To think that this same time next week, many of you will be manning the phones, making that last minute push to lobby friends, former high school classmates, and local prisons to tune into the premiere of Stargate: Universe. And I can guarantee they will not be disappointed. Especially not the prisoners. I bet they’re just starved for good entertainment.
To those of you asking, I can neither confirm nor deny the presence of Richard Dean Anderson on the lot. However, in the event I was to confirm it (which I’m not), I’d say he was in great spirits yesterday when he joined us for lunch in the writers’ room – joking away, his charming old self, simply happy to be back. IF he is back. Also, in the event he has returned for a guest spot(s), it’s possible he could have started shooting his scenes today.
After lunch today, that Boston Legal alum in for a guest spot(s) of her own stopped by following her costume fitting. I was told she’d have her dog in tow but, alas, the cutie didn’t make the trip – not a pug, as I was told, but actually a French bulldog. Possible boyfriend material for Lulu? (Brie’s too young to date).
So, what’s everybody watching? In my case – everything. Or, well, close to everything. This time of year, with the commencement of the fall t.v. schedule, I have my DVR set to record all the new shows. I’ll watch every premiere and, if the series has promise, check out the following week’s episode – and continue to do so as long as I like what I’m watching. If a show stumbles – yet showed promise early – I’ll give it two episodes to get back on track before I drop it from the rotation. Over the last couple of years, it’s been the same routine, with hours of television to catch up on in those early weeks, ultimately dwindling down until I’m back to watching only my old favorites. That’s not to say that a lot of the programming I drop is bad (although some certainly is) only that certain types of shows – regardless of quality – are simply not my cup of tea. Legal, procedural, and medical dramas are good examples (although I have made exceptions for atypical productions like, coincidentally, Boston Legal).
Truth be told, I don’t watch that much television, somewhere between my writing partner Paul (very little) and Martin Gero (everything on air). My modest must-see list is made up:
House: Yes, there are those who complain it’s formulaic (and, yes, it is a medical drama, a genre that rarely captures my interest) but the writing is smart and the characters are engaging and very likable. I was pleasantly surprised to see the great Andre Braugher guest in the two-hour season premiere. A great opener, but I was missing the rest of the team. Seriously, where were Teyla and Ronon in this one?
Curb Your Enthusiasm: My favorite comedy, partly because of the awkward and absurd scenarios, and partly because Larry David reminds me fellow producer Carl Binder. We’re at the point now that whenever Carl launches into one of his trademark rank, Lawren will call up the Curb Your Enthusiasm theme on his iPhone.
The Amazing Race: The crème de la crème of reality t.v. – always a blast. As Carl put it: “The fastest hour on television.”.
Survivor: I know, I know. Shame on me. But, really, aside from The Amazing Race, this is the only reality show I watch. Call it a guilty pleasure. Carl is also a fan.
The Office: I was a huge fan of the British version and so was very dubious when this show premiered. But, in no time at all, it had won me over.
30 Rock: There’s a good reason this show is a critical darling and continues to garner a slew of awards. It’s quick, clever, and outrageously funny.
Well, those are my must-see favorites. I’m sure many of you will have something to say on the subject. Agree? Disagree? Lament the exclusion of The Real Housewives of Orange County?
Today’s entry is dedicated to Narelle and the recuperating Ralph!
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