It's Time for a Parks & Rec Family Hug...

...Because the show was just renewed for a sixth season!

That's right, Parks and Recreation will be back on NBC for Season Six this Fall (2013). Get ready America.

'HIMYM' Breaking News: Renewed or Cancelled?

Wait, what?

No, WHAT?

'HIMYM' breaking news!!

The show has officially been renewed for a final ninth season.

Jason Segel was originally hesitant to resign to the hit show, but now that he has acquiesed the rest of the cast is on board.

That means we get another year to meet the mother. Or, as many loyal viewers and fans hope, a year to see the mother acually become a part of the group.

Hopefully fans of the CBS hit comedy will be pleased.

First an engagement, now this, it's certainly been a good 'HIMYM' week.




The cast nine years ago, when they were BABIES.





I admit it, I'm watching 'Hart of Dixie'

If you're read my blog for a while, you know that I went on a bit of rant about 'Hart of Dixie'. A lot of things about the show annoyed me to no end. And yet, after all of that complaining, I've watched every episode this season. I don't really care about watching it live (it's not that good), but I'll put it on in the background when I'm doing other things.

The more you watch it, the more interesting the characters become. I'm not enjoying it more because the writing has improved, in fact it's pretty standard fare, but the characters are likable people, with surprisingly realistic problems.

Zoe, the main character, is trying to find her place in a new town, get people to like her despite her cultural differences, and deal with estrangement from her father. Wade is dealing with a crush on Zoe, which he fears she will never reciprocate, and an alcoholic father. Lemon is thrilled about her engagement to George, but worried about how he'll react when he finds out about her past relationship with the Mayor, Lavon. Oh, and Zoe wishes that she could date George. And Lavon wishes that he could date Lemon. In a perfect world this would all work out, but the nice thing about 'Hart of Dixie' is that the world is never too perfect.

Unfortunately, many viewers seem to agree with my original assessment. The show has repeatedly had low ratings. On February 20th the show ranked 0.6 among viewers 18-49, with a total of 1.57 viewers and February 27th it was slightly lower at 0.5 among viewers 18-49, with a total of 1.41 viewers.

If (when?) the show gets cancelled at the end of this season, I sincerely hope that the writers will wrap up some of the many storylines.

(L-R) George, Lemon, Zoe, Wade, and Lavon.

Cougar Town Wasn't Cancelled!? (It's new tonight & you should watch it)

If you're a fan of 'Cougar Town', you know that the show initially got off to a slow start. The beginning of season one, wayyy back in September of 2009, revolved around Jules (played by Courteney Cox) and her attempt to date younger men. Unsurprisingly, people didn't really find this an enjoyable half hour of television. I actually abandoned the show after two episodes.

But about a year later, I saw an episode of 'Cougar Town' on an airplane. I was shocked. The show was smart and funny and I wanted to watch more. So I did. I re-watched all of the episodes I had missed, and I grew to love the show.

In the middle of the first season, the show stopped dealing with Jules' "cougaring", and instead focused on friendship-dynamics, and the dynamics of a new (age-appropriate!) relationship.

Unfortunately, the show is still called 'Cougar Town', even though it now has nothing to do with women dating younger men or actual cougars. Everyone involved with the show's production recognizes how ridiculous the title is, and they poke fun at it during each episode's title sequence:

Despite the fact that the show is now an incredibly enjoyable half-hour of television, people weren't watching it. Whether it was the unappealing title or the fact that they thought they knew the premise is hard to say, but the numbers just weren't there. Even now, when I mention how excited I am about the show coming back, people know nothing about it (I enlighten them, of course).

Earlier this year, ABC finally decided that season three of 'Cougar Town' would air (almost 9 months after the second season finale). Focused on its other, more popular shows, the network hasn't been doing a lot of promoting. Bill Lawrence, the show's creator, and the rest of the cast decided to use a grassroots campaign to try and garner more viewers.

Using Twitter as a way to reach the show's fans, Lawrence and the rest of the cast tweeted about viewing parties that would occur around the United States. These parties would be attended by members of the cast, and would offer fans a chance to see two unaired episodes from the upcoming season, drink free booze, and generally have a good time. Limited tickets were available for all the viewing parties, and were awarded based on who emailed first (this may be the first time that Gmail has been used to promote a show).

