2011-The Rebirth of the Sitcom?

    Less than 10 yeas ago, scripted TV was on the decline and several critics proclaimed sitcoms were knocking on death's door. Reality TV had descended onto our televisions and viewers became obsessed with lives other than their own.

'Arrested Development' was cancelled in
 2006 after 3 short season (FOX)

    However, reality TV isn't the sole reason why sitcoms had declined. Much of it had to do with writing and plot. As some may remember, the shows coming out at this time had neither. 'Cavemen' anyone? Writers were in a scramble to compete with reality television and continued to produce, poorly written, un-funny comedies. This may be the reason why the cult favorite 'Arrested Development' ended too soon.   The show broke out just as soon as reality shows, such as 'Survivor' and 'American Idol' were taking over the airwaves. Since it's demise, I have always argued that 'Arrested Development' was ahead of it's time, lost in the sea of singing competitions and bad humor. I'm willing to bet that if 'Arrested Development' had been debuted this fall season, it would have been largely successful due to it's brilliant writing (is it obvious I've been a fan since the beginning?).

    Comedy writers and fans rejoice! Today, sitcoms are dominating the ratings. Emmy favorite 'Modern Family' is up 25 percent, 'How I Met Your Mother' is up 19 percent, even in it's seventh season, and 'The Big Bang Theory' is up 10 percent. The new sitcoms that debuted this season have become wildly successful, with Fox's 'New Girl' being the first sitcom in 20 years to win it's first three nights in adults 18-49.

    Some may say that sitcoms have been re-born due to the dying economy but I'm not convinced that's the only reason. Clever writing, relatable actors, and intriguing plot are integral for the success of a sitcom and the shows popular today have all three elements. Thinking about this television season, of the shows that have been cancelled, most, have been dramas ('Playboy Club', 'Charlie's Angels') and the dramas that have remained have gotten low viewership ('Prime Suspect').

    CBS News Contributor, Mo Rocca, argues "It's cadavers and Kardashian's. We've had enough of them." Sitcoms may be back for now, but it's only a matter of time before we're mourning the death of another TV genre. Any thoughts?

Read more »

Just When You Thought Reality TV Covered Everything...

    Just when you thought reality TV covered everything, it doesn't. Lionsgate Television, the company that brought you the dark cannabis comedy, 'Weeds', is developing a reality series about swingers. Yes, I repeat swingers -- non-monogomus couples who swap partners. The project, called 'Bedroom Community' is one of several projects spear headed by reality producer Eli Frankel, who signed a two year deal with Lionsgate in March. "The world of swingers is mythologized in American pop culture, but very few people outside of it have seen it," he said. Frankel also assured that viewers would be surprised to see inside the lifestyle. "What we have seen on shows about swingers are primarily older hippies, fringe people who are a little bit dirty. What we found are elite groups of people in upscale communities who are good-looking and have money and access. That glossy version is much more interesting to watch," Frankel reported. Before casting the event, Frankel made sure the couples knew that the show wouldn't exploit their lives, rather document and focus on personal relationships.

There is no word yet on when 'Bedroom Community' will be debuting but be sure to check back to follow up on the latest details.

Read more »

'Zombieland' TV Series in Negotiations

    Fans of the movie 'Zombieland' will be happy to learn that the Fox network is looking to develop the 2009 movie into a TV series. Although fans have been waiting for a follow-up to be announced, it has looked less and less likely that a theatrical sequel would occur. If a TV series is to be developed, a sequel is definitely out of the picture. Since the script was originally written as a TV series, writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick already have a basic plan mapped out, which is promising. As of now, the series is being developed as a half-hour show that would roll-out for the 2012-2013 season. Until Fox and Sony Pictures Television sign a deal nothing is official so look for more information about this project to come.
    Hesitant at first to watch 'Zombieland', I was immediately engrossed in the acting, humor, and plot. I think the TV series would work well with the writing styles of Reese and Wernick. I can only hope they cast the right actors to carry out the story. Also, like the movie, the series would have to focus on more than just the zombie aspect. An intriguing plot and relatable and likable characters are going to be just as important as the graphics and the dark humor.

