9 posts tagged “upfronts”

My plan to blog about the Upfronts! as they occurred was thwarted by the project with a nefarious impending deadline. Yesterday, all things were moving right along at a steady pace when it turned into a bit of a clusterfrick (in honor of Scrubs, even though I still think it should've ended two seasons ago). I am currently taking a break from it because if I don't, I might lose my mind and I need what's left of it to finish this motherfricker.

So, I got sidetracked by life and the need to pay bills, damn life and bills. But I fully intend to finish what I started, and start what I need to finish. Did I mention I'm working on little sleep and gallons of caffeine? Well, this may not be as funny as I though then, but I do offer a little laughter in place of my rambling about 2009-2010 television schedules.

Courtesy of FishbowlLA:

Are Unemployed Writers Turning To Amazon.com For Creative Outlet?

According to television execs, we're supposed to be excited Excited EXCITED. Because it's Upfronts! week. Didn't ya know?!?! Was that a 'meh' I heard? Yeah, thought so. 

I know, I haven't been around for a while. Actually, I've written several posts just in the last week that I haven't made public because I wanted to proof (and edit out some rambling--I know, hard to believe). But it's time for the Upfronts! Which means very little but the network execs like to think the Upfronts! are thrilling and imperative to the world spinning right round, even though all the confetti-tossing is really to attract ad moola that will hopefully trickle down and keep them employed and out of personal bankruptcy. So the thrill is really just for network honchos to show their competitors what big money they can draw for mediocre programming on as little budget as possible. Huzzah for Hollywood! But it does offer a chance for tv-geeks to rant and rave about what the evil networks are doing to their precious couch-tater time. So I am going to jump back into blogging, despite being on deadline for a project, and post to my heart's content since it's time for the Upfronts! Upfronts! Upfronts! Well, except for NBC which had it's Infronts? two weeks ago (blogged about it but wanted to edit a tangent about Chuck, which got picked up this weekend! Yay for announcements made two weeks after the Infronts? to try and upstage the Upfronts! Silverman, you are so you.)

So, here is FOX's 2009-2010 lineup. Pairing Bones with Fringe makes superb sense, although Fringe is still opposite NBC's funnies and my Thursday-night-addiction, Supernatural, so still won't be watching it live (and still have to catch up on a lot of season one). Bones got two seasons. I've never really been a big fan although I do watch from time to time. It often falls flat for me and I don't see the chemistry between Boothe and Bones (think I'm just not a big fan of Emily Deschanel), but good for David Boreanz. Let's see, what else do I care about? They canceled The Sarah Connor Chronicles which is lame because the show really improved after limping along early on in the season, at least the finale was spectacular. And, as someone pointed out somewhere on a message board (don't recall, sorry), with Terminator:Salvation coming out this summer it would be perfect promotion for the show. I always hoped Sci-Fi (oh, wait, is it Sy-Fy?) would give it a good home after BSG ended. Let's see, what else? Dollhouse was picked up, which I am ambivalent about. I'm a big goofy fan of Whedon shows (Firefly has ended up being my favorite with Angel and Buffy respectively following, probably because I can still see Angel in syndication every morning on TNT), but I just cannot get behind the premise of this show, for many reasons, or believe Eliza Dushku can carry it on her shoulders. It's just often subpar, and that's disappointing. But Whedon shows do often get better with time, so maybe it will improve, I just don't know if I'll ever be on board. Alan Tudyk was the best thing I've seen on the show as Alpha, truly enjoyable to watch, but was that the actor or the show? And how often could he be back since ABC is going to pick up V?

As for the newbies, I have to do a little research, considering how FOX likes to yank shows that I enjoy. FOX did add six shows to the lineup, four pilots in addition to Glee and The Cleveland Show. I'm really interested in Human Target, FOX's attempt to cash in on graphic novels. As I recall, Mark Valley hasn't been lead in a show since (the truly underrated and unwatched) Keen Eddie. Add Chi McBride and Jackie Earle Haley, I'll give it a shot.

I was going to talk about season finales here too, but I kind of said all I wanted to say already about FOX's. I gave up on 24 a few episodes ago, although I will probably watch the finale to see how it ends, what happens with Alameda, how it sets up for the next season. A show I used to never miss for fear of not being able to catch up, now I have no trouble just jumping in whenever I wish. I guess my Lost:Don't Give a Rat's Rectum theory works for other shows as well.

