Television Excitement
So I usually get pretty excited this time of year, as all of the pilot trailers come out for the new shows that the major networks have picked up for the new TV Season in September. It's no secret that I think TV is a better medium then cinema because as a "character man," the development has the most potential. Nowadays especially, special effects and quality scripts can certainly rival Hollywood films.
Thus, I have decided to make a list of my top 10 Most Anticipated TV Shows for the 2011/12 Season. This season more than any other in history speaks to me on an exciting level. I am looking forward to an unprecedented amount of shows. I have included links to the trailers to all of the shows on the list and a reason why I am looking forward to the show. I will give all of these shows at least 3 episodes (and probably end up cutting several that either aren't that great or are clearly going to get canceled).
But before we get to that, I have enclosed a list of my top 10 shows from the 2010/11 season. I will be really interested to find out anyone Else's top 10 list in this category (or even top 5 if you don't watch much TV).
(1) Game of Thrones - Unexpected? No. The most perfect adaptation in the history of television. Perfect cast with even more perfect writing. They even somehow improved on the books in a few ways (Cersei, Viserys, and Robert are all more fleshed out and enjoyable).
(2) Terriers - Simply delightful. Wonderful characters. A bf/gf couple that makes you feel for them so much because they are both so realistic and likable. The dialogue too, wowed me every week. Shawn Ryan is the best showrunner in the business.
(3) Boardwalk Empire - This show got a slow start but I ended up falling for it hard. It just oozes "cool" and Michael Shannon plays Michael Shannon perfectly, much to my great enjoyment. This show was an interesting concept that exceeded my initial expectations ten fold.
(4) Walking Dead - I certainly prefer the graphic novels, but you won't find a better Horror show on TV. This is the most un-cliche zombie drama ever (movies included). Some of the changes between the show and comic (and there are lots) are really great, but more importantly, what elements they kept the same are just how I pictured it.
(5) Chicago Code - Shawn Ryan again. Terriers didn't work... and neither did this great cop show. The show had a unique narrative and very enjoyable multi-dimensional characters. This show probably had the best pilot of any other show on my list.
(6) The Borgias - While cheesy at times, I love this part of History -- even though I didn't know anything about the Pope of the era. So I am pleased by the Historical stuff that I see immortalized and surprised (and usually delighted) by the pope stuff. Also, it has the best male assassin ever. Niccoletto <3
(7) The Killing - I like this show a lot, though the pacing towards the middle episodes definitely needs more work. It's moody and visceral at times, in a good way, and the main actress is as phenomenal in this as she was in her scene-stealing turn in Big Love.
(8) Raising Hope - The previews for this show were utter garbage. That being said, the characters were so likable that I forgave it its shitty advertizing campaign. And THAT being said, this comedy doesn't make me laugh so much as it just makes me have a continuous smile throughout the viewing.
(9) Lone Star - This show lasted 3 episodes. I have no doubt it would be in my top 3 if it hadn't. Strong concept, strong acting, and even stronger editing. The pacing was almost as perfect as The Good Wife's (the best paced show in history).
(10) Episodes - This show was not without its charms. It borrowed heavily from the far-superior Extras, but it was still a very enjoyable look at the American movie-making industry. Even though most of the characters were caricatures, they were fun caricatures.
The 4 that didn't make the list:
- Running Wilde: Mildly Amusing Bullshit
- The Event: Contrived bullshit
- No Ordinary Family: Obnoxious Bullshit
- Camelot: Embarrassing in every way Bullshit
Onward now- to the top 10 new shows coming out in the new season...
(1) Awake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unSDz8pLMCU
What a good concept. Innovative, provocative, and oozing with potential. This one came out of nowhere for me. I hadn't heard of it before watching the trailer and now I am psyched for it. Joe and Susie Six-pack are going to hate it.
My Prediction: Four episodes before cancellation
(2) The River
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YEYU0NryzY&feature=player_embedded
I like the cast- they are all people you've seen before in small roles. This one will end up being like Lost Season One or Lost Season Six... awesome or shit. Hard to tell right now, but my excitement value is very high. There aren't enough Mysterious horror shows on TV right now. Usually it's mysterious sci-fi. Also, the mockumentary style is just so crazy it might work (it certainly has for comedy).
