, Jared Booth. Fehr's character will supposedly be spending some quality time with Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel).

According to E!'s Kristin Dos Santos, show runner Hart Hanson spilled that Jared will be a major obstacle between Booth and Brennan. (Duh!)

Let's make this casting stick, Fox!

Note: Don't forget to watch the Primetime Emmys tomorrow night on ABC! I will be live blogging beginning around 3 p.m. when the red carpet show starts, most likely.

'It's Always Sunny' music video promo for season four

2008-09-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

Check it out!

Remember when 'The 4400' was USA's biggest show?

2008-09-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

As I rewatch the first season of the sci-fi drama "The 4400," which debuted in a six-hour miniseries in the summer of 2004 on a less-crowded USA Network, I kept wondering: How did an original show like this one get forgotten so quickly thereafter?

It was only a little over a year when "The 4400" closed its book for good (or so we think). Since then, it's felt like decades since anyone from the network or the millions of viewers who tuned in week in and week out have uttered one word about it.

The original miniseries (the first season) was basic cable's highest rated shows. In fact, season one averaged 6.2 million viewers. Yes, it must be noted that viewership dwindled by its third season, when the average viewership totaled a little over 3.2 million viewers and subsequently its last season stayed in the cool 2 million range.

What happened? Was it the sci-fi effect? Was it the complicated storylines? Was it the political, social and cultural commentary on the actual world we live in? Was it the direction the show took after its first season? What made it lose its luster? Because damnit, it was such a fantastic show.

I wonder what would've happened to these characters had season four not ended the way it did. I wonder if Seattle would be taken over by Jordan Collier and his followers. I wonder what The 4400 Center would become. Would it even exist in the same capacity as it did in seasonns two and three?

The 'It's Always Sunny' gang talks gas crisis and hunting men

2008-09-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

As I said before, I am a contributor to Give Me My Remote this season covering FX's fantastic comedy "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." If you are into wacky, off-color (and stupid, morally incapable) humor with shameless characters, this show is for you!

So please head on over to the website and read the post! The fourth season promises to be a great one!

'True Blood' renewed for another season

2008-09-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

HBO has given new life to the mature vampire series "True Blood" by giving it another year to live on the small screen after only two episodes have officially aired. The series is done with its 12-episode production.

Personally, I was mildly surprised to hear that the network decided to continue with the ratings-incompetent show. However, I am happy to hear that Alan Ball and crew will be delving into (perhaps) book two of the Sookie Stackhouse novels of which the show exclusively follows in its storylines.

TUNE IN: 'Fringe' (Tuesdays, 9 p.m.; Fox)

2008-09-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

Note: During the course of the next few weeks, as more new shows begin to premiere, I will be making my picks for the shows that will be most worthy of your time. "Fringe" is my first pick of the young television season.

Tonight's second episode of FOX's new hit, "Fringe," was intense, filled with cheesy and awkward dialogue and at the same time, extremely entertaining television.

Yes, the J.J. Abrams hourlong drama thriller is still working out its kinks. And yes, some of the characters' (and actors') chemistry aren't meshing just yet. But the implausibility of its fringe science-driven cases and capabilities are what sustains "Fringe" as one of the fall season's best new hits.

It doesn't matter that we still can't meld two people's thoughts into a coherent dream-like state. Who cares if it's impossible for a fetus to age rapidly in the womb to the point where after just an hour, it kills its mother (via combustion in the womb) and grows into a full-fledged adult. Nope, none of that really matters. All that really matters is that the characters in the world Abrams has created, along with "Transformers'" writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, believe that all that is possible - and they do, rather intensely.

Newcomer Anna Torv (Olivia Dunham) isn't the typical leading lady. She still lacks a demand for attention, something former "Alias" star Jennifer Garner consistently upheld during her tenure on her five-year run on the ABC spy thriller (also helmed by Abrams). But, with a new show, comes time and with time, Torv will learn to show Olivia's emotions with grace and fight with dignity and integrity.

"Dawson's Creek" alumnus Joshua Jackson, however, is the show's comedic relief and often blurts out what us, the viewers, are thinking, reacting or seeing onscreen. Was he the best choice for the role as Peter Bishop? Maybe not, but Jackson injects a sense of realness and cynicism that balances out the absurdities in the cases and supposed fringe science techniques that his institutionalized father, Dr. Walter Bishop, perfected. (Also, Jackson's lines are perhaps one of the weakest aspects of the show, but in tonight's episode, he did use the unforgettable phrase "man baby" twice!)

So is "Fringe" the most accurate show on television? Probably not. But it's intriguing storylines keep evolving into something much more complicated than before; there are layers upon layers of kept secrets, unknown mysteries and dangerous truths - a recipe for another entertaining J.J. Abrams show.

FOX's "Fringe" airs Tuesday nights right after "House" at 9 p.m.

'SNL's' Amy Poehler to leave show after elections

2008-09-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

It's a sad day in comedy today.

One of the most entertaining comediennes of "Saturday Night Live", Amy Poehler will be leaving her stoop once she takes maternity leave after the November election. It was old news that Poehler would be leaving the sketch comedy show after this season; it was a matter of when.

Remember a couple months ago it was announced that she would be starring in a new Greg Daniels/Michael Schur project for NBC? Instead, she'll focus her time on that post-baby birth.

'How I Met Your Mother' to have syndicated airings in 2010

2008-09-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

Not really exciting news as it doesn't go into effect until the fall of 2010 (that's two years from now), but this should be a sigh of relief to all the loyal 'How I Met Your Mother' viewers out there.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the CBS half-hour comedy will launch in syndication in several metropolitan areas, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston and Sacramento.

Woohoo!

IMDb.com joins Hulu, Fancast in offering free streamable TV, movies

2008-09-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

Let's add another destination competing for our online TV and film streaming.

Amazon.com's popular movie and TV database, IMDb.com (International Movie Database), will be offering free online streaming for over 6,000 television series and film titles. The season premieres of two returning NBC shows, "Lipstick Jungle" and "30 Rock," will be available on the website before they are officially telecast on their respective nights.

According to Reuters, popular shows like "24" and "Heroes" will be among the shows available.

What do you think about this new development?

60th Primetime Emmys predictions

2008-09-15T21:16:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, Sept. 21 on ABC, we will finally find out the big winners for the major categories! As the night nears, predictions and speculation will come out of the woodwork. Here is my take on who I think should win and who I think will win.

