Top Ten Tuesday: TV Shows I’m Looking Forward To
September 25th, 2007 | by Scott |With Heroes return to the little screen last night we can fully embrace the return of prime time television. I wanted to do a post on the 10 new shows I’m most looking forward to. However, I couldn’t find 10.
So, this will be two lists in one: returning shows I’m most excited about and new shows that look promising. Of course there is no way of knowing how good something is going to be until it starts (See Studio 60 and the 2007 Arkansas Razorbacks)
Returning Shows (Note: These are network shows which explains the omission of Michael C. Hall’s textured portrayal of Dexter.)
5. Heroes–With all apologies to Phil, the season finale last year was not good. It almost wrecked the entire season. So, I was a little meh about its return and last night’s premiere did not fully assuage my concerns. My confidence that it would avoid the Lost-syndrome of needless wandering is a little bowed right now. I mean, seriously, if both Petrelli boys and Sylar are still alive what was the point of the season finale? However, if there is any show that will overcome this minor misstep it is this one.
4. Beauty and the Geek–This is the only reality show on my radar screen except for the one we won’t mention. What separates this from all of the entries in this genre is its heart. The contestants generally emerge as better people. What could deviate into spectacle rarely does and instead works to foster relationships. And its fun.
3. House–Best character on TV finds himself alone at the beginning of this year. How does the loss of his diagnostic team acerbate his irritability? I’ll be tuned in tonight to find out.
2. How I Met Your Mother–This show grows stronger and stronger with each episode. Neil Patrick Harris is the best supporting character out there at the moment. Last year gave us one of the funniest episodes in sit-com history with “Slap-Bet.” And now, that Ted and Robin are officially broken up we can finally set our sites on meeting the aforementioned mother.
1. 30 Rock/The Office–I combine these two because they come on together, are excellent comedies and I run the risk of friends not talking to me if Heroes is not on this list. With that said these two shows are vying for the funniest show on TV. As last season ended 30 Rock had solidified into a timeless comedy. I’m looking at an ability to avoid a sophomore slump. My only hesitation with The Office is the temptation to milk the Jim/Pam will they, won’t they angle.
New Shows
5. Caveman–You bet I want to see it. Like I want to see helicopters crashing into bridges. This is one of those shows that you can tell your kids later actually made it to TV without a Studio Head waking up and coming to his senses. See: Manimal and any Dabney Coleman sitcom.
4. Back To You–I enjoyed the first episode but did not love it. However, I will give this a full season to grow into excellence. With Kelsey Grammer, Patricia Heaton and Fred Willard leading a top-notch cast you have to give room for the show to grow.
3. Pushing Daisies–The pilot, which doesn’t officially air until October 3rd, was great. This is one of those quirky dramedies that you have to invest in from the beginning.
2. Chuck–If last year we saw an influx of 24-inspired narrative shows, this year is the year of the geek. Chuck is a pitch-perfect example of your local geek-squad member.
1. Reaper–By far the show I am most excited about. The hilarious pilot was directed by Kevin Smith and premieres tonight. Do not miss it. George Hamilton playing Satan. Typecasting? We shall see.
What shows are you looking forward to?
26 Responses to “Top Ten Tuesday: TV Shows I’m Looking Forward To”
By Jeff Slater on Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
I don’t know if “Back to You” will make it. Two conservatives starring in a sitcom? How did THAT get past the Hollywood elite? George Clooney, Susan Sarandon and Danny Glover must have been out of town or something.
By greg on Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
I was disappointed in the Heroes S2 premiere last night. I don’t know what it was, but it didn’t come close to what I was hoping for. I guess the point of the season finale was to save the city from annihilation, but it did seem lame if everyone survived.
I’ve wondered if plans for Sylar didn’t originally go beyond the first season, but he became a popular cast member and they had to bring him back. I’m glad because I like his character, but at the same time I’m not sure it makes sense.
Watched Chuck last night. I liked it and will continue to see how it develops.
I’ve wondered about the Grammar show. After playing the “Frasier” character for about 20 years, I wondered how he’d do playing a new character. I’ll probably check it out.
Man, it’s not often you see a Manimal reference. But that’s a perfect example.
By John on Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
I wanted to see Chuck but it’s on at the same time as putting the little one to bed so it’s going to be a juggling act.
Did check out the Bionic Woman and it was a good update on the classic. A darker tone than the 70’s much like the update of Battlestar Galactica
By Michael Westmoreland-White on Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
I agree about Heroes. I expected Peter and Sylar to survive, but I figured Nathan Petrelli had been blown to hell and back.
I’ll give Chuck a chance because the first episode was so funny, but I am not sure they can keep it up.
On the other hand, Journeyman was as bad as I feared. It was like Quantum leap without either the science fiction premise or the humor. I won’t be watching that.
I am looking forward to Bionic Woman remake because of the involvement of much of the same team that gave us Battlestar Galacta. The inclusion of Katie Sackhoff is brilliant. BSG is the returning show I’m most looking forward to.
I hate so-called “reality TV.” No exceptions. I never got into Lost and think House is drivel.
By Scott on Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
Jeff, my colleagues in Hollywood are all about equal time. Within reason, of course
Greg, I don’t want to be a part of the proverbial backlash, but Heroes will have a hard time matching the excellent first season. And, like Lost, if they don’t have a definitive direction to go then they will be in trouble.
John, earlier bed-time.
By That Girl on Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
Beauty and the Geek
The Office
Biggest Loser
I don’t watch a lot of TV…
By Scott on Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
Michael, I read today that the second episode of Chuck was pretty weak but the third was great. We shall see.