Last year, I started this blog right around Upfront time, perfect timing for incessant rambling about TV. I love the Upfronts. Every year, I follow the schedule, read the reviews, peruse the programming grids for changes, additions, and deletions. The Upfronts, although kind of silly, are sort of like TV-geek Christmas Eve, with Christmas morning being next fall, or at least the commercialized greeting-card version that is devoid of any spiritual meaning. Bright lights, glitter, smiles, surprises. Sure, there's always that aunt who gives you several pairs of decorative holiday socks EVERY YEAR (socks=According to Jim; toe socks=One Tree Hill). And you might not get the one present you really wanted from the oblivious cousin who drew your name, read your wish list, and decided that Farmer Wants a Wife is much better than another season of Veronica Mars because you've already got three of those, who needs four? Plus, there was a sale on "reality" shows.

This year, well, I had trouble deciding how to approach posting about them. Guess I will do just one post at the end. I'm just not feeling it, probably because of the strike-altered season. And the impending doom of a SAG strike that will screw up next season. Or maybe because I am not trying to distract myself while I wait, on pins and needles, to hear if my favorite TV obsession is kaput because I don't have one of those this year. Most of my faves from this past season were picked up already. And the strike shook everything up so that May sweeps suck, so much that yesterday when I heard Moonlight got its pink slip, I was a bit bummed. I know. Shocked the hell out of me too. I actually rip on it a lot. But I do enjoy it for what it is, on Sunday afternoons (hmm, I think I see the problem). It's not that much like Angel, besides the basics, so I don't even compare the two any more. And it has gotten better (sometimes), it's coming into its own, the actors are more comfortable (most of the time), and well, Alex O'Laughlin and Jason Dohring will no longer flash their fangs, and that makes me a little sad. Shallow and sad. Okay, I have now incessantly rambled about a show I sorta-kinda-maybe-sometimes-like being canceled. Think I'll start piecing together that Upfronts post before the whining begins about Aliens in America, a show I also only catch on Sunday afternoons. Hmm...

With that rebel Jeff Zucker behind the monster truck wheel at NBC, the peacock network released it's lineup for the 2008-2009 season this week, a good six weeks before the traditional upfront presentations that Zucker has decided to shun (he's calling it an "infront," har-har). And since entertainment chief Ben Silverman is his navigator, that means there's some good, a lot of bad, and definitely some ugly on the roster. Aw, come on, it's been a while for the GBU, I can't help myself.

The Good
Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can't lose! For real, ya'll. NBC's deal with DirecTV is official for Friday Night Lights. As much as I knock Silverman, he did make season three happen. Kudos, Benji. Next season, thirteen episodes featuring the Dillon Panthers will appear on DirecTV's subscriber based 101 channel in the fall and then on NBC in 2009. Jason Katims hopes to get writers to work as soon as possible with production slated to begin in July. Well, barring a SAG strike. But this is good news, so let's not visit the recent breakdown between AFTRA and SAG.

ER will say goodbye after fifteen seasons. Finally.

Ian McShane is set to star in Kings, a show about "exploration of the timeless David vs. Goliath struggle." It will be strange to see Swearengen not swear on the telly.

Donal Logue is joining Life when it returns. Damien Lewis and Donal Logue. Redheads Rule! (not that I'm biased or anything)

Heroes and Chuck are still partnered as the pitch perfect antidote to my Monday blues.

Silverman's fave 30 Rock got a full season renewal. It even won a Peabody this week, so added to the awards it has garnered already this is not a real surprise, just good news.

The Bad
Knight Rider got a pickup. Consider kudos retracted, Silverman.
 
Scrubs is done at NBC after this season. That's a little sad but not the big bad. The badness actually concerns rumors that ABC may pick it up. I love Scrubs (watched so much I know dialogue) but isn't it time to end? Unless the remaining episodes at NBC can't send it off properly, just let it flatline already. Please, before I lose all luh-ove for it. Not even pitch perfect Dr. Cox and Turk can balance out the annoyance that has become JD any more. Doesn't Braff have a movie to direct with an "adult contemporary alternative" soundtrack featuring at least one whiny British dude, loads of acoustic guitar, and Imogen Heap? (And I say that as someone known to indulge in the guilty pleasure of whiny British dudes, acoustic guitar, and Imogen Heap).