BEST DRAMA SERIES
"Boston Legal"
"Damages"
"Dexter" - should win
"House"
"Lost"
"Mad Men" - will win

BEST COMEDY SERIES
"Curb Your Enthusiasm"
"Entourage"
"The Office"
"30 Rock" - should win, will win
"Two and a Half Men"

BEST ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES
Gabriel Byrne, "In Treatment"
Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"
Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"
Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"
Hugh Laurie, "House" - should win, will win
James Spader, "Boston Legal"

BEST ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES
Glenn Close, "Damages" - should win, will win
Sally Field, "Brothers and Sisters"
Mariska Hargitay, "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit"
Holly Hunter, "Saving Grace"
Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer"

BEST ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock" - will win
Steve Carell, "The Office" - should win
Lee Pace, "Pushing Daisies" - should win
Tony Shalhoub, "Monk"
Charlie Sheen, "Two and a Half Men"

BEST ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES
Christina Applegate, "Samantha Who?"
America Ferrera, "Ugly Betty"
Tina Fey, "30 Rock" - will win
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "The New Adventures of Old Christine"
Mary-Louise Parker, "Weeds" - should win

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES
Ted Danson, "Damages" - should win, will win
Michael Emerson, "Lost"
Zeljko Ivanek, "Damages"
William Shatner, "Boston Legal"
John Slattery, "Mad Men"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES
Candice Bergen, "Boston Legal"
Rachel Griffiths, "Brothers and Sisters"
Sandra Oh, "Grey's Anatomy"
Dianne Wiest, "In Treatment"
Chandra Wilson, "Grey's Anatomy" - should win, will win

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES
Jon Cryer, "Two and a Half Men"
Kevin Dillon, "Entourage"
Neil Patrick Harris, "How I Met Your Mother" - should win, will win
Jeremy Piven, "Entourage"
Rainn Wilson, "The Office"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES
Kristin Chenoweth, "Pushing Daisies" - should win
Amy Poehler, "Saturday Night Live" - will win
Jean Smart, "Samantha Who?"
Holland Taylor, "Two and a Half Men"
Vanessa Williams, "Ugly Betty"

BEST REALITY HOST
Tom Bergeron, 'Dancing With The Stars'
Heidi Klum, 'Project Runway' - should win
Howie Mandel, 'Deal Or No Deal'
Jeff Probst, 'Survivor'
Ryan Seacrest, 'American Idol' - will win

BEST REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
"The Amazing Race" - should win, will win
"American Idol"
"Dancing with the Stars"
"Project Runway"
"Top Chef"

BEST VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES
"The Colbert Report" - should win
"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" - should win, will win
"Late Show With David Letterman"
"Real Time With Bill Maher"
"Saturday Night Live"

'John Adams' wins big at Creative Emmys

2008-09-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

HBO's miniseries "John Adams" starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney was the night's biggest winner in tonight's six-hour Creative Emmys hosted by funny man Neil Patrick Harris and Sarah Chalke. The star-studded period drama won eight awards (out of its whopping 23 nominations), easily topping the next best performer, AMC's "Mad Men," which won a total of four statuettes.

"John Adams" took home awards for casting, costumes, prosthetic makeup, visual effects, sound mixing, editing, cinematography and art direction.

Other notable awards came with ABC's freshman hit "Pushing Daisies," which took home picture editing for a comedy and music composition. NBC's "30 Rock" won awards for guest actor with Tim Conway, casting and sound mixing. "Mad Men" took home an award for main title design, among three others.

The Creative Emmys are naturally a more subdued affair, honoring those behind the scenes (makeup, wardrobe, costumes, etc.) more than the ones in front of it. Tonight's Creative Emmys will air Saturday, Sept. 20 on E! The main Emmys telecast with all the major players will air live on Sunday, Sept. 21 via ABC.

Among the networks, HBO was the big winner, with 16 awards to add to its mantle, mostly due in part to "John Adams'" impressive haul. ABC and PBS tied for second with nine, while CBS and NBC walked away with eight and six respectively.

Preview of Friday night shows up Sept. 19

2008-09-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

I am back from a busy but fun-filled, crazed weekend!

Friday consisted of a random, but great (besides the Counting Crows) concert with Augustana (who I missed), Counting Crows and Maroon 5 in Irvine. On my way up to our seats, I saw Adam Levine riding his motorcycle to the backstage area. So badass.

Saturday consisted of the best home football game since I've been at USC, against Ohio State. The football team ended up killing the Buckeyes (isn't that a nut?) 35 to 3.

The fall preview of Friday night shows will be posted next Friday. I will be getting back into the swing of things soon!

'House' star Hugh Laurie gets big raise

2008-09-12T00:16:00.000-07:00

Hugh Laurie is now among the highest-paid actors in a drama series.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Laurie will earn $400,000 per episode, putting him right behind "CSI's" William Peterson, who earns a whopping $600,000, and "24's" Kiefer Sutherland, who gets a weekly paycheck of about $500,000. When you do the math, that means that Laurie will earn more than $9 million this year.

Laurie will also receive a producing credit and has extended his contract until 2011-12, which means there'll be at least a couple more years of Dr. Gregory House's sarcastic wit!

FALL '08 PREVIEW: THURSDAY NIGHTS

2008-09-11T18:50:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the mania of Thursday nights! There are just so many things to watch and so little time. What to do ...

"The Office" (9 p.m., NBC)
Season 5 premieres Sept. 25

Starring: Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer
Synopsis: For the first time in its four-season run, we will see what events transpired during the summer. The season premiere, titled "Weight Loss," is basically an office-wide competition with, you guessed it, a prize for the person who loses the most weight. Changes are also coming for our beloved will they-won't they couple, Jim and Pam. Also, Amy Ryan (the lovely Holly Flax, new Human Resources Director) will be appearing in the new season.
My Prediction: With time comes changes, and "The Office" is no different. In Dunder-Mifflin's fifth year, an integral member of the cast (one of the five major actors) will no longer be in the office. Who, you ask, my it's pretty easy to tell - just rewatch the finale. This is a series that relies on the awkward silences and everyday ridiculousness that ensues in an artificial working environment.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

"Kath & Kim" (8:30 p.m., NBC) NEW
Series premieres Oct. 9

Starring: Molly Shannon, Selma Blair, Mikey Day
Synopsis: (From TV.com) Based on the hit Australian series, this comedy follows a divorced mom (Shannon) living in a suburban house with her depressed daughter (Blair).
My Prediction: The Australian show wasn't funny, so why is this version any different?
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Pass

"Ugly Betty" (8 p.m., ABC)
Season 3 premieres Sept. 25

Starring: America Ferrera, Eric Mabius, Vanessa Williams, Ana Ortiz, Becki Newton
Synopsis: (From TV.com) In the season premiere, many questions will plague Betty (Ferrera) and company: Will Betty choose Henry or Gio? Will Tony Diaz choose Hilda or his wife? And will Alexis choose Daniel or Wilhelmina to run Mode?
My Prediction: Hopefully with its move to New York City, the city's architecture and atmosphere will add a much-needed touch to the dramedy.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Catch Later

"Grey's Anatomy" (9 p.m., ABC)
Season 5 premieres Sept. 25

Starring: Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, Katherine Heigl, Chandra Wilson, Sandra Oh
Synopsis: In a nutshell, stuff happens to the doctors on Seattle Grace and "Grey's Anatomy" shows it.
My Prediction: It's slowly leaning toward has-been territory.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Pass

