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TV Scoop

News and commentary on TV

6 things I’ll miss about “Chuck”

After five seasons, it’s time to say goodbye to the Buy More, as  NBC’s spy comedy “Chuck” comes to a close with a two-hour finale at 8 p.m. Friday. Here are six things I’ll miss most about “Chuck.” 6. Jeffster! As Buy More Nerd Herders, Jeff Barnes (Scott Krinsky) and Lester Patel (Vik Sahay) aren’t exactly Employee of the Month material, even after Jeff stopped accidentally inhaling carbon monoxide on a regular basis. But as members of the cover band… Read More »

Time for midseason

In a previous post, I previewed Fox’s midseason line-up, which includes “Alcatraz” and “The Finder.” Here’s a look at several other shows debuting soon: “Rob” (Jan. 12, CBS): For those who own the “Deuce Bigalow” boxed set, are related to Rob Schneider or only watch TV shows with three letters in the title, then have I got a show for you. “The Firm” (Jan. 8, NBC): Based on the John Grisham book, this legal drama stars Josh Lucas as Mitch… Read More »

5 good TV moms… and 5 bad ones

While raising their broods, quintessential moms Carol Brady, Marion Cunningham and June Cleaver remained upbeat, sometimes crossing over into downright perky. But that might be owed only partially to solid maternal instincts and more to a lack of those instincts being seriously tested. I mean, was the insincere Eddie Haskell all that bad when compared with the drug-and-sex-pushing peers today’s TV teens contend with? And sure, Carol Brady had a large family, but she also had help from housekeeper Alice.… Read More »

SAG award TV nominees

The Screen Actors Guild announced their nominations, including for TV. Among them: Drama ensemble: HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and “Boardwalk Empire,” AMC’s “Breaking Bad,” CBS’ “The Good Wife” and Showtime’s “Dexter.” Comedy ensemble: “Modern Family,” “The Office,” “30 Rock,” “The Big Bang Theory” and “Glee.” If I were to pick a favorite from this group, I’d have to go with “Modern Family,” but all of but one of these shows is in my DVR list. (Sorry, “30 Rock.” When I’ve… Read More »

Fox announces mid-season shows

After a DVR breakdown that had me lamenting the loss of dozens of shows, and many shows taking holiday breaks or, like “Covert Affairs,” planning season finales, I thought I’d have nothing to watch. Then Fox gave me hope… “Alcatraz” is just around the corner. This week, Fox announced its new mid-season shows. (Maybe it’s Fox’s way of shifting focus away from the recently premiered “I Hate My Teenage Daughter.”) Among them is an animated “Napolean Dynamite” at 8:30 p.m.… Read More »

Shows to savor

TV and food…two things I love. So naturally, I sometimes think in ways that combine the two. Here’s a sampling of what’s on my TV menu these days. Appetizers: These shows aren’t the main course, but rather something you can watch when you don’t want something too heavy. Maybe you want to pass the time before the kids go to sleep, or while the pasta for dinner is boiling, or between errands while pairing up the socks in the laundry… Read More »

Happily Ever After?

Even as the new shows fall like dominoes, there a few series that have yet to make their debut. Two of those are premiering this week, and both have fairy-tale themes. First up is “Once Upon a Time,” which debuts tonight (Oct. 23) at 8 on ABC. The premise: Fairy-tale characters live in Storybrooke, Maine – only they’re living as regular people, with no idea about their pasts. Jennifer Morrison (formerly of “House”) tries to track down connections between the… Read More »

More Changes in Store

 After giving the bunnies the boot earlier in the week, NBC canceled “Free Agents”. Luckier series: Comedies “Up All Night,” “2 Broke Girls” and, unfortunately, “Whitney” have been renewed. Hopefully, “Simpsons” won’t suffer a similar fate. The voice actors and 20th Century Fox Television are haggling over money, and the popular (and expensive) cartoon, which has been running since 1989, is in danger of being canceled. Even if Homer and clan do bid adieu, the series will live on in… Read More »

What started strong, and what flopped?

By Heather Chavez WHAT I’M WATCHING THIS WEEK: Connie Britton and Dylan McDermott star in “American Horror Story,” premiering Wednesday on FX. Though Brad Falchuk and Ryan Murphy created “Glee,” don’t expect show tunes and slushies in the hallway. Britton and McDermott play a married couple who move with their daughter into a house with a dark history. I suspect this violent show will be one viewers either love or hate. As a huge fan of Britton and the risk-taking… Read More »

X Factor Surprises

OMG! Must See The X Factor:  New Simon Cowell show continues tonight with hopefully even more great talent.  Last week, in amongst the worst singers and dancers to ever grace a stage, there were some absolutely amazing singers varying in age from 13 to 50.  This show is worth your time, but do yourself a favor and record it so you can zip through the painful singers and some of the annoying commercials. Modern Family:  It’s hard to watch this… Read More »

We Hope You Enjoy Your Flight

OMG! Must See Pan Am:  Season Premiere tonight on ABC.     Take a step back to 1963 and view the shiny veneer of American society.  It’s clean, it’s orderly, the men are men and the woman do as they’re told (mostly).  But keep in mind the Civil Rights Movement was in full swing, so not all of America was “singing in perfect harmony.”  This new seriers that chronicles the dramatic lives of the flight attendants and many of the people with whom… Read More »

Triple Scoop on NBC

OMG! Must See Tonight on NBC expect a triple scoop of fun with three excellent season premeires. Community:  What’s Jeff and the study group up to this fall?   What classes will they need to take?  Do Jeff and Britta still have chemistry?  This show definitely has had some up’s and down’s for me, but mostly it’s been excellent.  I’ve been a Chevy Chase fan for 30 years, so I’m always ready to see what he’s up to.  If you haven’t watched… Read More »