I am just bursting with joy and excitement and happy happy happiness this morning my friends! Why O Why? BECAUSE IT'S THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR! It's premiere season, as in TV premieres. HURRAH!
It started last week with Gossip Girl and 90210, and then Sunday was Entourage and tonight is Fringe and that silly new CW show Privleged and before we know it all the other greats and FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS and THE OFFICE and 30 ROCK and GREY'S ANATOMY and oh my goodness gracious. I hardly watched any television all summer (especially that month there when we didn't have cable or internet) and had completely forgotten how wonderful new shows are. In a few months I am sure my nightly watching will be way down from what it is now, but I am just SO EXCITED FOR ALL THESE SHOWS. Sad truth: me and the roomies DVR upwards of 15 shows. FOR REALZ. I am going to blame my career. I am supposed to watch them all, okaaaaay? Grrrrrrrreat.
Showing posts with label 90210. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 90210. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
iWant
Damn people at Apple have found another way to sucker in all the freaks and the geeks to buying more of their gadgets. How? Why, by making special limited edition X-Files ipods. SO COOL. If it was 1999 back when I was obsessed. Don't worry, the '08 geek version of me wouldn't be caught dead with one of these puppies. With the 90210 ipod maybe... my love for all things X-Files goes only so far. Especially when they crushed my happiness with that miserable excuse for a movie this summer. No, I'm not bitter.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Recap: Upfronts Week
For those who don't know what Upfronts are... I don't really know the best way to explain them beyond that time in mid-May when all the big television networks give little previews into new shows for the next season, and announce their fall line-ups. It was a little different this year in what the town is now calling "the post strike" world (because it was all very harrowing and scary for the big conglomerates, of course) and while none of my opinions and information is from any firsthand experience at the presentations, I am going to grace you all with my selected thoughts on the newly revealed skeds.
ABC
ABC's fall line up is the most familiar. All our favorites will be there (although Lost returns midseason which is intolerable) with a scant few newbies. One of the new shows is Life on Mars, from David E. Kelley and based on the successful BBC drama of the same name. After reading a bit of the pilot and watching a short trailer for the Americanized version, I'm not sure this edition holds the same promise. I am trying to think of the last David E. Kelley show I actually watched... probably Ally McBeal or Boston Public. I never really got into the law shows, but I know they've been critically acclaimed and well loved. I am willing to give it the benefit of the doubt, especially because Life on Mars airs in the prime post-Grey's Anatomy slot on Thursday nights, but take a look for yourself.
I am also thrilled by the return of the Wednesday night trio Pushing Daisies, Private Practice and Dirty Sexy Money. It worked in the fall, and I've been missing these shows since the strike halted production.
NBC
Um I didn't pay much attention to this one. Right. The only shows on NBC that I care about are The Office and 30 Rock (watch 30 Rock, it will blow your socks off!) and of course, Friday Night Lights, a show that is so good it hurts. It hurts because I love it. I used to watch Heroes, but decided another cult-TV show was a bad idea for my personal life... and social functioning. I am trying to think what stands out on the NBC schedule... not much. Ooooh I guess there is an Office spin-off (those nets sure love the spin-offs these days, huh?) which is promising but also questionable. What else, what else... wow ER is still going. Huh, look at that.
CBS
I don't watch any shows on CBS. I can't think of a time I ever did.
FOX
Here's where things get interesting. FOX, a network I watch now only for Family Guy, is bringing back to my life two very important shows: The X-Files and Firefly. Okay not really, but the new J.J. Abrams show Fringe is practically a revisioned X-Files for 2008, full of paranormal technology, pseudoscience, and potential government conspiracies, and of course--fraught with unresolved sexual tension between the two protagonists (played by Joshua Jackson--Pacey!--and newcomer Anna Torv). I just finished reading this intense pilot yesterday and I am hooked. Also, these promotional stills have me all sorts of excited. Then there is Joss Whedon, the mastermind behind Firefly, one of the most underrated shows of late, who is bringing the show Dollhouse to FOX midseason. While I hate Eliza Dushku, who stars as the main character Echo, this show has a really interesting concept (reading the pilot now so can't explain in full). Here, watch a little trailer (and it's Helo from Battlestar Galactica!):
Hmm the trailer is temporarily unavailable... I'll put it up later.
