FALL 2011: NBC’s Fall Schedule!

NBC unveiled their fall schedule yesterday and there were a few surprises most notably the holding off of 30 Rock for midseason due to Tina Fey’s pregnancy and the presence of The Sing Off in an expanded 2 hour fall block. This is a huge upgrade for The Sing Off which is usually a winter filler.

NBC also abandoned their 3 hour thursday comedy blockin favor of giving Maria Bello her old time slot by scheduling Prime Suspect in ER’s old slot. 

Whitney, starring Whitney Cummings takes 30 Rock’s place on thursday, it might be out of place on thursday with its laugh track. NBC is also trying to make a play for another night of comedy with an 8 to 9 hourlong comedy block featuring new series anchored by comedy veterans; on tap is Up All Night, starring Christina Applegate, Will Arnett and Maya Rudolph, about a working new mom and Free Agents a workplace/romantic comedy starring Hank Azaria.

Frankly, it’s not the most exciting schedule, especially since the series I’m most jazzed for, Smash is being held till midseason. The schedule is below, new series are bolded.

Monday
8:00 The Sing Off/ The Voice (Midseason)
10:00 The Playboy Club/ Smash (Midseason)

Tuesday
8:00 The Biggest Loser
10:00 Parenthood

Wednesday
8:00 Up All Night
8:30 Free Agents
9:00 Harry’s Law
10:00 Law & Order: SVU

Thursday
8:00 Community
8:30 Parks & Recreation
9:00 The Office
9:30 Whitney
10:00 Prime Suspect 

Friday
8:00 Chuck
9:00 Grimm
10:00 Dateline NBC

Sunday
FOOTBALL
Midseason:
8:00 The Celebrity Apprentice
10:00 The Firm 

NBC is saving Awake, Are You There Vodka…, Bent & Best Friends Forever for midseason, but they remain unscheduled.

Check out the details and trailers for for the new series courtesy of NBC:

SMASH is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross-section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire — to be a “Smash.” The series centers on a desire to create a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe — written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Tony Award nominee Christian Borle, “Legally Blonde: The Musical”) and Julia (Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, “Will & Grace”). Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband of many years, but her focus is torn when she has the opportunity to write another Broadway hit. A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty (Katharine McPhee, “American Idol”) — who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds — and stage veteran (Megan Hilty, “9 to 5: The Musical”), who’s determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break. A tenacious producer Eileen (Oscar winner, Anjelica Huston, “Prizzi’s Honor”) discovers the “Marilyn” project and jumps on board with a brilliant director (Jack Davenport, “Pirates of the Caribbean” films) — whose talent is matched by his cunning and egocentric amorality. 

The Playboy Club is a provocative new drama about a time and place that challenged the social mores, where a visionary entrepreneur created an empire and an icon changed American culture. It’s the early ‘60s, and the legendary Playboy Club in Chicago is the door to all of your fantasies — and the key is the most sought-after status symbol of its kind. Inside the seductive world of the bunny, the epitome of beauty and service, the clientele rubs shoulders with the decade’s biggest mobsters, politicos and entertainers. Nick Dalton (Eddie Cibrian, “CSI: Miami”) is one of the city’s top attorneys and the ultimate playboy, rubbing elbows with everyone in the city’s power structure. With mysterious ties to the mob, Nick comes to the aid of Maureen (Amber Heard, “Zombieland”), the stunning and innocent new bunny who accidentally kills the leader of the Bianchi crime family. Dating Nick is Carol-Lynne (Laura Benanti, “Take the Lead”), a bombshell and established star at the club who knows her days as a bunny are numbered and finds herself continually at odds with Billy (David Krumholtz, ”Numb3rs”), the club’s general manager. Adding to the charm of the Playboy club is Janie (Jenna Dewan Tatum, “American Virgin”), the carefree life of the party who is dating Max (Wes Ramsey, “CSI: Miami”), an overly protective bartender. Also starring are Naturi Naughton (“Fame”) and Leah Renee (“True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet”)

Up All Night! A modern take on parenthood that shows the challenges of balancing a career, marriage and a new baby. Christina Applegate (Samantha Who?) stars as Reagan, a successful public relations executive, and Will Arnett (Arrested Development) plays Chris, Reagan’s supportive, stay-at-home husband. The two have just become parents – a surprise that has set their lives on a new path as responsible adults — for the most part. Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids) stars as Ava, Reagan’s outlandish boss and best friend, whose whirlwind social escapades serve as constant reminders of Reagan’s former carefree life. James Pumphrey (High Road) portrays Brian, Reagan’s socially awkward hipster assistant.

Free Agents! Based on the cult U.K. series of the same name that explores the trials and tribulations of two public relations executives on the rebound. Alex (Hank Azaria, “The Simpsons,”) is newly divorced and can barely keep himself together while his co-worker Helen (Kathryn Hahn, “Hung”) thinks she has it together but is obsessed with her deceased fiancé and actually is falling apart. Then a drunken Alex and Helen end up in bed together, and in the resulting sober confusion, Helen decides that they should only be friends. Meanwhile Alex’s co-workers, Dan (Mo Mandel, “Love Bites,”) and Gregg (Al Madrigal,“Gary, Unmarried”), and Stephen (Anthony Head, GILES from Buffy!) fail in their attempts to help him get back out on the dating scene. When Alex finally agrees to a date, Helen gets a little jealous, and he gets cold feet, so they end up back where they started — in a casual, intimate and beautifully awkward relationship. Also starring is Joe Lo Truglio (Mad Love) and Natasha Leggero (Ugly Americans). 