"Life on Mars" (10 p.m., ABC) NEW
Series premieres Oct. 9

Starring: Jason O'Mara, Harvey Keitel, Michael Imperioli, Gretchen Mol
Synopsis: (From TV.com) Sam Tyler (O'Mara) is a detective from the 21st century who travels back in time to the 1970s after a car accident. Tyler clashes with new boss Gene Hunt (Keitel) who doesn't take his coming from the future seriously. Tyler ends up working on a case involving a serial killer that may have something to do with his girlfriend's kidnapping in the present time.
My Prediction: I haven't heard much about the show but based on the premise, it sounds remotely interesting.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Catch Later

"Eleventh Hour" (10 p.m., CBS) NEW
Series premieres Oct. 9

Starring: Rufus Sewell, Marley Shelton, Andrew Hedge, Michael Jonsson, Colin Lawrence
Synopsis: (From TV.com) The show follows Dr. Jacob Wood (Sewell), a special science adviser to the U.S. government who saves people from the worst abuses of science. He is accompanied by his feisty female bodyguard, Rachel Young (Shelton).
My Prediction: Like "Life on Mars," haven't heard much, so I can't really determine if it's worthy of viewing. It's another procedural and it's produced by Jerry Bruckheimer so chances are, it'll stay on TV for at least a couple of episodes.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Catch Later

"30 Rock" (9:30 p.m., NBC)
Season 3 premieres Oct. 30

Starring: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Jane Krakowski, Tracy Morgan, Jack McBrayer
Synopsis: (From TV.com) Liz Lemon, played by "Saturday Night Live's" Tina Fey, is the head writer of "The Girlie Show." When her old boss dies and a new boss comes in (Baldwin as Jack Donaghy), demanding the addition of a volatile former movie star (and re-branding the show "TGS with Tracy Jordan" in the process), Liz must figure out how to keep things running smoothly without losing her mind.
My Prediction: Last season was the best Fey and company have ever been.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

"Supernatural" (9 p.m., CW)
Season 4 premieres Sept. 18

Starring: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padelecki
Synopsis: We all know that it's about two brothers who fight evil beings.
My Prediction: Season one was perhaps its best.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Pass

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (10 p.m., FX)
Season 4 premieres Sept. 18

Starring: Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVito
Synopsis: (From TV.com) "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" revolves around four friends who run a bar in the City of Brotherly Love and have to overcome their relentless self-involvement to make their friendship and business work.
My Prediction: The most politically-incorrect comedy (but freakin' hilarious) on television, hands down.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

Warner plans January theater re-release of 'The Dark Knight'

2008-09-11T11:04:00.001-07:00

I know this isn't necessarily relevant but it's certainly exciting!

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. is planning on bringing back "The Dark Knight" to theaters in January for an Oscar push. While the DVD is on track to be released in December, just in time for the holiday season, this will help boost the movie's overall box office numbers, although it would be mighty difficult to top the $1.84 billion "Titanic" racked up over the span of 1997 and 1998.

This is exciting news, only because "The Dark Knight" is worthy of Oscar buzz and I hope that it does score multiple nominations. It was by far the best summer movie and maybe even one of the best of the entire year. Hopefully the Academy will recognize that.

Shannen Doherty leaving '90210'

2008-09-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

According to Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello, Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty's character) will be out of the picture very very soon. She is only signed on to appear in four episodes. We already saw her in the premiere (that's one) and the next time she'll be on screen is next week (two down).

Jennie Garth, on the other hand, just signed on for another five episodes, plus the six episodes she is already contracted to appear on. That makes 11, for all the math-illiterates out there.

Personally, I'd prefer Kelly over Brenda any day.

Production stops for 'Dollhouse,' '24'

2008-09-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

Scripts are playing a large role in the production schedule for two anticipated FOX shows, both of which are scheduled to return in January 2009.

Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse," which has garnered some headlines due to the swapping of its first episodes, has halted production for the next two weeks per the creator's request, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This is so that Whedon, who was apparently unhappy with the show's next scripts, could hunker down on the problem and resolve them without worrying about the blocking or lighting for the next scene. The first three episodes have already been shot. Production is set to resume Sept. 25.

Another midseason FOX drama, "24" has also taken the same route, per The Hollywood Reporter, to work on its scripts. Production will start up again after the next two and a half weeks.

FALL '08 PREVIEW: WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

2008-09-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

Wednesdays feature a good mixture of the old and the new. ABC's three-hour slate is perhaps the strongest of all the networks. Several new shows ("Gary Unmarried," "Knight Rider" and "Do Not Disturb") aren't nearly as strong and it would be of no surprise if they were all cancelled before December.

"Pushing Daisies" (8 p.m., ABC)
Season 2 premieres Oct. 1

Starring: Lee Pace, Anna Friel, Chi McBride, Kristin Chenoweth
Synopsis: Ned the Piemaker (Pace) can bring people and animals back from the dead, but only for a minute, otherwise someone or something else in its vicinity will take its place. That's pretty much the broad overview of the show. But things are made more complicated when Ned brings back his childhood sweetheart and neighbor, Charlotte "Chuck" Charles (Friel).
My Prediction: This has to be my favorite television series currently on, aside from "The Office." Death is treated with goodnatured humor even though death is, well, a pretty damn depressing thing to think about. The colors of the Coeur d'Coeur world are magnificent and rich, and totally made for Blu-ray. It was the breakout hit of last season and it will definitely create even more ridiculously enriching storylines this year.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

"Private Practice" (9 p.m., ABC)
Season 2 premieres Oct. 1

Starring: Kate Walsh, Tim Daly, Audra McDonald, Taye Diggs, Amy Brenneman
Synopsis: (From TV.com) "Private Practice" is a spin-off of the highly popular ABC series, "Grey's Anatomy" starring Kate Walsh as Dr. Addison Forbes Montgomery, a renowned neonatal surgeon. After realizing that her life isn't advancing at Seattle Grace, Addison packs her bags and heads off to Santa Monica to start a new life. She reunites with her newly divorced med school friends, Naomi (McDonald) and Sam (Diggs), and joins them in their chic private practice.
My Prediction: It'll do just fine. In many ways, I prefer this world over "Grey's Anatomy." I think I've outgrown the latter; I haven't watched it in two seasons.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Catch Later

"Dirty Sexy Money" (10 p.m., ABC)
Season 2 premieres Oct. 1

Starring: Peter Krause, Donald Sutherland, Blair Underwood, William Baldwin, Zoe McLellan
Synopsis: (From TV.com) In the season premiere, Juliet's (Samaire Armstrong) new boyfriend Kai tries to adjust to her lifestyle and is asked to appear in Natalie Kimpton's upcoming music video. Tripp (Sutherland) asks for assistance from the Governor to get around the subpoena issued by his son Patrick (Baldwin) for him to appear before the Fantini case. The Governor refuses to get in the way as he is a friend of Simon Elder (Underwood). Nick (Krause) and Brian (Glenn Fitzgerald) try to help Tripp avoid the subpoena instead. Meanwhile, Nick is instructed to hire a private investigator to locate Carmelita. Jeremy (Seth Gabel) and Lisa (McLellan) put up an art dealership, but Lisa initially faces difficulties with running the business.
My Prediction: I have to be honest and say that I haven't caught up on this show at all, however, my friend who regularly tuned in last year said it was fantastic so I'll have to take her word for it.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Catch Later

