Although many may not admit it, television is, simply put, the best. It’s pure entertainment; an escape from life, something to relate to, and something to look forward to, with characters that become part of our everyday lives so much so that we think we know them. College students in particular, with our somewhat carefree lifestyles before real adulthood sets in, watch hours upon hours of television each week.
Fall is supposedly the most exciting time for the television season—don’t get me wrong it is very exciting—but winter midseason premieres can be just as enjoyable!
Being a television major and devoting my life’s work to this medium, I could go on and on about every single series on the air right now—but I won’t for your sake. Here is just a quick snapshot of new premieres this winter, and a few shows that you might not be watching, but absolutely should.
Mid-season premieres:
The Chicago Code (FOX, Mondays at 9/8c): This is a new cop drama series set in Chicago—before you say it, I know. Another cop show? Before you grab the remote, this one doesn’t suck! It’s a gritty, tough drama about the corruption within the law enforcement in Chicago, led by a hot lady in a man’s job trying to bring justice and comfort to the city she loves. This is a completely new series, but the pilot is impressive, it got me hooked and made me tear up at the end. I am committed.
Mr. Sunshine (ABC, Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30c): CHANDLER BING IS BACK! However, he has a few more wrinkles and has become way more cynical. Matthew Perry plays leading man, Ben Donovan, who manages oddball characters working at the Sunshine Center (a faux-type Staples Center). His boss, Crystal, played by the ridiculously talented Allison Janney (The West Wing alum), is a pill-popping nut case who will ensure comedy in every episode. I definitely wouldn’t say it’s the greatest comedy on TV, but I am holding out hope that this Friendsveteran’s mediocre pilot will find its legs and achieve some success. Stay tuned.
Off The Map (ABC, Wednesdays at 10/9c): The newest medical nighttime soap installment from the Shonda Rhimes team, which created Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice. Newbie doctors have arrived at a clinic “somewhere in South America” to build their resumes and help the needy, of course all the while intermingling with the resident clinic docs who are all bitter about something. It’s Grey’s meets LOST, but instead of being lost geographically, the characters have all lost their souls in some way, or so they say, and they are trying to get them back. Not to mention it’s shot in Hawaii, so the locale is gorg. So far it hasn’t quite pulled on the same emotional heartstrings as the early seasons of Grey’s did, but I haven’t lost interest yet.
Perfect Couples (NBC, Thursdays at 8:30/7:30c): This may be the most surprising premiere of the season. Six relatively unknown actors lead an ensemble, meaning multiple principal actors who share the central storylines, single-camera half hour sitcom about three young couples making their way through life together, and it’s surprisingly comical. The show can be silly and situational, but just enough that it doesn’t pass the ridiculous border. This is still a fresh series, but so far, so good. Look out for the character of Vance; he will make you want to come back for more.
Shameless (Showtime, Sundays at 10): This may be my favorite winter premiere – yet again another series imported from the UK. The Gallaghers live in Chicago on the borderline of poverty. An ensemble dramedy cast led by William H. Macy, better known as that chick from Desperate Housewives’ husband (Felicity Huffman), and Joan Cusack, one of the most under appreciated actresses of our time in my opinion. All the children, aging from toddlers to full-on adults, and their close friends and neighbors will do whatever, whenever to keep their family together and happy. They do drugs. They do drunk. They do each other. It’s awesome.
Shows to watch despite the ratings
The Good Wife (CBS, Tuesdays 10/9c) – one of the smartest shows on TV – lawyers in court room dramas with sexual tension and love triangles in their personal lives. There are of course touching moments as well. In a word: perfection.
Parenthood (NBC, Tuesdays 10/9c) – amazing ensemble dramatic cast with awesomely ordinary and genuine family problems, but so much better than real life. In a word: heartwarming.
Cougar Town (ABC, Wednesdays 9:30/8:30c) – returning April 18th after a short hiatus – the cul de sac crew of winos/borderline alcoholics do anything to annoy each other and everything to protect one another. Penny can! (watch it and you will understand). In a word: fun.
Blue Bloods (CBS, Wednesdays 10/9c) – NYPD generational family fight crime to bring justice to their legendary city by day and fix each other’s problems by night. Starring Tom Selleck (Magnum, PI; or better known as Richard, Monica’s older boyfriend from Friends), Donnie Wahlberg (member of NKOTB; Marky Mark’s older/embarrassing brother), Bridget Moynahan (Tom Brady’s ex), and Will Estes (gorgeous human being that used to be on American Dreams). In a word: family.
Community (NBC, Thursdays 8/7c) – community college students form a study group and become a weird pseudo family, alienating the rest of the screwed up school – there are many pop culture references. Also, The Soup’s front man Joel McHale stars. In a word: hilarious.
Fringe (FOX, Fridays 9/8c) – for all the sci-fi freaks out there, this is for you if not for anything but to somewhat help your LOST fixing (RIP). An FBI agent, a mad scientist and his uber smart son cover cases in a new field of fringe science while trying to save the world. Also, the delicious Pacey Witter from Dawson’s Creek is now available for ogling once a week again, Joshua Jackson. In a word: intriguing.
SNL (NBC, Saturdays 11:30/10:30c) – the writing has improved of late, the hosts and guest appearances are timely, the digital shorts are refreshingly original (becoming viral online) and it’s “Live from New York”, need I say more. In a word: classic.
Moratorium for 2010-2011 Season:
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: This may be the best dramatic television series to ever hit the airways, and trust me I have seen almost every series in existence. This past Wednesday FNL ended its fifth and final season run on DirecTV. Friday Night Lights: television will never be the same without you; I will never be the same without you. Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose.
LIFE UNEXPECTED: A surprisingly smart series from a Gilmore Girls alum writer/producer. The series aired on the CW for two short seasons, ending at the end of January. This show was quirky, sweet and gone before its time.
RUNNING WILDE: I had such high hopes for this one having two great leads; Will Arnett (Arrested Development; Amy Poehler’s resident funnyman husband) and Keri Russell (Felicity). But it was confusing and too odd, even for Arnett. It never found its path. Too bad because those two are phenomenal. It aired on FOX.
GREEK: An adorable, charming and engaging series, which will be ending its four season run this spring on ABC Family. You would think that this show would have to be considered a guilty pleasure, but it’s not because it’s clever. It makes a non-sorority girl want to start the pledging process immediately. Critics have always rooted for it. People, including myself, have always been addicted. Greek will truly be missed.
We college kids are all smart, savvy internet lovers who can navigate through this crazy world wide web pretty easily, so I have confidence you all can keep up. The best places to find the latest episodes of television are Hulu (it’s the greatest!—as long as you catch the shows early to avoid Hulu Plus), or individual network websites. There is always iTunes downloads for purchase, but every once in awhile iTunes does put shows and even movies online for free download. For past seasons and episodes, your best bet is Netflix, where you can watch via DVDs, blu-ray discs, computers and even gaming systems like Xbox. It changed my life. Seriously, invest.