GILMORE GIRLS (8PM CW, Returns Sept. 26) The opinionated and articulate Amy Sherman-Palladino isn’t know for restraint. So when she decided to leave the GILMORE GIRLS, following a difficult contract negotiation with Warner Bros, odds were that she wasn’t going to go quietly.
That ‘gasp’ you heard during last May’s fifth season finale was the frustration of millions of angry GILMORE fans who were shocked and disappointed to watch their beloved Lorelai self-destruct; sleeping with Christopher and essentially destroyed her relationship with Luke. It’s now up to new show-runner David Rosenthal to right the ship, get Luke and Lorelai’s relationship back on track, and put the comedy back into what was once television’s most entertaining and enjoyable hour of tv.
VERONICA MARS (9PM CW, Returns Oct. 3) With a new network, a dream lead-in (GILMORE GIRLS) and a massive promotional push, it’s game time - and Mars’ Mastermind Rob Thomas is pulling out all the stops. In an interview with theTVaddict.com [coming soon] he couldn’t contain his excitement about the new network (the CW), new format (three self contained mysteries) and new cast members (fan favourite ‘Mac’ joins the cast as a permanent member). Of course all this excitement will mean nothing if VERONICA MARS doesn’t attract new viewers. Star Kristen Bell (Veronica) said it best in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, “Its do-or-die, If we hold GILMORE’S audience, we get a full season. If we don’t, we can be gone earlier.” Picked up for 13 episodes, VERONICA MARS will have half a season to prove that it deserves a permanent spot on the CW’s schedule.
SMITH (10PM CBS, Debuts Sept. 19) Audiences were quick to reject NBC’s HEIST and ABC’s THIEVES, so why does creator John Wells (ER) think that his hour long drama featuring charismatic bank robbers will be a success? How about an all star cast featuring Ray Liotta (Goodfellas), Simon Baker (THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA), Shohreh Aghdashloo (24), and Virginia Madsen (SIDEWAYS). With a great timeslot (following THE UNIT), a like-able cast, and really cool bank robberies, SMITH may turn into Well’s biggest hit since ER — assuming audiences don’t [yet again] reject the bank robbing premise.
As a general rule, television executives are not the most forward-thinking people on the planet. So when an idea connects with the public, they remember that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Thus, the success of FRIENDS begat a seemingly endless stream of series in which attractive 20-somethings exchanged banter at their local hangout, while the folks behind CSI opted to simply replicate themselves in new locations and call it a day.
Therefore, it was somewhat inevitable that when America fell for a brilliant but belligerent doctor with the bedside manner of an ill-tempered rattlesnake, TVland execs would take notice. But lest we think them completely incapable of coming up with something new, they fished about for a different profession and decided upon lawyers, giving not one but two HOUSE-like attorneys trial runs this season: From FOX we get Victor Garber in JUSTICE, while CBS has landed James Woods as SHARK.
THE CLASS (8PM CBS, Debuts Sept. 18) The co-creator of FRIENDS (David Crane) returns to TV with THE CLASS, a comedy that follows a third-grade class reuniting after 20 years. Blessed with a talented cast, including Jason Ritter (JOAN OF ARCADIA), Lizzy Caplan (MEAN GIRLS), and Andrea Anders (JOEY), THE CLASS looks like it may actually be the show to end the FRIENDS curse. At least Crane thinks so, [when speaking to Entertainment Weekly], “Sometimes you do a show and think, ‘Oh my God, we don’t have this one.’ In this case, we feel like we have a show.”
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (8:30PM CBS, Returns Sept. 18) And speaking of FRIENDS… not since the ‘Central Perk Six’ have viewers enjoyed watching the adventures of smart, funny and good-looking twenty-somethings in New York City. Last season’s cliffhanger saw Lily (Alyson Hannigan) and Marshall (Jason Segel) break off their engagement and Ted (Josh Radnor) and Robin (Cobie Smulders) finally kissing. But enough about romance, all viewers really want to see is more Barney. Neil Patrick Harris finally casts off the shadow of ‘Doogie’ to portay the funniest sidekick on TV. As executive producer Greg Malins put it [to EW], “Barney is Barney, He’s the character you don’t want to change.”
Leading up to the new Fall Season, theTVaddict.com will be posting the new TV schedule. Including the TV addict’s picks for MUST SEE TV (and yes, I realize that term is ’so 1995′).
THE SIMPSONS (8PM FOX, Returns Sept. 10): Heading into its 18th season, expect the usual parade of celebrity and high brow literary guest stars. Including: Tom Wolfe, Gore Vidal, Michael Chabon, and Jonathan Franzen. The annual Halloween Extravanganza will feature Fran Drescher, Richard Lewis and Dr. Phil. Okay, perhaps with the inclusion of The Nanny and Dr. Phil throwing around the terms ‘celebrity’ and ‘high brow’ are a bit of a stretch.