"Gary Unmarried" (8:30 p.m., CBS) NEW
Series premieres Sept. 24

Starring: Jay Mohr, Jaime King, Paula Marshall, Kathryn Newton
Synopsis: (From TV.com) A newly divorced father of two (Mohr) balances life with his new girlfriend and his ex-wife to whom he was married for fifteen years. In the pilot, Gary's ex-wife has got engaged and he finds himself trying to navigate fatherhood and his own new love interest.
My Prediction: Been there, done that.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Pass

"Lipstick Jungle" (10 p.m., NBC)
Season 2 premieres Sept. 24

Starring: Brooke Shields, Kim Raver, Lindsay Price
Synopsis: (From TV.com) In the premiere, Nico's (Raver) guilt over her affair leads her to decide to do anything to save her marriage. Wendy (Shields) decides to spend more time at home with her family, but things aren't easy when her mother decides to come for a visit. Victory (Price) is having trouble keeping her distance from Joe (Andrew McCarthy) who is trying to get her back. .
My Prediction: The perfect guilty pleasure show that's ten times better than watching "The Hills" or "90210."
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

"Knight Rider" (8 p.m., NBC) NEW
Series premieres Sept. 24

I will be previewing this show when it premieres in two weeks, so until then, enjoy the photo above!

"Bones" (8 p.m., FOX)
Episode 3 of season 2 airs tonight

Starring: Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Michaela Conlin, T.J. Thyne, Tamara Taylor, John Francis Daley
Synopsis: (From TV.com) In tonight's episode, the body of the host of a popular reality TV show is found partially decomposed in an outhouse, and Booth (Boreanaz) and Brennan (Deschanel) must find out who the killer is. Meanwhile, Booth learns that Brennan is juggling two relationships.
My Prediction: Last week's two-hour premiere was fantastic. I expect nothing less than that all season long.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

"Do Not Disturb" (9:30 p.m., FOX) NEW
Series premiere airs tonight

Starring: Jerry O'Connell, Niecy Nash, David Franco, Molly Stanton
Synopsis: (From TV.com) Tonight's premiere focuses on an article about the sexual exploits of the staff of The Inn while on the job, which is run at a local New York magazine, causing Rhonda (Nash) to take action and Neal (O'Connell) to try to act on his best behavior. Meanwhile, Molly (Jolene Purdy) helps Nicole (Stanton) with her modeling career, and Gus (Franco) helps Larry (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) with his love life. .
My Prediction: How did this get greenlit? Oh wait ... it's FOX.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Pass; don't even attempt to watch it, brain cells will evaporate.

"Sons of Anarchy" (10 p.m., FX) NEW
Episode 2 of season 1 airs tonight

Go here for a review of last week's premiere.

Live blogging during the premiere of "Privileged"

2008-09-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

First time doing this; let's see how it goes ...

9:03 p.m.: Fantastic song to open up a new series. Can't go wrong with Paolo Nutini.
9:04 p.m.: Michael Cassidy as Charlie equals perfection.
9:04 p.m.: Love the vibe. I can already tell that this is going to be a fantastic series. Reminds me of "Devil Wears Prada" and "Confessions of a Shopaholic."
9:08 p.m.: Missed a couple of minutes, thanks to a phone call.
9:08 p.m.: What's up with the fantastic music?! I want all these songs!
9:13 p.m.: Smart, witty dialogue. That's all Rina Mimoun.
9:14 p.m.: I never knew how great of an actress JoAnna Garcia was until this show.
9:18 p.m.: Charlie and Megan have such a cool friendship.
9:25 p.m.: The two girls Megan is tutoring are funny. I do prefer the sister that's not Sage though.
9:26 p.m.: Wow the mom is a little harsh. She is grading Megan on the grades the girls get; doesn't matter how they get them.
9:27 p.m.: Hot guy alert!
9:28 p.m.: Ooh, he's the neighbor. What is his name?!
9:31 p.m.: He's a trust fund baby! Man, he's kind of attractive. His dad works at Random House or something like that. He's a sports photographer. Seems like there's some depth under the hotness. That's always nice.
9:33 p.m.: The girls need a mother, er, older sister figure. They'll thank Megan later.
9:38 p.m.: Aw, I almost teared up. I'm already invested in Megan's story.
9:42 p.m.: What's up with Sage? There's definitely something going on there.
9:49 p.m.: Hot guy!
9:55 p.m.: Awkward, funny encounter between Rose, Megan, Megan's sister Lily and Will (the hot guy).
9:58 p.m.: Megan is slowly making her way into the inner circle. Yikes.

All in all, I loved the premiere. I am definitely tuning in next week.

FALL '08 PREVIEW: TUESDAY NIGHTS

2008-09-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

Tuesdays are filled with new shows all vying to stay in their coveted place. Two have already premiered ("90210," "Greek"), and some of the most anticipated have still yet to come ("House," "Fringe"). Here's a look at a relatively light night of television.

"The Mentalist" (10 p.m., CBS) NEW

Series premieres Sept. 23

Starring: Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Amanda Righetti, Owain Yeoman
Synopsis: (From TV.com) "The Mentalist" tells the tale of Patrick Jane (Baker) who is employed as an independent detective working with the California Bureau of Investigation to solve crimes. He has refined his observations skills to a near perfect level and lends these skills to the CBI to help them solve cases. The team that he works with consists of the senior agent, Teresa Gibson (Tunney), agents Kimball Cho (Tim Kang) and Wayne Rigsby (Yeoman) and the rookie, Grace Van Pelt (Righetti).
My Prediction: Saw the pilot and thought it was okay - just that, okay. It's essentially another procedural amid the "CSIs," "Law and Orders" and "Without a Traces," but one could say this is different because it uses a "psychic" (really just a very observant dude in nice suits) to help solve their cases. Sound sort of like "Psych"? Yea, it's pretty much the same, only not a light comedy by any means.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Catch Later; it's best to watch this in passing. You're not missing much if you don't.

"90210" (8 p.m., CW) NEW

Episode 3 of season 1 airs tonight

Go here to read my review of "90210."

"Privileged" (9 p.m., CW) NEW

Series premiere airs tonight

Starring: Joanna Garcia, Lucy Kate Hale, Ashley Newbrough, Michael Cassidy

Synopsis: (From TV.com) Yale graduate Megan Smith (Garcia) recently moves to Manhattan with hopes of finding success in the field of journalism. However, when her plans go wrong, she accepts a job as the live-in tutor helping two wealthy high school students in Palm Springs get accepted at a top university.

My Prediction: I'm kind of excited to see it tonight. I haven't had a chance to catch it beforehand, but good things have come out about this show.

Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Catch Later; I've heard from many people that this is perhaps one of the smartest and wittiest comedies of the new season, so give it a chance.

"Fringe" (9 p.m., FOX) NEW

Series premiere airs tonight at 8 p.m. (special time)

Starring: Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Mark Valley
Synopsis: (From TV.com) FBI agent Olivia Dunham (Torv) and Peter Bishop (Jackson) are faced with a rapidly spreading unexplained phenomenon of the threatening kind. In an attempt to stop the spread, they enlist the assistance of Bishop's estranged father, the institutionalized scientist Dr. Walter Bishop (Noble).
My Prediction: I saw the two-hour pilot at Comic-Con in July and what I remember is that it was a little on the long side. There were esentially things that were put in there just to try and fill up the time. Hopefully by tonight, the people behind "Fringe" cut it down a little and made it tighter. In the version I saw, the only parts you had to really pay attention to was the beginning and the end - not good for a special premiere. Also, a lot of the lines - especially the ones that Joshua Jackson had - were unnatural and cliche.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV, but with reservations.

"Greek" (8 p.m., ABC Family)

Episode 3 of season 2 airs tonight

Starring: Spencer Grammer, Jacob Zachar, Scott Michael Foster, Jake McDorman

Synopsis: (From TV.com) In tonight's episode, Casey (Grammer) and Rusty (Zachar) organize a casino night in order to help a debt-plagued Ashleigh (Amber Stevens). Elsewhere, Evan (McDorman) struggles with accepting the fine print on his trust fund. Cappie's (Foster) in need of new car. And, Rebecca (Dilshad Vadsaria) wants more from a relationship but she's not sure if she'll get it from Cappie.

My Prediction: I've followed this show since the beginning and loved every minute of it. Loved ... it's time to move on.

Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Pass

"Eli Stone" (10 p.m., ABC)

Season 2 premieres Oct. 14

Starring: Jonny Lee Miller, Victor Garber, Natasha Henstridge, Loretta Devine
Synopsis: (From TV.com) In a nutshell, this show follows the tale of a San Francisco lawyer (Miller) who finds out he has prophetic powers and decides to use them for good.
My Prediction: Fantastic cast, interesting premise and highly entertaining. "Eli Stone" has to be the most underrated returning series of the new season and that's a shame, because each episode keeps you on the edge of your seat - literally.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

"House" (8 p.m, FOX)

Season 5 premieres Sept. 16

Starring: Hugh Laurie, Lisa Edelstein, Robert Sean Leonard, Omar Epps, Jennifer Morrison, Jesse Spencer
Synopsis: Do we really need to figure out what "House" is about? Let's just say its previous season was by far one of the most intense seasons yet, and that itself is an understatement.
My Prediction: Um ... this show is the quintessential case study for a dramatic comedy. I've seen the first two episodes and they are both perfect in their own ways. You'll see what I mean when they air.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

Daily Trojan: Four steps to take you to a television utopia

2008-09-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

By Philiana Ng

Since the fall season officially started last Monday, I got to thinking: Was there a formula someone came up with that consistently produced successful television shows? Sadly, as I sat on the couch scribbling Venn diagrams and long, complicated outlines, nothing was clicking or making sense. That is, until I decided to take the reins and create my own pseudo-formula for anyone interested in trying their hands in the ultracompetitive television industry.

Starting a new venture is never easy, especially when you're competing against dozens of creative minds to nab that coveted one-hour slot on Thursday nights. But let's pretend we live in a perfect world; if we did, this would be an easy four-step program. All you have to do is start at No. 1.

1. Embrace your inner nerd.

Right now, there are the "CSIs" and the "Law & Orders" for the crime procedural junkies. For the medical mystery addicts "Grey's Anatomy" and "House" fill that weekly void. "Chuck" is a love letter to the geeks who work at big box stores (or those who just want to be with one), while "Gossip Girl" brings the drama-seeking fashionistas to their knees. What these shows all have in common is simple: They all appeal to your inner alter ego, the one that's hidden deep inside and only comes out once in a blue moon.

Viewers have been leaning toward the weird and the awkward, abandoning formulaic mega hits (cue "Desperate Housewives" four years ago) that used to be ratings smashers and giving way to niche programming. If there is a channel that exclusively airs shows with sci-fi, alternate universe themes and places where only the mature reign and the faint of heart rarely stop by for a visit, chances are, whatever those inner selves desire, someone else in the world wants it, too.

If an entire universe centered on a talking car and its human counterpart can become a culture icon and phenomenon, then anything must be possible.

2. Make friends with the USA Network.

Broadcast networks have another competitor on their hands, and oftentimes many of them are owned by the same umbrella company: cable. One network has proven to be miles ahead of the rest, the USA Network, which is also owned by NBC's parent company, NBC Universal. Granted, a fantastic day for USA would be the equivalent of a flop in broadcast terms, but with the network's ability to craft a memorable slogan ("Characters Welcome") and follow it up with original programming that each have their own crop of loyal watchers has catapulted USA to the top spot among cable networks in total viewers, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

USA's "In Plain Sight," a new series that premiered this summer, became the year's most-watched cable program to date. And while USA largely relies on reruns, sports broadcasts and multiple movie airings for its daily programming, The Hollywood Reporter reported that five of the network's scripted original series consistently rank in the top seven for total cable viewers.

3. Call up the "Battlestar Galactica" crew.

A cast is one of the most essential puzzle pieces, if not the most important. Without one, there wouldn't be a show to watch or characters to invest in. Without the perfect lead or an adaptable supporting cast, the faux chemistry can only last so long before the show is gone forever, down the dreaded cancellation chamber.

As the "Battlestar Galactica" era winds down on the Sci-Fi Channel, the show's ensemble cast has become the industry's very own go-to actors and actresses - and deservedly so. Tricia Helfer (Number Six) has a recurring role as a mysterious handler on USA's "Burn Notice," Jamie Bamber (Apollo) is leading a British version of "Law & Order: U.K.," Grace Park (Boomer/Athena) plays a supporting role in "The Cleaner" and Tahmoh Penikett (Helo) has a major role in Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse." While the Sci-Fi remake is heavy on the melodrama and light on everything else, its seasoned cast is well equipped to cover a wide range of acting styles.

4. Nab some notable guest stars.

While the cast might be absolute perfection, the network has proven to be a nice fit and the show's premise is both original and entertaining, making a few phone calls for some new blood isn't a bad idea. "30 Rock" and "Chuck" are the king and queen of this court. Between the two, they have added a daughter of a famous R & B singer, the queen of talk shows, a former "Friends" star, two gossiping "It" girls and an "Arrested Development" alumnus to their upcoming season returns.

This four-step pseudo-formula has never been proven to produce hits. Maybe you'll be the first. Give me a call when it happens.

FALL '08 PREVIEW: MONDAY NIGHTS

2008-09-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

Monday nights are quickly becoming the next Thursday night. As you can see here, these are just the highlights of the night; I didn't include CBS' "Two and a Half Men," TNT's "Raising the Bar," " ABC's "Boston Legal" and CBS' "CSI: Miami." Get those DVRs ready; it's going to be a busy night of television.