The CW
I love the CW for bringing Gossip Girl to the airwaves. I realize that on a ratings scale this show bombs. But as far as buzz and salacious plots are concerned? Right on the money! As we all know, I am most excited for the CW's upcoming 90210 spin-off (fantastic pilot and I had a friend at Upfronts yesterday who saw some early footage, texting me afterwards to say: "90210 will make us hate our jobs, paychecks and wardrobes. It looks so good.") and I am somewhat interested in Surviving the Filthy Rich, set to air after 90210, and on par with the network's teen programming. I read this pilot as well, and it has some potential but it might not hold my interest (see clips here).
Phew. I've got a busy fall schedule to make room in my life and my DVR for all these televisions shows, but if I know anything about myself, it's that I always watch my shows. And by watch, I mean obsess over.
ABC
ABC's fall line up is the most familiar. All our favorites will be there (although Lost returns midseason which is intolerable) with a scant few newbies. One of the new shows is Life on Mars, from David E. Kelley and based on the successful BBC drama of the same name. After reading a bit of the pilot and watching a short trailer for the Americanized version, I'm not sure this edition holds the same promise. I am trying to think of the last David E. Kelley show I actually watched... probably Ally McBeal or Boston Public. I never really got into the law shows, but I know they've been critically acclaimed and well loved. I am willing to give it the benefit of the doubt, especially because Life on Mars airs in the prime post-Grey's Anatomy slot on Thursday nights, but take a look for yourself.
I am also thrilled by the return of the Wednesday night trio Pushing Daisies, Private Practice and Dirty Sexy Money. It worked in the fall, and I've been missing these shows since the strike halted production.
NBC
Um I didn't pay much attention to this one. Right. The only shows on NBC that I care about are The Office and 30 Rock (watch 30 Rock, it will blow your socks off!) and of course, Friday Night Lights, a show that is so good it hurts. It hurts because I love it. I used to watch Heroes, but decided another cult-TV show was a bad idea for my personal life... and social functioning. I am trying to think what stands out on the NBC schedule... not much. Ooooh I guess there is an Office spin-off (those nets sure love the spin-offs these days, huh?) which is promising but also questionable. What else, what else... wow ER is still going. Huh, look at that.
CBS
I don't watch any shows on CBS. I can't think of a time I ever did.
FOX
Here's where things get interesting. FOX, a network I watch now only for Family Guy, is bringing back to my life two very important shows: The X-Files and Firefly. Okay not really, but the new J.J. Abrams show Fringe is practically a revisioned X-Files for 2008, full of paranormal technology, pseudoscience, and potential government conspiracies, and of course--fraught with unresolved sexual tension between the two protagonists (played by Joshua Jackson--Pacey!--and newcomer Anna Torv). I just finished reading this intense pilot yesterday and I am hooked. Also, these promotional stills have me all sorts of excited. Then there is Joss Whedon, the mastermind behind Firefly, one of the most underrated shows of late, who is bringing the show Dollhouse to FOX midseason. While I hate Eliza Dushku, who stars as the main character Echo, this show has a really interesting concept (reading the pilot now so can't explain in full). Here, watch a little trailer (and it's Helo from Battlestar Galactica!):
Hmm the trailer is temporarily unavailable... I'll put it up later.
The CW
I love the CW for bringing Gossip Girl to the airwaves. I realize that on a ratings scale this show bombs. But as far as buzz and salacious plots are concerned? Right on the money! As we all know, I am most excited for the CW's upcoming 90210 spin-off (fantastic pilot and I had a friend at Upfronts yesterday who saw some early footage, texting me afterwards to say: "90210 will make us hate our jobs, paychecks and wardrobes. It looks so good.") and I am somewhat interested in Surviving the Filthy Rich, set to air after 90210, and on par with the network's teen programming. I read this pilot as well, and it has some potential but it might not hold my interest (see clips here).
Phew. I've got a busy fall schedule to make room in my life and my DVR for all these televisions shows, but if I know anything about myself, it's that I always watch my shows. And by watch, I mean obsess over.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
90210 First Look
Okay, I totally ripped this photo from JustJared but it's fitting as I actually read the pilot script last night and am all sorts of excited for the new show. Let me just say this, it has the wit of Veronica Mars, the accurately portrayal of teenagers today (Facebook references included), and some lovely throwbacks to the original show (I'm not saying what, but longtime fans should be thrilled). It will be interesting to see what happens now that the original writer and creator Rob Thomas is no longer attached to the project, but he's set a high bar for the tone of the series. Things I am most looking forward to are cast members Jessica Walter and Lori Loughlin, and of course Jennie Garth as the guidance counselor (which must be a new change, because in the version I read last night she was the fashion teacher... I like that better.) The Fall TV season couldn't come soon enough...
