“Fizbo” and…

“Here Comes My Girl”

November 25th, 2009

Thanksgiving is a holiday about family, which when deployed in television does one of three things. The first is to emphasize the cohesiveness of a particular group of characters who work seamlessly when brought into the same setting. The second is to emphasize the sheer chaos that results from the show’s personalities coming together, to either comic or dramatic purposes. The third, meanwhile, is to demonstrate that the show is a convoluted mess where bringing the characters together is a futile exercise that will fail to provide interesting television.

What’s helpful for ABC’s 9pm comedies is that both of them have built their identity around the idea of family, to the point where bringing the gang together is like second nature to the two shows. Cougar Town has really started to charm me as of late, and “Here Comes My Girl” is yet another fine episode that brings together this group of individuals into a family of sorts that’s just an enormous amount of fun to watch bounce off of each other. And “Fizbo” is perhaps my favourite Modern Family episode yet, taking advantage of the chaos at the heart of this family and bringing things to a satisfying (and also sort of sweet) conclusion.

It made for a really comforting hour of television comedy, which is what the timeslot has been providing (on average) all season.

Perhaps the strongest individual element of the episodes were the show’s fully taking advantage of the strengths of a pair of supporting characters, in this instance Dan Byrd’s Travis and Eric Stonestreet’s Cameron. The two characters have been strong overall, but this episode allowed them to take things to another level. With Travis, this means going beyond his sarcasm and awkwardness to the heart of his relationship with his mother, resulting in Jules losing her sense of self-control and failing miserably at being anything close to “cool.” The result is a really honest, but funny, story of a son coming to terms with the role his mother will play in his adult life, and while it had its broader comic moments (the balloon gag) and its quippy one-liners (the rolling pin would make me feel self-conscious too) it was more about that moment at episode’s end (set to, thanks to the sleuthing skills of Mrs. Sepinwall, Noah and the Whale’s “Give a Little Love,”) where Jules and Travis share a quiet moment preparing Thanksgiving dinner. It was a wonderful piece of acting from Cox and Byrd, and totally sells that Travis is more well-adjusted than Jules but is nonetheless believably awkward. It was a heartfelt and funny little story that really sold me on the relationship.

As for the genius of Fizbo, I don’t really know where to start. Stonestreet’s Cameron has become the show’s breakout character: while Ty Burrell’s Phil stole the pilot (Lion King moment notwithstanding, even, I’d argue), Cameron has been able to show more dimensions and has a slightly better foil in Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Mitchell. Fizbo was a stroke of genius because of both the sheer commitment of Stonestreet and some legitimately amazing directing choices. Look at the dramatic angles the show uses to introduce the character as Cameron puts on the nose/eye makeup, or the amazing shot of Fizbo’s foot stepping out of the car when Mitchell’s about to get attacked at the gas station. The show worked to create the legend of Fizbo, and while Stonestreet was nailing the smaller moments (like the “something”/”nothing” gag with Jay) the direction was establishing just how epic this ass-kicking, balloon-animal machine really is. It didn’t have the emotion of Cougar Town’s storyline, but it didn’t have to: who needs sentiment when you have legend?

Cougar Town was less interested in creating such a huge sense of destiny, but I thought the comic rhythms the show has established in recent weeks were working in overdrive: there were a number of fantastic scenes with Ellie and Laurie playing off of one another, the dynamic between the three men was as strong as it always is, and both broader scenes (the “Hi Kylie” song and the basketball games) were executed to their full effect. I also like that they came right out and pointed out that both Bobby and Grayson are at the point in their lives where Jules is the perfect woman for them, and that they used this for both comic and dramatic effect. There was a joke to be had in Grayson’s suggestion of buying it deep inside and avoiding it, but it’s also kind of true, and the characters have a strong enough dynamic for me to buy things going slowly. Some shows I’d wish that they’d get the usual storylines out of the way, but I’m so enjoying just hanging out with this family that a Thanksgiving dinner can simply hint at some things before just being about spending time together.

And perhaps the best thing about “Fizbo” was that this same theme wasn’t hammered into our heads. The conclusion did end on a note that Luke got a great birthday after all, one where he (and not the holiday) was the center of attention and where the whole family came together, but it came to be through a series of hilarious circumstances. After complaining about V’s in media res opening this week, it was great to see one where the views into the hospital scene made us on alert for potential maladies, and the result was a lot of brilliant comic tension as you had both legitimate threats (the scorpion, Dylan’s mayo allergy, the crossbow) and hilarious phobias (Phil’s fear of clowns, which was a great piece of acting from Ty Burrell) pulling us in various different directions. When things eventually go terribly wrong, with Manny becoming the great hero (“My dog’s still in there” was a cute touch) only to have Luke end up breaking his arm after slipping on Claire’s “comb sheaves” beads was the sort of wonderfully fitting climax that the show should do more often. The show earned that scene in the hospital in a way that previous episodes haven’t earned their tidy endings, and the result was a really great half-hour of television.

Overall, two families I’d be glad to have Thanksgiving dinner with, so long as there’s no crossbows involved and Fizbo is invited.

Cultural Observations

• Want to take this chance to wish all of my American readers a Happy Thanksgiving – sure, it’s not as good as the real CANADIAN Thanksgiving, but I hear it’s still a pretty big deal and all that jazz.
• There were a number of great Fizbo sight gags, but I think the battle for me is the post-badass novelty clock pullout and the running away from the scorpion like a small child. So different, and so amazing.
• Although there were a few too many Michael Scott style “Make joke and mug to camera” moments for Phil in this one, I liked that the show continued last week’s trend of Phil making fun of Claire as opposed to vice-versa.
• Andy’s “I’ve got a secret” heartburn was a fun bit of comedy from Ian Gomez, and Christa Miller is as lovely as always in twisting the knife.
• My one question from the show: while Bill Lawrence’s usual signature touches (the use of music, the oddball comedy, the physical comedy, etc.) are all in place along with a sense of sweetness that the show was lacking in the pilot, I do wonder if the show is interested in investigating actual sadness or tragedy at all. Scrubs, as a medical show was forced to confront it, but these characters are relating to the point where something happening to a distant relative could be played emotionally, but it definitely feels more resistant than Scrubs (or, for that matter, Spin City) to the idea. Just a thought.

Dealing with Funny Business

Four years ago, television insiders were rocked by a fear that the half-hour comedy genre was on its final legs. The field that was once defined by “I Love Lucy,” “Three’s Company” and “Cheers” could not hold an audience. Take, for example, the case of NBC’s powerhouse block of “Must See TV” Thursday. This block defined sitcoms for the latter half of the ‘90s, thanks to hits such as “Friends,” “Seinfeld,” “Just Shoot Me,” “Frasier” and “Will and Grace.”  Once “Friends” and “Seinfeld” ended in 2004 and “Will and Grace” signed off in 2006, however, multi-camera comedies – those taped in front of a studio audience – were suddenly endangered. CBS had launched the moderately successful “Two and a Half Men” in 2003; for the next six years, this would be one of only two multi-camera comedies to make it past three seasons.

With the demise of the multi-camera comedy, luckily, came the rise of the single-camera bracket. Single-camera comedies usually don’t use laugh tracks. The humor is portrayed more subtly and the cameramen have a longer creative rope to zoom in and out and experiment with angles. Popular examples of multi-camera comedies are “The Office,” “Arrested Development” and “Malcolm in the Middle.” While critics love this genre, the broader audience historically does not, hence the cancellation of “Arrested Development” despite its strong cult following. It used to be that networks needed more patience with multi-camera comedies. Whereas single-camera sitcoms either found audiences quickly or not at all, multi-cameras’ greatest strength was word of mouth, and this required time. This fall season, however, is changing all the rules.

2008 entry “The Big Bang Theory” regenerated America’s love of comedy, and this season ABC has miraculously managed to launch a successful two-hour comedy block. While The CW eliminated comedy from its primetime schedule altogether, it’s undoubtedly a strong field for the other networks. So, which honeys bring the funny and which has-beens are wearing thin?

“She doesn’t even know I exist.”

If you’ve never heard of a TV show, it’s understandable. But if Doc Sonya has barely heard about it, you know it’s bad.

• Brothers
  It’s a new comedy on Fox. Comes on during what TV insiders so fondly refer to as “the Friday night death slot.” The network obviously doesn’t want it to succeed, so why should you?

• ‘Til Death
  This show is still on? Really??

Time to Break Up With…

• Two and a Half Men
  Why do I feel so revolted by “Two and a Half Men”? It’s not the fact that it’s a “dude” comedy that objectifies women; I actually couldn’t care less about that. My dislike probably stems from “Men’s” lack of comedic class – neither the crude jokes nor the scenes in bed nor the dialogue is refined. There’s a little something called taste, and “Men” leaves one in your mouth comparable to vinegar.Bottom Line: It’s sad that this is still one of the highest rated comedies in primetime.

• Accidentally on Purpose
  On par with “Two and a Half Men,” this tired concept should never have made it to the air in the first place. “Dharma & Greg”’s Jenna Elfman is wasted here as the “cougar” who gets knocked up by a twenty-something dude. Unfunny dialogue and stereotypical guy humor ensue (if the writers want to discover the proper execution of guy humor, they should watch “The Hangover”).Bottom Line: Bor-ing. Turn off the TV after “How I Met Your Mother” airs.

One-Night Stands:

Ultimately forgettable, but momentarily entertaining.

• Ugly Betty
  I loved “Ugly Betty” when it premiered as a bright, quirky comedy in 2006. Much like “Heroes,” however, “Betty” fell into a sophomore slump and has since reached only mediocrity. The show now lacks the charm and whimsy that made it so delightful during its first season.Bottom Line: While Daniel has no memorable storyline to speak of and Betty’s romantic entanglements are dull and repetitive, Wilhelmina, Marc and Amanda continue to bring the inspired comedy the show sought its first season. Dump the other characters and give these three their own show.

• Gary Unmarrried
  Another uninspired comedy on CBS’ schedule. While “Gary” is certainly more refined than “Men” and “Accidentally on Purpose,” it’s hardly a superior selection. It easily identifies with other marginally successful dad-centered comedies of past years: “The War at Home,” “According to Jim” and “Yes, Dear” come to mind.Bottom Line: Americans have proven that there is indeed an audience for these sub-par shows, and they thus continue to survive. Why not try something saucier, though?
  

