Category: TELEVISION

Fall TV Premieres I’m Looking Forward To (Returning Shows)

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If you’ve been with me for a while, you know that this blog used to largely be a television and movie blog. I had a roster of 20ish shows that I watched religiously every week and any extra money would be spent on dvds of my favorites. Obviously, things have changed since then. I still have a fair amount of shows that I follow, but like books, I’ve also learned to let go. Which is why shows like Modern Family, Grey’s, and Empire have fallen by the wayside.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, FXX
(September 5, Wednesdays @ 9)

Sunny is hands down my favorite comedy on tv these days, and while the earlier seasons have been (in my opinion) more consistently funny, I still look forward to tuning in every week and laughing uncontrollably at inappropriate things. Hopefully the decreased presence of Dennis will still bring the same hilarity.

How to Get Away With Murder, ABC
(September 27, Thursdays @ 9)

It’s inevitable that like Grey’s and Scandal, I will one day become tired of this Shondaland show, but I’m still hooked. They’ve gotten away with their, what, 15th murder now and I’m just as invested as ever. But a large part of that has to do with Connor Walsh/Jack Falahee and whoever the new guy is who is playing Annalise’s son. Because, hello, EYE CANDY.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The CW
(October 12, Fridays @ 8)

I will continue to defend this show to death. CXG has one of the most accurate portrayals of mental illness on television and speaks truths about topics that many would shy away from. See: period sex, generalizing men, and healthy sperm. It’s not Santino, but I’m also excited for the return of Greg, if not just for hearing Skylar Astin’s beautiful voice again.  Also, click here for a list of my top 5 favorite songs to date.

Supergirl, The CW
(October 14, Sundays @ 7)

I still enjoy The Flash, but Supergirl is definitely my fave of The CW’s superhero shows. And in recent years, but love was only exacerbated by the appearance of Mon-El/Karamel. But since Chris Wood is sadly no longer a regular, I am hoping my interest in this show stays. Although, I do agree with the general consensus that Kara shouldn’t need a love interest. She’s freaking Supergirl.

The Resident, FOX
(September 24, Mondays @ 8)

I fully admit to only have started this show because of Matt Czuchry—but in the void that Grey’s has left me, The Resident shot to my current favorite medical drama. I like The Good Doctor, but after hearing some dissenting opinions about the portrayal of autism, it’s made me feel somewhat uncomfortable to watch. This show, however, is just pure soapy fun and I’m also very invested in Conrad/Nic.

Dear Doctor Friends, Please Stop

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Whew. It’s been a hot second since I’ve had a good rant. Did you miss me? And this one has been brewing for a while.

I have a lot of friends in the medical field. Nurses, doctors-to-be, researchers, pharmacists…I’m often the odd one out at parties and large groups of friends. As you all know, I’m also tv fiend. Medical shows aren’t my go-to’s, but I enjoy watching them: Grey’s, The Resident, House, Private Practice, just to name a few. The medical field is also a popular profession for main characters in movies—and why not? They save lives. They’re rich. They’re typically unnaturally good-looking. AKA The Perfect Leads.

So, it will inevitably happen that I’ll be enjoying a beautiful declaration of love from Ashton Kutcher outside of a hospital (No Strings Attached), when the moment is ruined by my friend saying, “That’s such a parking violation. You can’t do that at a hospital. Last week at work….” STOP. You’ve ruined the moment for me.

On Grey’s this season, April had hypothermia and was without a heartbeat for 5+ hours and yet, still woke up fine and without brain damage. Just because I didn’t go to medical school, doesn’t mean that I can’t differentiate between what’s possible and what’s not. I didn’t need the 45-minute diatribe against Shonda Rhimes and the Grey’s writing staff.  What matters is that April DIDN’T die and I’m upset they missed this opportunity to axe her character.

I know that hospital personnel do not frequently bed each other in the on-call room. If a doctor comes to work drunk, they obviously aren’t given a banana bag and told to wait around until their blood work is clean. If a nurse walked in on a doctor screwing a patient, they wouldn’t jump in and make it a threesome. (Ok, SOME might. But let’s be real.) That’s an HR issue. That’s highly unethical. I’m not stupid.

