Latest posts for the topic "What's good on TV these days?"

What's good on TV these days?

BotFodder — GMT

Monday Nights will never be the same. First off, I've been setting the VCR to record "Battlestar Galactica", and "4400" when they're on. That's pretty much it for the most part; nothing really stirs me as much as "West Wing" did. Until now. If you were a fan of the "West Wing", or anything else Aaron Sorkin has done, I highly suggest "Studio 60" on NBC (10PM ET; nbc.com has at least one of the two episodes online). The show's premise: a live comedy show (like SNL) is in trouble - bad writing, mainly, but the Exec. Prod. has lost his heart, and his influence. He goes on the air, interrupting a live skit, and rails against TV in general, saying it's become something that panders to the lowest common denominator (or those who whine the most: Humorless Fundamental Christians). Needless to say, he's fired. Enter Danny Tripp (Bradley Whitford - who played Josh on West Wing) and Matt Albie (Matthew Perry of Friends): A writer/director team who years before had been on the staff of "Studio 60". Their plans for a movie go awry, and they are brought on by the new studio head to run the show. Not everyone's happy about this - they didn't leave "Studio 60" under the best of circumstances before. Add to the mix an ex-gf in the cast, a writing staff that feels slighted ... Danny and Matt have a lot going against them. The show is very Sorkin: great flowing dialogue, humor coming from even the more dramatic moments. Now, I thought I was doing well to have a new show to see, but a buddy at work clued me into "Heroes", which airs just before "Studio 60". It premiered last night; I caught the episode online at nbc.com. People all over the world are drawn to New York, and begin discovering that they have extrodinary powers: a girl in high school whose body heals itself, a Japanese man that figures out he can teleport, a painter who can see the future ... a couple of others. Throw in a geneticist that has been studying the possibility of evolution creating these "Heroes", and you've pretty much got the show. Any comic book afficianado from the early days should be aware of the basic differences between DC Comics books and Marvel Comics books: Marvel tended to have people who, while heroes, didn't have the "perfect life" (IE, Batman was a millionare, Superman had a great job ... but Spiderman was a geeky highschooler/college kid; only recently in the grand scheme did DC books start giving their heroes some "reality"). Now, take the idea of regular people developing powers and stretch out the discovery and converging story lines over a TV season (well, I can guess at least three or four episodes at least), and you've got "Heroes". The self-healing cheerleader has tried to kill herself several times, and is quite depressed - her new powers make her "wierd". The painter has a drug habit and in his more lucid moments sees the resulting work as "evil". None of the heroes (or the east Indian geneticist) has a perfect life. And there's a hint of a disaster that's coming, that they all need to get together to prevent ... One thing about "Heroes": When I heard it described, I could have sworn this was a show that J. Michael Straczynski ("Babylon 5" EP and principle writer of 88 of the 110 episodes) would do. He's done a comic book in a similar vein, and while nothing so far has indicated that he has anything to do with "Heroes", it does have a feel to it that reminds one of some of his B5 or Jeremiah writing. So, so far I'm recommending both of these shows - though mind you they *just* started (2 episodes for "Studio 60" so far, and 1 for "Heroes"). Sorkin's luck in finding a cast for "West Wing" that just "gelled" together seems to have struck for "Studio 60". I haven't seen anything come as close as "Heroes" has when it comes to giving the "fantastic" some realism. There is a certain lack of "flashy" special effects - and that might just be one of the saving graces. In both shows, character development seems to be a key thing; for "Studio 60", you get the feeling that these are all people familliar with each other, and you might not know all the particulars regarding their interrelationships - but as time goes on, you'll figure it out. For "Heroes", you're given enough of a background on each character to figure out what their "normal" life was like - and how becoming a "hero" might not necessarily make things any better. So far the only thing bad about "Studio 60" is that you kinda also want to see the "show within a show" sometimes. But also, so far, you're given enough to know how things are going to go ...

Re:What's good on TV these days?

Chameleon — GMT

I've never heard of any of those shows. I don't have cable or satellite, though. I just use an antennae to get channels. I like the Simpsons, however. It isn't as funny as it used to be, but I still like it. I did see the first episode of that Battlestar Gallactica show a while back. It was ok. I still remember the original show along with Buck Rogers...anyone remember that one?

Re:What's good on TV these days?