(3) Terra Nova
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6aNEIZwPFc
All about the concept with this one. I love it. There are a bunch of questions I have, but the showrunners claim it will all make sense. Good enough for me. Am I worried that the kids will be annoying? Sure. Am I worried that the focus will be on effects over characters? Sure. But I am still really excited to see if it can shatter my fears and become the best genre show on TV.
(4) Up All Night
http://www.youtube.com/user/NBC?v=5db6eixmiv0&feature=pyv&ad=12831326015&kw=up%20all%20night%20trailer
The most intriguing comedy offering. Will Arnett seems to be playing a real person in it, not an exaggeration of one. I found this trailer to be quite good with quite a bit of original humour for such a tired concept (What happens when a young couple has a baby!!!!!!!). It might even make me like Maya Rudolph.
(5) Apartment 23
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGRD8Wy_Fr8
This trailer is really good. The cast is even better. I feel like I've watched Animal Farm grow up. I hope to see her accept her Academy Award in ten years. Definitely not missing this one.
(6) Alcatraz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_jAlFqvASU
Laughable and intriguing at the same time. This premise is beyond ridiculous and the acting seems over the top. However, JJ Abrams had to write out every major twist and secret for FOX executives before it was picked up. This gives me a proper amount of faith that the payoff will be decent.
(7) Suburgatory
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGr21_8vA8A
This concept has been done before but it looks like a bizarre form of humour that is just really clicking with me. Plus, I love Jeremy Sisto- even before accidentally running in to him at that fucking "gay" musical. These characters look like they could be pretty enjoyable.
(8) New Girl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMULuNE8Kyw
Adorable. She is adorable. Also, deputy Leo??? YAY!
(9) Person of Interest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV1vPuVRyGg&feature=relmfu
This looks a tad retarded... but it is written by Christopher Nolan's brother (who co-wrote all of his brother's movies). So there is obviously some real talent backing this one up. And Ben Linus is acting like Ben Linus too, which I am actually completely fine with.
(10) Whitney
http://www.youtube.com/nbc#p/u/4/Xnc2QbRZsDM
Too be honest, this trailer didn't blow me away. I mean, it was cute enough, but the jokes in the pilot weren't exactly the best thing ever (and I hate laugh tracks). Nevertheless, Whitney Cummings has won me over as a comedian in the past, so I will absolutely give her show a shot.
Shows I am not opposed to if the reviews are good enough, but otherwise have no interest in:
- Playboy Club -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6aNEIZwPFc
- Are you there vodka, its me Chelsea -- http://www.youtube.com/nbc#p/u/8/6Rsd8_c107I (based on the life of Chelsea Handler)
- Smash -- http://www.youtube.com/nbc#p/u/6/3U_SlMpFJvk
- Free Agents -- http://www.youtube.com/nbc#p/u/2/rFDYl0_JX5E (Giles???? Joe Truglio????)
- A Gifted Man -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp-HtJXOVLU (Great cast... but all ghosts are stupid)
- The Finder -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_LmBuZymKA (I can't imagine watching the Bones' spin-off, but this looks fine enough)
Shows that look like pooshits and are in no danger of good reviews at all:
- Grimm -- http://www.youtube.com/nbc#p/u/5/Kh3rFsv_WSE
- Once Upon a Time -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmWaOnpM_Ro
- 2 Broke Girls -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QXPfboeFX8
- How to be a Gentlemen -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wby6LwlkFI0&feature=relmfu (Sorry Murray from Flight of the Choncords, I can't do it)
- I Hate My Teenage Daughter -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQyB5ii4o3Y (Misogyny!)
- The Ringer -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SCaB09ER9I
- The Secret Circle -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCevEXNcaKI
- Charlies Angels -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1fqAc_Mo3Q&feature=relmfu
- Bent -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dJNnjbd6U0
- There is also a Napoleon Dynamite cartoon coming out, but I refuse to link the trailer as it is the worst piece of garbage I have ever seen.