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Some Wednesday Nostalgia
So this week's nostalgia post doesn't hark back to the days of Sesame Street and Square One as usual. Inspired by the casting news of Jessica Walter as the matriarch on the new 90210 spin-off,today I have a little nostalgia for what is arguably one of the best television shows of all time. Below find three clips from Arrested Development.
Go to Hulu.com for more.
Go to Hulu.com for more.
Monday, April 28, 2008
9021No way!
In the words of the recently provocative Gossip Girl ad campaign, OMFG. Lori Loughlin is set to co-star on the new 90210 spin-off. Full House lovers of the world unite!
We are thismuch closer to getting JOHN STAMOS on what is sure to be a new must-see show. Which means John Stamos, despite losing to me in the first two of our Stamos v. Stamos competitions, is, and forever will be, awesome.
And yes I realize I said I would stop with all the lame 90210 puns but I just can't help myself. They are so punny!!!!!
We are thismuch closer to getting JOHN STAMOS on what is sure to be a new must-see show. Which means John Stamos, despite losing to me in the first two of our Stamos v. Stamos competitions, is, and forever will be, awesome.
And yes I realize I said I would stop with all the lame 90210 puns but I just can't help myself. They are so punny!!!!!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
9021Okay!
(I promise to stop with the puns after this one... it's just so easy!)
New info has surfaced about the upcoming Beverly Hills 90210 spin off, actually my co-worker and I were first talking about the casting breakdowns at the beginning of the week, and today articles in both Variety and The Hollywood Reporter go into more detail about what we can expect for the new show. Apparently diversity is one of those things, as well as two kids mysteriously having the last name "Silver" (um, duh, like David Silver aka Brian Austin Green's character from the original?). Anyways, despite my initial repulsion to the idea of re-make, I am becoming increasingly excited for this re-do. Now I am wondering if they are casting unknowns or established actors. If only my brother weren't in Russia, because despite being in his late 20s I think he could easily still pass for a high schooler, both physically and behaviorally (just kidding Joshie, I love you!). Anyways, I've already got a crappy new teen drama to become addicted to new fall. I can't wait!
New info has surfaced about the upcoming Beverly Hills 90210 spin off, actually my co-worker and I were first talking about the casting breakdowns at the beginning of the week, and today articles in both Variety and The Hollywood Reporter go into more detail about what we can expect for the new show. Apparently diversity is one of those things, as well as two kids mysteriously having the last name "Silver" (um, duh, like David Silver aka Brian Austin Green's character from the original?). Anyways, despite my initial repulsion to the idea of re-make, I am becoming increasingly excited for this re-do. Now I am wondering if they are casting unknowns or established actors. If only my brother weren't in Russia, because despite being in his late 20s I think he could easily still pass for a high schooler, both physically and behaviorally (just kidding Joshie, I love you!). Anyways, I've already got a crappy new teen drama to become addicted to new fall. I can't wait!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Pet Peeve in Focus: Reality TV
I'd like to take a moment to talk about reality television. I once claimed I didn't watch any reality television and I hated it, but was soon proven a liar, when a good friend pointed out I am a faithful viewer of The Hills (and all the Laguna Beach seasons that preceded it), and I will reluctantly admit I recently watched every episode of the most recent Project Runway.
Otherwise, the closest I come to reality tv is Iron Chef or Shark Week. Last night at the gym, the premiere of the newest season of Dancing With The Stars was playing on one of the TVs and I thought to myself, sure why not--people love this crap, let's give it a try.
About five minutes into Steve Guttenberg's overeager fancy footwork I had to put my ipod back on. I don't get it. I just don't understand why this show is so loved. This coming from a girl who used to worship Kristi Yamaguchi! I just can't handle the forced drama, the faux European judges, the sequins, the music--the whole thing is painful.
Even worse is American Idol. I refuse to watch that show. I may have once or twice watched a few snippets of it, but I am proud to say I have never in my life sat through an entire episode. American Idol infuriates me. I hate how it is everywhere. Every publication, website, radio station, news magazine show--they all are American Idol crazy. I couldn't care less. And what snippets I have heard of the show this season (thanks, Roomie #1) I can say it just sounds like a bunch of people destined to star in the next Off-Broadway rock musical.