Even though I didn't initially win a ticket, I was luckily enough to be able to attend Boston's party, thanks to a person I had never met before offering an extra ticket via Twitter (Thanks Christine!). I got to talk a little bit with Ian Gomez and Brian Van Holt, and I saw the season three premiere.

I absolutely promise you that the show is just as funny (if not funnier) than ever. While it may be a tad confusing for brand-new viewers, you should watch it even if you've never seen the show before.

Jules (Cox) is told by her boyfriend, Grayson, that she is "predictable". This leads her to do everything in her power to prove that he's wrong. Her friends, of course, side with Grayson.  Oh, and there's also a marriage proposal in this episode! And a scary kid wielding a hammer!

I ran into a friend of mine at the bar where the viewing party was taking place (long story), and she watched the episode with me. Even though she'd never seen an episode of the show before, she thought it was hilarious and agreed that she'd watch it again.

Basically, what I'm saying is that you should watch it too. Watch it tonight, and then catch up later. Give the show the numbers it needs so that it doesn't get cancelled. Please?

'Cougar Town' airs tonight, February 14th (Valentine's Day!) on ABC at 8:30/7:30C.

'House' is Over

FOX hasn't renewed 'House' for a ninth season. The current season, season eight, will be the last.

I loved 'House' from the very beginning, and even loved it as the cast lost Jennifer Morrison (Cameron), and gained Olivia Wilde (Thirteen).

This season, the loss of Wilde and of Lisa Edelstein (Cuddy) hurt the show a great deal. The cases have still been interesting, but the show has lost its tempo.

That being said, it's the end of an era, and I'll be sad that I won't have new episodes of 'House' to look forward to every week.

What to Watch on Netflix Instant: 'My Boys'

I planned on giving this post the title 'Why 'My Boys' Should Be Your Boys', or something else that seemed sort of clever. But then I realized that would make this post next to impossible to find online. Also, it may not be as clever as I  initially thought. Regardless, you all should be watching 'My Boys'. And, luckily, the complete series is available on Netflix Instant.

When I recently hung out with a large group of friends, I realized that lots of the things we were talking about directly related to plot points from the marathon of 'My Boys' that I had just seen. When real-life imitates television writing you know those writers were headed in the right direction.

'My Boys' ran for four season (49 episodes) on TBS, but it was in no way a hit show. It's ratings fluctuated as wildly as its time slot. I vaguely remember watching it when it first came out (in 2006) and deciding that it was "okay, but not great". I think I only watched one or two episodes before I moved on to things I liked more. But now that I've seen every single episode, I can honestly say that it is worth watching. You just need to get past the first season, which is particularly weak in parts, but necessary to watch to understand the characters.

The show centers around P.J., a sportswriters for the Cubs (it's set in Chicago!). She's the linchpin in a group of friends that also consist of her college guy friend (Brendan), her brother (Andy), her work friend (Mike), her new colleague (Bobby), and her awkward friend (Kenny). That's right, there's a ratio of 1 woman to 5 men in this show, although P.J.'s friend Stephanie does make an occasional appearance.

P.J. and her guy friends get together at least once a week to play poker, and they discuss various (often hilarious) aspects of their lives. They also hang out away from the poker table, going to bars, eating dinner, and just generally doing life-outside-of-work stuff. The show is so perfect because watching it can easily remind you of your own friends. There's nothing wildly improbable, though sometimes their adventures are a little absurd.

 'My Boys' presents P.J. as a woman who has lots of successful male friendships, has a good job, and understands sports. Quick, try to name the last time a character like that was on TV!

Tricky, isn't it? Now, go watch 'My Boys' on Netflix Instant.

Wait, 'Charlie's Angels' is still here? And 'Community' and 'Parks and Recreation' have reruns tonight?!

I just looked at a TV listing for tonight and had a double-take moment when I saw 'Charlie's Angels' was on. I truly thought that had already been canceled. That doesn't bode well for them...do people even know it's still on the air?





