Locker Room For Improvement
I have watched most of the new shows on network TV. I want to review them all right now.
Monday
Studio 60 - It satirizes the behind the scenes goings-on of an “SNL”-type show. The episodes have been consistent but I do not know if this show is for me. I feel like it tries too hard. The ratings have been steeply declining every week, so it may be off the air by November.
Staying power: 4/10
The ratings are bad. It actually got beat by “The Bachelor” last week!
My rating: 5
I may have seen my last episode last week. I’ll decide Monday.
Heroes - It is about ordinary people with extraordinary powers. I have not seen an episode yet. I was never interested in it the first place. However, everyone says it’s one of the best new shows of the season. I plan on picking it up starting next Monday. Hopefully, I can catch on relatively easy.
Staying power: 9
This is what’s gonna save NBC (yet again).
My rating: 10
Tuesday
Friday Night Lights - It is about a college football town. These people live for the game of football. Too sappy for me. The cinematography is really good though. I can see this show having a loyal audience. I just won’t be a member of it.
Staying power: 5
It is up in the air at this point. NBC has poured lots of dough into this one. The ratings are not quite there. Sports shows never seem to catch on in primetime TV.
My rating: 3
If you want to feel bad for a bunch of people with minute problems, this is the show for you.
Help Me Help You - I was cynical at first because I am not a big Ted Danson fan. However, the characters are really endearing and quirky. He plays a psychiatrist. I believe in this strong freshman comedy. Jane Kazmerack from “Malcolm” plays his ex-wife. I really like her in that role. The two of them together is always really fun to watch.
Staying power: 9
The ratings have been decent to good. In the age of dying comedy, this show is a gem. Although not at the caliber of classics, it will be around for a while.
My rating: 8
I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
Wednesday
30 Rock - It is a better version of “Studio 60.” I have always loved Tina Fey. Tracy Morgan and Alec Baldwin were well cast too. This show has some staying power.
Staying power: 8
It does what “Studio 60” can’t: Appeal to a wider audience.
My rating: 9
It is my new “Office” as of now.
Twenty Good Years - It is about two old farts who want to reinvigorate their lives. For me, it translated to “Twenty Bad Minutes.” The first act, in particular, was almost unbearable. I only stuck with it because my aunt does the hair for this show.
Staying power: 7
NBC will be afraid to switch this out for an even crappier comedy. It may stay because it is the best thing available for the time being.
My rating: 2
I like the actors, but the scripts are just garbage. Please don’t waste your time.
The Nine - I was intrigued by this show. It is the closest new show to “Lost.” These nine hostages were trapped in a bank with two robbers for 52 hours. None of them remember what happened in there. Details slowly emerge each episode. It is relatively addicting. You can easily catch on too.
Staying power: 6
I could see this failing. It may not be good enough to sustain an audience. It is going to need some faster pacing and bigger character revelations if it is expected to survive.
My rating: 7
I am a patient man. ABC may not be so patient. If given a chance, I see good things in this show’s future.
Thursday
Ugly Betty - The best new show of the season. I love it. It’s fun and fresh. There is nothing else like it on TV. The characters are fantastic. My only gripe: her boss. I have a hard time liking him how I should. America Ferrera brings so much to this show. It is a buffet of comedy, drama, mystery, and reality to feast upon. One problem: If you already watch “Earl”/”Office” or “Survivor” it probably will not fit in to your schedule. These are established veteran shows with loyal audiences. “Betty” may have a hard time tantalizing fans to tickle their fashion sense.
Staying power: 10
In one of the most competitive slots on TV, this show still managed to crack the top 10 of most watched shows last week. This is a huge feat for a brand new show. The buzz and future of this one is good.
My rating: 10
The entire foundation of “Betty” is solid. The writing, pacing, and sass are all red hot. This is America’s type of show!
Monday
Studio 60 - It satirizes the behind the scenes goings-on of an “SNL”-type show. The episodes have been consistent but I do not know if this show is for me. I feel like it tries too hard. The ratings have been steeply declining every week, so it may be off the air by November.
Staying power: 4/10
The ratings are bad. It actually got beat by “The Bachelor” last week!
My rating: 5
I may have seen my last episode last week. I’ll decide Monday.
Heroes - It is about ordinary people with extraordinary powers. I have not seen an episode yet. I was never interested in it the first place. However, everyone says it’s one of the best new shows of the season. I plan on picking it up starting next Monday. Hopefully, I can catch on relatively easy.
Staying power: 9
This is what’s gonna save NBC (yet again).
My rating: 10
Tuesday
Friday Night Lights - It is about a college football town. These people live for the game of football. Too sappy for me. The cinematography is really good though. I can see this show having a loyal audience. I just won’t be a member of it.
Staying power: 5
It is up in the air at this point. NBC has poured lots of dough into this one. The ratings are not quite there. Sports shows never seem to catch on in primetime TV.
My rating: 3
If you want to feel bad for a bunch of people with minute problems, this is the show for you.
Help Me Help You - I was cynical at first because I am not a big Ted Danson fan. However, the characters are really endearing and quirky. He plays a psychiatrist. I believe in this strong freshman comedy. Jane Kazmerack from “Malcolm” plays his ex-wife. I really like her in that role. The two of them together is always really fun to watch.
Staying power: 9
The ratings have been decent to good. In the age of dying comedy, this show is a gem. Although not at the caliber of classics, it will be around for a while.
My rating: 8
I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
Wednesday
30 Rock - It is a better version of “Studio 60.” I have always loved Tina Fey. Tracy Morgan and Alec Baldwin were well cast too. This show has some staying power.
Staying power: 8
It does what “Studio 60” can’t: Appeal to a wider audience.
My rating: 9
It is my new “Office” as of now.
Twenty Good Years - It is about two old farts who want to reinvigorate their lives. For me, it translated to “Twenty Bad Minutes.” The first act, in particular, was almost unbearable. I only stuck with it because my aunt does the hair for this show.
Staying power: 7
NBC will be afraid to switch this out for an even crappier comedy. It may stay because it is the best thing available for the time being.
My rating: 2
I like the actors, but the scripts are just garbage. Please don’t waste your time.
The Nine - I was intrigued by this show. It is the closest new show to “Lost.” These nine hostages were trapped in a bank with two robbers for 52 hours. None of them remember what happened in there. Details slowly emerge each episode. It is relatively addicting. You can easily catch on too.
Staying power: 6
I could see this failing. It may not be good enough to sustain an audience. It is going to need some faster pacing and bigger character revelations if it is expected to survive.
My rating: 7
I am a patient man. ABC may not be so patient. If given a chance, I see good things in this show’s future.
Thursday
Ugly Betty - The best new show of the season. I love it. It’s fun and fresh. There is nothing else like it on TV. The characters are fantastic. My only gripe: her boss. I have a hard time liking him how I should. America Ferrera brings so much to this show. It is a buffet of comedy, drama, mystery, and reality to feast upon. One problem: If you already watch “Earl”/”Office” or “Survivor” it probably will not fit in to your schedule. These are established veteran shows with loyal audiences. “Betty” may have a hard time tantalizing fans to tickle their fashion sense.
Staying power: 10
In one of the most competitive slots on TV, this show still managed to crack the top 10 of most watched shows last week. This is a huge feat for a brand new show. The buzz and future of this one is good.
My rating: 10
The entire foundation of “Betty” is solid. The writing, pacing, and sass are all red hot. This is America’s type of show!