Tuesday, December 16, 2008

OMG We're Talking Gossip Girl Here....

Hey pals,

I am only one woman running this site, and I believe it takes a village to run a proper TV site. So, I've invited some pals to help make sure you see how much we love TV around here.

Today, we have a blog from Jen Kwok. She's talking about a show I've personally never been able to sit through but everyone talks about around the water cooler at work. Gossip Girl is all ova da place! I almost watched because of the OMFG posters which touted sexy romance, because I didn't have Showtime or HBO at that moment. But, the cable kicked in and I watched something creepy like Dexter (btw haven't seen the finale yet - don't you dare spoil it!)

So, enough of my rambling, here's some information about the show you may be embarrassed to love.
xoxo,
Funke


Gossip Girl: Season 2 Awards!


I’m :( because a) I had to miss the recent Ultimate Gossip Girl Summit III (UGGS3) on Saturday night, and b) this is the first night I’ve been in front of both a computer and a TV on a Monday night at 9pm in weeks, and it’s just a stupidhead rerun tonight!!!

We have to wait until 2009 for a new episode, so I thought I would take this time to reflect on Season 2 in my own miniminiminimini Gossip Girl Summit I (mmmmGGS1).

(click here to continue)

-Thanks to Jen Kwok for the story!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

NBC Rocks Christmas Comedy in 2008

It's been a long time coming, but the Christmas special did a comeback this year.

I don't know which I loved more, The Office or 30 Rock, but both shows made me laugh so hard.
See for yourself below...

The Office:


30 Rock


...and I have to throw down credit, even SNL had a Christmas skit that got a laugh from me, even though it ran a little too long (The dinner sketch/song sketch).
The saddest though, was saying good-bye to Amy Poehler:

We'll miss you!

Now go, watch these shows, they are TV Gods presents to you.

Happy Holidays :)
-Funke

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Britney Documentary Live Blog Post 11

And it's takeaway time...
what did we learn from Britney: For The Record

"...I love my babies. I work real hard."

"...I'll have a good book one day."

Um, what I learned is that Britney likes what she's doing, but really kinda hates her life.
Was that supposed to make me like her more?
Or buy her perfume?

And, the "after show"

How do you feel Britney?

"...ahh, good."

um, say it with me folks, cha-ching, cha-ching, cha-ching

Britney Documentary Live Blog Post 10

...oh sure now you like your kids.
and your job.
Your life really is pretty boring.

Courtney and Laura Lynn BFF's seem similar to the planted old pal in Madonna's Truth or Dare tickets scene.

In all honesty, Truth or Dare is a great movie.
Do you think this documentary will parodied as wonderfully as this on SNL this Saturday??

Britney Documentary Live Blog Post 9

Sad moment of tears where she admits she's so sad....
No one listens to her, because she's still not allowed to make choices for herself.

"I never get my way, ever.
...simple things that I should come naturally I don't get. And those are the things I want the most."

"There's no excitement or passion."

Well, that blows.

...um also she really didn't want those kids.
"My kids represented home, and I just didn't want to be home. I'd get into my car and drive anywhere."

Because as we know...


........
AND HOLY CRAP MADONNA CAMEO
...what the fuck is up with her eyebrow??

Britney Documentary Live Blog Post 8

Britney's dad sounds like Boomauer from King of the Hill...

Britney Documentary Live Blog Post 7

HA!

It's brought to you by...
her flippin perfume.

I'm lovin' it.

Britney Documentary Live Blog Post 6

"My baby's daddy is there."
That's why Britney can't be in NY and has to be in LA.

She also sounds like she regrets having kids. Well, maybe not the kids themselves, but with Kevin.

Um, she also sounds kinda dumb.

But- let's not forget she's no Jessica Simpson.

Britney Documentary Live Blog Post 5

OH! She had paparazzi following her on 14th street in NY right near where I work!
OMG!
New York minute!!
LOLZ

Seriously, it does look pretty shitty to be followed everywhere. That camera dude that went nuts was kinda scary.

I love the dramatic lighting during the "private person" discussion. Oh documentaries....let's bring back Behind the Music.
Who else is getting nostalgic for that?
Here's some memory lane for you.

Britney Documentary Live Blog Post 4

-Her Dad crying about how pretty she is partially sweet/partially creepy cause you wonder if he's like,
cha-ching, cha-ching...
(Similar to this great SNL sketch with Tracy Morgan and Tim Meadows)

Britney Documentary Live Blog Post 3

She talks about Justin!

Oh, America, how much do we love our gossip. We're like London with our paperazzi supporting interest.

But come on, it's Justin Timberlake.



We all love him.

And it's relatable how hard it is to get over first love.

Britney Documentary Live Blog Post 2

I completely missed this video of hers that won best video?
I don't think I ever watched "You Want a Piece of Me"
Where was I?

...probably watching Pushing Daises.

Well, now I have more time for videos.

le sigh.

Britney Documentary Live Blog Post 1

Oooooh you think you know but you have no idea,
this is the true life story of you having no freakin' idea

about Britney Spears.

Ok, so she wants to be Madonna, we all know this.

But don't say she's LL Cool J, she doesn't want to call this a comeback.
Apparently folks, what she wants us to know is she's been spoiled for years. I love the limo shot where she tells the driver to roll. Yep, this is every day, she's ordering the car to be driven...to where her dad wants her to go.

