Random clicking of news and tidbits on current and past television programming in the U.S., as well as what's happening in the TV-on-DVD market. Pop culture on the tube. Reliving our childhood one disc at a time.
Well the last Sunday in September has arrived and for many fans, this is THE night for premieres and goodbyes. Breaking Badrides off into the sunset while Homeland begins another season of thrilling suspense.
New and Returning Premieres
Once Upon a Timestarts off its third season right where it left viewers last spring. The core gang is aboard Hook's ship traveling to Neverland. Their mission to rescue a kidnapped Henry is interrupted however by several vicious mermaids (Is one them a red-head that lives under the sea?) and a malicious Peter Pan. This isn't the Neverland that we have always read about. 8 pm on ABC.
The Amazing Race returns for another 'round the world contest. It's 23rd season kicks off in arid Iquique, Chile (Shout out to Chile...woot woot!). 8 pm on CBS.
Long-running animated comedy The Simpsons begins its silver anniversary season (that's 25 y'all) with a Homeland-esque parody when Lisa believes Homer has been turned after returning from a nuclear plant operators convention. SNL vet Kristen Wiig guest voices as a Claire Danes-like character. 8 pm on FOX.
Bob's Burgerspremieres its fourth season with a camping trip for Bob and family. Unfortunately for Bob, something he eats doesn't agree with him. Cue hilarity. 8:30 pm on FOX.
The third season of Revenge has been promised to be a return to its original premise. No more Initiative, no more complicated storylines. Right off the bat, Emily is shot. But don't fret, it's a flashforward to build up the mystery of why Ems was shot on a boat. Victoria's long-lost son makes his first appearance and get ready for Conrad to collapse...literally. 9 pm on ABC.
The Good Wife returns for a fifth season with Alicia doing double duty. First she must prevent the execution of a convicted murderer, then she must continue her plan to exit the firm with Cary. We think the latter will be much harder than freeing a murderer. 9 pm on CBS.
Family Guy begins a 12th season with typically Peter Griffin silliness. Peter becomes convinced that a restaurant placemat is actually a treasure map, and creates a scavanger hunt through Quahog. Hilarity ensues. 9 pm on FOX.
The ninth season of American Dad begins in the midst of prom season. Steve and Snot use the CIA's cloning machine to create two dates for the high school dance. More hilarity ensues. 9:30 pm on FOX.
While viewers may be losing Breaking Bad after tonight's series finale, at least they have the return of Showtime's Homeland. The drama begins its third season with recently shaved Brody still at large, Carrie under fire by a Senate committee, Saul planning a pretty bad counterstrike, and Jessica dealing with the fallout. 9 pm on SHO.
New drama Betrayal lands the coveted post-Revenge time slot and based on the premise and pilot episode, it should fit right in. Sara has an affair with an attorney but unfortunately for her the sex isn't just clean cut. She learns that her husband, who is also an attorney, will be facing off against her sidepiece in a big murder case. We're tempted to watch this one just to see the big reveal. 10 pm on ABC.
The Mentalist returns for its sixth season in hot pursuit of Red John as Jane and Lisbon continue to narrow down the list of suspects. 10 pm on CBS.
Series Finales
After five seasons, the world finally says goodbye to Walter White and Breaking Bad. Tonight's final episode will run for 75 minutes followed by an hour-long Talking Bad wrap-up. Execs have been tight-lipped about the finale and all that was given was this phrase..."The story concludes." 9 pm on AMC.
So many shows, so little DVR space! Are you looking forward to a particular show tonight?
It's New Release Tuesday and this week has an interesting mix of classic and current shows that you'll definitely want to pick up!
Comedy Pick-of-the-Week
The Big Bang Theory - The Sixth Season
The sixth season of the nerdy comedy continues following the adventures of Sheldon, Leonard, and Howard, as they progress further in their respective relationships with Amy, Penny, and Bernadette. Raj, on the other hand, is still searching for his soul mate. Still at its peak, The Big Bang Theory continuously brings the laughs and gags to Pasadena's favorite doctors (not the medical kind of course, duh!).
Drama Pick-of-the-Week
Homeland - The Second Season
The second helping of Showtime's successful drama returns bigger and better as life becomes complicated again for the U.S. Congressman Brody and former CIA agent-turned Civilian Carrie. The two find their lives intertwined again and must return to that world of deceit and desire, ultimately leading to an explosive ending. If you haven't latched on to this show then here's your chance to catch up because it is definitely on the Must-Watch list.
Sleeper Pick-of-the Week
Luther - The Third Season
The recently discovered, underrated British psychological crime drama sees its third series (season) released on DVD. DCI John Luther continues hunting killers in the 4-episode season while also dealing with an internal case being built against him, which leads to a surprising climax towards the end.