 

Further ruining tonight's television viewing plans...both 'Community' and 'Parks and Rec' have reruns tonight. Boy, this week has been horrible: no 'New Girl', no 'Glee', no 'Community', AND no 'Parks and Rec'. Are the networks attempting to drain all the comedy out of our lives?

'How to Be a Gentleman' (David Hornsby's Show) Canceled

Poor David Hornsby, most people that I know already refer to him as "that actor who is married to Emily Deschanel", and unfortunately it looks like he's not going to escape that moniker anytime soon.

Hornsby was most recently seen in 'How to Be a Gentleman', a television show on CBS which he wrote, produced, and starred in. Unfortunately, if you didn't catch him in the first two episodes you've missed your chance. The show premiered after 'The Big Bang Theory', but after only one episode it was moved to Saturdays.

Everyone knows that moving shows around a lot doesn't help them gain a following, but apparently in the case of 'How to be a Gentleman' it really, really didn't help. The second episode, which aired last Saturday on CBS, garnered only 2.4 million total viewers. Now, that may sound like a lot, but lets put it in perspective: 'Glee' had 8.1 million viewers during its second episode this season, and everyone kept commenting about how horrible that was. And remember, this is the entire United States we're talking about, all 307,006,550 of us.

What I'm trying to say is that David Hornsby's newest show is officially canceled. At least he has a new baby to cheer him up! Plus, his wife may not make enough to have qualified as one of the top ten highest paid actresses in the United States, but I don't think they're hurting for money either. Oh, and Hornsby's other jobs as a recurring actor, writer, and producer on 'It's Always Sunny' and as a voice actor for Nickelodeon's 'Fanboy and Chum Chum' probably help to soften the blow.

Hornsby (L) and Deschanel (R)

'Free Agents' is Canceled

I'm not pleased that one of the only new comedies that I enjoyed this season has already been canceled.

NBC, I wish you hadn't taunted us with only 4 episodes. Actually I'm not only blaming NBC, I blaming all networks that are canceling good shows after minimal promotion...oh wait, the only other shows that have been canceled are bad shows. Huh.

Regardless, it's not too surprising that 'Free Agents' is gone. After all, as my friend put it, "it's a comedy show with only old people, of course it failed. There weren't any hot people in it". She's probably right, in the majority of comedy shows that focus on relationships and sex we typically choose to watch attractive young people. Actually, I think that Kathryn Hahn is attractive, but it is true that she isn't typically hot, and she isn't young.

Of course, there are other comedy shows on the air where many of the actors aren't super attractive or incredibly young, but those shows tend to have more rapid-fire comedy, as opposed to the gradually building drama-comedy of 'Free Agents'.


Either way, I know that I'm going to miss 'Free Agents'. I can't even bring myself to watch the fourth episode because I know it's the end.

Are They Leaving?

Which actors are choosing to leave their hit television shows?

Cuddy is leaving 'House'! Lisa Edelstein is officially leaving 'House' and will not return for next season. I am actually incredibly annoyed by this, because one of the only reasons I am still watching 'House' is because of the potential for a House/Cuddy relationship renewal (yes, I'm a "Huddy fan"). Olivia Wilde still has time on her contract, and that gives me a reason to keep watching. She and House are the only really interesting main characters, and now that I think about it, if they became involved romantically that would be a really interesting storyline.

Patrick Dempsey said in an interview with Italian Vanity Fair that he would be leaving 'Grey's Anatomy' at the end of next season. But he has recently stated that he was "taken out of context". I'm not sure how that's possible, but I do know that ABC was probably not pleased by his announcement. If people know that Patrick Dempsey is leaving they know that Ellen Pompeo will probably follow suit...and that will give people little motivation to watch next season. I'm wondering if that means that Patrick Dempsey has been ordered by ABC to muddy the waters about his choice to leave.


Read more about Lisa Edelstein's decision to leave 'House' here.

"Once Upon a Time"...New on ABC

Everyone who reads about upcoming shows has heard about the remake of "Charlie's Angels" that has been in the work for years. Well, yesterday I got two exclusive television promos from ABC...and one was for the new "Charlie's Angels". I could review that preview here but, to be completely honest, I'm far more excited about the promo I saw for the other new show, "Once Upon a Time".