Whitney is a new multi-camera comedy series about Whitney (Whitney Cummings, “Chelsea Lately”) and Alex (Chris D’Elia, “Glory Daze”), a happily unmarried couple. Together for five years, the duo is in no rush to get hitched. However, after attending yet another one of their friends’ weddings, Whitney realizes that she and Alex are dangerously close to relationship boredom. Determined not to let that happen, Whitney consults her close circle of opinionated girlfriends — including Lily (Zoe Lister-Jones, “The Other Guys”) and Roxanne (Rhea Seehorn, “The Starter Wife”) — and then snaps into action. A few awkward sexy costumes and one botched seductive evening later, the couple ends up in the emergency room. Even so, Whitney and Alex realize that while their relationship might not be perfect on paper, they really do love each other — and that works for them. Also starring are Maulik Pancholy (NBC’s “30 Rock”) as Lily’s perfect boyfriend, and Dan O’Brien (“How I Met Your Mother”) as an eternal bachelor. 
 

Prime Suspect has been redeveloped for American audiences by writer Alexandra Cunningham (“Desperate Housewives,” “NYPD Blue”), director Peter Berg (NBC’s “Friday Night Lights”) — and stars Maria Bello (“A History of Violence”) as tough-as-nails Detective Jane Timoney. Timoney finds that being a homicide detective in New York City is tough enough and having to contend with a male-dominated police department to get respect makes it that much tougher. She’s an outsider who has just transferred to a new precinct dominated by an impenetrable clique of a boys’ club. Timoney has her own vices too — with a questionable past — and she tends to be forceful, rude and reckless. But she’s also a brilliant cop who keeps her eye on one thing: the prime suspect. Also starring are Aidan Quinn (“Unknown”), Brian O’Byrne (“Flash Forward”), Tim Griffin (“Star Trek”), Kirk Acevedo (“Fringe”), Joe Nieves (“How I Met Your Mother”), Damon Gupton (“The Last Airbender”) and Peter Gerety (“Blue Bloods”).
 

Grimm is a new drama series inspired by the classic Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Nick Burkhardt (David Guintoli “Turn The Beat Around”) thought he prepared himself for the realities of working as a homicide detective until he started seeing things he couldn’t quite explain. When his ailing Aunt Marie (guest star Kate Burton, “Grey’s Anatomy”) arrives, Nick’s life turns upside down when she reveals they are descendants of an elite group of hunters, also known as “Grimms,” who fight to keep the balance of humanity safe from the supernatural creatures of the world. As Nick digs deeper into her past, he realizes that he will have to shoulder the responsibility of his ancestors — and contend with a larger-than-life mythology of the Brothers Grimm that is now all too real. Russell Hornsby (“Lincoln Heights”), Bitsie Tulloch (“Quarterlife”), Silas Weir Mitchell (“Prison Break”), Reggie Lee (“Persons Unknown”) and Sasha Roiz (“Caprica”) also star.
 

Awake! When Detective Michael Britten (Issacs) regains consciousness following his family’s car accident, he is told that his wife Hannah (Laura Allen, “Terriers”) perished but that his teen son, Rex (Dylan Minnette, “Saving Grace”), has survived. As he tries to put the pieces of his life back together, he awakens again in a parallel reality in which his wife is very much alive — but his son Rex died in the accident. In order to keep both of his loved ones alive at one time, he begins living two dueling realities in parallel worlds, which churns up confusion — in one moment, Michael and his wife debate about having another child to replace their son, while in the other reality, he is attracted to his son’s tennis coach, Tara (Michaela McManus, “The Vampire Diaries”), to fill the void from the loss of his wife. Trying to regain some normalcy, Michael returns to police work and solves crimes in both worlds with the help of two different partners — Detective Isaiah “Bird” Freeman (Steve Harris, “The Practice”) and Detective Efrem Vega (Wilmer Valderrama, “That ’70s Show”). Also starring are Emmy Award winner Cherry Jones (“24”) and BD Wong (NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”) as therapists in each respective world.

Are You There Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea follows the exploits of twentysomething bartender Chelsea (Laura Prepon, “That ’70s Show”) a strong-willed force of nature who is determined to live life to the fullest and make no apologies. Her friends are along for the ride but they all know it is Chelsea’s way or the highway. Mark (Jo Koy, “Chelsea Lately”) is a charming bartender whose wit makes him the perfect foil for Chelsea while Shoniqua (Angel Laketa Moore, “ER”) is a smart and sassy fellow waitress who looks out for Chelsea’s best interests. Close friend and fellow bartender Todd (Mark Povinelli, “Water for Elephants”) has a wry sense of humor that keeps her in check. Also starring are Natalie Morales (NBC’s “Parks and Recreation”) as Ivory, Chelsea’s feisty best friend; Lauren Lapkus (“The Middle”) as Dee Dee, Chelsea’s sheltered, shy roommate, and Lenny Clarke (“Rescue Me”) as Chelsea’s dad, Melvin. Handler has a recurring role as Chelsea’s sister Sloan, a happily married new mom who has little in common with her carefree sister.

Bent! On the surface, Alex (Amanda Peet, “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip”) and Pete (David Walton, “Perfect Couples”) could not be more different. The recently divorced Alex is a resilient and tough lawyer who now is raising her eight-year-old daughter, Charlie (Joey King, “Ramona and Beezus”), as a single mom. Unwilling to let anything get in her way, she downsizes into a smaller house, and she hires Pete, a recovering gambling addict and unapologetic womanizer, as the contractor to re-do her kitchen. The remodeling job is Pete’s last chance to prove that he is no longer a screw-up — but he doesn’t know what’s about to hit him when he encounters the force of nature that is Alex — nor does she realize that she’s met her match in Pete, a man unafraid to call out her flaws. Jeffrey Tambor (“Arrested Development”) also stars as Pete’s father, Walt, an out-of-work actor, while Margo Harshman (“Sorority Row”) stars as Alex’s wild younger sister Screwsie.