Furthermore, I blame the deterioration of the modern American sitcom on reality TV. Name a show today that pleases audiences the way Seinfeld, Friends, Murphy Brown, and Family Matters used to. Now it's Survivor 35: An Island You've Never Heard of in an Ocean You've Never Heard Of or America's Next Top Hand and/or Foot Model. Apparently these are crowd pleasers as well, but I just don't understand why the American people choose to submit themselves to watching over dramatized endless tests of supposed "real" people to find the champion. Is it self projection? The hope that anyone can can succeed in something and through this victory be revered, respected, and rewarded for their efforts? While this is an optimistic attempt to explain the general public's obsession with voyeurism, I think what it boils down to is that as Americans we are getting lazier and lazier, and reality television is just easy. Easy to formulate, easy to mimic, easy to pull off.
The first scripted television show I watched and loved was The X-Files. Since then, I've found scripted tv, both comedies and dramas, to be like a good book. I become invested in characters, subplots, conflicts, resolutions. When shows go on for multiple seasons it's like having the Harry Potter series play out on screen. And it's never ending. Scripted television, when it's done right, is in my opinion the finest display of true talent--from the actors to the writers to the directors. To keep a good show good for any extended length of time is an impressive feat. Even more impressive is when a viewer, such as myself, no longer has an awareness of the mechanics of the show and remains truly engaged, suspending disbelief and surrendering to the program.
I miss shows like The West Wing, Sex and the City, and Alias. Thanks to the invention of TV on DVD (fun fact: The X-Files was the first show to go to a DVD format, hence the $90 price tag), it is always possible to discover new shows, like my recent Veronica Mars binge. I can't imagine anyone wanting to watch 22 episodes of Survivor in a row. Do people do that? Are there Survivor fanatics who would subject themselves to that?
Anyways, this whole diatribe was really a case for why reality television is terrible and why more people should watch scripted tv, and why those in Hollywood should encourage writers to continue to find refreshing and innovative ways to entertain viewers. And even though I am reluctant for this 90210 Redux, after some more thought, I am pretty excited for a new show to get caught up in, with or without Brandon Walsh.
Otherwise, the closest I come to reality tv is Iron Chef or Shark Week. Last night at the gym, the premiere of the newest season of Dancing With The Stars was playing on one of the TVs and I thought to myself, sure why not--people love this crap, let's give it a try.
About five minutes into Steve Guttenberg's overeager fancy footwork I had to put my ipod back on. I don't get it. I just don't understand why this show is so loved. This coming from a girl who used to worship Kristi Yamaguchi! I just can't handle the forced drama, the faux European judges, the sequins, the music--the whole thing is painful.
Even worse is American Idol. I refuse to watch that show. I may have once or twice watched a few snippets of it, but I am proud to say I have never in my life sat through an entire episode. American Idol infuriates me. I hate how it is everywhere. Every publication, website, radio station, news magazine show--they all are American Idol crazy. I couldn't care less. And what snippets I have heard of the show this season (thanks, Roomie #1) I can say it just sounds like a bunch of people destined to star in the next Off-Broadway rock musical.
Furthermore, I blame the deterioration of the modern American sitcom on reality TV. Name a show today that pleases audiences the way Seinfeld, Friends, Murphy Brown, and Family Matters used to. Now it's Survivor 35: An Island You've Never Heard of in an Ocean You've Never Heard Of or America's Next Top Hand and/or Foot Model. Apparently these are crowd pleasers as well, but I just don't understand why the American people choose to submit themselves to watching over dramatized endless tests of supposed "real" people to find the champion. Is it self projection? The hope that anyone can can succeed in something and through this victory be revered, respected, and rewarded for their efforts? While this is an optimistic attempt to explain the general public's obsession with voyeurism, I think what it boils down to is that as Americans we are getting lazier and lazier, and reality television is just easy. Easy to formulate, easy to mimic, easy to pull off.
