BECAUSE I'M THE GUY WHO DIDN'T START WATCHING 'LOST' UNTIL THE FIRST SUMMER BREAK: Please complete this sentence -- "Adam, the new show you really need to get started with is ____________."
"Suburgatory"--Really funny stuff in spite of the silly title--almost "Mean Girls: The Series" in tone, though with more parental involvement.
"Hart of Dixie"--An authentic throwback to authentically good WB programming like Gilmore Girls and Everwood. Snappy dialogue, heartwarming moments, and a nice cast.
(I've gotten many people vouch for Revenge as well, but that timeslot is quite busy over on cable--Psych, American Horror Story, and Top Chef Texas starting tomorrow.)
Homeland. I've already found myself giving up every other freshman effort (New Girl, Whitney, Person of Interest, Two Broke Girls, Prime Suspect...) or letting them stack on the DVR (Up All Night, Suburgatory) Homeland has been picked up for a second season, so you'll have time to let it fester. Claire Danes is exactly as good as you'd expect, assuming that you expect good things from Claire Danes. Even without the intrigue, Damian Lewis' end of a soldier adjusting to returning home a hero would be enough to keep me.
It's early yet, but I am also holding out hope for Boss, with Kelsey Grammer. Too soon to recommend, but good so far.
This is the point where I realize pretty much every show I'll watch/try out is on HBO on BBC America (actually, probably hit that point a while ago). So I'll give The Hour. It's set in the fifties, behind the scenes at a news broadcast, has a serialized spy subplot, and stars McNulty; what's not to like?
I'll also offer a vote for Homeland. I've only watched the first two episodes to this point, but it is far and away the best new show I've seen this season. We've also become recently obsessed with Work of Art. We whipped through the first season over a three-day period, and are quite enjoying season 2.
Ditto. I was afraid my expectations for Homeland would be too high, based on everyone's positive reviews, and it really was far and away the best new show I've seen this fall. The acting is excellent, the story is paced really well and it's dramatic and exciting.
If you don't have Showtime, I second Suburgatory. It's funny and charming and the half hour flies by.
This is a weak season for me -- other than Sunny on thursday nights (with community or parks and rec if i get to them, not watching non-michael scott office). At least it's still football season, to bide time for return of Justified, White Collar, and lord willing Mad Men. i've been giving serious thought to reading books, i mean, not just on the subway.
I love Homeland. I would watch Damian Lewis read the phone book, but the intrigue of the show really pulled me in. I just tried to start Boss, and I just couldn't get into it. It seems oddly filled with speeches, but I'll give it another go.
Agree about the 2BG writing. That and they need to take Kat Dennings out of those crazy heels. She's not comfortable walking in them and it makes her look stilted. It's OK that she's not a tower. that's not going to make her not funny. Although at least they've started to make the rich one more human, which is giving it some life.
I've been enjoying Suburgatory more for its potential than the actual results so far. It wants to be great, it's just not quite there yet. And as I said last week when Happy Endings was brought up, I think it and Revenge are the best ninety minutes on TV. (NBC 8-9 would be the best hour.) This was the early word from critics and its held true, but the show just had its voice and theme from the go. Enjoyable stuff.
I'm accruing a bunch of Hart of Dixies on my DVR for a rainy day. I watched the pilot and found it charming, although (mildest spoiler alert of the day) I enjoyed how they had Scott Porter's character get hit by a car jogging, then played it off as a joke. I imagine him reading that script for the first time and immediately shaking his head, "No no no, I'm going to walk in this series."
Speaking of BBCA, over the weekend I watched the first two (of a 3-ep first season) of Whitechapel and really enjoyed it. It's made by the Downton Abbey folk, concerns a Jack the Ripper-style murderer in present day, with horror and police politics in equal measure. As they say, if you like this sort of thing, you'll like this sort of thing.
I've only seen the first episode of Whitechapel, but I really liked it as well. Looking forward to ep. two tomorrow. Sherlock is still my favorite of the British detective shows, but I think you nailed it with that last sentence (of the first paragraph).
