i tv dish

Gone But Not Forgotten: Favorite Shows From Past Years

admin — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

There are a handful of TV programs on my all-time favorites list. These are shows with characters so engaging and plots so well written that I look forward to every episode. Eventually the shows are cancelled and I am left with an empty time slot and a feeling that I’ve lost some good friends.

Such is the case with Arrested Development. The Fox sitcom never seemed to catch on with audiences in general but those of us who watched appreciated the three seasons we were given. Arrested Development followed the delightfully dysfunctional California Bluth family. The previously wealthy Bluths had fallen on hard times but had major trouble adjusting.

Veteran actor Jeffrey Tambor played the family patriarch brilliantly with comedian Will Arnet as his oldest son. Jason Bateman puts in a solid performance as the middle brother and sanest member of the family. Arrested Development was directed and narrated by Ron Howard and was a hit with TV critics. In its short run the series won six Emmys and a Golden Globe.

There are reportedly plans in the works for a movie based on the Arrested Development series and reruns of the show appear regularly but I still miss the weekly antics of the Bluths.

The Ten Best Shows You’ve Never Heard Of

admin — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Some of the old TV shows were really great but many of today’s younger generation may have never heard of them. This is a list of the ten of the best shows you’ve never heard of . After reading this list you might feel inclined to try and find a recording of some the shows mentioned
(1) I Love Lucy a sitcom starring Lucy Lucille Ball and her husband Desi Arnez.

(2) Ironside a series about an older honest Lawyer in a wheel chair.

(3) The Odd Couple a sitcom about two men with conflicting personalities guys who live together.

(4)The Jetsons a cartoon series about a family who live in space.

(5)Greenacres a sitcom about a wealthy city couple who move to a rundown farm.

(6)The Walton’s a series about a tight knit farm family who go through some rough times in the depression era.

(7)Dallas a series about a wealthy Texas family who live on a ranch.

(8)The Flintstones a cartoon series about a stone age family.

(9)Gilligan’s island a sitcom about a group of individuals from vastly different backgrounds who are stranded on a island

(10) Bewitched a comedy sitcom about a witch that marries a mortal man.

Family Time: Safe Viewing For You And Your Children

admin — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Sitting down in front of the TV wasn’t always as complicated as it is today. With the variety of different types of shows that are currently available for viewing, finding a program that is suitable for the whole family to enjoy can be more of a challenge.

An important thing to keep in mind is the age of the family members. Some shows are purely intended for a mature audience and would be inappropriate for a young child. Use your judgment on what is age appropriate and what you feel comfortable with your children viewing. It is best to do a little research on television shows to determine if it is something of interest.

You may be able to view clips or even whole episodes online in advance if you are uncertain about a show’s content. There are still many channels available that are geared toward family friendly shows. If you find yourself in a situation where something inappropriate comes up on the television, decide in advance how you should handle this. It could be in the form of a discussion, answering questions as well as turning the channel and finding something else. With careful research, you should be able to find something that is safe and enjoyable for the whole family.

Detroit 1-8-7

mgeedey — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you haven’t had a chance to catch one of ABC’s newest shows (which premiered on September 21, 2010) you might want to check your Direct TV listing to find out when Detroit 1-8-7 will be on in your area. Yes, it’s that good. The premise of the show is based on a homicide unit set on the gritty streets of Detroit complete with its crumbling economy and storied past. Robert Bianco of USA Today describes the drama as “the best police drama on ABC since NYPD Blue,” and we definitely agree. Should you wonder about the authenticity of the show, one former Detroit Police Department spokesman (Rob Owen) commented that he thinks “the show portrayed Detroit’s police officers as real people, dedicated, even heroic, which is entirely deserved.”Main characters include Detective Louis Fitch played by Michael Imperioli whose role is a respected yet misunderstood and somewhat quirky man who is seriously dedicated to his responsibility as detective. Another strong contributor is James McDaniel whose role as Sergeant Jesse Longford is one filled with veiled hope as he is a lifelong Detroit resident who has witnessed the decline of the city and he is only months away from retirement.We think that the show’s producer summed it up best by saying Detroit 1-8-7 “is a crime show but we will explore various nooks and crannies in the communities and within that context there’s a lot of opportunity to see what’s positive in the city and see what’s heroic about the people fighting for what’s best for the city of Detroit.” We couldn’t agree more the show’s nooks and crannies are always riveting and oft times hauntingly thought-provoking concerning what was once one of America’s greatest cities.And for those trivia buffs out there, 1-8-7 refers to the common pop culture jargon for homicide (as taken from the California Penal Code).