In conclusion, to my “Smart Friends”: Let me have this. From what I can tell from your work stories, your average work day has the potential to be just as boring as mine. I want to watch a show that makes me suspend my disbelief just a little. I want weird medical cases. I want unnecessary drama. I want to watch desperate doctors cut l-vad wires to move their boyfriend up the transplant list.

I love you all—but please shut up. Let me spend an hour gazing at Matt Czuchry in peace.

FIRST IMPRESSION: Rise

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It’s been a while since a new show absolutely enthralled me, so I was actually very excited for last night’s premiere of RISE on NBC.

I am a sucker for musicals. I love high school drama. I love Friday Night Lights and This Is Us…this show had all the ingredients of something I’d love.

And, ok, RISE is not bad. It’s actually relatively good, but let’s look at a synopsis –>

RISE stars Regular Joe teacher, Lou Mazzuchelli aka Lou Mazzu (aside: can we discuss how amazing this name is?) who aspires to take over his school’s struggling drama department. Also in the cast of characters includes the star football player with a hidden talent, a queen bee, a newcomer with an amazing voice, the kid with the overly strict parents, the disapproving school staff, and the skeptical spouse.

Now, if you’re reading this and thinking, “Hmm…this all seems oddly familiar. Didn’t someone do this show already?” You’re absolutely right. And it was called Glee.

RISE is essentially Glee filmed with Friday Night Lights-style cinematography. For the entire 40-some odd minutes I honestly just sat there and laughed at the similarities. And Glee definitely went off the rails relatively quickly, but you cannot deny that the pilot and the front 13 of the first season was immensely quality television. Comedy with heart. A ragtag group of kids who learn to love and respect each other while doing something they all love.

First things first, Josh Radnor cannot carry a show. I’m sorry. I do not understand why he keeps getting cast as a lead.

Secondly, granted, I went to Catholic school and our school plays consisted of a rotating schedule of Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, but is Spring Awakening like legitimately performed in high schools? It’s an AMAZING show, do not read me wrong. But this seems hella, super risque, especially for a school.  And the fact that Lea MIchele aka Rachel Berry originated the role of Wendla is also just a fun coincidence.

Thirdly, if Robbie doesn’t have some variation of this conversation this season, I’ll eat a handful of Carolina Reapers:

Adult: But, you’re throwing away your dream!
Robbie: No. I’m throwing away YOURS.

Fourthly and tangently, RISE going the “we’re-going-to-blackmail-the-QB-into-auditioning” angle, it made me think of Finn and Will and the Chronic Lady and I got all sentimental because first season Glee, man…

For the remaining 10 episodes, I just hope that RISE separates itself from Glee and goes more the FNL route. I definitely think this show has potential and I am very much looking forward to hearing Spring Awakening music every week. I trust you, Jason Katims, but if you kill off Ted Mosby’s wife I will drop you like it’s hot.

Did you watch the RISE premiere? Any thoughts?

My 5 Favorite Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Songs

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If you’re not watching Crazy Ex-Girlfriend I feel sorry for you. If you refuse to watch the show because of its name or because it’s on The CW, I get it, but I still feel sorry for you. If the only reason you don’t watch is because it airs on Friday nights, 1) Congrats on your social life and 2) There’s a thing called The CW app.

The series starts out with Rebecca Bunch leaving her comfy life in NYC to move cross country to West Covina, California, after a run-in with her camp ex-boyfriend, Josh Chan. He off-handedly mentions his move to West Covina and she takes that as an invitation to follow him. Hence, the “crazy ex-girlfriend.”

But this show has graduated to so much more than that, dealing with mental illness rep as Rebecca struggles with depression, suicide ideation, and even gets an official diagnosis (more of that below). There’s a middle-aged main character who comes out as bi and knocks down every stereotype in the process. Every song is tongue in cheek and has me laughing in every episode.

I PROMISE you that this show is worth your while. Here is just a sampling of my favorite songs that the show has done over the past three years:

1. I Gave You a UTI

This is the first CXG song that made me laugh out loud. And as someone who grew up with a ton of UTIs (non-sex related), I loved this song even more. Also, BRING BACK GREG 2K18.

2. Ping Pong Girl

This alt-rock/emo type song is exactly what I loved in high school and still do today.  And, whoa bros, listen to the lyrics–it’s hilarious.

3. The End of the Movie

“It’s not some carefully crafted story, It’s a mess and we’re all gonna die.” Thanks, Josh Groban.