Read more »

Which Two 'Cheers' Stars are Reuniting on Primetime?

Alley (L), Perlman (R)

"Sometime's you wanna go where everybody knows your name." That's why Kirstie Alley,  and Rhea Perlman will be working together once again, only this time on ABC. "The Manzanis" will begin filming in December, according to Ms. Alley's Twitter. Alley will portray a wife and mother whose Italian-American family moves into a high-class New Jersey neighborhood. Perlman has been cast as Alley's mother-in-law, who is only 3-years older than Alley. It may seem like an odd concept but I have no problem with Alley playing younger. Since her recent weight loss, I think she looks better than ever. It's also not unheard of of actors of similar age playing mother-daugher either. Estelle Getty and Bea Arthur of 'The Golden Girls' were essentially the same age when Getty portrayed Arthur's mother.

Perlman-'Carla Tortelli' (L)
Alley-'Rebecca Howe' (R)

My only concern is the portrayal of New Jersey. Nowadays it seems that every show involves New Jersey-Jersey Shore, Real Housewives of New Jersey, Jerseylicious, etc. and every time the portrayal is the same-loud, tan, and raunchy. Being from New Jersey, it gets old real fast. The TV portrayal is a gross over-exaggeration. I can only hope 'The Manzanis' chooses to do something different with the Jersey persona.

Read more »

'Two and a Half Men' Still A Viewers Favorite Despite Falling Ratings

Cryer, Kutcher, Jones (CBS)

'Two and a Half Men' debuted this season with 28 millions viewers even without Charlie Sheen. Since then however, rating have been steadily falling with great competition among the slot, including the ABC hit, 'Dancing with the Stars'. A 28 million viewership isn't at all sustainable so it can only be expected that ratings would drop anyway. With Sheen in the starring role last season, the season averaged 15 million viewers while Kutcher's audience is averaging 14.2 million viewers. The extremely high premiere ratings can most like be attributed to curiosity about Kutcher's performance. The show is still continuing extremely well among the adults 18-49 demographic so it won't be leaving anytime soon due to ratings. Many shows continued to do well after a major change of character, such as 'Three's Company', 'Cheers' and 'Law and Order'. However, I don't think 'Men' will have the same fate. The show has already been on for 8 seasons so I'm not sure how much longer it can last. Kutcher's new role may offer newer stories and even though ratings are still high such a big drop from the premiere is never a good sign.

Read more »

Our Favorite Childhood Tales Revisited

'Once Upon a Time' (ABC)

     With each new show that comes out, stories and plots become more and more familiar. Many in Hollywood believe the best way to sell a show is to make it one that viewers have heard before, such is the case with the many remade television shows popping up on different networks. ABC has taken this concept but has created something quite different. 'Once Upon a Time' takes a batch of familiar fairy tale characters and mixes them into a world with both fantasy and reality elements. I think that 'Once Upon a Time' has the potential to become successful if the producers are able to mix fantasy and reality in the right way.
     In a review of the pilot, it appears that the characters are more believable when they are included in the a world similar to the viewers. The fantasy element is not revised from how the viewer could imagine so costuming and special effects can be predictable at times. This is all up to one critic so it is important to make judgements for yourself. I say it's an interesting idea that can be dramatic and enthralling if it is produced correctly. Check out the trailer below to see if you will be tuning in! I definitely will be.

'Once Upon a Time' premiers on Sunday at 8PM/ET on ABC

Read more »

'Seinfeld' Alum Set to Star in HBO Original Series

Julia Louis Dreyfus

She's broken the 'Seinfeld' curse once before, but can she do it again? Julia-Louis Dreyfus ('Seinfeld', 'The New Adventures of Old Christine') is set to star in her own HBO original comedy series, 'Veep'. Dreyfus won an Emmy in 2006 for her lead role on 'The New Adventures of Old Christine', breaking the rumored Seinfeld curse. Since the end of the hit 90's show, none of the lead actors had had a successful run as a lead on a series until Louis-Dreyfus. Now, she is starring as the newly elected Vice-President of the United States, Selena Meyer, who finds out the job isn't exactly what she bargained for. Supporting Louis-Dreyfus is 'Arrested Development' funny man Tony Hale. The series had been filming earlier this year in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore areas however it is not set to hit your screens until Fall 2012.