Boingo_Babe — GMT

I watch the Simpsons with Chameleon, but I've really gotten into Bones which is based on the novels by Kathy Reichs who is a forensic anthropologist. The character's name is (in the book) Temperance Brennen. In the show, forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennen writes about Kathy Reichs. Twisted, yes? Anyway, its your basic find the body, figured out how they died and who killed them show. I love how the the woman character is the one who kicks butt, instead of running from the wolfman in the woods in high heels. :roll: I love mysteries. And I think the FBI agent in the show is a studmuffin. When I get the chance I also check out Dr. Phil and Saturday Night Live. They play older ones early Sunday morning. B_B

Re:What's good on TV these days?

PyRo — GMT

Boingo_Babe wrote:

I watch the Simpsons with Chameleon, but I've really gotten into Bones which is based on the novels by Kathy Reichs who is a forensic anthropologist. The character's name is (in the book) Temperance Brennen. In the show, forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennen writes about Kathy Reichs. Twisted, yes? Anyway, its your basic find the body, figured out how they died and who killed them show. I love how the the woman character is the one who kicks butt, instead of running from the wolfman in the woods in high heels. :roll: I love mysteries. And I think the FBI agent in the show is a studmuffin. When I get the chance I also check out Dr. Phil and Saturday Night Live. They play older ones early Sunday morning. B_B

i hope your talking about David Borneas (i think i spelled that right) i have been a fan of his for a looong time! he played in Buffy the vampire Slayer as Angel and then split to his own show Angel! Both very good! (im a vampire lover!) Then he went to Bones! I havent really seen any of the show tho... Anyways the only shows i watch on TV that i cant do with out is CSI (all of them!), Desprate Housewives ( its an awesome show! but you HAVE to see EVERY episode to understand it! Its so not just a girls show! Wombat is totaly addicted as well!) and House! I think Hugh Laurie is a hottie! :x anyways thats about it!

Re:What's good on TV these days?

Tidu! — GMT

I usually find myself watching Seinfeld reruns, and that's about it :p

Re:What's good on TV these days?

dip42 — GMT

House! Enough said.. well maybe not.. Its a medical show Kinda like Er but without the gore.

Re:What's good on TV these days?

Boingo_Babe — GMT

PyRo wrote:

i hope your talking about David Borneas

I am. :D I've seen a couple House episodes; I love his attitude. B_B

Re:What's good on TV these days?

Continuum — GMT

Daily Show Colbert Report Alias Was watching the shield and rescue me but they havnt been on for a couple weeks.

Re:What's good on TV these days?

TIMMY — GMT

i usually watch everybody loves raymond reruns then cartoons like the simpsons, futurama and family guy......lol even spongebob cracks me up every now and then As for new shows, i watch prisonbreak coz i saw most of the series and i'm curious about wats gonna happen nxt......most of the episodes have very good cliffies too.........keeps me interested. Then House and C.S.I. I hate CSI new york so i never watch dat but CSI miami's alrite.....the las vegas one is still the best tho.

Re:What's good on TV these days?

BotFodder — GMT

I catch Simpsons and CSI in syndication; Futurama during Adult Swim when I can't get to sleep at my normal time. Occasionally catch the reruns of Daily Show; Colbert Report is okay but it isn't the Daily Show. Spongebob I'll stop on while channel surfing. House I've caught once and it was good - just not on at a good time, and wasn't *quite* good enough for me to set the VCR for.

Re:What's good on TV these days?

Flak Monkey — GMT

Chameleon wrote:

I've never heard of any of those shows. I don't have cable or satellite, though. I just use an antennae to get channels. I like the Simpsons, however. It isn't as funny as it used to be, but I still like it. I did see the first episode of that Battlestar Gallactica show a while back. It was ok. I still remember the original show along with Buck Rogers...anyone remember that one?

Oh ya! With TWIGGY! *Beedee Beedee Beedee* I know the designer of that outift had a sence of humor. IF you remember what he looked like, I'm sure you will know why I say that. I really enjoyed the original Battelstar much more...kinda like the same for the original Star Wars Tillogy...it's what I grew up on. And all thoes other great shows from the 70's and 80s...Automan,Phoenix (therse a few that only lasted a season or so) And cant forget A-Team. After hearing the Theme to that show, who cant help but to want to build something cool in their garage. :lol:

What's good on TV these days?

RadicalROM — GMT

CSI Vegas and House is what my wife and I watch. I have always been big into survivor. Thats my regular shows, and catch a few others when ever.

Re:What's good on TV these days?

Pyramidion — GMT

Good on TV, hmmm... Yes the Simpsons and Family Guy, but the shows I actually work my schedule around for are House, Lost, Grey's Anatomy, and the occassional Amazing Race(but then I'd have to miss the simpsons). House is a very good mystery/doctor show, he's(Dr. House) is odd in his own way. Lost, well is just amazing and Grey's Anatomy is a nice break and I really enjoy it. My suggestion is Lost, but you'd have to begin from DVD set 1 and work your way to season 3 airing next wednesday!!! edit: Almost forgot Re-runs of M*A*S*H on the Hallmark Channel almost all hours of the day! That's good TV!