4. Fit Hot Guys Have Problems Too

I was DYING.

5. It Was a Shit Show

“Not to be crass, but this sucks ass. This was a shit show.”

HONORABLE MENTION: Get Your Ass Out of My House

 

Ok…now everyone watch CXG tonight. Kthanxbye.

Bachelor Ben: Episode Five

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We’re five weeks into The Bachelor season 20 and I’m back with musings. I’m still spoiler-free, so I’m just going to assume that I am dead wrong.

  • Olivia: Let me be the first to say that I’m embarrassed that I put her in my favorites list on night 1. Girlfran is crayzayyyy. I sincerely hope that her rose gets taken away (thanks for the cliffhanger, ABC). She eats up way too much airtime when the focus could be on the girls whose names I still forget. She’s way too cocky and I can’t wait to see her get knocked off her high horse. Because I refuse to believe that Ben is going to fall for her act much longer. I have faith in you, Ben.

"The Bachelor" Emily

I’m Emily. Thank you, @BachelorABC for this Vine.

  • The Laurens: I had Lauren H. in my list of favorites from night 1, and unfortunately I’m going to have to knock her off. There’s nothing particularly wrong with her, I just found her date with Ben kinda lackluster. There’s no real chemistry there. I can see her sticking around for a week or two more then getting the boot. Lauren B., however, gets a promotion to my LIKES list.
  • JoJo + Caila: I like them and I can see them both staying around.  They seem like nice, grounded girls.
  • Amanda: The single mom is still in my list of faves. How cute was it when Ben helped her make hairclips for her kiddos? I hope she at least makes it to Hometowns so he can meet them.
  • Becca: She was my fave from Chris’ season, so part of me really hopes she takes it all. I’m not expecting that, but a girl can dream.
  • Emily: I like her so much more now that her twin got the axe. I don’t expect her to be around much longer, but her personality is finally coming out. And I’m glad I can Google “Bachelor Emily Knife” and get that Vine.
  • Jennifer + Leah aka Who That: I don’t understand how they’re still here. But then again, no one knew who Catherine was for the longest time during Sean’s season. If Olivia doesn’t get her rose taken away this week, it HAS to be one of the unknowns getting sent home.

So basically (TL;DR): my final two hopes, Amanda and Lauren B., and Olivia needs to leave yesterday.

MORE “BACHELOR”:
Episode 1 Recap

 

An Open Love Letter to The O.C.

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Californiaaaaaaaaa, we cooooooooooome! You know, where I’m going with this…this theme song rivals Friends for the best singalong experience.

I’ve recently embarked on the Great O.C. Rewatch 2k16 and I’ve forgotten how much I love this show. I forgot about Christmukkah. I forgot about Oliver. I forgot about the one-woman trainwreck that is Julie Cooper Nichol Cooper. Oh, the glitz. Oh, the glamour. And, of course, oh, the drama.

I distinctly remember receiving the first season DVDs as a Valentine’s Day gift from the madre and subsequently binge watching the entire thing. The first episode that I watched live was “The Rainy Day Women,” which is still my favorite episode of the entire series. That Seth-Summer spiderman kiss, come on.

I’m currently in the middle of season two and I’m still lovin’ it. Admittedly, the third season with the Newport Union crew was kind of meh and some of the magic was definitely gone by season four. However, I still maintain that the show didn’t end after Marissa died (she was never my favorite). Plus, I’m totally #TeamTaylor.

Big thanks to Josh Schwartz for giving us Seth Cohen. I’ve missed your sarcastic, comic book-loving self. I was never a Ryan-girl. And I think a part of me died when Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson broke up in real life.

The music, guys. THE MUSIC. I am still the proud owner of two of the show’s compilation albums and The O.C. was responsible for introducing me to artists like Death Cab, Oasis, and Modest Mouse. The O.C. helped make alt-rock and emo music cool. Thanks for that. My earbuds are forever in your debt. The Bait Shop is also a more believable venue than One Tree Hill’s TRIC, because big-name artists frequently visit small-town North Carolina. And who can forget “mmm whatcha say” and the subsequent memes?

And, lastly, without The O.C. we would have never had Laguna Beach and without Laguna Beach we would never had “Ugh, Ste-phen. We are so dunzo.” Which, let’s face it, should be history books.