Casual Dating:

“You’re pretty funny. Plus, you paid for dinner. I guess we can go out again.”

• The Middle
  “The Middle” centers on the Hecks, a middle-class family in Indiana. While Patricia Heaton is the star, funnyman Neil Flynn, who previously played the Janitor on “Scrubs,” is my reason for watching. I’d say “The Middle” could be appointment TV, but with so many satisfying comedies out there, a girl can only watch so much.Bottom Line: Reminiscent of “Malcolm in the Middle,” “The Middle” demonstrates how mixing kooky with funny plus a tinge of heartfelt emotion makes for an entertaining half-hour.
• Cougar Town
  I’m sure you’ve heard of this Courtney Cox show. Question is, is it any good? Answer: Eh… “Cougar Town” tries for the laughs a smidge too hard, and the slapstick bits don’t quite fit in with today’s comedy demands. However, there’s no denying Cox’s charm, and as son Travis, Dan Byrd’s downplayed comedic timing reminds me of Michael Cera’s spot-on underacting on “Arrested Development.”Bottom Line: Not a bad show, but not a standout, either.

• The New Adventures of Old Christine
  Julia Louis-Dreyfus of “Seinfeld” fame plays Christine, a divorced mom who runs a gym. Her sidekick is the hilarious Wanda Sykes. I’m going to be honest with you: I’ve never seen this show. It’s shameful, because there’s no real excuse for it. But I’m going to endorse it because everyone who’s ever seen this show loves it. Plus, it comes with a top recommendation from my brother, and I’m OK with trusting Doc Sunny on this one.Bottom Line: Whether I’ve seen it or not, this show has Wanda Sykes. Come on, people, watch it. She’s quite possibly one of the funniest comedians ever.

Long Term Dating:

Comedy depends so much on personal preference, so it’s hard to figure out which shows to hate on and which to brag about. But the following are keepers. Girl Scout’s honor.

• How I Met Your Mother
  This year has been a breakout year for “Mother” scene-stealer Neil Patrick Harris. The guy starred in Joss Whedon’s online saga “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.” He finally hosted an episode of “Saturday Night Live,” as well as the Tony Awards and the Emmy Awards, and he garnered an Emmy nomination himself for his work on “mother.” Folks, Doogie Howser has grown up. But Harris, as legendary/awesome playboy Barney Stinson, is only one element that makes “How I Met Your Mother” so fantastic.The ensemble cast includes Alyson Hannigan (“Buffy”! “American Pie”!); Josh Radnor; Cobie Smulders; and Jason Segel, who you probably know as “that guy” from “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “I Love You, Man,” and “Knocked Up.” Together, these five comedians bring us the multi-camera, next generation version of “Friends.” These friends live in NYC, hang out in MacLaren’s Bar (sorry, Central Perk), and make bold use of flashbacks to bring us one of the most subtly entertaining comedies we’ve seen in years.

  Bottom Line: “It’s gonna be legen… wait for it… and I hope you’re not lactose intolerant, because the second half of that word is dairy!”-Barney, “How I Met Your Mother”

• The Big Bang Theory
  You’ve probably at some point (quietly) laughed at a nerd for something he or she said. “The Big Bang Theory” thankfully allows us to laugh at nerds loudly and proudly, thanks to a stock of sitcom characters who are nutty, naïve and endearingly neurotic. Good for a laugh are Raj Koothrappali, an Indian stereotype with a thick accent, bad dress sense and the inability to speak in front of women; Howard Wolowitz, a short Jewish man who dresses in bold colors and will do anything to be with a woman; and Leonard and Penny, the two characters we can most easily relate to.

Jim Parsons, however, steals the show as Sheldon Cooper, Leonard’s socially awkward physicist roommate who neurotically must eat at the same restaurant every night, depending on which day of the week it is, cannot discern sarcasm and always settles a dispute with a good round of Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock: “Scissors cuts paper, paper covers rock, rock crushes lizard, lizard poisons Spock, Spock smashes scissors, scissors decapitates lizard, lizard eats paper, paper disproves Spock, Spock vaporizes rock…

Bottom Line: …and as it always has, rock crushes scissors.”

• Modern Family
  ABC’s breakout comedy follows three families, related in some way or another, over the course of their daily activities. Sound dull? It could be, except “Modern Family” is the first show to successfully mix elements of multi-camera and single-camera comedies, so along with the blatantly hilarious lines, there’s a slew of dialogue so witty that one can’t help but laugh. My favorite part is Ty Burrell as Phil, whose over-the-top attempts at being the “cool” dad mock everything our generation is about. With possibly the most laugh-out-loud moments of any comedy on TV right now, you’re doing yourself a disservice by not watching.Bottom Line: “I’m a cool dad, that’s my thang. I’m hip, I surf the web, I text. LOL: laugh out loud, OMG: oh my god, WTF: why the face.” (cut to Phil doing the dance to “High School Musical’s” “We’re All in this Together.”)

• Glee
  I’m sure you’ve heard of “Glee” by now, what with its musical numbers ripping up the iTunes chart week after week. Combining America’s love for undiscovered talent with nutty plotlines and distinctive high school personalities, “Glee” is broadcast television’s scripted answer to reality TV. What I like best about “Glee” is that it’s not a show focused on singing. It’s a character-centered dramedy with musical numbers sprinkled in. While the story about Will’s wife Terri pretending to be pregnant is frustrating, Jane Lynch’s portrayal of maniacal cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester more than makes up for it.Bottom Line: “I’ll often yell at homeless people, ‘Hey, how’s that homelessness working out for you? Give not being homeless a try!’” -Sue, explaining that people should be motivated to better themselves.

• Community / Parks & Recreation / The Office / 30 Rock
  Like I said, NBC’s “Must See TV” Thursday was the place to be in the ‘90s, and its revamped “Comedy Night Done Right” is no different. Each of these multi-camera comedies not only defines but also glorifies the genre. There’s no need to expound on “The Office”; I’m sure every college student has seen it at least once (“that’s what she said!”).“30 Rock” isn’t as popular, but it really should be. Every character is a standout. My favorite is Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy, VP of East Coast Television for NBC (probably because I want his job one day). “30 Rock” never hesitates to mock NBC or television or politics or anything else for that matter. Not only is “30 Rock” bold, it is also smart, never insulting the audience or throwing jokes in our face. Much of the humor isn’t in the dialogue – it’s visual (just when Jack says “I need your guidance” and reaches for a picture of Jesus on his desk, he picks up the one behind Jesus… of Nixon.)

• Parks & Recreation
  When Amy Poehler vehicle “Parks & Rec” debuted last year, it was shaky at best: the scripts weren’t quite funny and the acting was too forced. This season, however, the show has found its legs. Sometime, when America quit watching, “Parks & Rec” got funny. Poehler’s grown into her role, and the standout cast of supporting players now receives the emphasis it deserves.

• Community

“Community” is the 2009 entry into NBC’s Thursday night comedy line-up, and if its ratings hold (or grow!), it will round-out the comedy block perfectly for years to come. Like the other comedies, “Community”’s greatest strength is the ensemble cast, led by “The Soup”’s Joel McHale, as manipulative lawyer Jeff who’s back in community college because it was finally discovered that his degree came not from Columbia University, but Colombia, South America. This show is, I kid you not, hilarious. The best comedic pairing is undoubtedly Abed and Troy, and the executive producers have realized this: they now dedicate the final thirty seconds of each episode to an Abed-Troy gimmick, be it rapping in Spanish, taking over the school’s PA system or talking in a Batman growl.

Bottom Lines:
“How long have you known about the pregnancy? A week? A month? A year?” –Michael Scott, “The Office”

“I haven’t had this much trouble with a book since “Where’s Waldo” went to that barber pole factory.” -Tracy, “30 Rock”

“Whenever Leslie asks me for the Latin names of any of our plants, I just give her the names of rappers.” -Tom, “Parks & Recreation”

“Our first assignment is to make a documentary. They’re like movies, but with ugly people.” -Abed, “Community”

-Sonya Chudgar

Por mais que tenha uma ótima audiência, Cougar Town é mal falada pela crítica. Pelo visto Courteney Cox não tem sorte, por mais brilhantes que seus trabalhos sejam (Friends que o diga) ela nunca tem o devido reconhecimento. O público tem gostado e muito dessa nova série dela, onde ela faz uma quarentona recém-divorciada que tenta recuperar os anos perdidos no casamento. Assumo que a série demorou um pouco a me conquistar, mas esse último 4º episódio foi o melhor até agora, tanto Courteney quanto seus coadjuvantes brilharam, e foi piada atrás de piada engraçadíssimas.

Nesse episódio, Jules (Courteney Cox) diz acidentalmente ao seu vizinho Grayson (Josh Hopkins) que ele é bonito e ele não diz o mesmo a ela, então ela passa o episódio inteiro tentando fazer com que ele admita que ele acha ela atraente. Vale lembrar que ele também é recém-divorciado e passa cada noite com uma mulher diferente. Toda essa trama dos dois proporcionou momentos hilários, como quando ela chama ele de gostoso no meio do trânsito sem saber que é ele ou quando ela e Laurie (Busy Phillips), sua funcionária, vão à procura da ex-mulher dele e Laurie fica analizando cada mulher que passa de uma maneira bem esquisita, falando e falando sem parar e então Jules para ela e diz: “Você está tendo uma convulsão?”, lendo assim parece não ter graça mas vendo é hilário!

Em tramas paralelas temos Bobby (Brian Van Holt) e Travis (Dan Byrd), ex-marido e filho de Jules, tentando achar um “lance” que seja só deles, e Ellie (Christa Miller), a vizinha e melhor amiga dela, tendo uma crise de meia-idade. Os coadjuvantes são muito competentes, principalmente Christa Miller e Busy Phillips que juntas em cena são mais engraçadas ainda.

Torço muito por Courteney e acho ela uma ótima comediante, sucesso pra ela nessa nova série!

See you guys!

(Season 1, Episode 4)

I really think this might be it for me and Cougar Town. If not, we’re getting close to a parting of the ways. I’m just getting bored with the same old story every week. Jules wants to feel young and hot again. She wants to have what Grayson seems to have, which is “it all.”

