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.

'Privileged' gains traction (and viewers)

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.

CW's 'Privileged' is all 'sizzle'

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.

'Fringe' gets full season order from Fox

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

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.)

Live blogging during the premiere of "Privileged"

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

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