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TV Scoop

News and commentary on TV

Watch this (week of May 19)

Sunday, at 5:00 by

SUNDAY Tracy Morgan hosts “The Billboard Music Awards” (8 p.m., ABC), which will feature performances by Prince, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, and others as well as collaborations by will.i.am and Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne, and Christina Aguilera, Pitbull and a “surprise guest.” “The Simpsons” (8 p.m., Fox) and “Family Guy” (9 p.m., Fox) wrap up the season with hourlong sendoffs. On “The Simpsons,” Homer and pals try to track down Carl, who took off with… Read More »

Watch this (week of March 31)

Saturday, at 5:34 by

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 »

Watch this (week of Jan. 6)

Sunday, at 4:10 by

Now that the holidays are over, the kids are headed back to school and many people have less down-time to watch TV, the winter season kicks off.  Some highlights from this week: SUNDAY The networks kick off the week with the return of many favorites. Among them: Fox’s animated comedy block is all new, starting at 8 p.m. with “The Simpsons,” followed by new episodes of “Bob’s Burgers” (8:30 p.m.),  “Family Guy” (9 p.m.) and “American Dad” (9:30 p.m.). Season… Read More »

Emmy winners and losers

Sunday, at 9:06 by

If you’re a fan of “Modern Family” or “Homeland,” your hands were probably sore from all that clapping Sunday night. If you’re not, well… the Emmys gave you ample opportunities to leave the room to grab snacks or refresh your beverage. The dominance was telegraphed early. With four of the nominees for best supporting actor in a comedy coming from  “Modern Family,” it was no surprise that the winner came from the ABC hit. While castmate Ty Burrell won last… Read More »

Should you join ‘Revolution’?

Friday, at 10:50 by

To kick off the fall TV season, I thought I’d take a look at one new series, a couple returning favorites and what I’m most looking forward to watching next week. New show: “Revolution” (10 p.m. Monday, NBC) was one of two shows I was most looking forward to watching. (The other is “Last Resort,” premiering next Thursday.) It was created by Eric Kripke, the guy who also brought us the CW’s “Supernatural.” The pilot episode of “Revolution” began with… Read More »

When your shows will return

Saturday, at 6:00 by

September is a busy month on TV. While this is the time of year when attention focuses on all those bright and shiny new shows the networks are hoping you will watch, most of us are more eagerly awaiting the return of old favorites. So when will your favorite show return? Here’s a list of what’s premiering when on the networks. ABC Dancing with the Stars, 8 p.m. on Sept. 24 Castle, 10 p.m. on Sept. 24 Private Practice, 10… Read More »

Watch this (week of May 20)

Sunday, at 12:28 by

There are a few more finales this week, and a couple of reality show returns. MONDAY Probably the  most notable finale of the week: After eight seasons, “House” concludes with a one-hour retrospective followed at 9 p.m. by the series finale, with House facing six months in jail while his best (only?) friend, Wilson, will likely be dead from cancer in five. TUESDAY After performances on Monday, a winner is announced Tuesday on “Dancing with the Stars” (8 p.m., ABC)… Read More »

Watch this (week of Feb. 5)

Sunday, at 5:00 by

SUNDAY: There’s something going on this weekend that a few people might want to watch. Let’s see if I can remember what it is… I know it involves a sport of some kind. Ah, yes … the Super Bowl. Maybe you’ve heard of it? The New England Patriots face off against the New York Giants at 3 p.m. Sunday on NBC. If you’re not sick of singing competitions yet, the season premiere of  “The Voice” immediately follows the big game.… Read More »

SAG award TV nominees

Wednesday, at 5:02 by

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

Wednesday, at 5:05 by

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 »

X Factor Surprises

Wednesday, at 9:20 by

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 »

Do You Have the X Factor?

Wednesday, at 11:11 by

OMG! Must See Hopefully you have all of your chores finished because tonight is a great TV night. The X Factor:  Season Premiere tonight on FOX.  I missed Simon Cowell’s hard hitting wit during last season’s American Idol.  Without him, the AI judges were too soft, too complimentary, and far too dishonest.  In tonight’s X Factor, I want to see great (or not so great) talent paired with an abundance of insightful and honest feedback.  What exactly is The X… Read More »