Southland

www.itvdish.com — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Sometimes you have to love it when a major network like NBC messes up and cancels a show that becomes a hit when another network picks it up. Well, it’s easy to be smug about the cancellation providing another network actually does the picking up. In the case of Southland we’re elated that TNT had the foresight to recognize that intelligent viewers appreciate and value intelligent broadcasting and aren’t mere lemmings waiting to take the dive when they have to next sit through an airing of America’s Got Talent.Southland is a raw and authentic look at a police unit in Los Angeles (and don’t even try to compare it to Law & Order Los Angeles lest we laugh you right out of this site). This LA-set drama takes viewers inside (deep inside) the lives of the cops as well as the criminals and those surrounding them.It’s gritty, it’s real, and it’s raw. It’s not “formula” like Law & Order Los Angeles, with some critics comparing it to The Wire in its authenticity in relation to being one of “television’s finest cop dramas.”So, while it’s NBC’s short sighted loss that led to TNT’s success, we can only hope that the network doesn’t make a similar fatal error and cancel another one of their best shows currently on air Parenthood. But our money is on another more forward-looking network picking it up should NBC really make yet another fatal flaw in their decision making.Now if we could only talk TNT to optioning Showtime’s Huff. If anyone from TNT is taking note, consider this as a big hint. And for those of you reading who haven’t yet had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with the critically acclaimed Showtime series, we highly recommend you check the dark dramedy on DVD it’s well worth a look.

Series that premiered this fall

www.itvdish.com — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:19:51 +0000

There’s nothing like kicking off a new television season than with new brand series. While your televisions are already jammed with your favorite recordings, here’s a few more to add to the list.“No Ordinary Family”Channel: ABCAfter a plane crash, the Powell family realizes that they’ve developed super powers. Now this not so average family is growing accustomed to their skills, as well as re-establishing their family bonds. Created by Jon Feldman and Greg Berlanti, the show stars Michael Chiklis (The Fantastic Four), Julie Benz (“Dexter”) and Kay Panabaker (Fame).“The Event”Channel: NBCNick Wauters’s new series features Sean Walker searching for his missing lover, but unraveling something a lot bigger in the process. The series stars Sarah Roemer (Disturbia), Jason Ritter (Freddy vs. Jason) and Scott Patterson (“Gilmore Girls”) and keeps its viewers eagerly guessing what the big event is.“Undercovers”Channel: NBCBefore Steven and Samantha Bloom were caterers, they were talented spies. Now, the business needs them back, and in-between catering weddings, the couple jet sets across the world and solves missions. Starring Boris Kodjoe (Surrogates) and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (“Doctor Who”), the new J.J. Abrams and Josh Reims series is already a hit.

Grey’s Anatomy: Superfreak

www.itvdish.com — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:13:41 +0000

The season six finale was the most gripping episode of Grey’s Anatomy yet. The return of season seven has not disappointed its viewers. We’re on the edge of our seats every week and eagerly anticipating the next episode. Not only is Dr. Christina Yang married, but Richard Webber is chief of surgery again, and the relationships are as troubled as always. Just in case you missed last week’s episode, here is what happened.Amelia Shepherd, Derek’s sister, arrives at Seattle Grace with a brain tumor patient. Due to their rocky past, Dr. Shepherd is less than happy to see his family, and tensions emerge throughout the episode. However, Derek does see the patient as an opportunity to help Christina get back into surgery.Meanwhile, the hospital staff is still suffering from the shooting. Alex Karev is carefully avoiding the elevator that he was shot in. On the other hand, Dr. Yang’s career is on the line, and she may never perform another surgery.But the compassion the staff feels for one another shines through, and Chief Webber and Dr. Shepherd pull through to help their suffering friends. Webber rides the elevator with Karev until he loses his fear. As for Shepherd, amidst his sister’s snide comments, he makes it his mission to get Yang comfortable with surgery again. At the end of the episode, we watch as the troubled surgeon performs on a dead man and her confidence slowly returns.Dr. Torres and Dr. Robbins are finally taking the next step of their relationship, and want their roommates (Yang and Owen Hunt) to find a new place to live. Dr. Mark Sloan still loves Lexi Grey passionately, but he’s distanced himself per her request. It isn’t until another doctor, April Kepner, points out how much Sloan loves her that Grey attempts to salvage their love; however, it’s too late, and she finds Sloan kissing Derek’s sister. As for Teddy, she is back to being single, as the infamous Dr. Andrew Perkins returns home.At the end of the episode, Derek and Amelia finally talk through their problems. Shepherd explains that he can’t talk about the pain of the shooting because it’s too great; furthermore, he feels his sister shouldn’t ever know pain like that.Every episode of Grey’s Anatomy makes the bond between the characters stronger. Season seven explores the anatomy of family relationships and the drama continues to capture us with touching storylines.