This week, we did get an extra layer to Grason’s reality, which only lends credence to my theory that the ultimate drive of the show will be to have Grayson and Jules wind up together. Then they can turn into Ellie and Andy.

I’m not sure what more they can do with Bobby and his boat, or with Travis being embarrassed by his parents. Hell, even with Andy and Ellie. She’s going through the same insecurities Courteney is, only she has a man her age at home.

And as much as I hate to say it, the older Christa Miller gets, the more awkward her overly plastic face begins to look. Plastic surgery has not done her any favors … or she just way overdid it.

There was some humor to be mined in Jules’ ongoing battle to bring Grayson down a notch, or have him admit he thinks she’s hot. The trash flinging incident was funny, as was her “nailing” him about his ex being happily married and with kids now.

But that brought us to the more serious side of Grayson, considering he and his wife separated because he wanted kids and she didn’t. And I guess no amount of 20-year old tail can make up for that hurting in your heart. But it never hurts to keep rubbing it … or the 20-year olds for that matter.

That’s kind of all that’s going on right now. The show is just kind of coasting along, not offering anything really groundbreaking in content or presentation. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, like Hank, but it’s not good like Modern Family either. It’s just kind of there.

(Season 1, Episode 3)

The more I see of Bobby, the more I like him. As a father, I agree 100% that if your kid is embarrassed by you … tough! Of course, Bobby is pretty damned embarrassing, by anyone’s standards. It was also good seeing that Bobby and Andy used to be friends, thus creating a friction between Andy and his wife Ellie.

All of this makes these characters more well-rounded and more relatable. Like Modern Family, the Cobbs are a broken home and son Travis gets to deal with all the emotions that come with that. And coming home to find his mom going d– Yeah, I’m still haunted by that, too.

Tonight, Jules got to the 10-date plateau with Josh, meaning they could finally consummate their relationship. Could Jules confidently keep up with a man so much younger than her? Obviously not without a 24-hour regiment of waxes and facials and whatever else it is that women think they need to do to impress their man.

When will they ever learn? Just show up.

And we do like it when a woman takes charge. We’re going to get what we’re looking for no matter what, or at least almost no matter what. Let’s just say that if you show up, then we’re almost already where we need to be.

As she learned, when she just took complete and total control of their lovemaking, she got what she wanted and he was just as happy, if not more so. He wouldn’t be dating a woman older than him if he didn’t want a woman who was confident in herself and in control of her life and, most importantly, already knows what she wants.

ABC jumped on board a full season with this one, and I can’t say I blame them. Only Hank is pulling down the night. Cougar Town is a respectable show that’s holding up better certainly than I expected. The cast is solid, and the relationships between them are getting more interesting as things get fleshed out.

My favorite scenes tonight, though, were all the sequences with Jules’ paper buddy Grayson. That she convinced him to let one of his bimbos stick around for awhile shows that she’s got him thinking more long-term about what the hell he’s doing.

The random steps outside to scream “Oh! My! God!” were brilliant, though. I’ve dated girls like that and that’s exactly how you feel while they’re talking to you. It still amazes me how many incredibly stupid people live and thrive in our society. And wind up on Real Housewives shows.

(Season 1, Episode 2)

I knew I recognized Dan Byrd, the actor playing Courteney Cox’s son Travis. I just couldn’t place where he was from, but that was the kid who wanted to be Sylar Jr. on Heroes last year.

I was glad that they talked about how crazy it is for a 40-year old woman to try and hang with 20-something kids, and how impossible it would be for her to keep up with their energy level. Especially when you add in working and parenting to the mix.

I’m not in my 40s yet, but I’m already old enough to know I don’t have what I once did when it comes to partying all night long. Or even staying up all night long. We do lose some things with age, but I guess the trade-off is wisdom.

I can even relate to Jules feeling like she missed out on many great years of having fun by having kids in her early 20s. You hear the crazy stories your friends tell and realize you don’t really have one to rival theirs.

I was pleased to see Christa Miller’s Elle finally realize why Jules was trying to recapture a young adulthood she never had, and be willing to support her in being “stupid.” Strangely enough, I feel satisfied as a viewer if this is all the show is for awhile: Jules trying something she’s considered way too old for and then suffering the consequences later.

They didn’t tackle how it’s impacting Travis as much, but we did get some bonding time between Travis and his father, Bobby. On a golf cart! Those were some of the best scenes of the night. Travis is definitely not as suave as he’d like to be, but I loved the scene of the two of them driving as fast as they can with the bouncer hot on their tail (after they’d doused him with a fire extinguisher for being mean to Jules).

Hell, I can relate to Travis because my mother divorced when I was a young teenager and started going out and partying. Granted she was in her early 30s, but it was still weird when your mother is out clubbing and sometimes bringing home men much younger.

I’m glad to see dimensions being added to both husbands. Elle’s husband Andy is turning into a pretty funny character, completely p-whipped by his wife but accepting of that. I’m also enjoying the development of Grayson into Jules’ “paper buddy.”

I wonder if the writer’s thoughts right now are for Jules and Grayson to slowly fall for one another after they’re done sowing their wild oats for awhile. Of course, it could all change, but they’re definitely establishing a reluctant friendship there, and those are the best kind to transform into love.

“Maybe what really drives you nuts is that you couldn’t bag a young stud if you tried,” Josh Hopkins tells Courtney Cox in Cougar Town’s pilot episode. “You don’t think I could?” asks Cox, right before calling out to a kid riding by on his bike. “Pow!” She pulls open her robe, and the kid, who will be telling this story to his friends well into college, plows head-on into a parked car.

I just watched the pilot again and I’m still cleaning up the Dr. Pepper I spit all over my TV. I’m not sure what ABC did to deserve it, but as far as good TV goes, their cup runneth over this season.

Cougar Town stars Courtney Cox as Jules Cobb, a 40-year old single mom who’s trying to jump back in to the dating scene. Being single, being 40 with a 17-year old son, she’s (understandably) a little anxious. There to push her into the deep end is her best friend Laurie, played by Busy Phillips. After working some kinks out at the local discotheque, Jules hooks up with Matt. After moving things back to her place, they’re interrupted by Jule’s ex-husband Bobby and her son Travis.

Jules getting caught doing that thing she always told Bobby she hated but really doesn’t sums up a lot of show. It’s that, “Oh s**t. I’m doing this and people can see me,” feeling that makes Jules so hesitant to start dating again. Bobby and Travis aren’t making it any easier for her. Bobby looks on, amused, while Travis — the teenager who’s still getting picked on at school — can only watch in horror, especially after his dad gets a job at his school…cutting the grass.

The show was created by Scrubs alums (or as I call them, Scrubs Scribes) Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel, so fans of that show will definitely recognize the humor, although it’s a bit more reined in here. Reined in, but every bit as funny. We all knew Courtney Cox could do comedy, but this seems like a role she was almost born to, especially when you consider what all of the ex-Friends have gone on to do after that show completed its run.

Structurally, the show’s still working out a few kinks. I think it’s something all sitcoms go through in their first few episodes, and I don’t think the show is going to have any problems settling into its own rhythm. It’s a great premise, and while Cox is clearly the star, she’s got some talent backing her up. Brian Van Holt as Cox’s absent-minded ex-husband provides some of the show’s laugh-out-loud moments, as do Christa Miller and Ian Gomez, Cox’s neighbors who have settled into a life of utterly predictable marital bliss.

On the Working Title TV-Meter, we give Cougar Town–just kidding. Could you imagine something so ridiculous? Anyway, on the Working Title TV-Meter we give Cougar Town a B++, which is basically an A. I just hesitate giving any show an A right out of the gate, even though this one really had me laughing. Anyway, on Wednesday nights ABC is definitely the place to be. Cougar Town and the network’s other freshman comedy, Modern Family, seem to be a good pair. Considering the ratings, they’re both off to a good start. Hopefully that’ll keep up. I’d hate to buy a DVD next year that said Cougar Town: The Complete Series.

I am surprised. ABC’s new Wednesday might be an interesting day. Cougar Town is the second comedy after Modern Family I really like. Almost everything is perfect, just the over-the-top acting and a story I can’t think of being interesting for a whole season makes it a bit difficult for me. But when the writers have some talent and don’t put too much cliches in it, than this will be an entertaining series.
First I now learned through the series, what the word “cougar” means. Then I was happy to see Courteney Cox and especially Busy Philipps back in main roles in TV shows. Then I was surprised that the pilot was actually funny. Not really funny as hell like Modern Family, but still more than funny as Accidentally on Purpose.
I couldn’t get into the over-the-top characters for the episode, but I believe I will get to them while watching the next episodes. I hope this doesn’t get worse, because I have high hopes now for getting an interesting ABC Wednesday (even though I believe Hank and The Middle next week won’t wow me and Eastwick won’t survive the season).
So, we have all the “old woman dates young man” (or conversely) together in one TV show. Jules is freshly divorced, has a grown-up son named Travis (Dan Byrd), sells houses and wants to have fun. Her friend Ellie (Christa Miller) has boredom in her marriage and wants Jules to pepp it up, even though it means “Just come by my house and drink and scrabble with me, without the Scrabble”. But Laurie thinks Jules has to put back on the market of willing women again – a market full of 40-year-old desperate and divorced chicks with kids, who are looking for younger man, more kids who are fresh out of college and hungry for 40-year-old desperate and divorced chicks who want to have a little bit of fun in their lives. Well, for Jules isn’t it working very good. Though she picks a boy toy, she actually is angry about her 40 year old male neighbor Grayson (Josh Hopkins) and screams to him “Stop having sex with babies”, because she doesn’t; she has just envy of all the old mamas who have their boy toys for more than just a night.

If the show would be more of a midlife crisis series like Californication was in the first (and a bit in the second) season, maybe it would have more quality as it already has. With a bit more drama story, the series would have really nice characters (and the over-the-top acting would automatically stop, though I liked Courteney Cox screaming like a wild chick) and a warranty for real character and story development. But maybe development is coming during the next episode.
By the way: Though I hate it when shows advertise with the sex appeal of its main actor or actress (with undressing its main character), I actually was surprised how good.looking Courteney Cox still is. She looks like 30.
7 out of 10 points.

(Season 1, Episode 1)

This pilot managed to be disturbing and surprisingly watchable at the exact same time. I expected to like Courteney Cox as the 40-something year old title “cougar,” but I found myself enjoying the show for much deeper reasons. As much as it’s about Cox trying to rediscover her sexuality and sense of self-worth after 40, it seems as much about her son Travis trying to survive her awakening without wanting to kill himself.