Best Friends Forever is a single-camera comedy that takes a look at what happens when best friends promise to support each other — no matter what the cost or circumstances. When Jessica’s (Jessica St. Clair, “In the Motherhood”) husband files for divorce, she immediately seeks comfort and flies across the country to move back in with her best friend, Lennon (Lennon Parham, “Accidentally on Purpose”). Unfortunately, Lennon’s boyfriend, Joe (Adam Pally, “Happy Endings”), has just moved into the apartment and has turned Jessica’s old room into his perfect home office. As Lennon and Jessica fall into their old routines — beloved traditions, Steel Magnolia marathons and epic girl-talk sessions — Joe begins to feel as if he’s the odd man out. While Lennon struggles to find balance between her previous life with Jessica and her new life with Joe, Jessica’s reentry to single life is complicated by the unresolved feelings that an old friend, Rav (Stephen Schneider, “The Funniest Movie Ever…Just Kidding”), has for her and the fact that pleated khakis aren’t the most flattering single girl look.  

The Firm continues the story of attorney Mitchell McDeere and his family 10 years after the events of the film and novel. As a young associate, McDeere brought down the prestigious Memphis law firm of Bendini, Lambert & Locke, which operated as a front for the Chicago mob — and his life was never the same. After a difficult decade, which included a stay in the Federal Witness Protection program, Mitch and his family now emerge from isolation to reclaim their lives and their future — only to find that past dangers are still lurking and new threats are everywhere. No cast yet.

FALL 2011: NBC Renews 3, Cancels 1 & Picks Up 7 New Series **UPDATED**

**Updated**

NBC gets one last Chuck, Axes The EVENT

As expected Chuck received a 5th season renewal, but a shortened one. Chuck, which has one of the most loyal followings on TV, will return for a 13 episode season that will be it’s last. It’s not often fans of a much loved serialized show get to have closure, but NBC was feeling charitable to Chuck fans.

They were not however feeling charitable to The Event, which after a really rocky and mostly awful first season has been cancelled. I wish the cadre of awesome actors in the series were available for pilot season… oh well I guess I’ll watch Zeljko Ivanek’s new show (cause he’ll have one for sure) next year.

Parenthood and Harry’s Law Renewed!

NBC has granted Parenthood a third season. The beloved family drama performed well but placed third behind Body of Proof and The Good Wife. The second season ended with Christina (Monica Potter) and Adam (Peter Krause) finding out they’re having another baby.

Harry’s Law, the David E. Kelley  midseason replacement series starring Kathy Bates, Rob Corddray and Brittany Snow premiered in the spring to decent ratings was expected to be picked up. With Kelley’s Wonder Woman officially dead – and thank god, lord did that ever look stupid – a renewal for Harry’s Law was a decent consolation prize.

A 13-episode renewal for perennial bubble series Chuck should come any day now but there’s no official word yet.

Smash! Whitney! Prime Suspect! Up All Night! Grimm! Awake! Playboy Club!

Hourlongs:

Smash: The Steven Spielberg produced musical series Smash got picked up. The series follows the struggles of putting on a broadway play. It stars Debra Messing as the lyricist, Tony Nominee Christian Borle as the composer, Katherine McPhee as the ingenue, Anjelica Huston as the producer and Jack Davenport as the Choreographer. Word from the screenings is that Messing is amazing and McPhee steals every scene she’s in. Could this be an adult’s Glee?

The Playboy Club: The 60′s set Playboy Club about the happenings of a girlie club stars Eddie Cibrian, David Krumholtz (Numbers), Amber Heard (Zombieland, left in costume), Jenna Dewan-Tatum (Step-Up), Naturi Naughton (Fame remake), Laura Benanti (Eli Stone) and Wes Ramsey (The Event). Jeff Hephner was set to play the lead but Eddie Cibrian replaced him shortly before filming began.

Awake: A sci-fi series from Kyle Killen, rebounding after his Lonestar devestation, this one’s about a Detective (played by Jason Isaacs, Lucius Malfoy in the HP film series) who awakes from a car crash to find he’s living in two different realities. Laura Allen (Terriers), Michaela MacManus (Law & Order: SVU), Tony Winner Cherry Jones (24) and Steve Harris (The Practice) co-star.

Grimm: A procedural set in a world populated by Grimm Fairy Tale figures. It stars Privileged’s David Guintoli, Sasha Roiz (Caprica), Silas Weir Mitchell (Prison Break) and Kate Burton (Ellis Grey on Grey’s)

Prime Suspect: Across the pond this series, about Detective Jane Tennison, launched it’s star Helen Mirren to a ginormous film career and an Oscar. Here Jane is played by Maria Bello (right, in costume), who should have been nominated for an Oscar for both The Cooler and A History Of Violence. I’ve watched a couple of the Mirren ones and they’re outstanding, with the right script this could be a real (and much needed) hit for NBC.

Wonder Woman, Ron Moore’s Harry Potter-meets-Law & Order series, the 17th Precinct and A Mann’s World, starring Don Johnson as a lothario hairdresser are dead. A Mann’s World’s producers are shopping the series around to cable nets. 

Comedies:

Whitney: Whitney Cummings has been on fire lately and now the red hot comedienne’s sitcom, that was considered a lock from the beginning, is being brought to series.

Up All Night: Stars Christina Applegate (YES!) as a single new mom and business woman.

I hear NBC is finished with their drama pick ups and are sifting through some comedies, which include Chelsea Handler’s series,  before the upfronts next week.

What’s On: Parenthood Finale Tuesday!

