Tuesday, December 30, 2008

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

In alphabetical order.



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

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

In alphabetical order.













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

In alphabetical order.













Recovering from the holidays

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.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Inside the Tube back in business!

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.

Friday, October 31, 2008

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

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

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.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

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

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."

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Don Draper teaches us how to be him

"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.

Friday, October 24, 2008

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

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)

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

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.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

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

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.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

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

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.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

BoSox v. Tampa Bay in pivotal Game 7 of ALCS

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'

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.)



Friday, October 17, 2008

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

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

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.