Making matters worse is the tool she’d been married to. Bobby looks to be as much an embarrassment to his son as Jules (Cox) is. But, at least he’s not– which brings us to the disturbing part.

We all knew that parents and adults are sexual, but was it necessary in the first episode to have both Travis and Bobby walk in on Jules going down on her new boy-toy? Yes, it set up the immediate callback gag when Bobby said “I thought you didn’t like doing that,” and the even better joke later when Travis banned her from ever eating bananas again, but it was still a touch disturbing.

I think the show works, though, because of Cox. Because she’s trying. I enjoy Busy Phillips as Laurie, her new young friend, and Christa Miller as Ellie, her still married older friend. These two are representing the two sides within Jules. The sensible mother and the wild child who wants to have a good time.

In a way, the dichotomy of the three reminded me of the three girlfriends on Samantha Who? Again, there was our regular girl in the middle being pulled by these opposing forces representing her two sides. It’s an effective tool.

Not to mention that what little we’ve seen of Christa Miller’s husband (Ian Gomez) so far has been hilarious every time. Yes, it’s all been sex-related, but it’s been funny in that context.

This show might have a chance to be better than any of us expected, and I think that’s because it’s a lot more than its premise.

“Pilot”

September 23rd, 2009

Pilot season is really kind of an awkward time, when you think about it. If you’re going to be a “breakthrough” show (like Modern Family, which aired before Cougar Town), you need to move outside the bounds of the traditional pilot to surprise and excite. However, part of the nature of a pilot is tempering expectation, creating a template for your series which won’t always be smooth and which in some instances might not even be that compelling. It’s an episode where you open the episode with a conceptual scene that establishes your premise set to a hip indie music selection, and the result can often be a sense that this is “just another pilot.”

But there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. Yes, Modern Family deserves its accolades, but Cougar Town is a solid if unspectacular pilot for a show that has amassed a pretty impressive supporting cast, a fantastic lead actress, and sets up a premise which could on the surface result in diminishing returns and yet could just as easily turn into a really engaging premise for a sitcom. It is certainly not subtle, but with Bill Lawrence behind the scenes and some elements of interest I’m definitely willing to stick around Cougar Town for a while.

Just to be entirely clear, if the show was about cougars I don’t think I’d be watching, but one thing the pilot establishes is that cougars are not someone to be proud of or even someone the show is willing to follow. Jules (Courteney Cox) is an older woman who is lonely, who chooses to enjoy Wine and Scrabble nights (often without the Scrabble, mind you) with her neighbour (Christa Miller, wife of co-creator Bill Lawrence) instead of going out and re-entering the dating pool. Her teenage son, once her excuse, is enjoying life with his friends and no longer hanging around home, which leaves Jules at that stage of effectively treading water. It’s at that point that her co-worker (Busy Phillips) puts up a selection of sexy real estate signs featuring Jules’ image, and it’s at that point that Jules is dragged to a bar and later has an attractive young man delivered to her doorstep.

The show, on some level, is about Jules having sex with younger men, but it never seems to feel as if it is about her becoming (or wanting to be) a cougar. When we learn at episode’s end that rather than wallowing in self-pity she’s hooking up with the same kid from the bar, I see this less as a sign that she’s “becoming one of them” than a sign that she’s throwing away concepts of public perception and just enjoying herself in a way she hadn’t before. Yes, there’s some traditional awkward humour as she “becomes” a cougar in those first scenes (the reaching around for the light switch, her amazement at his stamina, etc.), but the result isn’t a transformation of her character into someone else entirely. Rather, it’s a frustration that her public persona is being turned into a sexual one, and that her efforts to reconnect with a side of herself she thought was dormant has become a social stigma (that she herself is less than impressed by, especially when seen in the reverse with her neighbour’s sorority girl parade).

And I think I kind of like that show, if you take all of her individual relationships as separate from the show’s title (which, after all, is actually about the high school mascot and not the town’s high population of horny older women). I like Dan Byrd as her teenage son, and the idea of him being tormented by both of his parents’ public personas (his mother and her signs, his father (Brian Van Holt) and his shirtless lawnmowing at his school) has some real comic potential. Similarly, the dynamic between Cox, Miller and Phillips allows each to play the right role in a sort of friend triangle (Miller as the cynical married woman and Phillips as the fun-loving party girl, demonstrating the fight for Jules’ soul to some degree), and I think there’s some potential there. Combine with Josh Hopkins’ Grayson as a sort of male equivalent Jules, a rival who’s out to prove her wrong, and there’s plenty of material here to gradually develop into a show that is less about sexual conquests and more about why they happen and their impact on the rest of her life.

The show isn’t going to be high art anytime soon, but I think that beyond a pilot that occasionally tries too hard there are some elements here that could turn into what the show really aspires to be: a solid sitcom.

Cultural Observations

• The show is clearly moving towards putting Jules and Grayson together into a sexual scenario – Hopkins and Cox have something approaching chemistry, and I particularly enjoyed Grayson’s footed pyjamas gag. It’s a fun dynamic, and one I’m interested to see more of.
• Okay, let’s discuss: I know that it was necessary to get across the point, and it ended up turning into a fun marketing campaign, but the “teenager steals all the signs as pleasure material” makes no sense in an age of the internet. Plus, wouldn’t his mother have freaked out to find all of those signs in his room? That’s not normal behaviour, period.
• I’ve seen some people critical of the fact that the first scene takes a very attractive and ultimately thin/in-shape Cox and pretends (although it was her body) that she is in some way past her prime. I think the scene gets its point across well enough for the cheat (putting no make up on her, etc.) to be worthwhile, although the show does need to evolve past such blatant theatrics (or, in that instance, a theatrical lack of theatrics).
• I asked on Twitter about alternate (and better) titles for the show, and Matt Elliott wins for “Old Friends.”

So, I don’t normally watch network TV sitcoms. That’s really not my thing. When I do, it is, like, the hilariously bad 2 and a ½ Men, which is deplorable, I know, but whatever.

I do, however, enjoy watching ABC Soaps. Don’t ask me how that happened, because I don’t know. I blame the many months I spent unemployed with nothin’ to do and nowhere to go. Anyway, since I watch two hours of ABC 5 times a week, I’ve been catching the promos for Modern Family and Cougar Town for weeks, and wasn’t really interested, cos, like I said, network TV sitcoms really aren’t my thing.

The stars aligned tonight, though, to get me to sit in front of my TV for ABC Comedy Wednesday, and I decided to bring you some of my thoughts on what I watched tonight.

Modern Family

Modern Family is a little mockumentary which stars a bunch of people that I only know through other roles. Notably: Al Bundy (Ed O’Neill), The Angel From Raking Leaves (Julie Bowen), and The Smile Guy from In Good Company (Ty Burrell).

The show follows three different families, who are all related through Al Bundy up there. His character, Jay, is newly married to the much younger, much hotter Gloria. Jay’s gay son, Mitchell, is married to the hilarious Cameron, and they’ve just adopted an adorable asian baby. GAYS AND ASIAN BABIES. WHAT MORE COULD I ASK FOR? Jay’s daughter, Claire, is married to Phil, and together they have three children — Haley, who is a typical teenage girl, perpetually embarrassed by her “cool” parents; Alex, the middle child who likes getting her sibs in trouble; and Luke, who hilariously has to endure the punishment of being shot with a BB gun by his father.

I wasn’t expecting this show to be as funny as it was. Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell and Cameron were hilariously awkward about bein’ the gays with the asian baby. Ty Burrell was so funny as the cool dad who just… isn’t. I was less interested in Jay and Gloria’s interactions.

Basically, it was a cute pilot. I’m looking forward to seeing more. I definitely had a couple LOL moments while watching, which never happens, so it was a pleasant surprise.

Cougar Town

Cougar Town, starring Courteney Cox as a 40-something single-mom (Jules) who is fed up with men her age dating women half her age, was as predictably meh as it was expected to be.

I mean, re-read the premise there for a second. Does that sound like something that would be funny? No? Good, cos it wasn’t. The only shining beacon of hope for this show is Dan Byrd, who stars as Jules’ teenaged son, and whom I have loved seemingly FOREVER. I mean, since he was on friggen like Any Day Now on effing Lifetime a zillion years ago. Love that guy!

Carolyn Hennesy guest stars as one of Jules’ coworkers, and I was just excited cos she plays Diane Miller on General Hospital and I LOVE HER. That was an embarrasing confession. Whatever, don’t you judge me.

In any case, there were a few funny moments of Cougar Town, and I’m willing to give it another chance, but tonight’s premiere was predictable and mediocre. Alas!

So, that’s that. After Cougar Town, ABC premiered Eastwick, and that was totally my cue to turn on the Golden Girls, because that crap is just too corny for me. Give me Practical Magic any day, jerks!

Did you catch these shows tonight? What else are you watching this season? Tell me what you think in the comments!

  Tonight I fell in love at first sight.  Now I know that falling in love at first sight can be a dangerous thing.  What if it doesn’t last?  What if after the first couple of times I lose interest?  What if they can no longer bring the funny?  Well that is a chance I am willing to take if it means that for atleast a little while I get to spend an hour of my time simply laughing.  Modern Family has got to be the funniest reality show I have seen in a long time.  How refreshing is it to see a show about a family that seems as real as your own?  And seriously who among us didn’t get a kick out of the shooting your kid scene.  I mean really it was like they took a page right out of parenthood.  Not that I have ever or will ever shoot my kids with a BB gun, but come on we parents all realize that the old way of punishment rarely works any more.  Plus, although I am speaking for myself only when I say this, there is something evily satisfying about getting one over on you kids. 

I will admit that I am worried that the way the show is shot may throw some viewers off after a couple of episodes.  It seems as though whenever a show is shot outside of the norm it either takes awhile for the viewing public to latch on or they bail and go back to the old familiar.  But if ABC gives this show a chance I believe they may find themselves to be pleasantly surprised in the end.  Plus any show that gives us Ed O’Neil, Ty Burrel, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson all in the same 30 minutes deserves some love.