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (9PM ABC, Returns Sept. 24): In an interview with Entertainment Weekly Creator Marc Cherry says, “The women are going to be involved in the mystery right from the start. They were disconnected for too long [in season 2].” Cherry promises that DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES will return to its first season roots of humour and dramatic unity. I’ll settle for entertainment, an intriguing mystery and a halfway decent story for Teri Hatcher (Susan).
BROTHERS & SISTERS (10PM ABC, Debuts Sept. 24): Scoring the high profile post-HOUSEWIVES slot, a lot is expected from BROTHERS & SISTERS. Yet the return to TV for Boston’s skinniest lawyer (Calista Flockhart) has not been smooth. Since May, the series has been plagued by cast changes and an executive shuffle. Fortunately, EVERWOOD creator Greg Berlanti has recently agreed to serve as a consultant on the series (until a permanent showrunner can be found). Now with Berlanti guiding the ship, the only question up in the air is if the show is any good? With an all-star cast including Calista Flockhart, Ron Rifkin, Rachel Griffiths, Patricia Wettig and Balthazar Getty this TV addict will definitely be tuning in to find out.
You know you’re a little to addicted to TV when…. you purchase a copy of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY’S FALL TV PREVIEW even though you know you’ll be getting it in the mail within the next day or two.
In my defence, not only is EW’s FALL TV PREVIEW one of my favourite issues (other favourites include the ‘Power Issue’, ‘Must List’ and ‘Best of…’ issues), I’ve also been on a total GREY’S ANATOMY kick - having just finished watching season 2 up to the SuperBowl two-parter!
EW’S FALL TV PREVIEW issue not only previews all of your favourite new and returning shows, there are great photos of some of this TV addict’s personal favourites, including: STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, LAUREN GRAHAM AND KRISTEN BELL, BROTHERS & SISTERS, BONES, SHARK, 30 ROCK, LOST THE NINE and more!
Last season, PRISON BREAK kept viewers on the edge of their seat as the characters executed the most intriguing and complex escape plan ever hatched. But at the time, the show seemed like something of a one-trick pony. And in retrospect, the season-ending cliffhanger seemed like something of a let-down. After all, it was the inevitable conclusion.
But upon viewing the first two episodes of the new season, it quickly becomes obvious that what came before was little more than a tense and exciting tease for what was to come. Because while most of the first season took place within the rather claustrophobic confines of Fox River penitentiary, the new season begins where last we saw our rag-tag team of misfits: out in the big, bad world. And if the thought of T-Bag, Abruzzi and Haywire roaming the streets doesn’t send chills up your spine, you haven’t been paying attention!
Today’s NYTIMES has a great article that reveals how hit TV shows are predicted, by measuring media and internet buzz. The Consumer Experience Practice, part of the Interpublic Group of Companies has been putting out a report for the past three years that previews more than two dozen new series being aired this fall, helping media buyers and companies choose where to spend their advertising dollars wisely. Some highlights of the report include:
Of the five new shows that consumers were discussing most often online in May and June, according to the report, four will be on NBC: “Heroes,” ranked first; “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” second; “30 Rock,” fourth; and “Friday Night Lights,” fifth.
Of the five new shows the report says were being discussed least often online in May and June, two will be on Fox — “Happy Hour,” 25th, and “Standoff,” 26th — and three will be on ABC: “Notes from the Underbelly,” No. 22; “Big Day,” No. 23; and “Help Me Help You,” No. 24.
Though the report seems to have picked some pretty obvious winners this fall (Studio 60, Heroes, really going out on a limb there!), it should be noted that last year, the report did identify COMMANDER IN CHIEF and THRESHOLD as winners. Fans of both shows know all to well that the only way they’ll see those shows again is if they go out and buy the DVD sets of the ‘complete’ series.
The Fall Season is just around the corner. How can I tell — How about the flood of new episode promos on youTube. Makes me really wonder, how on earth did we procrastonate from work before youTube came along? Check out this preview for the new season of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES. After detesting last season, I’m willing to give DH the benefit of the doubt for the first bit of this new season. Let’s hope it gets off on the right foot.
I should first clarify, American TV Guide Rocks. The dreadful Canadian version that I’m subjected to each and every week is awful. Apparently, certain lucky subscribers to TV GUIDE (US edition) will be receiving a special FOX DVD with their issue this week. The DVD contains the season premieres of some of FOX’s returning hit shows, including the season premieres of PRISON BREAK, HOUSE, and BONES in addition to new shows JUSTICE and TILL DEATH, HAPPY HOUR, VANISHED and STANDOFF. Oh how I wish I could subscribe to US TV Guide. If you’re a lucky subscriber, I’d love to hear from you. Email your reviews to info@thetvaddict.com
My Fall TV schedule is so jam packed that I’m afraid my DVRs are going to be splitting at the seams! As you can see from my last This Week on TV post, I watch almost everything! Thank goodness for working from home!