A new mother-daughter sitcom called Kath & Kim starring Molly Shannon and Selma Blair. Does Molly Shannon look old enough to play Selma Blair's mom? That can't be their relationship, right? Eh, not generally a fan of either, especially Blair's wooden delivery.

Thursday Night Live, an extra special dose of political satire leading up to the elections. Really, the time we already spend together not laughing isn't enough? Let's take a guess as to what we'll see. Lots of Darrell Hammond doing spot-on impressions. Plenty of  Amy Poehler. Seth Meyers trying to crack wise. And an extra dose of Samberg's SNL Digital Shorts. Yeah, only if there is a change in the balance of Kristen Wiig and Kenan Thompson appearances. She is a comedic goddess. Can't say the same for Good Burger.

Camelot? Merlin? Crusoe? Why does "original" programming seem to be such a turn-off for NBC?

The Ugly
Lipstick Jungle was renewed. I caught a repeat of it on Bravo late one Sunday night while trying to fall asleep. Twenty minutes and the Zs came easily. Not even for the love of Andrew McCarthy would I watch it again. And after I saw Pretty in Pink when I was eleven, I spent an entire Sunday night dinner at my grandparents staring at his picture in Teen Tiger Bop Beat Magazine. I also saw Fresh Horses and Mannequin in the theater. That's some stalkerific tween devotion right there.

They are planning a spin-off of The Office. Why? Duh, to mess with a good thing, of course! So do they consider the spin-off of a remake "original"? If you're interested in details, including a Will Arnett rumor (NBC, you evil bastards!), here you go. I only skimmed because I refuse to acknowledge it exists until production starts (lalalalala, I can't hear you!). Avoidant much?
 
In other telly news . . .

A little while ago, I read that Rob Thomas was developing a pilot for ABC in addition to Cupid Redux and writing the Recycling 90210 pilot (maybe "creative conservation" is an unclear-on-the-concept effort by the networks to go green). It is a go, according to E!'s TV Diva Kristin Dos Santos. This one is the remake (three makes you Remake Rob, my friend) of an hourly from New Zealand called Outrageous Fortune. The big news, though, is that Kristen Bell is in talks to star. Yeah, yeah, what about Heroes and Gossip Girl? Well, she isn't signed for too many episodes as Elle next season and she can literally phone in her XOXOs, right? In addition to KB, Rene Russo is rumored to be up for the role of her mother. Love her, she's smart, sometimes goofy, and can kick serious ass. Hmm, that sounds like casting perfection. Okay, Remake Rob, once again, I am your bitch, which is a good thing since it seems you are fighting for primetime domination.

CBS greenlit another series starring the lovely Simon Baker. Well, I guess being canceled twice doesn't mean squat when it comes to a contract. First The Guardian and then Smith, two CBS shows I enjoyed and not just for the Australian eye candy that is Simon Baker. (We won't mention how many times I've caught Something New on the HBOs or how I wish there was video on-line of The Daily Show interview during his scruffy summer hiatus talking about how he doesn't wear deodorant because he drinks so much water his super-hydrated sweat doesn't give off toxic fumes and I didn't bat an eyelash at the absurdity of it because his grin hypnotized me). Jonny Lee Miller was in Smith, too, heh. Anyway, The Mentalist is about a guy "who uses his special gifts to help the police as an independent detective." So a little like Psych without the yuk-yuks, I'm guessing. And Owain Yeoman. Sure, fine, whatever, I dig mysteries and, from time to time, like to wade in the shallow end (will it be paired with Moonlight?), so I'll check it out.

I guess I don't watch CBS. I realized that when looking at the Fall 2007schedule. I'm not a fan of taped-in-front-of-a-live-audience sitcoms. And I got over CSI back before Caruso's return to catchphrase television via its spinoff. I don't watch reality shows, although I did catch CBS' RockStar both summer seasons because I just couldn't help myself. (Where is Jordis Unga?). Anyway, that said,  this should be short and sweet.

What's new?
Only five new shows for CBS. I will probably check out Viva Laughlin!, produced by Hugh Jackman, once just for the hell of it. It's either going to be horrendous or fabulous. Or so horrendous it's fabulous. Zap2It summarized it as a "musical thriller about gambling." Yeah, I may need to see it to believe it. Hasn't Wolverine heard of Cop Rock? Evidently, Rob Thomas was approached to be showrunner but turned down the gig. Thank you, Rob. I'm a loyal gal (dude, you gave me Cupid and Veronica Mars!) and would've checked it out just for that reason, but now I don't feel like I have to.

