A Press Democrat Blog

TV Scoop

News and commentary on TV

Watch this (week of March 31)

SUNDAY It’s back! As “Game of Thrones” (9 p.m., HBO) kicks off its third season, Daenerys continues her quest for a ship, and Jon Snow finally meets the legendary Mance Ryder. But my favorite part of the show: Peter Dinklage’s portrayal of Tyrion Lannister. If you’re a fan of “The Voice” (7 p.m., NBC), you might want to clear some space on your DVR. The singing competition airs repeats of last week’s fourth-season premiere tonight, with new episodes at 8… Read More »

Coming soon: ‘Community’ (and other favorites)

With the seasonal TV slowdown, I thought rather than highlight what’s on this week, I’d let you know when a few of your favorites are returning next month. Dates are subject to change, and I’m sure I’ve left some shows out. But either way, it’s a great time to unclog your DVR to make room for a busy new year: January 4 “Merlin” (10 p.m., Syfy) returns for its fifth and final season. January 6 Jillian is back as season… Read More »

Watch this (week of April 1)

SUNDAY “Game of Thrones” (9 p.m., HBO) and “The Killing” (8 p.m., AMC) both return tonight for their second seasons. “Game of Thrones” is the kind of show you watch with lights off, curtains drawn and your cellphone stowed. Even the opening credits need to be watched, since they help provide information on the connections between the characters. This season starts where the last one left off: With King Robert dead and his psychopathic teenage son Joffrey on the throne,… 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 »

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 »