Bill, Bill, Bill.  Where would we be without you?  First you helped to bring Michael J. Fox back to our lives and our hearts.  Then you introduced us to Zach Braff and the people of Sacred Heart to our lives.  Now you bring us Cougar Town.  All I can say is thank you, thank you, and finally thank you.  unlike Modern Family it wasn’t love at first sight with your show.  No I am afraid to say that it took a little bit longer.  Don’t worry it wasn’t your fault.  I blame it on previews because I had been seeing those scenes over and over again.  I’m not ashamed to admit that I was scared that the only funny scenes were the ones they had already been showing.  Oh yeah you all know what I am talking about.  We have been burned too many times in the past to put much faith in a new comedy.  So yes it did take me longer to fall in love with Jules, Laurie, Travis, Ellie and the rest.  It was five minutes.  Any show where a grown women can yell Suck It as a verbal retort and not come off sounding aged is great in my book.  Courtney Cox’s as Jules is funny, smart, beautiful and has been missed from our screens.  Her timing is picture perfect and almost comepletely flawless.  The chemistry she shares with the men in her life is honest and endearing.  And every women needs friends Like Christa Miller and Busy Phillips.  Hell I want friends like them or even like her.  Dan Byrd may have found his shining show and I believe we will see great things from him in the future.  Keep an eye on him, I have a feeling we will be seeing him alot over the years.

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As the summer comes to an end, I will be offering my thoughts on the new shows of the fall season. I can’t/wont spoil though! I am going to start with Cougartown.

Cougartown is a comedy that stars Courteney Cox (Jules) as a recently divorced 40 something, who is trying to stay afloat as a new single mother in a youth-obsessed world. Her ex-husband, ever the screw up, (played by Brian Van Holt) lives nearby, which proves difficult as she enters the dating market. Jules has two polar-opposite best friends: her assistant at work Laurie (played by the charming Busy Phillips) and her neighbor best friend Elle (played by tv veteran Christa Miller). Laurie tries to bring out Jules’ wild side, while Elle is just accepting of their inevitable aging (and wine and scrabble Friday nights).

I have to say, I was unsure of another typical, set in suburbia sitcom (the town is called Cougartown although it obviously holds a double entendre because Jules is a cougar), but I was pleasantly surprised. The writing was witty, clever and funny. I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions and at the end, I wanted to see more. Jules’ son Andy (Dan Byrd) is also is atypical of sitcoms. While he is embarrassed frequently by his dead beat dad and quirky mom, he also is accepting and comes across as a good kid trying to find his way in the world.

I highly recommend this show. It is a comeback, fantastic role for Courteney Cox. Bill Lawrence, of Scrubs fame, is the Executive Producer/Writer/Director. It is definitely a must-watch for the fall season. Cougartown premieres on Wednesday, September 23rd, 9:30 PM on ABC. Be sure to check it out!

The Goode Family

Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment Group, outlined ABC’s plans for next season and unveiled the network’s 2009-10 fall schedule before the advertising and media communities at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall.  

New fall and midseason series include “Cougar Town,” “The Deep End,” “Eastwick,” “Flash Forward,” “The Forgotten,” “Hank,” “Happy Town,” “The Middle,” “Modern Family,” “Shark Tank” and “V.” “Better Off Ted,” “Castle,” “Scrubs” and “True Beauty” join previously announced returning series “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “The Bachelor,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Private Practice,” “Supernanny,” “Ugly Betty,” “Wife Swap” and “20/20.” “Saturday Night College Football” will also return.

“Our focus is always on delivering the best stories with the most memorable characters on TV, whether that’s established audience favorites or innovative new shows,” said McPherson. “This year we’ve got the best of both. We’re headed into the season with a strong slate of returning series as well as great new shows from one of our best development seasons ever.”

For the 2008-09 TV season, ABC claims four of the top 10 highest-rated TV series in Adults 18-49, including the top two scripted shows with “Desperate Housewives” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” For the fourth straight season, the Network remains a top destination for upscale viewers, delivering five of the top 15 highest-rated TV series and three of the top four scripted shows among Adults 18-49 in homes w/$100K+ annual income. During the fall, the Net finished No. 1 in the November Sweep among Adults 18-49 for the fourth year in a row. ABC’s audience is growing in 2009, delivering across-the-board gains over the same point last year: Total Viewers +2%, Adults 18-34 +14%, Adults 18-49 +4% and Adults 25-54 +3%.   

Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. However “Shark Tank” will premiere over the summer following the special 10th anniversary primetime return of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” and will then move to Tuesday nights at 8:00 p.m. Please note shows picked up but not listed on the schedule will debut later in the 2009-10 season.

ABC’s fall primetime schedule is as follows (all times listed are Eastern):

MONDAY:

8:00 p.m.  “Dancing with the Stars” (two-hours)
10:00 p.m. “Castle”

TUESDAY

8:00 p.m.  “Shark Tank”
9:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show”
10:00 p.m. “The Forgotten”  

WEDNESDAY:

8:00 p.m. “Hank”
8:30 p.m. “The Middle”
9:00 p.m. “Modern Family”
9:30 p.m. “Cougar Town”
10:00 p.m.       “Eastwick”  

THURSDAY:

8:00 p.m. “Flash Forward”
9:00 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy”
10:00 p.m. “Private Practice”  

FRIDAY:

8:00 p.m. “Supernanny”
9:00 p.m. “Ugly Betty”
10:00 p.m. “20/20”

SATURDAY:

8:00 p.m. “Saturday Night College Football”  

SUNDAY:
7:00 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos”
8:00 p.m. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
9:00 p.m. “Desperate Housewives”
10:00 p.m. “Brothers & Sisters”  

“The Bachelor” will air Monday nights from 8:00-10:00 p.m. following the run of “Dancing with the Stars,” and “Scrubs” and “Better Off Ted” will air at 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively, following the run of “Dancing with the Stars The Results Show.”  

NEW FALL AND MIDSEASON SERIES
 
DRAMA
 
“THE DEEP END” Each year one of LA’s most prestigious law firms recruits four young lawyers from the finest law schools worldwide. The only way for these first-years to survive is to support each other…even as they compete against one another in the cutthroat arena of high-end law. Sex, greed, romance, betrayal – it’s all part of being a first year associate at Sterling Law.   “The Deep End” stars Matt Long as Dylan Hewitt, Ben Lawson as Liam Priory, Tina Majorino as Addy Fisher, Norbert Leo Butz as Rowdy Kaiser, Leah Pipes as Beth Bancroft, Billy Zane as Cliff Huddle, Sherri Saum as Susan Oppenheim and Clancy Brown as Hart Sterling.  
The series is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television. David Hemingson is executive producer/writer. The pilot was directed by Michael Fresco.
 
“EASTWICK” Three very different women find themselves drawn together by a mysterious man who unleashes unique powers in each of them, and this small New England town will never be the same. The series is based on the popular movie “The Witches of Eastwick” and on the novel of the same title by John Updike.  
“Eastwick” stars Rebecca Romijn as Roxie Torcoletti, Lindsay Price as Joanna Frankel, Paul Gross as Darryl Van Horne, Sara Rue as Penny, Veronica Cartwright as Bun, Johann Urb as Will, Jon Bernthal as Raymond and Ashley Benson as Mia.  

FLASH FORWARD” When a mysterious event causes the entire world to black out, humanity is given a glimpse into its near future, and every man, woman and child is forced to come to grips with whether their destinies can be avoided or fulfilled. Adapting award-winning author Robert J. Sawyer’s revolutionary novel, executive producers David S. Goyer (visionary co-writer of “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight”) and Brannon Braga (“24,” “Star Trek: Enterprise”) invite you to embark on a journey to answer the question, “if you knew what your future held, what would you do?” “Flash Forward” stars Joseph Fiennes as Mark Benford, John Cho as Demetri Noh, Jack Davenport as Lloyd Simcoe, Sonya Walger as Olivia Benford, Courtney B. Vance as Stan Wedeck, Brian O’Byrne as Aaron Stark, Christine Woods as Janis Hawk, Zachary Knighton as Bryce Varley and Peyton List as Nicole. The series is from ABC Studios. David S. Goyer is executive producer/writer/director. Brannon Braga is executive producer and co-wrote the pilot. Other executive producers are Marc Guggenheim, Jessika Goyer, Vince Gerardis and Ralph Vicinanza. Guggenheim will be the showrunner, along with Goyer.

“THE FORGOTTEN” From executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes a crime show in which a team of dedicated amateurs work on cases involving unidentified victims. After the police have given up, this group must first solve the puzzle of the victim’s identity in order to then help catch the killer. They work to give the deceased back their names, lest they become — The Forgotten. “The Forgotten” stars Rupert Penry-Jones as Alex, Reiko Aylesworth as Linda, Michelle Borth as Candace, Bob Stephenson as Walter, Anthony Carrigan as Tyler and Rochelle Aytes as Detective Grace Russell. The series is produced by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Warner Bros. Television. Mark Friedman is executive producer/writer, Jerry Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman are executive producers, KristieAnne Reed is co-executive producer and Danny Cannon is executive producer/director.
 
“HAPPY TOWN” Haplin, Minnesota, “Happy Town,” is approaching almost a decade of peace after being riddled for years by unsolved kidnappings. But in the wake of this small town’s first crime in seven years, some dark truths are being revealed about some familiar faces. They say every town has its secrets… that doesn’t even begin to describe Happy Town. “Happy Town” stars Geoff Stults as Tommy Conroy, Lauren German as Henley, Amy Acker as Rachel Conroy, Dean Winters as John Haplin, John Patrick Amedori as Andrew Haplin, Sarah Gadon as Georgia Bravin, Jay Paulson as Larry ‘Root Beer’ Rogers, Robert Wisdom as Roger Hobbes and Sam Neill as Merritt Grieves. The series is from ABC Studios. Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg are executive producers and co-writers. The pilot was directed by Gary Fleder, who is also an executive producer.
 
“V” “V” is a re-imagining of the 1980’s miniseries about the world’s first encounter with an alien race in which the aliens call themselves The Visitors, and have a seemingly friendly agenda that may or may not be a cover for something more malevolent. “V” stars Elizabeth Mitchell as Erica Evans, Morris Chestnut as Ryan Nichols, Joel Gretsch as Father Jack Landry, Lourdes Benedicto as Valerie Stevens, Logan Huffman as Tyler Evans, Laura Vandervoort as Lisa, with Morena Baccarin as Anna and Scott Wolf as Chad Decker. The series is produced by HDFilms in association with Warner Bros. Television. Scott Peters is executive producer/writer and Steve Pearlman and Jason Hall are executive producers. The pilot was directed and executive produced by Yves Simoneau.
 