The show's main character is a female bail bonds collector. But, before you think that this is just another version of a crime show, think again. Instead this woman's 10-year-old son believes that she is really a princess stuck in current day America. "Once Upon a Time" is a modern fairytale, filled with princes, curses, and magic. Two stories are told simultaneously, in one all of the characters are true fairytale characters (complete with princess gowns and medieval weapons) and in the other they are living in a modern-day world, completely unaware that their other lives exist. The premise sounds complicated, but because the show is made by the creators of "Lost", I have high hopes that they'll be able to deal well with the complexity. I'm also excited about the show because the quality of the footage that I've seen looks superb. It lacks the cheesy-quality that many fantasy shows have, and is cinematically reminiscent of a show like "The Tudors".

My one concern is that the show is going to be competing with "Game of Thrones", which already had a staunch following because of the cult level of the books that it is based on. "Games of Thrones", like "Once Upon a Time", is set in a fantasy world and has multiple storylines happening at the same time. Obviously on many levels the shows are incredibly different, but it's a question of whether or not both shows can hold a mainstream audience when they are both so focused on fantasy. However, I do think that "Once Upon a Time" will stand apart because one of its storylines is set in the modern day world. This may also make it more attractive to mainstream America, which often rejects full fantasy as 'nerdy' and 'other'. If "Once Upon a Time" is really good I may even forgive ABC for removing "Brothers and Sisters" from its lineup...maybe.

Also, does the whole "Once Upon a Time"/"Once Upon a Mattress" titling bother/confuse anyone else? I seriously almost typed the title incorrectly every time I mentioned it!

cancellation & rehab

"Mr. Sunshine" canceled.

Matthew Perry goes to rehab.

Does anyone else think these two things may be connected?




It's sad, because the show did have some promise. But ABC clearly made major cuts.

brothers & sisters canceled (plus comments about the apparent series finale)

"Brothers & Sisters", the ABC drama which just wrapped up its 5th season, has been canceled.

In a way, I understand this decision. The show could have gone on indefinitely, considering the fact that its storylines are so outrageous that its writers could have the characters do the most insane shark jumping ever, and no one would blink an eye. However, a lot of the central cast has chosen to move on. Both Patricia Wettig (who played Holly) and Emily VanCamp (Rebecca) claim that they chose to leave the show of their own accord. And Rob Lowe (Robert) abandoned the drama for a more comedic role on "Parks and Rec". Plus, Calista Flockhart (Kitty) was barely present this season, and had announced she wanted to continue a limited appearance in a sixth season. In fact, perhaps for this reason, there was talk of "Brothers & Sisters" being renewed for a truncated sixth season run.

They didn't get this, and that is truly unfortunate. Do I think the show could have continued for another full season? Maybe. Another two seasons? I doubt it. But half a season more? Definitely.

It's not that the wedding was a horrible place to end the show. In fact, Nora Walker's voiceover at the end about families reinventing themselves summed up the show nicely. What annoyed me like crazy was the whole issue of Kitty's pregnancy. Is Seth right that it's too risky? Why didn't Kevin see through Kitty's lies? What will Kitty decide to do? And when will Sarah figure out that Kitty (and not Paige) is the pregnant one? Oh, and changing the subject slightly, what's up with Sarah's crazy half-sister?

It's clear that the writers of "Brothers & Sisters" planned to answer these questions next season. And they could have easily done so in a shortened 6th season. Frankly, I don't understand why ABC couldn't have given us that. For those of us who have been loyal viewers of the show for five years this abrupt, poorly constructed ending is far less than we deserve.

'Bones' renewed!

David Boreanaz tweeted on Monday night that "Season 7 is GO for 'Bones'"! This should come as no big surprise, although 'Bones' doesn't always lead in its time slot, its numbers are consistently good. What's more interesting about this announcement is that Fox had formally stated they would not be releasing the information until later this month. And technically Boreanaz overstepped his bounds by announcing the show, when the announcement should have been in the control of Fox's PR department. Boreanaz is obviously a lead actor on the show, as well as an executive producer, so its unlikely that Fox will reprimand him. Still, it makes me a little annoyed that he feels he can do whatever he wants. Basically he's just renewing that iffy feeling I had about him when his affair came to light.