Bones: The Maggots in the Meathead

www.itvdish.com — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:11:15 +0000

There are certainly some unique mysteries solved on the “Bones” series. On the most recent episode, “The Maggots in the Meathead,” Temperance Brennan and Seeley Booth solve the death of Richie “The V” Genaro;” a Jersey Shore partygoer. Sure, we were on the edge of our seats as we learned that Clinton, the ice carrier, was actually the murderer. And when it was revealed that Angela Montenegro is pregnant, we were invested in her attempts to keep things quiet. But we’d be lying if we said the drama between Booth and Brennan wasn’t a huge reason for incessantly following the show.From the infamous kiss, to the subtle hints throughout the series, Booth and Brennan’s feelings have been undeniable. As season six aired, we were wondering how much longer the pair could deny their feelings. As it turned out, Booth got a new girlfriend. On last episode, the relationship takes a serious turn and he asks the beautiful Hannah Burley to move in. When looking for a housewarming present, Booth’s girlfriend comes to Bones and asks for her advice. Naturally, Brennan’s insight into her partner leads to the perfect gift (a rotary phone), and a touch of concern shows that the doctor still cares for Booth.The season ends with Camille Saroyan, Montenegro, Brennan and Burley relaxing in Booth’s apartment. His girlfriend is all moved in and the girls are laughing at how easy helping her move had been. When Booth arrives home, everyone leaves but Brennan. Agent Booth finds the rotary phone and he and Hannah embrace each other. Clearly feeling out of place, Bones attempts to leave when Booth stops her to say goodbye. The partners stare at one another for a moment, insinuating that that pair still care a great deal for each other.So what’s in store for Booth and Brennan next? Will Hannah become a permanent part of Booth’s life, or will the partners finally get together?

Things are heating up in the kitchen

www.itvdish.com — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 10:09:08 +0000

Gordon Ramsay’s “Hell’s Kitchen” has always been a series filled with drama and suspense. For fans that enjoy Gordon’s language and the contestant drama, season eight has been no disappointment.The biggest conflict of the season comes from a contestant who’s attitude frustrates everyone on the red team; but particularly Nona. Throughout several of the episodes, viewers have watched as the heat between Sabrina and Nona builds. The pair despises each other, and week after week, Sabrina faces the chopping block and survives; which means danger for the red team because Sabrina promises to extract revenge. If you haven’t been keeping up with the episodes, all you have to do is watch the clip “A Villa Emerges” to watch Sabrina screaming “I’m going to make their lives literally hell. . . they haven’t seen anything yet.”Now both Sabrina and Nona are members of the top ten, which means “Hell’s Kitchen” is about to get even hotter. Follow Fox on Wednesdays at 8/7c to find out how the drama unfolds.

Top watched TV shows (as of October 3rd)

www.itvdish.com — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 10:15:20 +0000

After a stressful day at work, or a long night of homework, a favorite television show can help you unwind. The weekly episodes give us something to look forward to, and often, we make a ritual out of their airing; inviting over friends over, making dinner, and unwinding for the next 30 to 60 minutes. But which series do we watch more than others? When all age groups were considered in the polls, here are the ten shows that ranked highest:“Dancing with the stars”ABC21, 341 viewers“NBC Sunday Night Football”NBC20,929 viewers“NCIS”CBS19, 147 viewers“Dancing with the Stars results”ABC17, 338 viewers“NCIS: Los Angeles”CBS16,505 viewers“Sunday Night NFL Pre-Kick”NBC15, 792 viewers‘The Mentalist”CBS14, 651 viewers“Criminal minds”CBS14, 567 viewers“Two and a Half Men”CBS13, 915 viewers“Glee”FOX13, 508 viewersSource: TV by the numbers