Wow! Is Monday just packed with TV goodness. Here’s my network by network, show by show breakdown of what I plan to watch on Mondays:
ABC
9:30 – 10:00 – Samantha Who? – A great cast of likable TV veterans including Kelly Bundy, Barry Watson, Jean Smart and Jennifer Esposito and a pretty neat concept of a horrible person who gets amnesia and tries to change her life makes this show sound promising. I’m not sure there’s enough meat on the show to last a few seasons but given its pedigree I’m definitely going to give it a try. (Starting October 15th)
CBS
8:00 – 8:30 – How I Met Your Mother – One of the best sitcoms on TV. Rather than go into detail of my love for all things Robin Sparkles I’m going to paraphrase this from Entertainment Weekly’s article that I think perfectly captures the awesomeness of this true mash-up show:
The chummy New Yorkers of Friends, hanging out in the bar from Cheers . The experimental structure of The Office with the comfort of a laugh track. The pop culture references of Gilmore Girls and the random in-jokes of Arrested Development. The sweetness of The Wonder Years and the overstuffed pace of Seinfeld and The Simpsons. Even a mystery for the Lost fans.
On top of that one of the best ensemble casts on the airwaves. If you haven’t watched go rent seasons 1 & 2 and get ready for some great slap bat sessions. (Starting Sept. 24)
8:30 – 9:00 The Big Bang Theory – I stopped paying attention when I saw it was from Chuck Lorre the creator of Two and a Half Men. Nerds living next to a hot girl. It’s getting some good reviews even from people I know hate 2 1/2 but I’m on the fence whether to give it even a single viewing. I guess I’ll decide on September 24th.
NBC
8:00 – 9:00 Chuck – This show has gotten great buzz from the critics so I’m going to have to give it a try. The premise as it reads – computer geek downloads government secrets into his brain and is chased by bad guys – sounds incredibly silly but so did university student turns spy (Alias) and high school girl solves mysteries (Veronica Mars). I read the show was very well received by my fellow comic geeks in San Diego so I’m going to definitely check it out. (Starts Sept. 24)
9:00 – 10:00 Heroes – One of the standout shows from last season and I expect great things from the new season and new cast member Kristin Bell. (Starts Sept. 24)
10:00 – 11:00 Journeyman – I liked Vorenus’s understatedness in Rome and it will be interesting seeing him carry this story of a time traveller solving Quantum Leap like problems but within a larger story arc. It’s a good fit with Heroes and compared to the other Monday at 10:00 shows like CSI Miami (yuck) or the Bachelor (bigger yuck) it’s a no brainer which one wins the time slot for me. (Starts Sept. 24)
Fox
8:00 – 9:00 Prison Break – I pretty much decided at the end of last season that the show had gotten way too stupid and gone on far longer than the premise should allow. This year they’re in a Panama jail and I’m not sure I care if they stay there for ever. Still, I’m this invested I have to watch at least a couple of episodes to see if it can recapture some of the fun of the first season. But 2 episodes to change my mind is more than generous. (Starts Sept. 17)
9:00 – 10:00 K-Ville – As much as I don’t think I need to watch another cop show, this one stars Anthony Anderson who was just fantastic on The Shield and takes place in New Orleans after Katrina. It may be a bit too real for some viewers (it films on location) and frankly may be difficult to watch at times but I applaud the creators for ignoring controversary to tell stories in a town that 2 years later has fallen off the front page but still is dealing with the aftermath of the diaster. (Starts Sept. 17)
The CW
8:00 – 8:30 Everybody Hates Chris – I’m still behind in this show and haven’t seen most of season 2 but I do recommend it. (Starts Oct. 1)
8:30 – 9:00 Aliens in America – Family with geeky son takes in an exchange student from Pakistan and hilarity ensues. It isn’t the show that instantly jumps out for me but the early pilot I saw (before they recast the father role) actually was pretty entertaining with a mixture of laughs and sweetness. The lead, Justin, is just great as is the mother who I instantly remembered from Caroline in the City. I’m not sure the enjoyment will endure but it gets at least a few viewings in my schedule. (Starts Oct. 1)
Bottom Line:
Here’s what I’m going to be watching:
8:00 – 9:00 – Chuck
9:00 – 10:00 – Heroes
10:00 – 11:00 – Journeyman
11:00 – 11:30 How I Met Your Mother
I’m going to record: Samantha Who?, Prison Break, K-Ville, Everybody Hates Chris and Aliens in America
I’m on the fence about The Big Bang Theory.
I absolutely will not be watching: Dancing with the Stars, The Bachelor, 2 1/2 Men, Rules of Engagement, CSI: Miami, Girlfriends or The Game.
Posted by avster 
Avi\'s TV Ramblings 