Totally agree about Suburgatory, although I wasn't sure if I was being biased because I had just finished watching Awkward. This is probably unfair, since Awkward's a teen show, but I feel like the kids are done way better. And frankly I just like the heroine from Awkward more, she seems more interesting and relatable.
But Revenge! I love it! It's cheese, but it's AWESOME cheese. I could watch Madeleine Stowe threaten people all day.
Umm, slightly off topic, but new to me because I just started watching season 1, I really really really love Walking Dead. It has Walking Dead! I know there's been talk on here...
<span>Yes. The Hour for sure. If you haven't, you might also give Idris Elba's "Luther" a try while you're there. It's not perfect but I was happy to find that season two was starting after I gobbled up season one on Netflix. Since then I've been wondering why everything else on BBC America is Gordon Ramsay. ...okay, not everything, but he's being dreadfully over exposed.
The first episode of the new Prime Suspect had me excited, but all that has come after has been comparatively disappointing. We've resorted to watching the old one instead.</span>
I thought Prime Suspect got off to a rough start, but has settled down and found its voice--it's helped that they've decided that the fellow cops have issues with Timoney not because she's a woman, but because she's a pain in the ass (I believe that's borrowed from Alan). The new titles also help ground the show and set the tone--part of the problem is that it's up against an entrenched procedural in Mentalist, and there's no slot where CBS doesn't already have a procedural where NBC could realistically slot it.
I am liking Once Upon a Time. Happy to overlook some of the weird inconsistincies and it's not as twee as Pushing Daisies (which I really did love). Plus, Lost easter eggs sprinkled in there every once in a while!
I had heard raves about Revenge and found myself sucked in within one episode. Not overly clever or even greatly written, but still compelling.
I really liked Once Upon a Time, also. The premise is interesting and could lend itself to some fun wormholes. I hope the writers deliver -- so much potential there! I was most surprised by this show because I don't like Disney and I am not a big fan of fairy tales.
American Horror Story? I totally get why some folks (most notably Alan Sepinwall) loathe this show, but I find myself still watching. It's a little campy for me, which is party of the enjoyment, I suppose.
I liked The Hour as well, though I honestly felt they could have dropped the entire spy plot and focused one the news show and it would have been stronger.
I've found myself sucked in to American Horror Story too. I'm 2 eps behind, but so far it's just as crazypants-kookaboo as advertised. So I guess that, like cagey, I'm taking the Linda Holmes side of that debate.
I'm going to stick up for the title, because I'm only a few degrees of separation from someone who shopped a book proposal with that title, sold the tv rights, is credited on the show, yet whose book (which is actually completed and out) has nothing to do with the show, other than the shared title. It's a far cry from "Cougar Town" in badness, and the whole thing has a Only-In-Hollywood-Can-You-Sell-One-Made-Up-Word factor that is amusing to me.
Revenge and Once Upon a Time, definitely. I hope you've discovered The Walking Dead, now in its second season. I'm liking Prime Suspect, but reluctant to fall in love with it because it isn't doing so well in the ratings and I hate it when I show I like gets yanked.
I'll offer two:
ReplyDelete"Suburgatory"--Really funny stuff in spite of the silly title--almost "Mean Girls: The Series" in tone, though with more parental involvement.
"Hart of Dixie"--An authentic throwback to authentically good WB programming like Gilmore Girls and Everwood. Snappy dialogue, heartwarming moments, and a nice cast.
(I've gotten many people vouch for Revenge as well, but that timeslot is quite busy over on cable--Psych, American Horror Story, and Top Chef Texas starting tomorrow.)
Homeland! (If you have Showtime).
ReplyDeleteHomeland. I've already found myself giving up every other freshman effort (New Girl, Whitney, Person of Interest, Two Broke Girls, Prime Suspect...) or letting them stack on the DVR (Up All Night, Suburgatory) Homeland has been picked up for a second season, so you'll have time to let it fester. Claire Danes is exactly as good as you'd expect, assuming that you expect good things from Claire Danes. Even without the intrigue, Damian Lewis' end of a soldier adjusting to returning home a hero would be enough to keep me.