Re:What's good on TV these days?

UntamedSub — GMT

Mondays- Heroes...premiere was pretty interesting, looking forward to seeing how it plays out. Tuesdays- NCIS and The Unit Wednesdays---no clue Thursdays- Yes, I know it's sad, but I am a Survivor junkie...plus CSI LV comes on after it Fridays...no clue....Saturday no clue...usually doing stuff out with the family, not much TV....but Sunday night, sometimes I try to catch 60 mins... and Amazing Race and of course Desperate Housewives....it's hilarious this season!

Re:What's good on TV these days?

Flak Monkey — GMT

Pyramidion wrote:

Almost forgot Re-runs of M*A*S*H on the Hallmark Channel almost all hours of the day! That's good TV!

This is strictly my opinion, but I beleive that M*A*S*H was the best program every put on TV. It ran longer that the war it was about. I've seen every episode at least twice. Great writing, great cast, just.....great show all around. :(|) The Monkey has spoken.

What's good on TV these days?

RadicalROM — GMT

Ohh yeah I forgot, I do watch Amazying Race. That is on odd show. If I watch it for 2-3 weeks then I will watch the whole season. But out of all the seasons, I think I have watched 3 complete ones.

What's good on TV these days?

RadicalROM — GMT

Also I believe a study was realeased this week stating that of course TV viewing has gone up again last year. FYI, it does NOT take in account for gaming with the TV or DVD's or VCR's, just watching TV. The average person watches 4 1/2 hours a day of TV. All I can say is that these people must NOT be Unreal Tournament players. I believe I average with all my viewing per week, maybe 5 hours. I just can't see how someone can watch everyday 4 1/2 hours, but I know other people think, how the heck can someone play X amount of hours a day on Unreal.

What's good on TV these days?

TIMMY — GMT

RadicalROM wrote:

Also I believe a study was realeased this week stating that of course TV viewing has gone up again last year. FYI, it does NOT take in account for gaming with the TV or DVD's or VCR's, just watching TV. The average person watches 4 1/2 hours a day of TV. All I can say is that these people must NOT be Unreal Tournament players. I believe I average with all my viewing per week, maybe 5 hours. I just can't see how someone can watch everyday 4 1/2 hours, but I know other people think, how the heck can someone play X amount of hours a day on Unreal.

well as for me, my tv's open anyway even if there are no good shows......i have it on mtv or muchmusic........dunno why.....its just been a bad habit of wasting electricity lol......does dat count towards 4.5 hrs a day of watching lol?

Re:What's good on TV these days?

TheElectrician — GMT

Not a whole lot of anything good on TV anymore. The only show I have to watch religiously is CSI Las Vegas. It's the original and the best. Other than that, if you have the A&E channel, Intervention is an interesting (if sometimes depressing) docu-look at the lives of addicts. It's on Sunday nites around 9:00 CST. I catch Simpsons reruns when I can even tho' I've seen em all 10x's already. That show and All in the Family are the two best sit-coms ever created. Oh, and Robot Chicken on Adult Swim is pretty funny.

Re:What's good on TV these days?

PyRo — GMT

TheElectrician wrote:

Oh, and Robot Chicken on Adult Swim is pretty funny.

omg that show is SO funny!!! those of you who havent seen it should! soon! And like Pyra, i too forgot about mash! I looove that show! it doesnt matter if i have seen it before, its still the best! OH! and friends re-runs!!! My all time fav! Woo-paAa!! teeheehee

Re:What's good on TV these days?

Titanium.wombaT — GMT

3 cheers and a w00t for My Name Is Earl! cheers. t.

Re:What's good on TV these days?

ECHO — GMT

I had a feeling NBC could make Heroes into something great or totally screw it up, but I think it's an awesome show! I also watch the colbert report, latenight with conan, and pretty much anything on adult swim (the best being birdman, robot chicken, and futurama).

Re:What's good on TV these days?

Grizzled_Imposter — GMT

I have been taping every episode of Teen Titans. Yes, I know it is a little juvinile.... :roll: Battlestar Galactica is kind of a staple for me and a large group of my friends, I tape 4 episodes and we get togater once a month for a 4 hour marathon, Its one of the very high points in my social life. Pizza, robots and friends. Other than that, nothing, but with the post (thanks bot) on Heros, I will have to check it out. I don't watch live TV anymore, :-&. If you have cable, get a TV tuner card. Oh, I catch a few episodes of Judging Amy every now and again when my fiance is in town.