Personally, I'm very excited for Louis-Dreyfus' return. Having the series air on HBO will give her greater range and the ability to explore the character in a different way then being on one of the major networks. I think viewers will be able to see a different side of her, that is maybe more similar to how she is off-screen. In personal interviews, Louis-Dreyfus comes across as funny and outgoing with a bit of a raunchy side that can hopefully be channeled through Selena Meyer. Stay tuned for more updates about this project.

Read more »

Is your favorite show on the verge of cancellation?

Pan Am (ABC)-Christina Ricci

Year after year, the major networks try to capture viewers attention by rolling out several new series, only a handful of which will make the cut. Sometimes, shows remain on longer than anyone thought (ER) and sometimes they are unjustly cancelled (ahem, Arrested Development). This season, several shows are on the cusp of cancellation. Some of which have been around for several seasons and others that are fresh to their network lineup. Are any of your favorites included? Check it out.

Read more »

Are you in love with a TV Character?

Who hasn't had their share of crushes on their favorite TV show characters? Whether you're lusting over Dr. "McDreamy" or Quinn Fabray, we've all had 'em. Kristin Dos Santos, E!'s go-to television expert, is looking for your TV character crush. You're allowed to nominate anyone on a current show, even if it is on hiatus, such as Mad Men or 30 Rock. Another important stipulation is that you must be sweating over the actual character, not the actor that portrays the character-we can't forget that one
To vote, tweet your crushes to @kristindsantos or click here.

Read more »

American Horror Story-What's the Deal?

Several episodes into the freshman season of FX's 'American Horror Story', and many viewers are already confused. Each week, the show seems to propose new questions rather than answer previous ones ('Lost' anyone?). For more details on tonights episode, check out this recap-http://eonli.ne/nkgGok

Read more »

Like a 'Boss', Grammer Delivers

It's been a while since we have seen Kelsey Grammer on television as someone besides Frasier Crane ('Frasier', 'Cheers'), whom he portrayed for 20 years. His attempts to return to television after Frasier's run were unsuccessful, with both being cancelled after lacking reviews and viewership ('Back to You', 'Hank'). Grammer's newest endeavor is a Starz original, "Boss" which premiers on the network, Friday October 21 at 10PM. Too excited to wait (and I also don't have the Starz package) I searched around and was able to find the first episode available on the Starz website. Wouldn't you think that the network would withhold this episode so that they could gain the most viewership friday night?
Grammer portrays Tom Kane, the Mayor of Chicago, who's just been diagnosed with a serious medical condition that will affect his position in the future. Although it was not the strongest focal point for this episode, this story line will most definitely continue to be prevalent throughout the series. Kane is a mysterious and brooding figure whose past and future are uncertain. He is a King Lear type figure with Citizen Kane tendencies. Grammer reminds us of his range and talent by portraying a character who could not be more opposite than Frasier Crane. The emotion that Grammer puts behind Kane also reveals his own emotional investment he has put in the character. Even before the official network premier of 'Boss', that coveted four-letter word is already being tossed around: Emmy. Grammer, of course, is no stranger to the Emmy's, with Frasier being the most nominated show in the award's history. I think it's too early to tell but from what I have seen it is going to be hard for me to disagree.

The series has already been picked up for a second season, which I will definitely be watching if the show continues to remain strong. Make sure you tune on on Friday, or if you're too excited check it out on the Starz website: http://www.starz.com/originals/Boss/ScreeningRoom#/episode-1

Read more »

Sorry!

I've been so busy between my internship, looking for jobs, and school work I haven't had time to post but I haven't forgotten! I've been keeping up with my daily dose of pop culture!

Read more »

`X Factor’ debut overshadowed by `Modern Family’

`X Factor’ debut overshadowed by `Modern Family’

Read more »

What Do James Cameron and J.K. Rowling Have In Common?

Besides being the masterminds behind some of the biggest box office hits of all time, Mr. Cameron and Ms. Rowling have something else in common: theme parks. No, it's not a love for roller coasters, but perhaps a love for money. Like the "Harry Potter" franchise, "Avatar" will develop its own part of the Disney theme park.