"How I Met Your Mother" (8:30 p.m., CBS)

Season 4 premieres Sept. 22

Starring: Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan

Synopsis: When we last left the fivesome at the end of season 3, Barney (Harris) pined for Ted's (Radnor) former lover, Robin (Smulders). Ted proposed to tattoo removal doctor, Stella ("Scrubs'" Sarah Chalke). Will Stella say yes? Will Barney tell Robin his true feelings?

My Prediction: The third season solidified this CBS sitcom as one of the true standouts in the current television climate. Without a "Friends" or "Seinfeld" to pave the way for half-hour comedies, "How I Met Your Mother" fulfills its newfound role with heart, good-natured humor and realistic, everyday problems. The fourth season leads off with the answers to all the questions in the third season finale, and the characters will have to live with the consequences of their decisions extremely quickly. Can't. Wait.

Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

"Worst Week" (9:30 p.m., CBS) NEW

Series premieres Sept. 22

Starring: Kyle Bornheimer, Erinn Hayes, Kurtwood Smith, Nancy Lenehan
Synopsis: In the pilot, Sam (Bornheimer) and Mel (Hayes) intend to reveal her pregnancy to her parents after a quiet dinner. However, when Sam misses the train after having a drunk girl throw up on him, the dinner starts becoming increasingly unlikely.
My Prediction: Not quite sure what to expect from this show, but apparently some TV critics have shown their love for it while others haven't been so forthcoming. We'll see how this one pans out.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Pass

"My Own Worst Enemy" (8 p.m., NBC) NEW

Series premieres Oct. 13

Starring: Christian Slater, Madchen Amick, Taylor Lautner, Saffron Burrows

Synopsis: (From TV.com) Edward Albright is a super spy. Henry Spivey is living the normal American dream in the suburbs with his wife, two kids and dog. The two men (Slater) have one thing in common - they share the same body because Edward took part in an experiment several years earlier to create a split personality. Henry has never met his alter-ego Edward, and one day he receives an email from Edward saying that people are coming to kill him. Now, the super spy and the suburban daddy have to learn to live with each other in the same body.

My Prediction: This one could go either way. The concept is interesting, however, that means nothing if the cast and the storylines don't consistently create an intriguing world the viewers truly care about.

Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Catch Later

"Samantha Who?" (9:30 p.m., ABC)

Season 2 premieres Oct. 6

Starring: Christina Applegate, Jean Smart, Barry Watson, Jennifer Esposito
Synopsis: (From TV.com) Samantha "Sam" Newly (Applegate) is a corporate executive and hit-and-run victim who awakens after being in a coma for eight days, only to find she has amnesia. With no memories of the past, she must rediscover everything about her life and herself by looking for clues from her past. Sam discovers that she wasn't a very nice person to most people and she is determined to change that.
My Prediction: I regret never watching this show when it first started last October because I've heard such great things from everyone who has seen it either online or on TV. Going solely on other people's reactions and reviews, the second season will be one of comedic gold.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Catch Later

"The Big Bang Theory" (8 p.m., CBS)

Season 2 premieres Sept. 22

Starring: Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Sara Gilbert, Jim Parsons

Synopsis: (From TV.com) "The Big Bang Theory" is a sitcom that shows what happens when hyperintelligent roommates/physicists Sheldon (Parsons) and Leonard (Galecki) meet Penny (Cuoco), a beautiful woman moving in next door - and realize they know next to nothing about life outside of the lab. Rounding out the crew are the smarmy Wolowitz (Helberg), who thinks he's as sexy as he is brainy, and Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar), who suffers from an inability to speak in the presence of a woman.

My Prediction: I have to be honest here and say that I'm surprised that this show made it past its first season. Although it did have a solid following, I didn't find it that funny at all.

Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Pass

"Chuck" (8 p.m., NBC)

Season 2 premieres Sept. 29

Starring: Zachary Levi, Yvonne Strahovski, Adam Baldwin, Sarah Lancaster

Synopsis: (From TV.com) In its season finale, Chuck (Levi) finds a bug in the Buy More, which leads Casey (Baldwin) and Sarah (Strahovski) to take drastic measures to find out whether the truth about Chuck has been discovered. Whilst facing the possibility that he may have to leave his life forever, Chuck loses something very important- the engagement ring for Ellie (Lancaster) entrusted to him by Captain Awesome (Ryan McPartlin).
My Prediction: Highly entertaining and at the same time, sometimes ridiculous, Levi plays the nerdy computer geek to perfection. (I'm already sold that he is one in real life.) An impressive line of guest stars are already lined up for its sophomore season and we'll finally get to meet Jill, Chuck's first love while he was at Stanford.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

"Heroes" (9 p.m., NBC)

Season 3 premieres Sept. 22

Starring: Milo Ventimiglia, Hayden Panettiere, Masi Oka, Ali Larter, Adrian Pasdar
Synopsis: (From TV.com) "Heroes" is a serial saga about people all over the world discovering that they have superpowers and trying to deal with how this change affects their lives. (We all know what this show is about.)
My Prediction: Per my roommate who attended the "Heroes" panel at Comic-Con this July, the season premiere is absolutely insane, and in a good way.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: I recommend Appointment TV, but I will have to Pass.

"Gossip Girl" (8 p.m., CW)
Episode 2 of season 2 airs tonight

Starring: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Chace Crawford, Penn Badgley, Ed Westwick
Synopsis: (From TV.com) Tonight's episode goes a little like this: Spotted, Lord Marcus (guest star Patrick Heusinger) having a conversation with his mother? The identity of Lord Marcus mother is revealed - which leaves our favorite Upper East Siders shocked. Nate (Crawford) and Serena (Lively) get closer. Chuck (Westwick) and Lord Marcus begin an unexpected friendship and Blair (Meester) makes a revelation.
My Prediction: It's going to be another trashy season!
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV for all the wrong reasons

"One Tree Hill" (9 p.m., CW)
Episode 2 of season 6 airs tonight

Starring: Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty, Hilarie Burton, Sophia Bush, Bethany Galeotti
Synopsis: (From TV.com) For anyone who cares, here's what the next episode is about: Tree Hill residents are surprised to learn that a couple will indeed get married. Brooke (Bush) tries to adjust to life after the robbery at "Clothes Over Bros". Nathan (Lafferty) and Haley (Galeotti) receive devasting news and Nanny Carrie's return creates more blanks than answers, after she kidnaps Dan - whose life is in jeopardy..
My Prediction: They cancelled "Veronica Mars" for this has-been?!
Catch Later or Appointment TV: Pass

"Prison Break" (9 p.m., FOX)
Episode 2 of season 4 airs tonight

Go here for a review of "Prison Break."

"Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" (8 p.m., FOX)
Season 2 premiere airs tonight

Go here for a review of "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles."

FALL '08 PREVIEW: SUNDAY NIGHTS

2008-09-07T19:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday nights are filled with continuing shows, with just one newbie on the fall slate. What if there was no writers' strike? Would there be more new series testing the waters or would it still be riddled with TV veterans?