Re:What's good on TV these days?

Boingo_Babe — GMT

ECHO wrote:

latenight with conan

Conan is awesome. I laugh every time he knocks over that stupid microphone. Kudos to him for getting to host the Tonight Show after Jay Leno leaves! In the last couple days, I've discovered Family Guy is pretty flipping hilarious. I'm sure someone has already mentioned it. Stewie kills me. B_B

Re:What's good on TV these days?

ECHO — GMT

Boingo_Babe wrote:

Conan is awesome. I laugh every time he knocks over that stupid microphone. Kudos to him for getting to host the Tonight Show after Jay Leno leaves!

Yes! And the Chuck Norris clips are so priceless. I didn't know that he was moving to the Tonight Show untill recently... ::so out of touch:: Stewie is pretty much the only reason I watch Family Guy: "Let me guess, you picked out yet another colorful box with a crank that I'm expected to turn and turn until OOP! big shock, a jack pops out and you laugh and the kids laugh and the dog laughs and I die a little inside."

Re:What's good on TV these days?

PyRo — GMT

ECHO wrote:

I had a feeling NBC could make Heroes into something great or totally screw it up, but I think it's an awesome show! I also watch the colbert report, latenight with conan, and pretty much anything on adult swim (the best being birdman, robot chicken, and futurama).

I LOVE conan! its his hair really lol its ALL over the place! Unfortunatly i havent been able to see it for a bit :cry: but yes he is my fav for the late night shows!

Re:What's good on TV these days?

ECHO — GMT

PyRo wrote:

I LOVE conan! its his hair really lol its ALL over the place! Unfortunatly i havent been able to see it for a bit :cry: but yes he is my fav for the late night shows!

His hair IS incredible! I recently visted some friends in NYC and went and saw his show. The studio is really small! The camera makes it look so large.

Re:What's good on TV these days?

Boingo_Babe — GMT

ECHO wrote:

His hair IS incredible! I recently visted some friends in NYC and went and saw his show. The studio is really small! The camera makes it look so large.

The Saturday Night Live set is like that too. B_B

Re:What's good on TV these days?

macadamia — GMT

dip42 wrote:

House! Enough said.. well maybe not.. Its a medical show Kinda like Er but without the gore.

Umm, its more like Smallville Need I say more?

Re:What's good on TV these days?

BotFodder — GMT

Bah, you guys are totally missing it: Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet. Remember Shakespeare!

Re:What's good on TV these days?

TheElectrician — GMT

BotFodder wrote:

Bah, you guys are totally missing it: Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet. Remember Shakespeare!

I have seen that show. I must say that meerkats may just be the cutest darn animals on planet Earth.

What's good on TV these days?

MandaPanda — GMT

Oh, and Robot Chicken on Adult Swim is pretty funny. DrkSlayer loves that show, he used to make me watch it all the time lol!!

What's good on TV these days?

MandaPanda — GMT

In the last couple days, I've discovered Family Guy is pretty flipping hilarious. I'm sure someone has already mentioned it. I have to say thats my favorite TV show, I'm also becoming addicted to Prison Break and Justice

Re:What's good on TV these days?

Chameleon — GMT

BotFodder wrote:

Bah, you guys are totally missing it: Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet. Remember Shakespeare!

I wish I got Animal Planet. That was my favorite channel along with the Discovery Channel. Those 'learning' channels are the only ones that I would watch, but I don't get them anymore :cry: TLC, Travel, History, etc.

Re:What's good on TV these days?

BotFodder — GMT

TLC no longer stands for The Learning Channel IMHO. It's like the "home improvement" channel or something.

Re:What's good on TV these days?

Titanium.wombaT — GMT

BotFodder wrote:

TLC no longer stands for The Learning Channel IMHO. It's like the "home improvement" channel or something.

It's Bob Vila's maniacal plan to take over the world... He and Tim Allen have been plotting against TV audiences ever since they got dropped by the networks.

Re:What's good on TV these days?

PyRo — GMT

Chameleon wrote:

BotFodder wrote:

Bah, you guys are totally missing it: Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet. Remember Shakespeare!
I wish I got Animal Planet. That was my favorite channel along with the Discovery Channel. Those 'learning' channels are the only ones that I would watch, but I don't get them anymore :cry: TLC, Travel, History, etc.

i totaly agree with you! think Wombat is glad we dont get that channal lol. if only Animal planet didnt do so many re-runs.