Parenthood “Hard Times Come Again No More” 10:00 on NBC

Parenthood’s wonderful second season comes to a close tonight. Series creator Jason Katims could run a masters course on weaving intricate and engaging family drama. Last week ended with Amber in a car accident and no doubt tonight’s emotional episode will focus on the family rallying for her at the hospital. Crosby’s quest to win back Jasmine after cheating on her with Gabby will also reach a climax tonight as Cros reveals to Jas that he bought her a house, that he wants her to have her dream, the one she drew in the relationship counsellor’s office. Also is Hattie pregnant with Alex’s baby? Find out tonight on the stellar season finale of Parenthood.

The Rest:

Glee 8:00 on FOX – Holly Holiday returns tonight, as do Sandy Ryerson, Sunshine Corazon and Dustin Goolsby as Sue tries another way to take down the Glee club. The best thing about it is that Terri Shuester is in it tonight (despite being a regular this is like her second or third episode this season). With songs like All By Myself and (shock!) Mercedes singing Aretha, it sounds like a snoozer.

The Biggest Loser 8:00 on NBC – Since Courtney left I’ve been so depressed I haven’t eaten a thing. Thanks for helping me lose weight the Biggest Loser.

Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution 8:00 on ABC – Police prevent him from entering a school. I wished they prevented him from doing this show.

One Tree Hill 8:00 on CW – I saw a second of the trailer for tonight’s episode last night and WOW, Jackson Brundage is not cure anymore. He went from Haley Joel Osment in Sixth Sense to Haley Joel Osment in Secondhand Lions. Shudder.

Dancing With The Stars 9:00 on ABC – Omigod I don’t care. Stop it.

Hellcats 9:00 on CW – Hellcats returns tonight and takes a page from Thriller with a zombie themed episode. Yup, now it’s a cheerleading/legal/zombie series.

Raising Hope 9:01 on FOX - Thank you FOX for letting Martha Plimpton head over to CBS to return to the Good Wife for an episode. THANK YOU.

Traffic Light 9:30 on FOX – If this would have premiered in this slot at the beginning of the season it would have been renewed already. It’s so good and so underrated.

Body of Proof 10:01 on ABC – I’m still watching, which doens’t say much about the writing and quality as it says something about how unconditiona; my love for Dana Delaney is.

What’s On: Brief Tuesday

Hey guys, lots to do so I gotta be brief today. Michael J Fox, TV Death and Series Finales are abound tonight, here are our recommendations for tonight, Tuesday April 5, 2011.

The Good Wife “Wrongful Termination” 10:00 on CBS

CBS says: To Lockhart/Gardner’s disbelief, Louis Canning returns to face off against Alicia once again when the firm represents families of workers who committed suicide due to miserable working conditions. Meanwhile, Cary finds out shocking information about Kalinda.
I say: I’m excited to see how former partner Jonas Stern fits into all this. And mortified that Alicia might find out about Peter and Kalinda.

Series Finale Alert!!!

Lights Out “War” 10:00 on FX

Tonight marks the end of Lights Out. Lights faces his biggest challenge in the ring yet as he faces Death Row after leading up to it all season. FX blamed its low numbers on Teen Mom and The Game, I say it was because no one wants bleak – especially in the winter.

The Rest:

The Biggest Loser 8:00 on NBC – That’s two times in a row that our girl Courtney Crozier’s been on the bottom. I hope she can make it now that she’s solo.

The Kennedys 8:00 on REELZ – Lots of people watched this to see what the fuss was about – tonight we see if they come back for more..

NCIS 8:00 on CBS – 60 Something dreamboat Mark Harmon solves crimes.

Season (and probably Series) Finale Alert!!!

No Ordinary Family 8:00 on ABC – Lame stupid loathsome series finally comes to an end tonight (hopefully forever). I’m gonna check it out just to see which series regular kicks the bucket. That’s right tv death gluttons, someone dies tonight. We all hope it’s Daphne right?

Dancing With The Stars 9:00 on ABC – OMG did you see Maxim drop Kirstie Alley? It was only a matter of time. It’s 20 Seconds in…

Parenthood 10:00 on NBC – Hattie goes to prom with her boyfriend Alex (guest star Michael B. Jordan, Wallace from The Wire) terrifying her parents in the process.

Teen Mom w/ Dr. Drew 10:00 on MTV – Dr. Drew sits down to incite blow ups between Adam and Chelsea, Kailyn and Jo and Jenelle and her mom Barbara.

What’s On: Dana Delaney is Back Tuesday!

Who out there doens’t love Dana Delaney? Seriously? She’s the definition of a TV star elevating whatever material she’s given. She made sense out of Katherine Mayfair’s weird lesbo-stripper relationship on Housewives, and brought a tense two parter of Castle last year to a different level. She is a TV goddess and finally she is headlining a series – problem is I hear it’s not good. Not good at all. Nonetheless it’s still a recommendation for tonight, Tuesday March 29 2011.

Da Best:

Season Finale Alert!

The Game “The Right To Choose” 10:00 on BET

The Game’s legendary 4th season comes to a close tonight. The series, which BET rescued from the CW’s trash, has been a ratings smash for the music netlet. Not really my cup of tea, but not bad at all either. Wendy Raquel Robinson (Ms. Grier from The Steve Harvey Show) is at home here.  Check out an interview with the cast on the Wendy Williams Show.

Parenthood “Taking the Leap” 10:00 on NBC

We last left the Braverman clan in shambles as it was revealed that Crosby had slept with Gaby. He’s so selfish, but honestly so is Jasmine – they’re kind of perfect for eachother. He’s gonna try to get his lady back tonight. Good Luck Cros. Elsewhere Sarah gets some criticism on her play by an old friend of Zeek’s played by Academy Award winner/annoying curmedgeon Richard Dreyfus.