Beginning in 2013, Disney will begin building a lush green landscape to mimic the one in the "Avatar" movie. Avatar is the highest grossing movie of all time, raking in $3 BILLION dollars worldwide so it would make sense that Cameron would want to expand his brand. During and after the 2010 Academy Awards, it was clear Cameron was disgruntled by the "Avatar" losses to ex-wife and fellow director Kathryn Bigelow ("The Hurt Locker"). It could seem that Cameron's theme park motive is for his own personal gain and perhaps proving something to the Academy (and Ms. Bigelow). Sure, "Avatar" is the biggest movie of all time but how relevant will the Disney addition be 10, 15, or 20 years? Also, for a movie with suggestive content and nudity, it seems unclear as to how "Avatar"  fits into the family friendly atmosphere on which Disney thrives.


http://movies.yahoo.com/news/disney-cameron-build-avatar-theme-park-194441851.html

Read more »

Has the 'Lady' found a Lord?

Her last time around the media circuit to promote her latest album "Born This Way", Lady Gaga shot down any rumors as to whether or not she was dating. It has been known that she has been linked to on-again-off-again boyfriend, Luc Carl, a bartender, DJ, promoter, and personal trainer hailing from Springfield, Nebraska. Gaga has even confessed that her latest single "You and I" is a ballad about the rekindling of their six year romance. She has also penned several other hits based on their relationship ("Bad Romance", "Paparazzi", "Judas").
Now it seems Carl is out of her life and a new man is in. Most may know Taylor Kinney for his recurring role on the CW's "The Vampire Diaries" as werewolf Mason Lockwood. Kinney can also be seen in Gaga's music video for "You and I." Gaga and Kinney were spotted in California together during the labor day holiday and a source tells PEOPLE magazine that the two had been "hooking up." More evidence of the duo came this past weekend, when a tamed Gaga accompanied Kinney to a family funeral in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. While dining at a local restaurant, she went unnoticed to other patrons and the two were described as "a hip young couple." and affectionate. She dined with a party of six and witnesses say she was being called by her given name Stefani rather than Gaga. With such a following and success, it's nice to hear that even one of the biggest celebrities in the world can have a quiet night out with friends without being bombarded with security, paparazzi, and little monsters.

Read more »

Successful First Day of School for FOX's "New Girl"

The hard numbers aren't in yet but FOX's "New Girl" is already trending on Twitter and receiving positive reviews. The "adorkable" Zooey Deschannel portrays Jess Day, a single, optimistic, twenty-something who moves in with three guys after a recent break up. The "Glee" Season 3 premiere may have helped to lead in the audience but "New Girl" seems to have enough substance to stand on its own. So far, "New Girl" is a fun comedy that only has room to move forward.    

Read more »

One and Two Half Men?

At this moment in time, "Two and a Half Men" is currently trending on Twitter in the United States. The season 9 opened to 27.7 million viewers (the show's highest ever) even without the presence of Charlie Sheen. Many wondered how the show would continue without the troubled star however, if the premier numbers are any indication then CBS executives shouldn't be too worried. Or should they? Yes, "Two and a Half Men" drew the biggest Monday night numbers, beating out ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" premier and it continues to have a strong following, but how sustainable is Ashton Kutcher and Sheen's replacement? Reviewing what viewers had to say, many agreed on their lack of interest on the show due to Kutcher's performance but I am sure many will continue to tune in throughout the season-they have been for the past 9 years. Many pointed out that Kutcher's Walden Schmidt may take away from Angus T. Jones' "half-men" part due to immature jokes and juvenile behavior. Granted, it was one of the most difficult jobs to take over in Hollywood, but CBS executives could very well have made the decision to put an end to the show when Charlie did. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out and if this is the final season. It is plausible that CBS executives wanted to give the story line some closure and prove the Mr. Sheen that the show will/can go on without him.

When he wasn't watching his own Roast on Comedy Central, Sheen got in on the action by tweeting "Surrounded by friends and watching the premier of Two and a Half Men. Odd... But cool..! So far a lot of laughs!! Nice..."

Read more »