Thus, I have decided to make a list of my top 10 Most Anticipated TV Shows for the 2011/12 Season. This season more than any other in history speaks to me on an exciting level. I am looking forward to an unprecedented amount of shows. I have included links to the trailers to all of the shows on the list and a reason why I am looking forward to the show. I will give all of these shows at least 3 episodes (and probably end up cutting several that either aren't that great or are clearly going to get canceled).
But before we get to that, I have enclosed a list of my top 10 shows from the 2010/11 season. I will be really interested to find out anyone Else's top 10 list in this category (or even top 5 if you don't watch much TV).
(1) Game of Thrones - Unexpected? No. The most perfect adaptation in the history of television. Perfect cast with even more perfect writing. They even somehow improved on the books in a few ways (Cersei, Viserys, and Robert are all more fleshed out and enjoyable).
(2) Terriers - Simply delightful. Wonderful characters. A bf/gf couple that makes you feel for them so much because they are both so realistic and likable. The dialogue too, wowed me every week. Shawn Ryan is the best showrunner in the business.
(3) Boardwalk Empire - This show got a slow start but I ended up falling for it hard. It just oozes "cool" and Michael Shannon plays Michael Shannon perfectly, much to my great enjoyment. This show was an interesting concept that exceeded my initial expectations ten fold.
(4) Walking Dead - I certainly prefer the graphic novels, but you won't find a better Horror show on TV. This is the most un-cliche zombie drama ever (movies included). Some of the changes between the show and comic (and there are lots) are really great, but more importantly, what elements they kept the same are just how I pictured it.
(5) Chicago Code - Shawn Ryan again. Terriers didn't work... and neither did this great cop show. The show had a unique narrative and very enjoyable multi-dimensional characters. This show probably had the best pilot of any other show on my list.
(6) The Borgias - While cheesy at times, I love this part of History -- even though I didn't know anything about the Pope of the era. So I am pleased by the Historical stuff that I see immortalized and surprised (and usually delighted) by the pope stuff. Also, it has the best male assassin ever. Niccoletto <3
(7) The Killing - I like this show a lot, though the pacing towards the middle episodes definitely needs more work. It's moody and visceral at times, in a good way, and the main actress is as phenomenal in this as she was in her scene-stealing turn in Big Love.
(8) Raising Hope - The previews for this show were utter garbage. That being said, the characters were so likable that I forgave it its shitty advertizing campaign. And THAT being said, this comedy doesn't make me laugh so much as it just makes me have a continuous smile throughout the viewing.
(9) Lone Star - This show lasted 3 episodes. I have no doubt it would be in my top 3 if it hadn't. Strong concept, strong acting, and even stronger editing. The pacing was almost as perfect as The Good Wife's (the best paced show in history).
(10) Episodes - This show was not without its charms. It borrowed heavily from the far-superior Extras, but it was still a very enjoyable look at the American movie-making industry. Even though most of the characters were caricatures, they were fun caricatures.
The 4 that didn't make the list:
- Running Wilde: Mildly Amusing Bullshit
- The Event: Contrived bullshit
- No Ordinary Family: Obnoxious Bullshit
- Camelot: Embarrassing in every way Bullshit
Onward now- to the top 10 new shows coming out in the new season...
(1) Awake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unSDz8pLMCU
What a good concept. Innovative, provocative, and oozing with potential. This one came out of nowhere for me. I hadn't heard of it before watching the trailer and now I am psyched for it. Joe and Susie Six-pack are going to hate it.
My Prediction: Four episodes before cancellation
(2) The River
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YEYU0NryzY&feature=player_embedded
I like the cast- they are all people you've seen before in small roles. This one will end up being like Lost Season One or Lost Season Six... awesome or shit. Hard to tell right now, but my excitement value is very high. There aren't enough Mysterious horror shows on TV right now. Usually it's mysterious sci-fi. Also, the mockumentary style is just so crazy it might work (it certainly has for comedy).