The Good Wife “Killer Song” 10:00 on CBS

Last weeks Good Wife continued it’s streak of pulling twists and surprises that no one sees coming. The bombshell that Kalinda slept with Peter after he illegally changed her identity was HUGE – my jaw literally dropped. It enhances Kalinda’s motivations since the series began – she has these feeligns of guilt which is why she’s so protective of Alicia. Brilliant… but sad – this will shatter her (Alicia), won’t it? I mean she’s strong but can she handle THAT level of betrayal. I guess we’ll see… Oh tonight’s episode? Oh yeah , okay so America Fererra returns to the Good Wife as Natalie Flores, Wendy Scott Carr’s former nanny and Eli has the firm take care of her legal troubles. I think tonight might mark the first time Lockhart & Gardner client Eli Gold (Alan Cumming) has brought his lawyers a case. The main case of the episode is about a murderer being sued by his victim’s daughter for profiting on a song he wrote about the death in prison. Sam Robards (The Captain on Gossip Girl) also guest stars.

Series Premiere Alert!!!

Body of Proof “Pilot” 10:01 on ABC

From Desperate Housewife to the most unconventional medical examiner. A top neurosurgeon gets into a car accident and subsequently kills a patient on the table, then throws in the doctor towel to become a surly wisecracking medical examiner or, Lady-House. Haven’t I seen this before? The reviews of the show seem to come to the concensus that while Delaney is a TV star at the top of her game, the material is pedantic and cliched. I’m such a fan I’d watch Delaney read my grocery list so I’ll tune in to the pilot (I love a good pilot) but after that it has to earn my attention. The series co-stars Jeri Ryan (Star Trek Voyager), Sonja Sohn (Kima Greggs!!!!) and John Carrol Lynch (The Drew Carey Show). Oh and Sam Robards (duh, The Captain on Gossip Girl) guest stars here too.

YOU GO SAM ROBARDS!!!

The Rest:

The Biggest Loser 8:00 on NBC – Courtney Crozier almost got eliminated last week. I would have died – thank god Justin’s such a mensch.

NCIS 8:00 on CBS – Come for the Mark Harmon, stay for tonight’s guest star, Alias’ Carl Lumbly (Marcus Dixon)

NCIS:LA 9:00 on CBS – Come for the comraderie between O’Donnell and Mr. Cool J, stay to see Kensi (Daniela Ruah) go undercover.

Dancing With the Stars 9:00 on ABC – Results show bitches.

Traffic Light 9:31 on FOX – I am slowly but surely falling for Callie (Aya Cash) she’s the show’s black sheep, she’s funny, unpredictable and has great chemistry with Nelson Franklin’s Adam. Tonight, the hilarious Kathryn Hahn (Anchorman, The Goods) guest stars as Callie’s sex obsessed free spirit sister and Rob Huebel (Holly’s ex AJ on the Office) guests as Adam’s boss.

Season Finale Alert!!!

Teen Mom 10:00 on MTV – Jenelle Evans, season two breakout(?) star was arrested yesterday for assault. Wanna see why? Press play below… (before it goes away)

Wow. What a psycho. Why can’t everyone be like Chelsea and Randelicious?

That’s what’s on tap for tonight. Nothing special till a timeslot rumble at 10.

What’s On: Friendship Tuesday

What’s going on friends! It’s a lovely tuesday and even lovelier because I get to be here talking to you – MY FRIENDS. And in the spirit of friendship I urge you to befriend The Good Wife – not because it needs viewers, just because you deserve it. The Good Wife as always is among our recommendations for tonight, Tuesday March 1, 2011.

No Ordinary Family “No Ordinary Love” 8:00 on ABC

The alphabet’s worst scripted series gets a leg up tonight by staging a Battlestar Galactica reunion. Two super hot former cylons; Tricia Helfer  and Lucy Lawless show up tonight as the devious Sophie and evil Mrs. X respectively. Lame but, cooler than usual I guess.

Raising Hope “Snip snip” 9:30 on FOX

Tonight’s episode is about gossip; and man I love gossip. Virginia (Martha Plimpton) finds out something juicy about Sabrina (Shannon Woodward) and vice versa and they blackmail eachother to keep it a secret. I posted a clip below, click through to youtube if you want to see more!

White Collar “Power Play” 10:00 on USA

Peter and Neal switch identities to stop a nasty criminal (guest star Richard Schiff) from a collusion scheme. I love episodes that have characters skewering each other, and when the series has a strong sense of humour, like this one, it always works out for the audience’s benefit. Definetly worth checking out!

The Good Wife “The Great Firewall” 10:00 on CBS

My addition to the Good Wife aside, tonight’s episode is gonna be HUGE. On the trial side (CBS says); “[The firm defends a] Chinese dissident, who posted an anonymous blog about democracy in China, and was jailed and tortured by the Chinese government when the site failed to protect his anonymity and turned over his IP address.” The man is played by Lost’s Ken Leung, who advance screenings say is rather brilliant. On the other side of things; Derrick (Michael Ealy) makes a move against Diane, who’s nemesis Viola (Rita Wilson) returns tonight and Eli strives for a way to get Glenn Childs (guest star Titus Welliver) out of the State’s Attorney race. In true Good Wife fashion I imagine there will be a lot of twists and turns along the way.

The rest:

American Idol 8:00 on FOX – 90 minutes. Men sing.

The Biggest Loser 8:00 on NBC – I say it every week and I’ll say it again. COURTNEY CROZIER.

NCIS 8:00 0n CBS – Sarah Jane Morris, formerly of Brother’s and Sisters guest stars.

One Tree Hill 8:00 on CW – Chase (Stephen Colletti) gets a plot tonight. Good for him.

Hellcats 9:00 on CW – The mystery of who knocked up Charlotte, Savannah’s sister gets solved tonight. I hope it was Dan (Matt Barr).

V 9:00 on ABC – Erica leads a risky attack against Anna. Doesn’t she always.