Retro Pick-of-the-Week
Mama's Family - The First Season and The Second Season
Thelma Harper and her crew from Raytown, USA are back on DVD, and done right this time! Back in 2006, Warner Home Video released the first and second seasons on DVD and received mixed reviews primarily for its use of syndicated, edited cuts. Flashforward 7 years, StarVista/Time-Life have obtained the ownership rights to release the original broadcast masters, which include the episode introductions by Alistair Quince (portrayed by Harvey Korman). The first and second seasons of the show aired on NBC before it was cancelled and revived in syndication. The NBC years featured Rue McClanahan and Betty White, before they exited for The Golden Girls, as well as Carol Burnett in her signature role as Eunice. Classic '80s show fans have been clamoring for the unedited release of Mama's Familyand can even order the complete series set exclusively through the StarVista/Time-Life Website. Grab a beer and slice up a piece of marble cake when watching this release.
Kid (or Kid-at-Heart) Pick-of-the-Week
The Wild Thornberrys - The Fourth and Fifth Seasons
The late '90s/early 2000s Nickelodeon toon about a nomadic family of documentary filmmakers reaches its end with these final two seasons. While the toon primarily centered around Eliza, it frequently told the stories of the Thornberrys discovering and interacting with different species of wildlife. The fourth and fifth season DVD sets are available exclusively through Shout! Factory's Shout! Select Library.
Season Rewind Picks-of-the-Week
Fans can revisit and/or catch up on missed episodes of the following shows before the new fall season starts.
Blue Bloods - The Third Season
Castle - The Fifth Season
Chicago Fire - Season One
Supernatural - The Eighth Season
Feel free to share with us below any DVD releases you are looking forward to today. Stay Tuned is pretty excited to get our hands on the Mama's Familyset later this week.
Remember to keep it locked to Stay Tuned for future updates on anything and everything television!
Showtime has released the season three for its CIA thriller Homeland...and the only thing people can talk about is Brody's extreme makeover and Carrie in a hospital.
Stay Tuned continues to review Entertainment Weekly's list of the 100 All-Time Greatest Television. Today we will highlight the shows ranked #80-71.
So let's hit that 'Rewind' button and flash back to some good ol' days...
#80 - The Office (U.S. version)
More of a mockumentary than comedy, depending on the person you're asking, the U.S. version of The Office followed the day-to-day operations of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, PA. More importantly, it filmed the lives of the employees and their daily interactions with Regional Manager Michael Scott. While Michael wasn't the most politically correct manager, as expressed in frequent uncomfortable situations between him and his employees, he was the core character that held the unit together. Though The Office wasn't a ratings powerhouse, it was critically acclaimed for its premise, use of single-camera setup, and reliance on an ensemble cast that were mostly improvisational actors. The Office showed us that oddly interesting characters exist even in the most mundane locations.
#79 - Everybody Loves Raymond
Everybody Loves Raymond ushered the return of the television family sitcom when it premiered in 1996. The show followed sportswriter Ray Barone as he balanced the challenges of his work life with an often hectic and lively family life in Long Island, New York. Ray and his wife Debra, and their three children, lived across the street from Ray's parents, Marie and Frank Barone, and brother Robert. Much of the antics focused on the family arguments between the members of the Barone family, in particular the long-running friction between mother Marie and daughter-in-law Debra. Everybody Loves Raymond took real-life experiences and situations that were considered "behind closed doors" and delivered the hilarious results in our living rooms every week. We all had embarrassing moments growing up with our parents and just because we move out of their house and start our own family doesn't necessarily mean that those moments end. At some point in our lives, we are Ray Barone.
#78 - Dawson's Creek
Okay, you just started singing the Paula Cole theme song after reading the title? We won't hold it against you.
Dawson's Creek wasn't the average, run-of-the-mill teenage angst show, and that is exactly why the show became both a critical and ratings hit. Premiering on The WB in 1998, Dawson's Creek helped solidify the network's increasing teen-centric line-up and introduced the world to Capeside and the high school drama surrounding principal character Dawson Leery. Along with best friends Pacey and Joey, and new girl with a shady past, Jen, the foursome soon captivated audiences with its realistic dialogue and racy, and sometimes controversial, plots (remember Pacey having sex with his teacher?). Viewers appreciated a show that showcased how teenagers really spoke to one another. On the show, friendships soon became crushes, which later turned into romances, followed by triangles and quadrangles, and pretty soon you needed a scorecard to keep count of everybody. New characters were introduced (including having a gay character in a supporting role for the remainder of the series), older characters written out (we still are raw about the way they killed of Daddy Leery...shout out to John Wesley Shipp!), and the tough television transition of filming a high school show to filming a college show. As the kids matured so did the audience and pretty soon the matters of The Creek were things of the past.