COMEDY
 
“COUGAR TOWN” Courteney Cox stars as a recently divorced single mother exploring the honest truths about dating and aging in our beauty and youth obsessed culture. “Cougar Town” stars Courteney Cox as Jules, Christa Miller as Elle, Busy Philipps as Laurie, Dan Byrd as Travis, Brian Van Holt as Bobby, Josh Hopkins as Grayson and Ian Gomez as Andy. The series is from ABC Studios. Bill Lawrence is executive producer/writer/director, Kevin Biegel is writer/co-executive producer, and Courteney Cox and David Arquette are executive producers.
 
“HANK” Kelsey Grammer stars in this timely comedy as Hank Pryor, a titan of industry who suddenly finds himself out of work, almost out of money and around a wife and kids for whom he’s never made much time. Despite his recent setbacks, however, Hank is confident he’s on the road back to the top. He knows he is destined to return to greatness. And he is — just not the greatness he imagines. “Hank” stars Kelsey Grammer as Hank, Melinda McGraw as Tilly, David Koechner as Grady, Macey Cruthird as Maddie and Ryan Wynott as Henry. The series is produced by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with McMonkey Inc., Grammnet Productions, Werner Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television. It is written by Tucker Cawley. Tom Werner, Tucker Cawley, Kelsey Grammer and Mike Clements serve as executive producers. The pilot was directed by James Burrows.
 
“THE MIDDLE” The Hecks are a middle class family living in the middle of Indiana, just trying to keep their heads above water. Emmy-winner Patricia Heaton stars as a wife and mother of three in a comedy about raising a family and lowering your expectations. “The Middle” stars Patricia Heaton as Frankie, Neil Flynn as Mike, Eden Sher as Sue, Atticus Shaffer as Brick and Charlie McDermott as Axel. The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television. Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline are executive producers/writers and Werner Walian is producer. The pilot was directed by Julie Anne Robinson.
 
“MODERN FAMILY” Today’s American families come in all shapes and sizes. Shot from the perspective of an unseen documentary filmmaker, this comedy takes a modern look at the complications that come with being a family in 2009. “Modern Family” stars Ed O’Neill as Jay, Sofía Vergara as Gloria, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell, Eric Stonestreet as Cameron, Ty Burrell as Phil, Julie Bowen as Claire, Sarah Hyland as Haley, Rico Rodriguez as Manny, Nolan Gould as Luke and Ariel Winter as Alex. The series is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television. Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd are executive producers. The pilot was directed by Jason Winer.
 
ALTERNATIVE SERIES

“SHARK TANK” From Mark Burnett, executive producer of “Survivor” and “The Apprentice,” and Sony Pictures Television comes “Shark Tank,” an exciting new reality show that gives budding entrepreneurs the chance to make their dreams come true and become successful – and possibly wealthy – business people. But the entrepreneurs must first try to convince five tough, multi-millionaire tycoons to part with their own hard-earned cash and give them the funding they need to jumpstart their ideas. In these trying economic times, it’s difficult for an individual possessing a dream or even a working small business poised for growth to get a loan for a risky venture. Whether it be an imaginative enhancement for an existing product, a family recipe that has all the ingredients to become a profitable culinary treat, or the latest technological gadget that could take the world by storm, most of these dreams die an early death because no one dared take a financial chance on someone with an unproven and oftentimes outrageous proposal. Many of these people now see “Shark Tank” as their last chance at success. Some have been laboring on their ideas for years or even decades, have invested large amounts of money, and are being pressured to throw in the towel by friends and family. Others have simply never had access to the means to live out their dreams, until now.   Enter the Sharks of “Shark Tank” – Barbara Corcoran (Manhattan real estate titan), Kevin Harrington (king of infomercials), Robert Herjavec (technology tycoon), Daymond John (fashion mogul) and Kevin O’Leary (venture capitalist) – five multi-millionaires who lifted themselves up by their bootstraps to make their own entrepreneurial dreams come true and turned their ideas into empires. Each week ambitious entrepreneurs from across the country will present their breakthrough business concepts, products, properties and services to the panel of ruthless investors. Their goal is to convince these merciless moguls to invest their own dollars in the concept. Convincing real-life millionaires to part with their own money is no easy task, because when the idea is poor, the Sharks will tear into the ill-prepared presenters and pass on the idea with a simple, “I’m out!” — sending them running for the exit. But these Sharks aren’t just out for blood, they too have a goal: to own a piece of the next big idea. Entrepreneurs will be asked to give up a percentage of their companies’ equity to the Sharks in order to get the investment they need. But when the Sharks hear a really top-notch idea, and more than one of them wants to sink their teeth into it, a war between them will erupt. Then the once-desperate entrepreneur can rejoice when the Sharks reveal their true interest in the product and bid up the price of the investment.  

RETURNING SERIES

DRAMA

“BROTHERS & SISTERS” “Brothers & Sisters” continues to follow the California-based Walker family through the complicated maze of American life today. The compelling one-hour drama series is about a collection of five enmeshed and somewhat damaged adult siblings, their spouses and their strong and passionately devoted mother, Nora Holden (Oscar and Emmy Award winner Sally Field). The Walkers’ lives have not been without challenge; romance, parenting, divorce, infidelity, addiction, war, birth and even death have pushed each of them to the limit, but they continue to work toward living their lives as individuals, while loving each other unconditionally and trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy after the loss of their larger-than-life family patriarch, William Walker. “Brothers & Sisters” stars Dave Annable as Justin Walker, Maxwell Perry Cotton as Cooper Whedon, Kerris Lilla Dorsey as Paige, Sally Field as Nora Holden, Calista Flockhart as Kitty Walker, Balthazar Getty as Thomas Walker, Rachel Griffiths as Sarah Whedon, Rob Lowe as Senator Robert McCallister, Sarah Jane Morris as Julia Walker, Matthew Rhys as Kevin Walker, Ron Rifkin as Saul Holden, Emily VanCamp as Rebecca Harper and Patricia Wettig as Holly Harper. The series produced by ABC Studios. Ken Olin (“Alias,” “thirtysomething”), Greg Berlanti (“Dirty Sexy Money,” “Everwood”), Monica Owusu-Breen (“Alias”), Alison Schapker (“Alias”), Sarah Caplan and Molly Newman are executive producers.  

“CASTLE” When viewers first met Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) — a famous mystery novelist and divorced father raising his teenage daughter (Molly Quinn as Alexis), while being kept grounded by his Broadway diva mother (Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers) — he was bored with his own success. He then found out that a real-world killer was staging murder scenes depicted in his novels. Castle was questioned by NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic), a bright and aggressive detective who kept her investigations under tight reins, especially the years-old unsolved murder of her own mother. Though they instantly clashed, sparks of another sort began to fly, leading both to danger and a hint of romance as Castle stepped in to help find the copycat killer. Once that initial case was solved, together Castle and Beckett built on their new relationship investigating more strange homicides in New York – as much fun as one could have with death and murder. In the season finale, Castle, against Beckett’s direct order to stay out of her mom’s case, unearthed information in that homicide which may end his relationship with her forever.  Also starring in the series are Ruben Santiago-Hudson as NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito and Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan. “Castle” is produced by ABC Studios. Andrew Marlowe serves as executive producer/writer, along with executive producers Rob Bowman, Armyan Bernstein and Laurie Zaks.  

“DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES” After jumping five years ahead into the lives of the women of Wisteria Lane, critically acclaimed series “Desperate Housewives” returns for its sixth season on ABC. Susan (Teri Hatcher) and Mike (James Denton) are brought together by their worst fears; Lynette’s (Felicity Huffman) unexpected pregnancy tests her family; as Bree’s (Marcia Cross) marriage dissolves, she finds herself in the arms of another man; Gabrielle (Eva Longoria Parker) is in for a surprise when she and Carlos (Ricardo Antonio Chavira) welcome their niece into their home; and Katherine (Dana Delany) struggles over the thought of losing Mike. “Desperate Housewives” stars Teri Hatcher as Susan Mayer, Felicity Huffman as Lynette Scavo, Marcia Cross as Bree Hodge, Eva Longoria Parker as Gabrielle Solis, Ricardo Antonio Chavira as Carlos Solis, Doug Savant as Tom Scavo, Kyle MacLachlan as Orson Hodge, Dana Delany as Katherine Mayfair, Shawn Pyfrom as Andrew Van De Kamp, Brenda Strong as Mary Alice Young, James Denton as Mike Delfino, Charlie Carver as Porter Scavo, Max Carver as Preston Scavo, Joshua Moore as Parker Scavo, and Kendall Applegate as Penny Scavo. Marc Cherry serves as executive producer and creator. Sabrina Wind, George Perkins, Larry Shaw and David Grossman are executive producers. “Desperate Housewives” is produced by ABC Studios and is the winner of both the 2005 and 2006 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.  

“GREY’S ANATOMY” “Grey’s Anatomy” is the recipient of the 2007 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama, and multiple Emmy nominations including two for Outstanding Drama Series. The doctors of Seattle Grace Hospital deal with life-or-death consequences on a daily basis – it’s in one another that they find comfort, friendship and, at times, more than friendship. Together they’re discovering that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white. Real life only comes in shades of grey. “Grey’s Anatomy” stars Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd, Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang, Katherine Heigl as Isobel “Izzie” Stevens, Justin Chambers as Alex Karev, T.R. Knight as George O’Malley, Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens, Jr. as Richard Webber, Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres, Eric Dane as Mark Sloan, Chyler Leigh as Lexie Grey and Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt. “Grey’s Anatomy” was created and is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes (“Introducing Dorothy Dandridge”). Betsy Beers (“Casanova”), Mark Gordon (“Saving Private Ryan”), Krista Vernoff (“Law & Order”), Rob Corn (“Chicago Hope”), Mark Wilding (“Jake: 2.0”) and Allan Heinberg (“The O.C.) are executive producers. “Grey’s Anatomy” is an ABC Studios production.  