The Game 10:00 on BET – A very special episode. Czech it out! (Pictured below)

Lights Out 10:00 on FX – Check out this downer while you still can, it’s not long for this world.

Parenthood 10:00 on NBC – Last week’s episode was brilliant and tonight promises to be the same as Adam and Christina explain Asperger’s to Max.

Southland 10:00 on TNT – It was chilling when Sammy went after Nate’s killer last week. Tonight’s penultimate episode should be just as awesome.

Teen Mom 10:00 on MTV – I think tonight is the night I’m gonna try this. Tonight’s the night!

Tosh.0 10:00 on CC – Sometimes I feel bad for those ridiculed by the Tosh. HA! I could’t even type that wit a straight face.

20/20 10:00 on ABC – I’m on a drug and its called Charlie Sheen.

Thats the haps for tonight. Check back tomorrow for more!

What’s On: Hug Your Favourite Storm Trooper Tuesday!

Remember to hug your favourite clone of Jango Fett today. Love thy Stormtrooper like you love thy brother! On other notes, I hope tonight’s Party episode of Glee isn’t lame, almost as much as I know America Fererra will be a great addition to the Good Wife’s cadre of guests. They among other are our recommendations for tonight, Tuesday February 22 2011.

The highlights:

Glee “Blame it on the Alcohol” 8:00 on FOX

I have a feeling Glee is gonna handle partying in the most extremely lame way but I’ll tune in to see a cover of the Human League’s Don’t You Want Me and to see the Rachel Berry House Party Train Wreck Extravaganza.

V “Birth Pangs” 9:00 on ABC

In the tail end of V’s 10 episode second season, all the plots ramp up. Last week was particularly bloody as Krycek Erica’s ex met a bullett-y end. I know V plans to end on a cliffhanger and that it’s probably the end for V, but it’s just getting good; I especially like the union of Diana (Jane Badler) and Lisa (Laura van der Voort).

Traffic Light “All The Precedent’s Men” 9:30 on FOX

I am very much a fan of the American version of Israel’s Ramzor (which in Hebrew literally means Traffic Light). It’s light and funny without being cliched and sentimental without being cloying. It really deserves a chance so check it out. Need more convincing? Check out the featurette below!

The Good Wife “Last Shot” 10:00 on CBS

Diane (Christine Baranski) represents Kurt McVeigh (guest star Gary Cole), some times he’s her ballistics expert sometimes he’s her lover, but tonight he’s her client and they’re in front of sleepy Judge Jerry Stiller. Also Eli (Alan Cumming) makes a special connection with guest star America Fererra who plays Wendy Scott Carr’s (guest star Anika Noni Rose) illegal nanny. Look like a good one, it’s written by creators Robert & Michelle King as are the best episodes.

Parenthood “Do Not Sleep With Your Autistic Nephew’s Therapist” 10:00 on NBC

At the end of last week’s episode Crosby (Dax Sheppard) slept with Gaby (guest star Minka Kelly), Max’s autism therapist. Tonight the repercussions are felt throughout the family and from the promo it looks like were gonna get some solid A work from the severly underrated Monica Potter . Also Amber (Mae Whitman) implodes as her dad’s presence intensifies. Looks like a real doozy!

Here’s the rest of what Tuesday has to offer for you amusement:

The Biggest Loser 8:00 on NBC – Two words. Courtney. Crozier.

NCIS 8:00 on CBS – Pauley Perrette makes me want to blow my brains out. Fine not Pauly Perrette, Abby Scuitto.

No Ordinary Family 8:00 on ABC – Hate it to death. Like hate it to blody f’ing death!

One Tree Hill 8:00 on CW – Brooke and Julian take steps to adopt and the recently awful Leven Rambin (Mark Sloane’s awful daughter on Grey’s) is the baby mama.

Hellcats 9:00 on CW – Dan Patch (Matt Barr) returns with a new lady in tow much to Marti and Savannah’s dismay.

NCIS:LA 9:00 on CBS – Renee Felice Smith is a welcome upgraded regular to the ensemble.

Raising Hope 9:01 on FOX – Virginia’s cousin Delilah (guest star Amy Sedaris, pictured) comes to make her claim on Maw Maw’s house.

The Game 10:00 on BET – Sistah sistah dont know how much I missed ya!

Lights Out 10:00 on FX – It’s sarcoidosis. It’s always sarcoidosis. Oh wait that’s not this show that’s House. Sorry. I’m watching last night’s awesome House and it’s makin’ me much more excited than this downer.

Southland 10:00 on TNT – Moretta’s death continues to be felt throughout the dept.

Teen Mom 10:00 on MTV – Smash hit! So sad…

Tosh.O 10:00 on Comedy Central – Come for the ridicule stay for the cheekbones.

White Collar 10:00 on USA – Kelly Kapowski Alert!!! I need to fix my electric pul down volleyball poster.

Well that the haps for Tuesday. Check back later folks.

What’s On: Voicemail Tuesday. “Will, I need a moment of your time”

a.k.a. Michael Emerson Guest Spot Tuesday!

It’s an exciting day for us Good Wife addicts as the press release from CBS indicates a certain voicemail that has been haunting us Will/Alicia fans all season. But it’s exciting for more reasons; Michael Emerson, the Emmy winning Lost star who played villain Benjamin Linus for 5 years, does a guest spot on a weekly series. In fact, this is his first guest appearance since Lost’s season 2 finale before he was promoted to a regular. There’s other good stuff on tonight too which along with Parenthood are our recommendations for tonight, Tuesday February 15, 2011.

Ooh La La:

Glee “Comeback” 8:00 on FOX

Well well well… last week, after a Superbowl episode that stank like shit, Glee came back with Silly Love Songs which was probably this season’s strongest episode so far. Can Glee make it two in a row? Probably not, but it’ll be nice to see them try. Sam starts a Bieber cover group and the gang sings “Somebody to Love” and “Baby” as well as the mightily anticipated cover of Rent’s “Take Me or Leave Me” sung by Mercedes and Rachel. Also Sue suffers from depression after losing her star Cheerios. It’s scheduled to go a minute long if your recording set DVR’s accordingly.