"True Blood" (9 p.m., HBO) NEW

Series premiere airs tonight

Starring: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Ryan Kwanten

Synopsis: In Bon Temps, Louisiana, vampires and humans live among each other. Waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Paquin) can read people's minds but can't get get through to mysterious vampire Bill, which strikes her curiosity. Amid their vampire-human relationship, murders plague the small town.

My Prediction: It is one of those love it or hate it shows. Since helmer Alan Ball ("Six Feet Under") is adapting this from the popular Sookie Stackhouse novels, the new take on the vampire myth adds a little bit of intrigue, which could lose viewers or keep them tuned in. It will catch a small audience to make it through its first season, but beyond that, its fate is questionable.

Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Catch Later

"Desperate Housewives" (9 p.m., ABC)

Season 5 premieres Sept. 28

Starring: Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria
Synopsis: On Wisteria Lane, it is five years after the fourth season ended. The kids have grown up (new cast members) and things have changed drastically.
My Prediction: It'll do fine, but it's been losing its luster.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Pass

"Brothers & Sisters" (10 p.m., ABC)

Season 3 premieres Sept. 28

Starring: Sally Field, Calista Flockhart, Rachel Griffiths, Rob Lowe, Matthew Rhys
Synopsis: Last season, Kevin (Rhys) and Scotty (Luke MacFarlane) got married, Justin (Dave Annable) and Rebecca (Emily Van Camp) officially became a couple and the Walkers learned that their patriarch fathered another child.
My Prediction: The Walkers are the epitome of the family everyone wants to know, but is afraid to admit it. They are dysfunctional (in the best way possible), deal with real everyday problems and love each other unconditionally all the way through. The second season was without its critics (the whole Justin-Rebecca pairing fueled some fire), and it's not to say this new season won't have the same. It has just the right amount of humor, drama and emotion without being too cliche.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

"Californication" (10 p.m., Showtime)

Season 2 premieres Sept. 28

Starring: David Duchovny, Natascha McElhone
Synopsis: By season's end, novelist Hank Moody (Duchovny) got everything he wanted. His ex-lover, Karen (McElhone), married another man but ran off with Moody and their daughter in the end to a seemingly perfect fairytale ending.
My Prediction: It might not have the same buzz as other shows since it's on the uncensored Showtime channel, but Duchovny is eerily perfect in his role as a narcotic sex-addicted has-been writer struggling to get his life back together. Fantastically written and wonderfully acted, the second season will be better than the first.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

"Entourage" (10 p.m., HBO)

Season 5 premiere airs tonight

Starring: Adrian Grenier, Jeremy Piven, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon
Synopsis: At Cannes, the gang try to sell their film "Medellin" before anyone even sees it. Someone does end up purchasing it, but for far less than what they were thinking it'd go for. Vincent's (Grenier) film tanks at the festival and Ari (Piven) enters an under-the-table deal to get them out of trouble.
My Prediction: The fifth season will be another solid one for the post-"Sopranos" era on HBO. They're going to need all the help they can get.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Pass

"The Amazing Race" (8 p.m., CBS) UNSCRIPTED

Season 13 premieres Sept. 28

Starring: Phil Keoghan
Synopsis: Thirteen teams of two travel the world in hopes of arriving first in the last leg to collect the grand prize. Along the way, other prizes and shortcuts act as incentives for the racers.
My Prediction: Besides "Project Runway," "Top Chef" and "So You Think You Can Dance," I am pretty much against reality shows. "The Amazing Race," however, has always provided one of the best narratives all season long and the characters they focus on each episode feels genuine and unrehearsed. The Emmy voters love this show (won five straight Emmys) and even though it's time someone else had a chance to win the Emmy, as long as this show is on, it's going to be incredibly difficult.
Pass, Catch Later or Appointment TV: Appointment TV

What's on the docket for Inside the Tube

2008-09-06T23:45:00.000-07:00

This coming week is going to be absolutely insane, and I'm not even talking about television. Sometimes being a student has its perks, but unfortunately, the next seven days will be a little quieter, but with good reason. Here's what you can expect, starting tomorrow:

Sunday, September 7 to Friday, September 13: An official Fall '08 Preview for all of the season's new and continuing shows, and what shows will or will not be appointment television for me. (I can only watch so much each night!) Mid-season replacements, winter premieres and series airing in 2009 will come later; there's just way too much to cover already.

Tuesday, September 9: Second installment of "Inside the Tube" in the Daily Trojan. I already have an idea as to what I will be focusing on and I hope that it'll be a good/interesting read!

Wednesday, September 10: Paley Center's ABC Fall Premiere Party in Beverly Hills. I'll be trying my best to give you snippets of the premiere episodes of "Eli Stone," "Private Practice" and "Pushing Daisies" as well as the "Life on Mars" preview on Thursday.

I will also be covering FX's extremely funny half-hour politically-incorrect comedy, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," for Give Me My Remote when the show comes back Thursday, September 18. I'm currently on the sixth episode of the third season and refreshing my memory. I've already seen an episode from the new season during their panel at Comic-Con and it was hilarious.

'Daisies' follows suit and adds guest stars

2008-09-06T16:35:00.001-07:00

Better late than never, multiple sources have stated that "Pushing Daisies" has added some notable names for its upcoming sophomore season.

Stephen Root (from "Office Space") will be joining the cast for a one-episode stint as a character that will link Ned the Piemaker's father and Chuck's father.

Comedian Fred Willard will also be appearing in a November episode (for sweeps). The episode will center on a murder of a well-known illusionist Great Hermann, played by Willard.

Also, in related "Pushing Daisies" news (sort of), the lovely Jayma Mays (Charlie on "Ugly Betty" and Elsa on "Daisies") has just been cast in her own hourlong FOX comedy, "Glee," according to The Hollywood Reporter. So it looks like she won't be coming back to the Piemaker's world anytime soon. But best of luck to the new series; she totally deserves it!

Nathan Fillion stays employed ... at ABC

2008-09-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've all heard about ABC ordering a bunch of new shows for next year's slate. One of them, "Castle," brings back Captain Hammer to the small screen and it's about damn time! Nathan Fillion plays horror novelist Nick Castle, who is recruited by the NYPD to help solve cases with his sarcastic wit. (Okay, so I added that last part.) The premise isn't that original but I'm pretty sure Fillion will be add some humor and depth.

I know it's extremely early (the show isn't scheduled to air until 2009), but I'll go on record and say that this time, he won't be the one singing the cancellation blues!

'Terminator' returns with an action-packed hourlong premiere

2008-09-05T15:04:00.000-07:00

I am going to be straightforward here. I haven't watched an episode of "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" until this afternoon when I popped in the screener for Monday night's premiere. While I was lost for most of the hour, I did understand the appeal of the show. The cast is fantastic (Summer Glau as a kick-ass Terminator), the action sequences are entertaining and the storyline is enticing.