“LOST” After Oceanic Air flight 815 tore apart in mid-air and crashed on a Pacific island, its survivors were forced to find inner strength they never knew they had in order to survive. But they discovered that the island holds many secrets, including a mysterious smoke monster, polar bears, housing and hatches with electricity and hot & cold running water, a group of island residents known as “The Others,” and a mysterious man named Jacob. The survivors have also found signs of those who came to the island before them, including a 19th century sailing ship called The Black Rock, a downed Beechcraft plane from a failed drug run, the remains of an ancient statue, as well as bunkers belonging to the Dharma Initiative — a group of scientific researchers who inhabited the island in the recent past. They also encountered a freighter stationed off the island that some thought would lead to their rescue, but ultimately almost caused their extinction. The band of friends, family, enemies and strangers must continue to work together against all odds if they want to stay alive. But as they have discovered during their journey, nothing is what it seems, and danger and mystery loom behind every corner, with even those they thought could be trusted turning against them. Even heroes have secrets. “Lost” stars Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Henry Ian Cusick as Desmond, Michael Emerson as Ben, Matthew Fox as Jack, Jorge Garcia as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Ken Leung as Miles, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Elizabeth Mitchell as Juliet and Terry O’Quinn as Locke. A 2008 recipient of the prestigious Peabody Award, “Lost” was created by Jeffrey Lieber and J.J. Abrams & Damon Lindelof. Abrams, Lindelof, Bryan Burk, Jack Bender, Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz and Carlton Cuse serve as executive producers. “Lost,” which is filmed entirely on location in Hawaii and premiered on September 22, 2004, is from ABC Studios.  

“PRIVATE PRACTICE” From Shonda Rhimes, the Golden Globe-winning creator of “Grey’s Anatomy,” comes a story about finding a way to begin the rest of your life. Addison Forbes Montgomery is a renowned neonatal surgeon at the pinnacle of her profession. Having left behind Seattle Grace Hospital and a broken marriage, Addison has moved to Los Angeles for sunnier weather and happier possibilities. Now reunited with her friends from medical school, Naomi and Sam Bennett, Addison has joined their co-op practice at Oceanside Wellness Group in Santa Monica. The practice’s resident pediatrician is Dr. Cooper Freedman, Dr. Pete Wilder is the alternative medicine specialist, psychiatrist Dr. Violet Turner and office manager/nurse, William Dell Parker, round out the tightly knit group of professionals. The doctors of Oceanside work together to find solutions to their patients’ needs, but along the way they encounter medical cases that challenge their ethical and moral ideals and their abilities as doctors. For Addison, an old friend’s invitation has brought her to a new city and a new life full of promise – now it’s up to her to take chances in dating and find her place in this new medical environment. At Oceanside Wellness Group, the doctors are dedicated pros; it’s their private lives that need a little practice. “Private Practice” stars v as Dr. Addison Forbes Montgomery, Tim Daly as Dr. Pete Wilder, Audra McDonald as Dr. Naomi Bennett, Paul Adelstein as Dr. Cooper Freedman, KaDee Strickland as Dr. Charlotte King, Chris Lowell as William Dell Parker, with Taye Diggs as Dr. Sam Bennett and Amy Brenneman as Dr. Violet Turner. “Private Practice” was created and is executive-produced by Shonda Rhimes. Betsy Beers, Mark Gordon, Mark Tinker, Jon Cowan and Robert Rovner are executive producers. The series is produced by ABC Studios.  

“UGLY BETTY” In the superficial world of high fashion, image is everything. Styles come and go, and the only constants are the super thin beauties who wear them. How can an ordinary girl from Queens possibly fit in? Sweet, intelligent, hard-working and – undoubtedly – fashion-challenged, Betty Suarez dreams of a successful career in magazine publishing. After taking a job at Mode Magazine, the bible of the fashion industry, Betty’s indomitable spirit and bright ideas win over the respect of her Mode cohorts despite continuous predictions of failure. She thrives in the ultra-competitive environment in spite of her lack of fashion sense. Betty forms an unlikely team with her boss, Daniel Meade, the co-editor in chief of Mode Magazine, as they help one another navigate the choppy waters of NYC’s shark infested fashion scene. Now she must prove that she is not just a super assistant with no fashion sense, but an aspiring career woman and editor-to-be while balancing her tumultuous love life and her family responsibilities.  “Ugly Betty” stars America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, Eric Mabius as Daniel Meade, Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater, Ana Ortiz as Hilda, Tony Plana as Ignacio, Becki Newton as Amanda, Mark Indelicato as Justin, Michael Urie as Marc and Judith Light as Claire Meade.  Based on “Yo Soy Betty La Fea,” the groundbreaking Colombian telenovela that became an international phenomenon, “Ugly Betty” is from ABC Studios. The series has been awarded the Golden Globe, Peabody, NAACP, ALMA, GLAAD and Imagen awards and earned 3 Emmy awards and 17 nominations. Executive producers are Silvio Horta (“Urban Legend”), Academy Award-nominee and Emmy Award winner Salma Hayek, Jose Tamez, Richard Heus, Ben Silverman, Teri Weinberg, Tracy Poust and Jon Kinnally.  

COMEDY
 
“BETTER OFF TED” “Better Off Ted” is a satirical office comedy about successful good guy, Ted, who runs research and development at the morally questionable Veridian Dynamics. No achievement is too far-fetched and no invention too unorthodox for Veridian. Need cow-less meat grown in a test tube? Done. Need pumpkins that also double as weapons of mass destruction? No problem. Ted’s a single dad to a seven-year-old girl, and he loves his job, but he’s starting to take a closer look at the company’s extremely dubious practices. Do you manufacture the best teeth whitener ever if it could also kill off all of the planet’s fish? Probably not, but… Ted’s also fighting an attraction to co-worker Linda, who enjoys small acts of rebellion against Veridian (she’s secretly stealing and hoarding all the company’s creamer packets). But he holds back about his true feelings. He’s already had his self imposed “one office affair” with überboss Veronica. Incredibly beautiful (if seemingly devoid of conscience and also emotion-free), Veronica lets nothing get in her way when it comes to serving Veridian’s needs… even if it means doing something like cryogenically freezing an employee for testing purposes. And after all, the employee, research scientist Phil, survived (after he thawed out). So what if he screams like an eagle at the slightest provocation? He and his best friend, fellow research scientist Lem, are both geniuses and when they’re not bickering, they’re responsible for many of Veridian’s miracles of weird science.  “Better Off Ted” stars Jay Harrington as Ted, Portia de Rossi as Veronica, Andrea Anders as Linda, Jonathan Slavin as Phil, Malcolm Barrett as Lem and Isabella Acres as Rose. “Better Off Ted” is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television. Victor Fresco (“My Name Is Earl,” “Andy Richter Controls the Universe”) is executive producer and creator of the series.  

“SCRUBS” This irreverent and offbeat comedy received two consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2005 and 2006, and was named TV.com’s “Best of 2007” in Comedy. “Scrubs” focuses on the unique point of view of Dr. John Dorian, or “J.D.” (Zach Braff). After surviving his internship and residency, and year as an attending physician with his own class of unmanageable interns at Sacred Heart Hospital, J.D. is moving on to greener pastures. He continues to face many challenges in his personal and professional life trying to balance his roles as doctor, father to Sam, devoted live-in boyfriend and friend to his very quirky companions at Sacred Heart. In its debut year, “Scrubs” was nominated for two Emmy Awards and a People’s Choice Award. It has received a total of 16 Emmy nominations, and it won an Emmy for Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing in 2005 and another for Outstanding Sound Mixing in 2007. In 2004 the series was honored with a prestigious Humanitas Prize. Beginning that same year, it received three consecutive Producers Guild Award nominations, from 2004-2006. “Scrubs” is produced by ABC Studios. Bill Lawrence (“Spin City”) is the executive producer and creator.  

ALTERNATIVE

“AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS” “America’s Funniest Home Videos” will celebrate its 20th season when it returns in the fall. Hosted by Tom Bergeron, “America’s Funniest Home Videos” is the longest-running primetime show in ABC history and has been entertaining viewers for decades by showing what happens when adults, children and even inanimate objects are at their spontaneous best, “America’s Funniest Home Videos” has given away over $10 million in prize money and evaluated more than half a million videotapes from home viewers. Viewers wishing to submit home videos to “America’s Funniest Home Videos” should visit www.ABC.com for details. Vin Di Bona is executive producer, with Todd Thicke and Michele Nasraway serving as co-executive producers.

“THE BACHELOR” ABC’s “The Bachelor” is the original primetime romance reality series that offers one lucky man and 25 lucky women the unique opportunity to find true love. The new Bachelor will get to know 25 women via a series of social gatherings and exotic, romantic dates – some in groups, some individually. He will introduce some of the women to his family, and will visit their hometowns for a slice of their life in an effort to determine the woman with whom he is most compatible. “The Bachelor” is hosted by Chris Harrison and produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are executive producers.  

“DANCING WITH THE STARS” Hosted by Tom Bergeron (“America’s Funniest Home Videos”) and Samantha Harris (“The Insider”), “Dancing with the Stars” challenges celebrities from the worlds of Hollywood, sports, and beyond, to perform choreographed ballroom routines ranging from the foxtrot to the cha cha cha. Celebrities are paired with some of the top professional ballroom dancers in the world and their live televised performances are judged by renowned ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. “Dancing with the Stars” is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, “Strictly Come Dancing.” This version is produced by BBC Worldwide Americas. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Rob Wade and Matilda Zoltowski are co-executive producers. Alex Rudzinski directs.  

“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” Put together one very run-down house, a deserving family, several opinionated designers, seven days and what do you get? The answer is “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” The show has won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Reality Program, plus the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Reality Show/Makeover and the Family Television Award for Best Alternative/Reality Program. Each episode is self-contained and features a race against time on a project that would ordinarily take at least four months to achieve, involving a team of designers, contractors and several hundred workers who have just seven days to totally rebuild an entire house – every single room, plus the exterior and landscaping. The lives of the lucky families are forever changed when they learn that they’ve been selected to have their home walls moved, their floors replaced and even their facades radically changed. The result should be a decorator’s delight… if it can be done in time. The design team includes team leader Ty Pennington, with designers Paul DiMeo, Paige Hemmis, Michael Moloney, Ed Sanders, Tracy Hutson, Eduardo Xol, John Littlefield, Rib Hillis and Didiayer Snyder. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The executive producer is Anthony Dominici (“America’s Next Top Model,” “The Amazing Race”).  