I have Journeyman on DVR but haven’t watched it. I try to watch all of the pilots knowing that the majority won’t survive until a third episode.
Terri, my wife loves Biggest Loser. I go in the other room.
By Phil Wilson on Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
Heroes’ problem last night was two fold.
1) Major expectations after being the surprise of the season last year and everyone getting caught up in the mystery.
2) A lackluster season finale. It’s true, it didn’t live up to expectations and so people wanted to be wowed. I wasn’t completely wowed, but I really enjoyed last night’s episode and am looking forward to the rest of the season.
By R-Liz on Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
30 Rock is a show that has my number. When it’s at its funniest, it is quintessential-Ruthie-comedy.
By Matt on Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
The Office and football season are the only reasons I own a TV…
By Scott on Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
Don’t get me wrong I’m looking forward to the rest of the season as well. But we have to hope that no characters get caught in a lion trap.
Love 30 Rock. Tina Fey is a great writer.
Matt, watch Reaper. Tonight. Great show.
By greg on Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
Just watched Reaper. Pretty good. I’ll stick with it for a while and see how it goes. The cast was mostly familiar. I watched some show on USA a couple of times this summer with the lead actor in it. I like Missy Peregrym from her Heroes appearances last year. And “The Devil” was recently on a Burn Notice episode. I thought he was quite good in this Reaper pilot tonight.
By Mark on Sep 25, 2007 | Reply
Bones
By matt elliott on Sep 26, 2007 | Reply
Not really looking forward to any show in particular, but I did want to chime in and say that I laughed/squirted milk out my nose at the “Manimal” reference! MAN, that was obscure.
By Scott on Sep 26, 2007 | Reply
“Dr. Jonathan Chase… wealthy, young, handsome. A man with the brightest of futures. A man with the darkest of pasts. From Africa’s deepest recesses, to the rarefied peaks of Tibet, heir to his father’s legacy and the world’s darkest mysteries. Jonathan Chase, master of the secrets that divide man from animal, animal from man… Manimal.”
By justin on Sep 26, 2007 | Reply
I like Journeyman, but everytime he ends up back in time I keep waiting for Scott Bakula to pop in and say “oh boy”
I’m surprised you didn’t mention Scrubs… the season finale last year was intense, and I’m counting down the hours til I find out whether JD and Elliot are going to sabatoge their romantic lives… again.
Office is a staple, definitely. Best show on TV imho.
I loathe reality TV, but I watched Kid Nation, and I’ll watch it again tonight. Just because the kids on there are so precocious and odd that its funny.
HIMYM hasn’t been a must watch for me for the last two years, because I’m not really a fan of three camera sitcoms, but its definitely the best of that dying genre.
Chuck was funnier the second time I watched it. I think that may be my go to in that time slot. But I could see it getting canceled.
Big Bang Theory was annoying as hell.
I’m really excited about Dirty Sexy Money tonight though. If only because of my man crush on Peter Krause and the longing to see Casey McCall once again.
By hermit greg on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
Give it up for David Boreanaz!
By Scott on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
I was disappointed in this past season of scrubs. I can wait.
Bones is it huh? Never seen it.
By greg on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iQ-mzYRl3s
By Scott on Sep 27, 2007 | Reply
I saw that clip! That is greatness. They don’t make TV like that anymore.
By justin on Sep 28, 2007 | Reply
Yeah, last season, with the exception of the musical, the finale, and lavergne dying, was a little more ridiculous in real life, rather than just in JD’s head. This season, they are supposedly going to make it more dramatic, like the first couple seasons.
By R-Liz on Sep 28, 2007 | Reply
Scott– While watching some Nickelodeon shows with the kids, I was reminded of one of your most hilarious posts on Hollywood and Kids TV. I did a little search on your site, and located the entry, “If Hollywood Wrote Kid’s Shows” from June 20, 2006. The comments on that entry are now closed, so I’m commenting here. Could you please, please, pretty please do another one of these entries? (Especially since you state you were holding back last time– no holding back this time.) And could Tracy do another one of her counterpart posts about “If Moms Wrote Hollywood Shows”? Pleeeeease?
By Scott on Sep 28, 2007 | Reply
Ruthie, I’ve thought several times lately on doing a follow-up. You have given me the motivation to do so. Any suggestions on potential shows?
By R-Liz on Sep 29, 2007 | Reply
Other than the some of the shows you included in your first installment, my young kiddos also watch Diego, Wonder Pets, Blues Clues (which did have some references in the original post’s comments), Backyardigans and Sesame Street. (But ya gotta have some pretty big cojones to go after Sesame Street.)
And a follow-up to the shows in your original entry would be awesome.– Did Dora ever kick her habit to oxycontin and fight to save Boots from the evil exotic pets collector she sold him to?
For the Moms in Hollywood installment– admittedly, there isn’t much primetime I watch. When there are new shows, I generally try not to miss 30 Rock, The Office and Lost. But I am familiar with the storyline of most major shows out there.
Honestly, use your poetic/writer’s license in what you choose to write about, and Darren and I undoubtedly will get a huge laugh.
By Scott on Oct 4, 2007 | Reply
It’s on my to-do list. I’m looking at you, High School Musical.
By Sunny on Oct 4, 2007 | Reply
I’m not much for giving new shows a try, but I need some new shows. We watched the second show of Back to You and really enjoyed it (somehow missed the premiere). I have Chuck on the DVR and am willing to watch whenever Jason has the time (lots of grad school going on).