(3) Terra Nova
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6aNEIZwPFc
All about the concept with this one. I love it. There are a bunch of questions I have, but the showrunners claim it will all make sense. Good enough for me. Am I worried that the kids will be annoying? Sure. Am I worried that the focus will be on effects over characters? Sure. But I am still really excited to see if it can shatter my fears and become the best genre show on TV.
(4) Up All Night
http://www.youtube.com/user/NBC?v=5db6eixmiv0&feature=pyv&ad=12831326015&kw=up%20all%20night%20trailer
The most intriguing comedy offering. Will Arnett seems to be playing a real person in it, not an exaggeration of one. I found this trailer to be quite good with quite a bit of original humour for such a tired concept (What happens when a young couple has a baby!!!!!!!). It might even make me like Maya Rudolph.
(5) Apartment 23
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGRD8Wy_Fr8
This trailer is really good. The cast is even better. I feel like I've watched Animal Farm grow up. I hope to see her accept her Academy Award in ten years. Definitely not missing this one.
(6) Alcatraz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_jAlFqvASU
Laughable and intriguing at the same time. This premise is beyond ridiculous and the acting seems over the top. However, JJ Abrams had to write out every major twist and secret for FOX executives before it was picked up. This gives me a proper amount of faith that the payoff will be decent.
(7) Suburgatory
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGr21_8vA8A
This concept has been done before but it looks like a bizarre form of humour that is just really clicking with me. Plus, I love Jeremy Sisto- even before accidentally running in to him at that fucking "gay" musical. These characters look like they could be pretty enjoyable.
(8) New Girl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMULuNE8Kyw
Adorable. She is adorable. Also, deputy Leo??? YAY!
(9) Person of Interest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV1vPuVRyGg&feature=relmfu
This looks a tad retarded... but it is written by Christopher Nolan's brother (who co-wrote all of his brother's movies). So there is obviously some real talent backing this one up. And Ben Linus is acting like Ben Linus too, which I am actually completely fine with.
(10) Whitney
http://www.youtube.com/nbc#p/u/4/Xnc2QbRZsDM
Too be honest, this trailer didn't blow me away. I mean, it was cute enough, but the jokes in the pilot weren't exactly the best thing ever (and I hate laugh tracks). Nevertheless, Whitney Cummings has won me over as a comedian in the past, so I will absolutely give her show a shot.
Shows I am not opposed to if the reviews are good enough, but otherwise have no interest in:
- Playboy Club -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6aNEIZwPFc
- Are you there vodka, its me Chelsea -- http://www.youtube.com/nbc#p/u/8/6Rsd8_c107I (based on the life of Chelsea Handler)
- Smash -- http://www.youtube.com/nbc#p/u/6/3U_SlMpFJvk
- Free Agents -- http://www.youtube.com/nbc#p/u/2/rFDYl0_JX5E (Giles???? Joe Truglio????)
- A Gifted Man -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp-HtJXOVLU (Great cast... but all ghosts are stupid)
- The Finder -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_LmBuZymKA (I can't imagine watching the Bones' spin-off, but this looks fine enough)
Shows that look like pooshits and are in no danger of good reviews at all:
- Grimm -- http://www.youtube.com/nbc#p/u/5/Kh3rFsv_WSE
- Once Upon a Time -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmWaOnpM_Ro
- 2 Broke Girls -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QXPfboeFX8
- How to be a Gentlemen -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wby6LwlkFI0&feature=relmfu (Sorry Murray from Flight of the Choncords, I can't do it)
- I Hate My Teenage Daughter -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQyB5ii4o3Y (Misogyny!)
- The Ringer -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SCaB09ER9I
- The Secret Circle -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCevEXNcaKI
- Charlies Angels -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1fqAc_Mo3Q&feature=relmfu
- Bent -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dJNnjbd6U0
- There is also a Napoleon Dynamite cartoon coming out, but I refuse to link the trailer as it is the worst piece of garbage I have ever seen.