“SUPERNANNY” “Supernanny” is in its fifth season with Jo Frost criss-crossing America, taking on some of its toughest parenting challenges. She can tame the wildest toddler, soothe the savage six-year-old and get the most difficult child to overcome problems with behavior, sleep, mealtime, potty training and other challenges that have vexed parents around the world for centuries. The series debuted in America in early 2005 and captivated the country with Jo’s practical, no-nonsense style, honed over 20 years of nannying. “Supernanny” is now an international phenomenon; it airs in 172 territories, almost all of them with Frost as Supernanny. The series has been nominated for a People’s Choice Award. Nick Powell is the creator and executive producer of both the American and British versions of the show. Nick Emmerson and Stephanie Schwam are executive producers of the American version. “Supernanny” is produced by Shed Media US.  

“TRUE BEAUTY” What makes a person truly beautiful? From executive producers Tyra Banks (“The Tyra Banks Show,” “America’s Next Top Model”) and Ashton Kutcher (executive producer of “Punk’d” and “Beauty and the Geek”), beauty is redefined in the popular ABC series “True Beauty.” Gorgeous female and handsome male contestants assume they’re being judged solely on their outer appearance, but they’re only half right; outer beauty is just one component the judges are looking for. Contestants, unbeknownst to them, are also being evaluated for their INNER beauty as they’re tested in challenging situations that require them to make moral decisions. Each episode will showcase an outer beauty and an inner beauty challenge, during which contestants will be judged on everything from how well they perform in photo shoots to how well they respect their elders. The three judges will observe and critique the contestants’ behavior and eliminate one person each week. Only after someone is eliminated will the truth about the show be revealed to him/her, as they watch a video montage of their behavior captured by a hidden camera during the shoot. At the end of eight episodes, one winner will be declared, a person who is truly beautiful inside and out. That person will receive a cash prize and a spot in PEOPLE magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People issue. Executive producers of “True Beauty” are Denise Cramsey (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”), Tyra Banks and Laura Armstrong for Bankable Productions, and Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg, Karey Burke and Rod Aissa for Katalyst Productions. The series is a production of Warner Horizon Television.  

“WIFE SWAP” Each week two very contradictory families from across the country participate in a two-week-long challenge: The wives exchange husbands, children and lives (but not bedrooms) to discover daily life in another woman’s shoes. This astonishing experiment repeatedly changes lives and redefines families. In the first week of the swap, the wives move in and adopt their new family’s lifestyle, no matter how different it may be. They agree to follow a manual written by the departing wife that sets out the rules of their new household – how they parent, shop, do the house work, manage their budgets and their social life. In the second week, everything changes. The new wives take charge. They introduce their own set of rules and get to run the new household their way. It’s a radical shock to both families. The results are explosive, enlightening, emotional and often comical. At the end of the show, the two couples meet for the first time. In a highly-charged exchange of views, both couples make a frank assessment of each other and talk about what they’ve learned from the experience. “Wife Swap” is an RDF USA production. The show was created by Stephen Lambert and is executive-produced by Mike Gamson, and Michael Davies of Embassy Row (“Who Wants to be a Millionaire”). Neil Regan, Julie Cooper and Will Nothacker are co-executive producers.  

“20/20” ABC News’ acclaimed series “20/20” has distinguished itself as one of the most esteemed news programs in broadcast journalism. Amid the heated, competitive environment of primetime entertainment, “20/20” has demonstrated its ability to consistently attract a significant segment of the viewing audience by offering viewers more choices and more chances to learn about the world around them. For over three decades, “20/20” has continued to combine hard-hitting investigative reports, newsmaker interviews and compelling human interest and feature stories that have changes lives. The program is co-anchored by the broadcast team of Elizabeth Vargas and John Stossel, both award-winning journalists.

Editor – www.tvview.tv

Some people say the most important thing about a new show is its pedigree – writers, directors. Some think it’s the chance of survival. Others, the quality of the show. But usually, unless I hear a lot of buzz one way or the other, one thing usually attracts me to a show:

Who in the cast do I love and want to watch?

In movies, this is less of a concern, because you’re only viewing them for two to three hours. In television, however, you’re planning on watching a show for (hopefully) over a hundred episodes, and you know that at least a section of this new cast delivers. That’s key when choosing which new shows to root for when there are so many newbies. (I eventually watch 90% of shows that premiere anyhow, but this narrows the crop early on.)

Since FOX and ABC have already announced their schedules for fall, including all of their new shows, here’s the names that I’ve found particularly enticing:

Jayma Mays, Glee
Jane Lynch, Glee
CCH Pounder, Brothers
Josh Charles, The Good Wife
Ashley Jensen, Accidentally on Purpose
Aaron Douglas, The Bridge
Tina Majorino, The Deep End
Rebecca Romijn, Eastwick
Joseph Fiennes, Flash Forward
Amy Acker, Happy Town
Elizabeth Mitchell, V
Morena Baccarin, V
Courtney Cox, Cougartown
Busy Philips, Cougartown
Dan Byrd, Cougartown
Patricia Heaton, The Middle
Neil Flynn, The Middle
Chi McBride, Human Target
Tyler Labine, Sons of Tucson
Michelle Trachtenberg, Mercy
Mae Whitman, Parenthood
Kevin Rankin, Trauma
Katie Cassidy, Melrose Place

Make of that what you will. There are others who I like in various pilots, but these are the draws, the ones for whom I might watch the pilot despite my doubts. For example, the fact that Brothers looks absolutely awful won’t deter me because of the loyalty CCH Pounder has earned from her great work in The Shield.

Who are you looking forward to seeing again?

آهنگ Boulevard از Dan Byrd آهنگی عاشقانه خطاب به معشوقی است که در یک بولوار از عاشق خداحافظی کرده و به رابطه پایان داده است. خواننده آهنگ با اعلام ناباوری از این خداحافظی و بر شمردن دلایل عشق، آرزو میکنه که ‌ای کاش فرصتی دیگر برای ابراز عشق و تغییر سرنوشت پیدا میکرد.

راجع به دن (دانیل) بیرد اطلاعات چندانی در اینترنت پیدا نکردم. یک نفر با این نام وجود داره که بازیگری متوسط است و در فیلم‌های hills have eyes و a Cinderella story  بازی کرده، اما هیچ اشاره‌ای به خواننده بودن اون وجود نداره، ضمن اینکه این آدم اصلا به این تیپ آهنگ‌ها نمیخوره! به هر حال شاید یک چنین ترانه‌ای همون بهتر باشه که توسط خواننده گمنامی خونده بشه. ممنون میشم اگر اطلاعاتی‌ از این خواننده دارید در اینجا مطرح کنید.

در صورت تمایل یا اگر سرعت اینترنت‌تون اجازه تماشا‌ رو نمیده، میتونید آهنگ رو اینجا گوش کنید:

Lyric

I don’t know why, You said goodbye
Just let me know you didn’t go forever my love
Please tell me why, You make me cry
I beg you please on my knees if that’s what you want me to

Chorus:
Never knew that it would go so far
When you left me on that boulevard
Come again you would release my pain
And we could be lovers again

Just one more chance, Another dance
And let me feel it isn’t real that I’ve been losing you
This sun will rise, Within your eyes
Come back to me and we will be happy together

Chorus

Maybe today, I’ll make you stay
A little while just for a smile and love together
For I will show, A place I know
In Tokyo where we could be happy together

Chorus

Chorus

“When the dead break free all hell breaks loose”

I really have to wonder if Tobe Hooper actually read the screenplay before he started directing this abomination. I hate to rag on my man! Mr. Hooper directed Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Salem’s Lot, Funhouse and Poltergeist! It is painful for me to have to tear him a new one but it must be done!

A single mother and her two children move to rural California to start a new life. The family moves in to the long abandoned Fowler Brothers Funeral Home. Mom’s intention is to rejuvenate the place and get business back up and running. Many of the locals fear the place and beleive the house and the land it lies on is haunted. The family learns soon enough what dwells beneath their property.

Actually, the family DOESN’T learn nearly soon enough!! It takes a millenium to get to the action. The characters are annoying as hell and the dialogue is dreadful. The story is shaky to begin with and by the end it completely disitegrates. The film lacks gore, suspense, scares or even humour. If you can’t make a funeral home and graveyard eerie you are not off to a good start. Even the effects and makeup are pretty lame. And to add insult to injury it features one of the dumbest final battle scenes ever. The DVD copy I rented was actually RATED “R”. I cannot imagine why in the hell it would be restricted. It plays out like a TV movie of the week. This film is awful! It should be enbalmed and buried in a 300 foot hole never to be seen by anyone again! Avoid like the plague!

Dungeon Rating: 1/5

Directed By: Tobe Hooper

Starring: Dan Byrd, Denise Crosby, Stephanie Patton, Alexandra Adi, Rocky Marquette, Courtney Peldon, Bug Hall, Tarah Paige, Michael Shamus Wiles, Adam Gierasch and Price Carson

Here is a video of Courtney Cox getting ready for a shot of Cougartown. It was recently announced that she’s more than pissed at someone calling her “Janice Dickinson” by mistake. Yah, I’d be super cougar pissed too.  That’s embarrassing!

Friends’ alumn Courtney Cox films scenes with the cast from her new ABC comedy pilot Cougar Town this week in Los Angeles.

Cox plays a 40-something single mom of a teenage son who starts dating again (and just happens to enjoy dating the younger set). The name of the show also refers to the name of the high school football team in Florida where her character (Jules) lives.

Also pictured in some of the photos are her co-stars Brian Van Holt (House of Wax), Josh Hopkins (Swingtown) and Dan Byrd (Aliens in America).

Others cast in the show include Christa Miller (Scrubs), wife of Scrubs and Cougar Town creator Bill Lawrence and Busy Philipps (Dawson’s Creek, Freaks and Geeks).

Cougartown is not even listed as in production on IMDB…sounds like its going to be a winner!!!!  anyone have more info on this film? Great concept….I think it’s got some life to it.

ABC greenlit a slew of pilots on Wednesday, including the Courteney Cox-Bill Lawrence project “Cougar Town,” a project starring Kelsey Grammer and one from Cedric the Entertainer.