Of course, I'm also super excited that 'Bones' is officially coming back!

bubbles shows that might just go

"Bubble Shows"
a phrase indicating that a show may or may not be canceled. generally referring to a show that is "on the fence" because a network has not yet agreed to renew it, and its ratings are dismal enough that they might choose to abandon it instead.

Obviously lots of people are writing about Bubble Shows right now. After all, it's almost the end of the season, and soon networks are going to be deciding which shows they are kicking off the air forever until some other network comes along and picks them up, à la "Damages", FX, and DirectTV.

There are a lot of shows that may never appear on your television set again after the end of this season: "Brothers & Sisters", "Detroit 1-8-7", "Off the Map", "No Ordinary Family", "V" I consider this canceled, "Chuck", "Perfect Couples", "Outsourced", "Lie to Me", "Nikita", "Body of Proof", "The Chicago Code", "Mr. Sunshine", and "Parenthood".

Of these shows I think that 2 (or possibly 4) should be saved, and here's why:

1. "Brothers & Sisters": yes, it is the most soap opera-ish, melodramatic show to air on television since "Desperate Housewives" (and yes, I know that's still on, but no one really watches it anymore. I mean, name one person...) but we need a little ridiculous drama in our lives. I have to admit that "Parenthood" is starting to veer into the territory of "Brothers & Sisters", but even "Parenthood's" new melodrama (family doesn't like the ex-alcoholic boyfriend, daughter might be pregnant, wife is really pregnant, son has aspergers, dad loses job, other child doesn't get into college, other daughter gets into DUI-induced accident, mother presents award winning play, family decides to adopt) can't replace the truly enjoyable insanity that makes up the Walker family. Then again, Calista Flockhart seems ready to leave (she has barely appeared in any episodes this season), and I'm not completely sure the show can function without her. Still, I want "Brothers & Sisters" to stay on the air...at least for one more season!

2. "Parenthood": I'm not quite ready to let this replace "Brothers & Sisters", and Lauren Graham has started to grate on my nerves, but need I remind you: family doesn't like the ex-alcoholic boyfriend, daughter might be pregnant, wife is really pregnant, son has aspergers, dad loses job, other child doesn't get into college, other daughter gets into DUI-induced accident, mother presents award winning play, family decides to adopt. They clearly need one more season just to wrap up those loose ends.

3. "Outsourced": I agree that this show dealt with a lot of racist undertones early on but I think hope those can be fixed. And I'd be sad to see Pippa Black go. Plus it can be really funny. You know, when it's not being racist. So...keep the series/hire some additional writers?

4. "Body of Proof": I actually think very little of this show, as evidenced by my earlier posts.
Still, I like to use it as background television when I'm doing other more important things (like checking email). And other people seem to like it. So it could get another chance. Or not. Honestly, I don't care much either way.

And what about those other shows? I can sum my feelings about those shows up very quickly:

1. "Detroit 1-8-7": Never heard about it, except when I read a line in EW that said it was "good". Never seen it. Don't even know what channel it's on.

2. "Off the Map": Watched 1.25 episodes. Shrugged. Switched the channel. If it was a little more "ER", and a little less least-appealing-parts-of-"Grey's" I might be more interested.

3. "No Ordinary Family": Superheroes or something? Not really my thing. Seems kind of corny. Maybe someone is watching it?

4. "Chuck": My mom likes this show. I have impartial feelings about it.

5. "Perfect Couples": Bad.

6. "Lie to Me": Wait. This is decent! Except I don't know what time it's on. I think it's on Fox? Maybe bump this up to things that should be saved. If their marketing improves.

7. "Nikita": Spies? Huh. Never seen it.

8. "The Chicago Code": I like crime shows & I like Jennifer Beals. But I already watch "Law and Order: SVU" and "Bones". I'm sure they're not at all like this show, but there's only so much crime I can take in a week.

9. "Mr. Sunshine": Allison Janey! Otherwise, I don't really care. Sorry, Matthew Perry.

What do you think? Am I totally wrong?