ReplyDeleteIt's early yet, but I am also holding out hope for Boss, with Kelsey Grammer. Too soon to recommend, but good so far.
Homeland, easily. THis is a dismal year for new shows, but even if it wasn't I'd be recommending it.
ReplyDeleteThis is the point where I realize pretty much every show I'll watch/try out is on HBO on BBC America (actually, probably hit that point a while ago). So I'll give The Hour. It's set in the fifties, behind the scenes at a news broadcast, has a serialized spy subplot, and stars McNulty; what's not to like?
ReplyDeleteI'll also offer a vote for Homeland. I've only watched the first two episodes to this point, but it is far and away the best new show I've seen this season. We've also become recently obsessed with Work of Art. We whipped through the first season over a three-day period, and are quite enjoying season 2.
ReplyDeleteDitto. I was afraid my expectations for Homeland would be too high, based on everyone's positive reviews, and it really was far and away the best new show I've seen this fall. The acting is excellent, the story is paced really well and it's dramatic and exciting.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't have Showtime, I second Suburgatory. It's funny and charming and the half hour flies by.
Thirding Homeland. Really tense, interesting and complex, with fantastic performances from Claire Danes, Damian Lewis and Mandy Patinkin.
ReplyDeleteMy dad recommended boss but i don't get starz.
ReplyDeleteThis is a weak season for me -- other than Sunny on thursday nights (with community or parks and rec if i get to them, not watching non-michael scott office). At least it's still football season, to bide time for return of Justified, White Collar, and lord willing Mad Men. i've been giving serious thought to reading books, i mean, not just on the subway.
I will agree with Revenge. It's soapy goodness.
ReplyDeleteThe chemistry on Two Broke Girls is awesome although the writing needs some serious work.
I love Homeland. I would watch Damian Lewis read the phone book, but the intrigue of the show really pulled me in. I just tried to start Boss, and I just couldn't get into it. It seems oddly filled with speeches, but I'll give it another go.
ReplyDeleteAgree about the 2BG writing. That and they need to take Kat Dennings out of those crazy heels. She's not comfortable walking in them and it makes her look stilted. It's OK that she's not a tower. that's not going to make her not funny. Although at least they've started to make the rich one more human, which is giving it some life.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying Up All Night. The parenting humor is not just the usual diaper jokes, and Maya Rudolph is damn funny as the Oprahesque talk show host.
ReplyDeleteHappy Endings and Downton Abbey
ReplyDeleteTwo Broke Girls pains me...and the NY references all suck. Ladies, you're no Flo and Alice and you can kiss my grits.
I've been enjoying Suburgatory more for its potential than the actual results so far. It wants to be great, it's just not quite there yet. And as I said last week when Happy Endings was brought up, I think it and Revenge are the best ninety minutes on TV. (NBC 8-9 would be the best hour.) This was the early word from critics and its held true, but the show just had its voice and theme from the go. Enjoyable stuff.
ReplyDeleteI'm accruing a bunch of Hart of Dixies on my DVR for a rainy day. I watched the pilot and found it charming, although (mildest spoiler alert of the day) I enjoyed how they had Scott Porter's character get hit by a car jogging, then played it off as a joke. I imagine him reading that script for the first time and immediately shaking his head, "No no no, I'm going to walk in this series."
Homeland. All done.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of BBCA, over the weekend I watched the first two (of a 3-ep first season) of Whitechapel and really enjoyed it. It's made by the Downton Abbey folk, concerns a Jack the Ripper-style murderer in present day, with horror and police politics in equal measure. As they say, if you like this sort of thing, you'll like this sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, The Hour is also good.
I've only seen the first episode of Whitechapel, but I really liked it as well. Looking forward to ep. two tomorrow. Sherlock is still my favorite of the British detective shows, but I think you nailed it with that last sentence (of the first paragraph).