The first scripted television show I watched and loved was The X-Files. Since then, I've found scripted tv, both comedies and dramas, to be like a good book. I become invested in characters, subplots, conflicts, resolutions. When shows go on for multiple seasons it's like having the Harry Potter series play out on screen. And it's never ending. Scripted television, when it's done right, is in my opinion the finest display of true talent--from the actors to the writers to the directors. To keep a good show good for any extended length of time is an impressive feat. Even more impressive is when a viewer, such as myself, no longer has an awareness of the mechanics of the show and remains truly engaged, suspending disbelief and surrendering to the program.
I miss shows like The West Wing, Sex and the City, and Alias. Thanks to the invention of TV on DVD (fun fact: The X-Files was the first show to go to a DVD format, hence the $90 price tag), it is always possible to discover new shows, like my recent Veronica Mars binge. I can't imagine anyone wanting to watch 22 episodes of Survivor in a row. Do people do that? Are there Survivor fanatics who would subject themselves to that?
Anyways, this whole diatribe was really a case for why reality television is terrible and why more people should watch scripted tv, and why those in Hollywood should encourage writers to continue to find refreshing and innovative ways to entertain viewers. And even though I am reluctant for this 90210 Redux, after some more thought, I am pretty excited for a new show to get caught up in, with or without Brandon Walsh.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Spin-Off: 9021NO!
(Can we pause for a moment and rejoice at that perfect pun of a post title? I'm so witty and clever.)
Okay, so Hollywood and the interwebs are abuzz with this morning's announcement that Beverly Hills 90210 is going to get a spin-off to air on the CW, spearheaded by Veronica Mars helmer Rob Thomas (not to be confused with Matchbox 20's Rob Thomas--I've done that).
Does no one have any fresh ideas anymore? Shame on you Rob Thomas! You, man who so cleverly created the brilliant Veronica Mars, you can do better! Don't get me wrong, I love, love ,love Beverly Hills. When I was younger and didn't have cable (shocking, sad truth my friends--didn't have cable until I was a sophomore in high school) I remember the summer my older cousin Joel lived on our third floor and for some reason, the black and white TV up there had an antenna long enough to pick up FOX, and every Wednesday night I would sneak up and watch as Brandon, Brenda, Dylan and the whole gang showed me a world so foreign to my own existence in coastal Maine. When I finally did get cable, I am pretty sure I caught up on any 90210 episodes I might have missed. My last few years in high school I spent Wednesday nights with friends watching Party of Five and 90210. It's safe to say that I still hold a soft spot in my heart for Steve Sanders.
Anyways, I can't imagine why on earth this series is being resurrected. I have faith in Rob Thomas, but I am not sure that this is the right direction for him right now. Give us a show that is as fun, offbeat, and smart as Veronica Mars was. Leave 90210 alone, because without that Spelling touch (and that doesn't mean Tori can make a guest star appearance--she's the last alum I would want to see) I am just think this is only proving that Hollywood's creative juices are turning more and more sour (much like the taste in my mouth after a week on the cleanse).
Okay, so Hollywood and the interwebs are abuzz with this morning's announcement that Beverly Hills 90210 is going to get a spin-off to air on the CW, spearheaded by Veronica Mars helmer Rob Thomas (not to be confused with Matchbox 20's Rob Thomas--I've done that).
Does no one have any fresh ideas anymore? Shame on you Rob Thomas! You, man who so cleverly created the brilliant Veronica Mars, you can do better! Don't get me wrong, I love, love ,love Beverly Hills. When I was younger and didn't have cable (shocking, sad truth my friends--didn't have cable until I was a sophomore in high school) I remember the summer my older cousin Joel lived on our third floor and for some reason, the black and white TV up there had an antenna long enough to pick up FOX, and every Wednesday night I would sneak up and watch as Brandon, Brenda, Dylan and the whole gang showed me a world so foreign to my own existence in coastal Maine. When I finally did get cable, I am pretty sure I caught up on any 90210 episodes I might have missed. My last few years in high school I spent Wednesday nights with friends watching Party of Five and 90210. It's safe to say that I still hold a soft spot in my heart for Steve Sanders.
Anyways, I can't imagine why on earth this series is being resurrected. I have faith in Rob Thomas, but I am not sure that this is the right direction for him right now. Give us a show that is as fun, offbeat, and smart as Veronica Mars was. Leave 90210 alone, because without that Spelling touch (and that doesn't mean Tori can make a guest star appearance--she's the last alum I would want to see) I am just think this is only proving that Hollywood's creative juices are turning more and more sour (much like the taste in my mouth after a week on the cleanse).
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