The premiere is no different. Even though I didn't quite understand much of what had happened in its inaugural season, I was invested enough in the characters and their backstories to keep watching until the end. Thomas Dekker (previously of "Heroes") is gripping as the young John Connor (it's especially exciting knowing that his character will grow up to be Christian Bale in the upcoming "Terminator: Salvation") and Lena Headey is perfection as his mother, Sarah Connor. Would I want to get on her bad side? I wouldn't even dream of it. Summer Glau can do no wrong as a mysteriously powerful Terminator (this role suits her perfectly) and even the supporting characters add some depth to the overall story (Garret Dillahunt and Garbage's Shirley Manson equal gripping television).

I was lucky enough to attend the Comic-Con panel and in the third row, and learned a great deal about the upcoming season. I must admit I wasn't exactly there for the show ("The Office" writers' panel was right after), but they certainly got my curiosity after the panel was over. Of course, like any new show, they are with its flaws and "Terminator" is no different, but I have faith that they'll get the ball rolling.

Daily Trojan: 'Prison Break' insanity grows in fourth season

2008-09-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

By Philiana Ng

Last time viewers saw Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller), he was desperate to avenge his only love, Dr. Sara Tancredi's (Sarah Wayne Callies) untimely death. Within the first five minutes of the "Prison Break" season four premiere, however, viewers learn otherwise.

The last time Michael's prison mates were all together (or at least in the same region), Sucre, Bellick and T-Bag were still in a Panama jail and Michael's older brother Linc (Dominic Purcell) opted to start a brand new life with his son and girlfriend instead of partnering with Michael on his personal vendetta.

Viewers also learned that Whistler, an integral part of the Company - a corrupt organization inflicting pain onto everyone who knows its secrets - partnered with former FBI agent Alex Mahone so they could find Michael and get his help in bringing down the Company. But here's the kicker: they're both still working for the Company.

And that doesn't even cover half of it.

"Prison Break," a show that is about a bunch of guys breaking out of or into prison, is ripe with absurdities, inaccuracies and overwhelming plot holes that seem to go over everyone's heads each time a new episode airs. The amazing thing about it is that through three seasons of the same essential story line, the writers have managed to come up with even more insane plot points to develop and character traits to employ that somehow work only on this show.

During a fit of desperation and extreme hunger, T-Bag, having escaped from the Panama prison and stuck in the desert heat, cues his cannibalistic urges and eats "some bad Mexican." Realistic, no, but horribly entertaining, yes - although viewers never actually see it happening.

Perhaps one of the most ridiculous things of all happened within the first five minutes of the season premiere, when Whistler and Gretchen, executing an elaborate plan to get their hands on the Company's "black book" of sorts, which is really a device called Scylla, break the news to Michael that Sara isn't really dead. The exchange between Gretchen and Michael - all at gunpoint of course - borders on cheesy and simply unnecessary:

Gretchen: "I fabricated the whole thing."
Michael: "My brother saw -"
Gretchen: "A head in a box, from a cadaver!"

The main premise of the season centers around Scylla, and instead of Michael and Linc breaking back into jail, they're trying to help the FBI retrieve the device without getting caught. If they get caught, Linc, who killed the Company employee who was tailing him in Panama, would stay in jail, with Michael as his cellmate for the next 15 years. Therein lies the incentive to bring down the Company.

The feds, led by Agent Don Self (Michael Rapaport), bring Michael's old friends back to Los Angeles, to start on this nearly impossible task. In the second hour, the gang makes two attempts to complete their goal, but in the end, aren't even close to smelling a tinge of freedom. To make matters worse, a new Company assassin is right on their tail, following their every move.

Aside from all the fighting and revenge-seeking, there is a sweet relationship between Michael and Sara brewing that almost rectifies the excessive uneasiness in the lives of these men. Even then, their anticipated first meeting since Michael learned of her fake death is nothing more than a reunion between two lovers who haven't seen each other for a long period of time, not two people who thought that they'd never see each other alive again. Instead of spending time together in an intimate setting, they go for Chinese takeout in the bedroom. The question now remains: Are they really that low-maintenance or are they just taking it slow?

Within a span of two hours, three major characters fall to their deaths, but not all of their deaths stand. Main characters are reunited after what seems like months without contact or interaction. More people die, but they aren't significant enough to matter, and more people reunite. All in a day's work in the world of "Prison Break."

Though the logic behind some of the show's plots are lacking in the realism department, "Prison Break" is the epitome of all the action, drama and violence a series can muster into two full hours, falling short of becoming another rerun of "WWE Friday Night Smackdown."

"Prison Break" airs Monday nights at 9 p.m. on FOX.

According to 'Sons of Anarchy,' violence is the answer to all your problems

2008-09-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

The series premiere of FX's series about a California motorcycle gang aired tonight in a special, 80-minute slot. Was it all that it was hyped up to be? In a way, it was and in a way it wasn't. Charlie Hunnam, a British actor playing the troubled young lead, Jackson Teller, held his own in a cast of veteran actors (Katey Segal and Ron Perlman play his character's mother and step-dad). The supporting cast was respectable in their roles. Was I blown away? Not necessarily, but then again, "Sons of Anarchy" isn't exactly my cup of tea.

If you like excessive violence (the premiere was incredibly bloody), motorcycle gangs, swearing up a storm and avenging the smallest of fuck-ups? Then this show is for you. But if you thrive on character-driven storylines and lighthearted comedy with a tinge of drama, then take a pass. You're not missing much.

One thing I was a big fan of was the music they featured on the show. But other than that, nothing about it will keep me tuned in. So I'll say this: "Sons of Anarchy" might have been highly entertaining for some, it wasn't for me. It's all a matter of taste.

New (and old) castings, guest stars ramp up several TV shows

2008-09-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

Let's do a rundown of some of the noteworthy casting news that have been making the rounds lately:

- "Chuck" has cast Captain Awesome's parents. Morgan Fairchild will play Devin's mother and Bruce Boxleitner will play his father. Let me just say, the Awesomes are a good-looking brood.

- While we're on the topic of "Chuck," here is a list of notable guest stars who will be appearing all season long: Melinda Clarke, Tony Hale, Nicole Richie, Jordana Brewster, Michael Clarke Duncan and John Larroquette.

- According to E!'s Kristin Dos Santos, Serena van der Woodsen will have a new love interest this season on "Gossip Girl" and an integral character in the books, Aaron Rose, played by John Patrick Amedori ("Stick It"). Yay or nay?

- Also in "Gossip" news, word has it that Willa Holland ("The O.C.") will play a young model who meets Jenny Humphrey during her internship at Eleanor Waldorf Designs. Apparently she's not that innocent.

- Jennifer Aniston is set to guest star on "30 Rock." Super stoked on this one. Oh, and Oprah is in talks to make an appearance as well.

- Sarah Drew, a favorite on "Everwood," will be joining the cast of "Private Practice" for a multi-episode run. She will be spending lots and lots of time with Dell, the young midwife at the private hospital.