Some might be surprised that I am not excited about Moonlight. A vampire detective series sounds like my kind of show. And it was. When Joss Whedon did it with Angel. I've been there, done that, and loved it already.

What's old?
Well, with only five new shows, that means CBS is renewing a lot of their current schedule. Jerry Bruckheimer's worn out CSI franchise remains, shocker. Shark was renewed for another season. How I Met Your Mother did get picked up after all. I've found it charming although not consistently funny, but, well, see previous statement about CBS sitcoms. And Jennifer Love Hewitt will continue to have paranormal chats in tight outfits on Ghost Whisperer.

What's gone?
Close to Home (really, it is still on the air); Jericho (intriguing premise but like Invasion, could not hold my interest); The Class (I got nothing). The quirky New Adventures with Old Christine will most likely return mid-season.

I'm postponing my review of last night's Veronica Mars in the spirit of Dawn Ostroff's choice to drag out the show's renewal decision. Yeppers, not going to include it in tomorrow's upfronts, but refuses to say if it is cancelled. She has until June 15 to decide. What a fantastic way to treat the cast, crew, and fans! I've always thought it would only get a 13-episode pickup, if that. I'd be happy with six or even a two-hour MOTW to say goodbye. I've also heard the idea that it could be a mid-season replacement. She can have the FBI revamp in the pipeline for when one of their new dramas inevitably fails, and really, with The CW's track record, it is inevitable. That could work if they greenlight production now, but good luck if the WGA does indeed strike this year, Dawny.

Ordinarily I would soldier on for the sake of snark. But I also feel like blech today. So today, a quickie review: liked the mystery; Logan and Parker cause cavities, Veronica and Piz induce diabetic comas; BigDick returns, Vinne Van Lowe ditches Members Only, and Cliff snarks at Keith, all awwwwesome. Props to Ryan Hansen for his stellar scene, but more importantly for starting Invisible Children. And props to Rob Thomas for finding a way to work the organization into the show.

ABC's new schedule includes nine new shows. If you want all the details, check out the full lineup. 

What's new?
So which of these nine might this snotty viewer actually devote tube time? Private Practice got a green light on Wednesdays. I've already expressed my view of the supremely lackluster pilot. I might catch it again. But I swear on my remote that I will always covet Kate Walsh's radiant red locks. And Taye Diggs' and Chris Lowell's fabulous, um, smiles.

Now that I've waded into he shallow end, Big Shots follows the slippery lives of CEOs Dylan McDermott, Michael Vartan, Josh Molina, and Christopher Titus. You had me at Vartan, ABC. McDermott and Molina (long live Sports Night) are nice additions too. But Titus sealed the deal. FOX's Titus was so underrated: fabulous format, characters that made me laugh, and Stacy Keach deserved a nom. for his portrayl of Ken Titus. So yeah, I'll check it out at least once.

Speaking of Sports Night, Peter Krause returns to network TV with Dirty Sexy Money, a show about a lawyer finding his footing in his father's high-powered firm after his death. I don't know, I still have strong Six Feet Nate Hate. Can he make me forget "NARM!" ?

The sitcom Sam I Am stars Christina Applegate as an amnesiac who learns she was formerly an uber-bitch. Jean Smart, Melissa McCarthy, and Jennier Esposito co-star. Pretty awesome chicks on that cast.

Pushing Daisies intrigues me the most. Critics evidently lurve it. It's got the sci-fi touch with a detective who can bring things back to life through the power of touch. From Bryan Fuller, creator of the late great Dead Like Me, not to mention producer on Heroes and Wonderfalls. Sounds like it has just the right touch of magic and mystery.

But what about Cashmere Mafia? Gee, Darren Starr, a show about four female friends? Where did you get that idea? Oh, they met in business school. Bet they never drink cosmopolitans either. Whatever.

What's old?
Lost is coming back mid-season. It was reported last week that Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse made a deal with the network for forty-eight episodes, three seasons of sixteen. I gave up on it in season two, have only watched a few times since. But having an end-date will be good for its remaining fans. L&C have to actually put that so-called plan they have into place. Ugly Betty and Grey's keep their Thursday timeslots, just as Desperate Housewives (does anyone still watch?) and Brothers and Sisters on Sunday.