V “Siege” 9:00 on ABC

Lisa meets her grandmother Diana for the first time tonight and potentially finds the 5th column an new shipboard ally. While it’s not the best show on TV or even one of the very good ones, it’s damn fine entertainment. The snob in me tells me I deserve better but the 12 year old in me tells me it’s awesome. It’s also scheduled to go a minute long if your recording set DVR’s accordingly.

Parenthood “Amazing Andy and his Wonderful World of Bugs” 10:00 on NBC

The aformentioned Michael Emerson guest appearance is upon us. He plays the titular Amazing Andy, who joys Max (Max Burkholder) to no end at his birthday party. Minka Kelly also guest stars as Gabby, Max’s therapist and John Corbett is back again as Miles and Amber’s father. The promo is below, and it makes no mention of Emerson, just Kelly and Crosby’s (Dax Shepard) affair with her.

The Good Wife “Net Worth” 10:00 on CBS

Based on the story behind the Social Network, F Murray Abraham and Rita Wilson guest stain in the episode about an internet billionaire who is suing the producers who made a movie that shows him in a negative light. But on way more interesting grounds Will and Alicia finally have that talk about the voice mail. That voice mail. Chris Noth, Anika Noni Rose, Titus Welliver, Kate Burton, Dallas Roberts, Jill Flint and Rene Auberjonois also guest star.

La Petite Merde:

The Biggest Loser 8:00 on NBC – Gimme a C. C. Gimme an O. O. Gimme a U R T N E Y C R O Z I E R. I love that girl. What a winner.

NCIS 8:00 on CBS – Old ladies get their panties wet for Mark Harmon.

One Tree Hill 8:00 on CW – The gang celebrates Valentine’s day in the usual cheesy romantic and verbally post-modern throwback soap opera way.

No Ordinary Family 8:00 on ABC – The kids mess up and clone their father, yeah that’s what we need; two Michael Chiklis’ operating WAAAAAAY below potential.

Hellcats 9:00 on CW – (pictured above) Marti and Vanessa go to the Mats against the Lancer University Sporst department, mainly Bill Marsh (Aaron Douglas) and Red Raymond (Jeff Hephner).

NCIS:LA 9:00 on CBS – Star Trek Enterprise’s Connor Trineer guest stars tonight on NCIS:LA a day after playing homophobic dad on Pretty Little Liars.

Raising Hope 9:01 on FOX – Jimmy wages a war on germs. Maw Maw is shunned thusly.

Traffic Light 9:30 on FOX – (pictured right) Out of all the relationship series currently on TV, this one is the strongest. The pilot was both touching and hilarious and it’s a VAST VAST improvement than it’s timeslot predecessor, Running Wilde.

The Game 10:00 on BET – This is a ratings juggernaut, I’m happy the Game found it’s home and it’s audience.

Lights Out 10:00 on FX – Melora Hardin, The Office’s Jan Levinson was supposed to play Lights’ (Holt McCallany pictured left with Catherine McCormack who got the part) wife. One can dream…

Southland 10:00 on TNT – Ryan Atwood Alert! See Ben McKenzie all grown up and rolling with the force.

Teen Mom 10:00 on MTV – Ratings juggernaut the second of the night.

Tosh.0 10:00 on Comedy Central – Tosh takes on Oprah. Two weeks later he’ll turn up dead from a **wink wink** heart attack. Oprah claims another adversary.

Detroit 1-8-7 10:00 on ABC – Maybe If I’d have started it I could have loved it, but now, it’s merely the end to ABC magic night of disappointments.

Well that’s it for today. What do you think will happen with Alicia and Will? They won’t just kiss again – if she goes for it, she’s gonna GO FOR IT.

 

What’s On: Long Island Iced-Tuesday

It’s cold out, but it’s also sunny, the perfect day to drink Long Island Iced Teas and get shit faced while watching TV. I officially proclaim today, Long Island Iced Tuesday, so grab the vodka, tequila, triple sec, gin and rum and settle in for a night of tubery! Here are our recommendations for tonight, Tuesday February 8, 2011.

The Best:

Hellcats “Remember When” 9:00 on The CW

In the last episode (that was kind of a nail-biter) all the seasons seemingly unrelated subplots converged. The legal case, Jake’s (Caprica’s Ryan Kennedy) blackmail, and the continuing battle against athletic director Bill Marsh (Battlestar Galactica’s Aaron Douglas) are coming together in the most interesting and unsuspecting ways (Jake robbed the pharmacy as a prank, Marsh covered it up, framing Travis who’s case Marti’s working on). It’s easy to be hard on this show, but it has it’s charms. Tonight we learn how the Hellcats became the Hellcats.

Raising Hope “Romeo and Romeo” 9:00 on FOX

Man I love me my Martha Plimpton and I missed her during Hope‘s lengthy winter hiatus. Jimmy makes friends with another single Dad at playgroup, but their relationship strains when Jimmy realizes that Virginia is his new friends maid. Sounds like another winner.

Traffic Light “Pilot” 9:30 on FOX

A relationship series, much like NBC’s imperfect Perfect Couples, tracks three guys in different stages of relationships. David Denman, Nelson Franklin (both of The Office) and Brit Kris Marshall (American bound romantic Colin Frissell from 2003′s Love Actually) play the men and while reviews haven’t exactly been glowing, they’re far more positive than it’s predecessor Running Wilde. Bonus, it stars the plucky and sexy Liza Lapira (Dollhouse’s Ivy) as Denman’s wife.

