The new television season is upon us, and there are many new shows to choose from. Autumn is a great time for television viewers, as we get new programming that seeks to make it easier for us to spend hours in front of the television screen. It’s also a great time for television bloggers because we are fed up with even more programming that is doomed to fail, providing us with plenty of actors, writers, and networks that will be embarrassed by the low ratings of various new works that they have hyped since early this year. It’s our job to constantly remind those people how bad their shows are so we never have to feel that pain again. We also feel it is our job to guide you through the maze of new programming with the hope of keeping all of you watching proper, quality television. Or we’ll just laugh at these recommendations when they’re all cancelled by Thanksgiving.
After the jump, our staff brings you some suggestions on what to look out for as you start to set those season passes in the next couple of weeks.
Must Watch Programming 2005
B-Side
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Prison Break (FOX) – I loved the premiere. I mean, the first hour was only okay, but the second had everything I ever wanted on network TV: race wars, shanking, jealous prison bitches, more shanking, and some sweet-ass pinky toe action. I’m hooked. |
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Reunion (FOX) – I love the concept of this. Besides, how could I deny the latest Amanda Righetti vehicle? Apparently there are about two or three love triangles in the pilot, not to mention a teen pregnancy. Let’s hope this is less North Shore and more OC (season 1, that is). |
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Everybody Hates Chris (UPN) – I’m just gonna jump on the bandwagon here. This show is supposed to be hilarious, and honestly, I’m dying for a good sitcom. I only wish it weren’t on against Survivor and The OC. |
copygodd
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Threshold (CBS) – Did you see Sin City? Did you see Mickey Rourke’s parole officer? She’s in this. Hopefully the aliens won’t make her watch as they eat her hand. |
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The Night Stalker (ABC)- As a kid, the original Night Stalker was one of my favorite shows. It was one of Chris Carter’s too, and an obvious influence on The X-Files. Even though this version of The Night Stalker has no Chris Carter, Gillian Anderson or nifty catchphrases ("The truth is out there," "Trust no one," "Mulder, quit staring at my tits!") I still can’t wait to see it. |
J-Unit
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E-Ring (NBC) - Take one part JAG, and sprinkle in equal parts of CSI and The West Wing, and you have a formula for an average show that will somehow last for four seasons, or perhaps one that will fail after four episodes. Whatever the outcome, I will be watching to get my fix of government agencies saving the American people despite their inherent incompetence until 24 returns next year. |
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My Name is Earl (NBC) - If you love Mallrats as much as I do, you will want to watch this show, which sounds like the perfect fit for Jason Lee’s comedic talent. |
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Battlestar Galactica (SciFi) - Yes, this show has technically been playing half of the summer, but there are still plenty of episodes left. Perhaps the best part of this program is that I have now stopped complaining about Firefly being cancelled. |
Kat
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Arrested Development (FOX) – If you’re watching TV but you’re not watching this, I just don’t know what the hell is wrong with you. The writing on this show is among the best in television right now, and the show is making stars out of a deserving but previously unknown cast. Plus, if you’re a comedy nerd, great cameos abound. It’s only a half-hour of your week but I promise it’ll be the funniest. |
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Lost (ABC) – OK, this show pissed off a lot of viewers last year, after it sucked us in without ever giving us a satisfying reveal. But I have faith that the second season will be even better than the first – after the hiatus, the writers should have a better idea of where they’re going and anyway, I think they’ve got a lot of smart plotlines going. Actually, the pseudo-intellectual vibe of the show is one of the best excuses for watching it; you can debate the merits of Rousseau and Locke and existentialism after every episode. Plus, lots of hotties. Plus, I’ll be recapping it. |
m_ruv
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Everybody Hates Chris (UPN) – After last year’s Oscars, I’m not convinced that Chris Rock can be funny without maintaining 40+ curse words per minute. But I’m curious nonetheless because the advance word has been great. |
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Invasion (ABC) – Though I’ve seen the previews about 5,000 times by now, it still looks fascinating. Especially with the hurricane twist, in light of, uh, recent events. I love the scary faux-Rebecca De Mornay alien mom. And I mean the real, white Rebecca De Mornay, not the "urban" Rebecca De Mornay from Seinfeld. |
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Commander in Chief (ABC) - Geeze Louise, Geena Davis is playing the president. Lordy lordy. Was Andie Macdowell not available? Maybe she was too busy planning the sequel to Riding the Bus With My Sister. |
sg-dub
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Prison Break (FOX) – Not just because I’m planning on recapping it, but because it looks damn cool. And oh yeah, the main character is quite handsome. |
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The Colbert Report (Comedy Central) – Brilliant and topical comedy from Stephen Colbert. Hopefully will fill the void (and then some) left by Crazy Dave Chapelle. |
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CSI: Topeka (CBS) Just kidding… I think. |
Must Watch Programming 2005 – Reality/Non Scripted
B-Side
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The Apprentice: Martha Stewart (NBC) – The curiousity factor kicks in here. I’ve never cared much for Martha Stewart, and yet, I’m totally intrigued by this show. Maybe that’s because I love The Apprentice template. Hard to fill Donald’s shoes though. |