What's gone?
What About Brian (really, it is still on the air); Knights of Prosperity (will Donal Logue return to the small screen?); Six Degrees (maybe Campbell Scott can join Logue on a show?); In Case of Emergency (thought it got canned already); George Lopez (ditto); and According to Jim (FINALLY! Whew, it's hard to think the tv-gods could possibly cancel a show like Veronica Mars yet keep Jim on the air. Maybe they do exist after all).

What sucks?
Scratch what I said about tv-gods. No such thing in the TV-verse. Because Cavemen has been ordered for fall. The pilot about the Geico cavemen living it up in Atlanta got picked up. Are there four caveman? If so, could be like Designing Women on crack.

What's the what with the new fall lineup on NBC? Well, clickity-click for the complete schedule, or just read the following to see what's has this tv-geek all a-twitter.

What's new?
Seems like they are going to surf the sci-fi wave  and capitalize on Heroes' success (no, I don't watch; yes, I tried to watch; because I adore Greg Grunberg; uh-huh, I'm sure it is amazing). There's a show about a bionic woman aptly named Bionic Woman, a timetraveler drama called Journeyman, and a comedic hour-long from The O.C.'s Josh Schwartz about a techie who downloads the CIA database into his noggin called Chuck. I'm intrigued by the latter because The O.C. was my snarky soapy goodness indulgence until mid-season-two (and again in season four), one thing I did like about Less Than Perfect was Zachary Levi, and it reminds me a skosh of Jake 2.0, which I enjoyed the few times I've caught repeats on Sci-Fi. They've also added Life (a cop/prison drama), The IT Crowd (retooling another BBC show), and Lipstick Jungle (Brook Shields takes Manhattan in a power suit). I'll probably catch The IT Crowd if it is as smart as The Office.

What's old?
Thursday night's shows are returning. My Name is Earl and 30 Rock take over the funnies for the first hour. The Office moves to 9/8 pm. Contrary to rumors, The Office will remain a half-hour show but there will be four one-hour specials. I wasn't thrilled about that rumor. The Office is a favorite must-see but even I grow weary of Michael Scott's cringe-worthy antics sometimes, especially in the super-sized episodes. Plus, how many stories could they stretch into an hour without viewers losing interest? Scrubs returns to NBC instead of defecting to ABC for it's last season. Even ER will be back on Thursdays, hopefully for it's last season (pleeeeeeaaaase). Other shows returning that I care about watching: Friday Night Lights (but on Friday nights so anyone actually at a Friday night game in the fall will miss it). Yeah, that's all

What's gone?
Crossing Jordan (really, it is still on the air), Studio 60 (like Matt and Danny, too self-absorbed and whiny for its own good), The Black Donnellys (never have an unreliable narrator who doesn't even witness most of the tales he spins),
Raines (I got a kick out of Jeff Goldblum in this role). Seems they are moving L&O: Criminal Intent to USA, which although I no longer watch any of that franchise, I'm all for keeping the great Vincent D'Onofrio on the small screen.

What about reality? I don't do network reality shows. Okay, I have one exception. Project Runway. But that's on Bravo.

It's that time of year again. The networks reveal the lineup of sitcoms, dramas, dramadies, procedurals, serials, and craptastic reality show filler for the upcoming season. A thrilling week for tv-geeks. Welcome to the Upfronts, bitches.

Monday is NBC's chance to tell us Friday Night Lights will in fact return (yay!), as will Scrubs for it's final season (yay!!), and maybe promote the upcoming America's Got Talent (no-yay!) with Sharon Osbourne replacing Brandi because nothing says America like Ozzy's missus. Tuesday, ABC could reveal the latest Grey's spinoff, McVet, and  a Private Practice spinoff, Little Surfer Boy, based solely on Chris Lowell's shirtless surfboard strut through the co-op office. Wednesday we learn if CBS will give viewers what we've all been waiting for . . . CSI:Fargo. Thursday holds the fate of the CW's Veronica Mars, and will she flash an FBI badge in the season premiere while undercover with the Pussycat Dolls to bring down a ring of illegal botox parties? Thursday is also FOX day and I'm still mad at FOX so no Seacrest comments for you!

I actually haven't had the chance to read a lot about the various pilots, or not as much as I have in the past. So I am not sure what to expect from the reveals at the Upfronts except for the rumors about current shows clambering for renewal. Should be interesting. Okay, I think it will be. Hee.