#77 - Ally McBeal
Ally McBeal was a breakout hit for FOX during the late '90s. Considered one of the first 'dramadies' on network television, the show focused on lawyer Ally McBeal's world as she begins working at the Cage & Fish law firm. While the legal cases were sometimes odd (fat department store Santa being fired and replaced by a thin Santa) and sexual innuendo oozed throughout each episode (who could forget Ally's romp in the car wash with a total stranger?), the show stood out for many other reasons: Imaginary CGI baby dancing, spontaneous musical numbers, the sparkling clean unisex bathroom, Barry White woo-sah moments, and Ally's short-short skirts during that first year. The complex characters of the ensemble cast helped the dynamics of the show which focused more on the personal stories rather than legal blah. As the show got older, its appeal began to wane and the new characters just couldn't replace the departing cast members (we still are raw about Billy dying from that brain tumor). Ally McBeal represented the independent woman of the late '90s and new millennium balancing the abnormalities of everyday life.
#76 - Game of Thrones
HBO's epic fantasy drama series Game of Thrones chronicles the struggle of power between various dynastic noble factions in order to gain control of the Iron Throne. Feuding families and civil wars scratch the surface of the underlying tones of social hierarchies, religion, crimes and punishment. Based on R.R. Martin's series of books, Game of Thrones contains an ever-increasing cast of characters that attempting to memorize them all just creates headaches. The show also hasn't skirted away from the nudity and violence demonstrated in the books, and the bloodshed appears to increase each season. The writers and producers also don't mind killing off central and popular characters (Ned's beheading in the first season, and the recent season's 'Red Wedding' episode). Game of Thrones brought big-budget fantasy to television, a feat that was nearly impossible in the past, and continues to captivate viewers with its mix of storytelling and element of surprise.
#75 - Beverly Hills, 90210
If there was a TV series that defined the '90s then Beverly Hills, 90210 would be the show. The premise of the show was following the transplanted wholesome Walsh family of Minnesota to the exclusive zip code in the U.S., Beverly Hills, California. Twins Brandon and Brenda had to adjust and adapt to a whole new culture and found themselves trying to fit in with the privileged world of the rich and richer. Behind the lush mansions, pools, Rodeo Drive, and exotic sports cars, Beverly Hills, 90210 didn't shelter the teen angst and drama from viewers, and portrayed its characters experiencing issues related to sex, violence, drug abuse, alcoholism, racism, and poverty. Pretty soon we saw that the rich had worse problems than the middle class and the poor. During its decade-long run, viewers saw how the characters matured as they transitioned from high school to college and later into the real world. Most importantly, the show spawned the eternal debates of Brandon vs. Dylan and Brenda vs. Kelly. The fans are still undecided...20 years later.
#74 - Homeland
Showtime's psychological spy thriller has become a major hit for the cable network due in part to its premise and entangling storylines. Homeland follows CIA officer Carrie Mathison's investigation into former POW, USMC sniper Nicholas Brody after believing that Brody has been turned by al-Qaeda and is a threat to the United States. To further complicate matters, the relationship between Carrie and Brody has slowly been heating up and adds another layer to the investigative thriller. Homeland provides viewers with the multi-layered drama and mystery of the intelligence community and terrorism, and with the recent NSA scandal regarding phone records, it will be interesting to see how if the show will enter that territory.
#73 - Six Feet Under
Set in the family funeral home business, Six Feet Under explored the intricate interpersonal relationships of the Fisher family after the death of patriarch Nathaniel Sr. Each episode began with a death of that week's client and the topic and effects of death would resound and reflect the personal problems and/or misfortunes the Fisher family were experiencing. Considered at times as a black comedy, Six Feet Under explored the perspective of life and the living through the element of death. And each enlightenment would ultimately help unravel the problems that plagued the family and unite them even more.
#72 - Battlestar Galactica
Battlestar Galactica follows the crew of last surviving humans after a nuclear annihilation. The sci-fi drama focuses on the crew's pursuit of a lost colony while evading a race called Cylons intent on exterminating the remaining survivors. Throughout its four season run, the war between the humans and Cylons increased with the usual twists expected of a space opera. Viewers ultimately were watching the war between man vs. machine and the effects extensive technology had on the human race.
#73 - Beavis and Butt-head
The '90s introduced the era of sitting around and do nothing except watch music videos all afternoon. At least that's what it did for four years with Beavis and Butt-head. The teenage duo managed to grab a loyal following thanks in part to its network, MTV. Hilarious hijinks, ridiculous gags, and annoying laughter was what the show was all about. The animated shorts incorporated popular music videos of the time, which was either beneficial or detrimental for the artists depending on how Beavis and Butt-head really felt about them. The animation was also unique for its time and actually influenced future animated series like Daria and King of the Hill. Whether you loved them or hated them, we all were Beavis and Butt-head at one time during our adolescence, and we all managed to watch at least one episode. Admit it. You did.
Well that concludes our review of the #70s on EW's all-time greatest list and while the magazine has chosen some memorable shows of the past, it is refreshing to see the inclusion of current shows (Homeland, Game of Thrones) in the mix. It is important to note that some television shows might not be the best in terms of content or characterization, but its influence on a genre or a certain storytelling merits their placement on this list.
What are some of your memories of these shows? Would you agree with the current selection or placement of shows? Comment below and share with us.
Remember to Stay Tuned for the next review of Entertainment Weekly'slist of the 100 All-Time Greatest TV Shows!