Ok, will give you a bit of info. I am a Database Manager for an online deals website. So basically I set my own schedule. I’m a night owl as well. So most of my tv watching and working gets done in the weeeeeeee hours of the morning. Like at 2am. And that’s ok, except I have an 8 year old son who thinks he should be able to count on his mom waking up earlier than noon to feed him breakfast and spend time with him. Geez! During the school year (which is the tv season ), thankfully, I can go back to sleep for a bit after he leaves for school. Then I spend all afternoon working and then work late at night again. With my son being around, I can’t really watch anything live. Thank goodness for 2 dual-tuner DVRs, a VCR and my computer! Not sure what I’d do without them! lol
GILMORE GIRLS (8PM CW, Returns Sept. 26) The opinionated and articulate Amy Sherman-Palladino isn’t know for restraint. So when she decided to leave the GILMORE GIRLS, following a difficult contract negotiation with Warner Bros, odds were that she wasn’t going to go quietly.
VERONICA MARS (9PM CW, Returns Oct. 3) With a new network, a dream lead-in (GILMORE GIRLS) and a massive promotional push, it’s game time - and Mars’ Mastermind Rob Thomas is pulling out all the stops. In an interview with theTVaddict.com [coming soon] he couldn’t contain his excitement about the new network (the CW), new format (three self contained mysteries) and new cast members (fan favourite ‘Mac’ joins the cast as a permanent member). Of course all this excitement will mean nothing if VERONICA MARS doesn’t attract new viewers. Star Kristen Bell (Veronica) said it best in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, “Its do-or-die, If we hold GILMORE’S audience, we get a full season. If we don’t, we can be gone earlier.” Picked up for 13 episodes, VERONICA MARS will have half a season to prove that it deserves a permanent spot on the CW’s schedule. 
SMITH (10PM CBS, Debuts Sept. 19) Audiences were quick to reject NBC’s HEIST and ABC’s THIEVES, so why does creator John Wells (ER) think that his hour long drama featuring charismatic bank robbers will be a success? How about an all star cast featuring Ray Liotta (Goodfellas), Simon Baker (THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA), Shohreh Aghdashloo (24), and Virginia Madsen (SIDEWAYS). With a great timeslot (following THE UNIT), a like-able cast, and really cool bank robberies, SMITH may turn into Well’s biggest hit since ER — assuming audiences don’t [yet again] reject the bank robbing premise.
THE CLASS (8PM CBS, Debuts Sept. 18) The co-creator of FRIENDS (David Crane) returns to TV with THE CLASS, a comedy that follows a third-grade class reuniting after 20 years. Blessed with a talented cast, including Jason Ritter (JOAN OF ARCADIA), Lizzy Caplan (MEAN GIRLS), and Andrea Anders (JOEY), THE CLASS looks like it may actually be the show to end the FRIENDS curse. At least Crane thinks so, [when speaking to Entertainment Weekly], “Sometimes you do a show and think, ‘Oh my God, we don’t have this one.’ In this case, we feel like we have a show.”
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (8:30PM CBS, Returns Sept. 18) And speaking of FRIENDS… not since the ‘Central Perk Six’ have viewers enjoyed watching the adventures of smart, funny and good-looking twenty-somethings in New York City. Last season’s cliffhanger saw Lily (Alyson Hannigan) and Marshall (Jason Segel) break off their engagement and Ted (Josh Radnor) and Robin (Cobie Smulders) finally kissing. But enough about romance, all viewers really want to see is more Barney. Neil Patrick Harris finally casts off the shadow of ‘Doogie’ to portay the funniest sidekick on TV. As executive producer Greg Malins put it [to EW], “Barney is Barney, He’s the character you don’t want to change.”
THE SIMPSONS (8PM FOX, Returns Sept. 10): Heading into its 18th season, expect the usual parade of celebrity and high brow literary guest stars. Including: Tom Wolfe, Gore Vidal, Michael Chabon, and Jonathan Franzen. The annual Halloween Extravanganza will feature Fran Drescher, Richard Lewis and Dr. Phil. Okay, perhaps with the inclusion of The Nanny and Dr. Phil throwing around the terms ‘celebrity’ and ‘high brow’ are a bit of a stretch.
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (9PM ABC, Returns Sept. 24): In an interview with 
BROTHERS & SISTERS (10PM ABC, Debuts Sept. 24): Scoring the high profile post-HOUSEWIVES slot, a lot is expected from BROTHERS & SISTERS. Yet the return to TV for Boston’s skinniest lawyer (Calista Flockhart) has not been smooth. Since May, the series has been plagued by cast changes and an executive shuffle. Fortunately, EVERWOOD creator Greg Berlanti has recently agreed to serve as a consultant on the series (until a permanent showrunner can be found). Now with Berlanti guiding the ship, the only question up in the air is if the show is any good? With an all-star cast including Calista Flockhart, Ron Rifkin, Rachel Griffiths, Patricia Wettig and Balthazar Getty this TV addict will definitely be tuning in to find out. 
During the school year (which is the tv season 
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