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Amazing Race: Family Edition (CBS) – Okay, I am not very psyched for this season, but I’m very curious to know how the hell it’s gonna work. If it’s good, then sweet. If it sucks, I want to be able to say "Told you so!" Besides, I gotta watch because if the audience suddenly disappears, we may be without the best reality show on TV! |
copygodd
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The Apprentice: Martha Stewart (NBC) - In this battle of Felons vs Trustees, the smart money’s on the hard-timers. Episode One has the two teams making and marketing their own line of prison shivs. |
J-Unit
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America’s Next Top Model 5(UPN) - If you don’t know why I list this show here, you are probably in the wrong place. |
Kat
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The Apprentice: Martha Stewart (NBC) – I think this one is going to eclipse The Donald’s version big time. People would watch any reality show starring Martha, just waiting on pins and needles to see her be an insane bitch to some floral arranger or pastry chef. That’s what people will tune in for, but I’ll bet they’ll stay for what’s sure to be an interesting study in creating not just a business, but an entire cult. |
m_ruv
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The Apprentice: Martha Stewart (NBC) – Like everyone else, I’m dying to see what kind of twist our favorite ex-Polish homemaking deity will put on "You’re fired." I’m banking on a heartily shreiked "GET OUT OF MY FACE, C*NT!!!" but am prepared to be surprised. |
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I know this probably isn’t the best platform for venting about personal problems, but lately I’ve been drowningónay, suffocating completely. The dearth of intelligent, hard-hitting commentary and interview shows on television is getting too much for me to bear. So you can imagine my joy and relief upon hearing of The Tyra Banks Show on the WB. I’ve already put 1-800-SEE-TYRA on my speed dial. |
sg-dub
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America’s Next Top Model 5(UPN) – Yes, the wannabe models look much hotter than the last few seasons, but I’ll be eagerly watching to see Tyra tug on her ear for J-Unit at the end of each show. |
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Project Runway (Bravo) – I’m anxious to see if Miramax and the Weinsteins can pull off an equally intelligent and creative reality show in the face of the dreaded sophomore slump. |
Later this week we will have a second installment of recommended new shows, as well as a list of programs to avoid and a handy guide to network executives who are looking for ideas for pilots that we think might do well. For more information on when these programs air in your location, check out site sponsor meevee.com for local listings and program reminders.
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19 Comments
What? No survivor?
Mickey Rourke’s parole officer was quite the thong-clad hottie in Sin City.
You know Martha Stewart’s apprentice will have hilarity to last 1000 tvgasm stories. I’m banking on it.
I watched a sneak-peek Everyone loves Chris. It was okay, but nothing revelating in terms of sitcoms.
The question is, will NBC have a set of nice mid-season replacement disposable sitcoms in the near future?
First off you forgot to push Veronica Mars.
2nd of all, When I saw the subway ads for “commander and cheif” I had no idea the role was going to be played by Geena Davis. I will support this show, simply because I am a nerd and Geena Davis has stated that she is a Sailor Moon fan. LONG LIVE SAILOR MOON!
(omg, I can’t believe I just said that)
I agree with E.B. where’s the Veronica Mars love? If only because Julie Chen will be in the first episode!
why haven’t this site posted anything related to the katrina devastation? or even commentary on kanye west embarassing “rant” on the NBC fundraiser??
Well, re: Katrina — it’s not what I call a gold mine for snarkiness.
And re: Kanye West, there’s really not much for us to add, at least as of right now.
re: re: Kanye West,
There is certainly nothing embarrassing about an impassioned account of a singled-out race’s mainstream misrepresentation. For shame.
asdfasf: If you want coverage of Katrina, just go to any other website that is not tvgasm.com. This(tvgasm.com) is a welcome break from it.
I’ve seen all of the pilots for this season’s new series, and the best new show, hands down, is “My Name Is Earl.”
Nothing screams beleivability like Dennis Hopper playing a general.
I second, or third, the Veronica Mars slight. Its a good show.
OTher shows that are “must see” to me are Family Guy, Lost, Smallville, The West Wing and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
There are several new shows I’m going to watch at least once: Prison Break (already watching), Reunion (if I record and watch it later), Commander in Chief, My Name is Earl, Everybody Hates Chris, and a couple of others. It could be another good year for new tv.
What about Nip/Tuck? The season starts on the 20th, I think. Also- has anyone been watching Starved?
THANK GOD!!! Someone other than Madeyoulaugh is recapping Lost! ThankyouthankyouthankyouTHANKYOU!
I heard that Martha’s catch phrase will be “You just don’t fit in.”
The creativity behind that one sounds half-baked, if you ask me.
What about The OC?!?!?!?!!??!?!
Papercuts!
As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.
MYL
The Nip/Tuck previews look amazing!!! Always witty and never dissappointing!
i only wrote about new shows, else my picks would’ve been considerably different.
on the plus side, i will be recapping more than just the wwe this fall, so at least there’s that to look forward to.
Count me in for Veronica Mars as well. One of the best new shows of last season. The new season of survivor has really intrigued since finding two popular, previous survivors will be appearing. I’m looking forward to “The Amazing Race: Family Edition” but I think this will likely be the worst edition of The Amazing Race.
In terms of new shows this season, I’ve enjoyed Prison Break so far. I’m looking forward to “Everybody Hates Chris”, “Invasion”, “The Night Stalker”, ‘Threshold”, and “Supernatural”. I’ll check out “The Apprentice: Martha Stewart” as well. It’ll be interesting to see if it’s as good as the regular Apprentice. I doubt it.