The Good Wife “Real Deal” 10:00 on CBS

Alicia gets tripped up but a spy within her firm when she goes up against  a returning Michael J. Fox as Parkinson’s afflicted attorney Louis Canning. I like this spy-espoinage business, it adds another layer of mystery and intrigue to an already mysterious and intriguing series. When it rains it pours!

Parenthood “Just Go Home” 10:00 on NBC

Last week’s episode was a particularly strong one, high Adam was very funny. The Bravermans impress me more and more with each passing week. Crosby and Jasmine enter a rough patch in their relationship and start pre-marital counseling and Drew brings his father around (guest star John Corbett) much to his mother’s dismay.

Here’s the rest of tonight’s fare, grab another Long Island Iced Tea and sit back.

Glee 8:00 on FOX – Did you see the superbowl episode? Of course you did. I hated it. Like really hated. I couldn’t possibly care what tonight’s is about. I really wish this show would stop condescending. Wow…

No Ordinary Family 8:00 on ABC – …this really is a shitty time slot…

NCIS 8:00 on CBS – … no wonder NCIS gets all the viewers, asides from starring a certified (and hilariously 80′s in the pic to the right) dream boat like Mark Harmon, it’s up against crap like he above and…

One Tree Hill 8:00 on CW – this ,which is like in it’s thousandth season or something. The only beacon of light in the slot for me is…

The Biggest Loser 8:00 on NBC – … Courtney Crozier (bottom), that bubbly determined angel. Go Girl! Shed those lbs!

V 9:00 on ABC – It’d be cool if this got a third season, but it’s not looking likely which is a shame because this season is streets ahead of the first.

NCIS:LA 9:00 on CBS – The team intercepts microchips or something or some bull shit terror threat.

Detroit 1-8-7 10:00 on ABC – People who love this show really, really love it. It’s run of the mill police for me, but to each their own.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 10:00 on Bravo! – my joke writer is off today so [insert plastic boob joke here]

Tosh.0 10:00 on Comedy Central - Tosh challenges the evolution of dance guy to a dance-off.

Lights Out 10:00 on FX – The lights are almost out for Lights Out. Too easy.

Southland 10:00 on TNT – Saving this was the best thing TNT’s done in a long time.

The Game 10:00 on BET – Proof of If you build it they will come as The Game continues to get more ratings on BET than it ever got on The CW

White Collar 10:00 on USA – Lando Calrissian Alert! Billy Dee guest stars tonight! Billy Dee! Billy Dee! Billy Dee!

What are you going most excited for tonight? For me it’s Good Wife and Raising Hope.

 

Parenthood Recap!!!

“I know what an Edible Complex is. Hehe”

Parenthood gave us LARGE doses of everything that make this show great in a both hilarious and touching episode that featured mainly the adults and let series anchor Peter Krause have some fun and remind us why he is rightfully the anchor. It was a perfect hour that could pass as a mastercraft class in the series signature semi-improvised style. Let’s take a minute to go through all the wonderful divisibles of “A House Divided”

The episode’s title refers to Adam (Krause) and Christina (Monica Potter), and them having their first fundamental parenting disagreement. Haddie (sarah Ramos) has moved out into her grandparent’s house in protest; her parents wont allow her to date Alex, an older, recovering alcoholic, with his own apartment. With this hanging over the Bravermans head’s as the episode began it was clear which events would take the precedence in the episode; Adam and Christina’s struggle and it’s effects on the family, Julia’s (Erika Christensen) bachelorette party for Jasmine (Joy Bryant), and Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) taking his grandson Max (Max Burkholder).

I must give mad props to Monica Potter again, who continues to kick ass and take names in TV most thankless role. She never gets to make the easy decision, she’s too tightly wound – and as much as you want to disagree with her, you can’t – because deep down you know she’s probably right. Her interactions with Camille (Bonnie Bedelia) who she sort of blames for Haddie’s behavior, were some of the most awkward and well staged scenes, reminiscent of Christopher Guest. Christina’s scared, and it doesn’t help that Adam is ready to throw in the towel, he likes Alex – and he’s not wrong either; Alex is polite and a strong person. In the end we learned Christina’s motivation, her mother ran off and got married at 16 and “he made her miserable every day of her life.” A lot of actress resent hving to enter the “mother” phase of their career, Potter is thriving in it.

Julia’s “bachelorette party”, which was just the Braverman women welcoming Jasmine to their clan, was fantastic; Christensen made use of her vast array of wacky faces arming the Type-A Julia, who was at her funniest last night, with some great hosting moments; forcing the discussion game was particularly funny.

Adam had to stop at work to see his new young pothead boss, Cory (Anthony Carrigan) and hear his new boss’ new vision for the company that he helped create. Cory had covered his office in hieroglyphics and drawings that reminded me of Jacob’s cave on Lost, he took Adam on a journey through his art, giving him a lollipop, which he slyly calls an edible.

It takes Crosby less than one minute to know that Adam’s boss drugged him and that Adam was high off his ass. The boys crashed Jasmine’s party, where high Adam became the center of attention and and brought out the funniest in his sisters. I was dying of laughter, this ensemble of adults really acts like a family and families more often than not are funny.

The mood changed in an instant as Adam got a call from Zeek, who had more than his hands full with Max on a camping trip, Max had had enough – he wanted to go home. Adam probably shouldn’t have taken the phone – but he did, and suddenly the hour went from incredibly hilarious to incredibly touching – Max’s problem seemed to semi-snap Adam out just enough to convince Max to stay and bring a tear to my eye.

This was definitely the best hour since Thanksgiving and probably the funniest. The Braverman’s are at they’re best when they’re mixing improv-style comedy with the issues and intricacies of their interpersonal relationships. What did you guy’s think of last night’s episode? Wish there were more of the talented Braverman kids?