ReplyDeleteI fourth Homeland! Other than Suburgatory, it is the only new show I have stayed with this season, and I love it.
ReplyDeleteOh, I lied above, I've also continued watching Up All Night, but Homeland is still the best of the new shows by far.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree about Suburgatory, although I wasn't sure if I was being biased because I had just finished watching Awkward. This is probably unfair, since Awkward's a teen show, but I feel like the kids are done way better. And frankly I just like the heroine from Awkward more, she seems more interesting and relatable.
ReplyDeleteBut Revenge! I love it! It's cheese, but it's AWESOME cheese. I could watch Madeleine Stowe threaten people all day.
Umm, slightly off topic, but new to me because I just started watching season 1, I really really really love Walking Dead. It has Walking Dead! I know there's been talk on here...
ReplyDelete<span>Yes. The Hour for sure. If you haven't, you might also give Idris Elba's "Luther" a try while you're there. It's not perfect but I was happy to find that season two was starting after I gobbled up season one on Netflix. Since then I've been wondering why everything else on BBC America is Gordon Ramsay. ...okay, not everything, but he's being dreadfully over exposed.
ReplyDeleteThe first episode of the new Prime Suspect had me excited, but all that has come after has been comparatively disappointing. We've resorted to watching the old one instead.</span>
I, on the other hand, have liked Prime Suspect (Bello Sequence) quite a bit -- I wish more people were watching it.
ReplyDeleteI thought Prime Suspect got off to a rough start, but has settled down and found its voice--it's helped that they've decided that the fellow cops have issues with Timoney not because she's a woman, but because she's a pain in the ass (I believe that's borrowed from Alan). The new titles also help ground the show and set the tone--part of the problem is that it's up against an entrenched procedural in Mentalist, and there's no slot where CBS doesn't already have a procedural where NBC could realistically slot it.
ReplyDeleteI am liking Once Upon a Time. Happy to overlook some of the weird inconsistincies and it's not as twee as Pushing Daisies (which I really did love). Plus, Lost easter eggs sprinkled in there every once in a while!
ReplyDeleteHOMELAND.
ReplyDeleteI had heard raves about Revenge and found myself sucked in within one episode. Not overly clever or even greatly written, but still compelling.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Once Upon a Time, also. The premise is interesting and could lend itself to some fun wormholes. I hope the writers deliver -- so much potential there! I was most surprised by this show because I don't like Disney and I am not a big fan of fairy tales.
American Horror Story? I totally get why some folks (most notably Alan Sepinwall) loathe this show, but I find myself still watching. It's a little campy for me, which is party of the enjoyment, I suppose.
Yes, we're all enjoying Once Upon a Time at our house - hoping it continues to go well.
ReplyDeleteI made the decision to skim everything that takes place in the diner.
ReplyDeleteI liked The Hour as well, though I honestly felt they could have dropped the entire spy plot and focused one the news show and it would have been stronger.
ReplyDeleteI've found myself sucked in to American Horror Story too. I'm 2 eps behind, but so far it's just as crazypants-kookaboo as advertised. So I guess that, like cagey, I'm taking the Linda Holmes side of that debate.
ReplyDeleteI like it too, so far. It kind of reminds me of Hook? In a good way.
ReplyDeleteHOMELAND. fo sho.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to stick up for the title, because I'm only a few degrees of separation from someone who shopped a book proposal with that title, sold the tv rights, is credited on the show, yet whose book (which is actually completed and out) has nothing to do with the show, other than the shared title. It's a far cry from "Cougar Town" in badness, and the whole thing has a Only-In-Hollywood-Can-You-Sell-One-Made-Up-Word factor that is amusing to me.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I like the show.
Revenge and Once Upon a Time, definitely. I hope you've discovered The Walking Dead, now in its second season. I'm liking Prime Suspect, but reluctant to fall in love with it because it isn't doing so well in the ratings and I hate it when I show I like gets yanked.
ReplyDelete