Britney Spears Documentary on MTV Event

I am so excited.
I love Britney. I'm sorry, but I'm not even gonna lie here, I am excited about the new album.

And after the horrific performance of VMA 2007 tonight's documentary is supposed to pick up. In case you missed it, here's the clip:


CORRECTION: The documentary picks up after the 2008 redemption (let's be fair though, anyone looks better compared to that train-wreck host dude).

She's made what every American loves, a comeback and seems to be as good as she was in Toxic in this Womanizer video.
Here you can judge, I'll wait:
Video for Toxic
Video for Womanizer

And now she's gonna reveal the full story...let's see.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Favorite Fun Fact of the Day

The guy who does the voice of Count Chocula,
is also the guy who does the voice of Lionel on Thunder Cats

AND
is Kerri Kenney's Dad!

...and now your moment of Kerri Kenney

Saturday, October 18, 2008

W. Trailer Spoof from the Soup

Cause it was a really great episode this week...another clip from the soup:


No need to thank me.

Britney's New Video: Soup Spoofed!

I love the Soup, but I fell a little deeper after this spoof:

You're welcome.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Grey's Anatomy Jumps Shark, Then Stomps It to Death

Let's see, when did the shark jumping exactly happen?

Was it when they had a prom in the hospital?
or
When Izzy resurrected the deer?
or
Was it when Christina fell after finally telling of Meredith and then an Icicle falls and stabs her?
Ding ding ding!

Seriously, what the fuck are these writers smoking. The great characters season 1 and 2 built have been killed by ridiculousness on Grey's Anatomy.

I'll tell you exactly when they shot themselves in the foot -
Meredith was almost dead, and then they let her live.
By far one of the most annoying characters in history, a flaw to the show she shares a titular name with, Meredith Grey adds nothing to Grey's Anatomy.
We could've had a great show without the whining, bitching, and indecisive moaning over her beautiful man and parental issues.

And then - you think, well maybe they realized all this when Christina tells her off (Episode 1 this season on ABC) and then they punish Christina's character with a falling icicle. Really? Really.

What happened writers? Did the strike make you insane. Why must the hospital face "black ice" and "floods" every week now?
Stop the tricks, tell the story about doctors and patients and relationships.
That's what people liked about the show. All this madness of elements is just a side story that is wasting time.
I am considering giving up that hour long silliness and find something else.

I hear the Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency has real drama.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

FINALLY! A Family Show

I had heard good things about ABC's Pushing Daises. So, I tuned in this evening. Perhaps it was the overwhelming saturation of subway ads that made me check in as well, but I figured- season 2 is the time for me to jump in.

It was super easy to follow. I mean super easy. Like narrator, director and actors take you by the hand and tell you exactly what's going on.

This show is fun. It feels a little last season X-Files hokey, but it's cute. I highly recommend it if you have a High Def television, because visually it's stunning.

The really exciting thing about this show - it's on at 8pm, and it's something the family could really all enjoy together without having to endure horrible cheesy triteness like, oh I dunno... 3 and a Half Men (WHY AMERICA? WHY?.. step forward and let me know how it's possible that you've watched more than 5 minutes of that show.)

Parents may be concerned that it deals with death (The main characters are detectives. One of them has the ability to bring people back from death for a minute to ask them how they died, but no longer, or else someone else dies.) but it's Disneyish death, so don't shelter your kids. Snuggle with them and watch this cute, quirky show.

If I haven't sold you yet on checking it out: Swoozie Kurtz (Sisters, Reality Bites) and Ellen Greene (Audry from Little Shop of Horrors!!) and Kristin Chenoweth playing a tough adorable blonde (shock!)

Seriously, next Wednesday at 8pm EST you should try Pushing Daises.

30 Rock Fans - Premier is THIS THURSDAY

on Hulu.
Check it, to create buzz on this Emmy Award winning show, NBC is allowing the premier of the 3rd Season of 30 Rock to hit hulu first.

So, on Thursday, October 2nd check here for the newest episode!

This is pretty great stuff. They also premiered Knight Rider...and that shitty show Life on Hulu. Snooze.

The early premier is not uncommon this season. I watched Californication on Showtime On Demand before it's Sunday premier. It was decent. I'm into the new direction the show is taking now that he's got his love back. I definitely recommend giving it a shot.
But, if there's any show to get into this season on Showtime, it's Dexter. Good lord, worth the hype! Great new season, great new direction. I'm actually excited to see Jimmy Smits join the cast with a great character and surprising accent.
Check out the website, now with creepy overlay.

My Review of Heroes, as Texted to Arthur Carlson

(SPOILER ALERT! This will reveal what happens in episode 3 of Heroes Season 3)

Sent at 12:02AM, Wednesday, October 1st

Watched heroes, my take: Hiro's plot is the cartoonish japanimation plot - the Dragon Ball to the darker plot line's Dragon Ball Z - if I may totally dork out.

Now, this new Sylar with the Petrelli Mom, is a little bit of a fun reversal of the "Luke I am Your Father", but I dig it.

Overall, I feel this season is all a comic book live action tv show which i love, but fear that at times it toes the line of adam west circa 68 batman that i love for its campiness but would hate to see heroes go that way because it has such potential.

Speaking of potential - why is it that tracy just abandons myka?

He has the power to talk to machines, not raise himself.

Thing I think probably bugged you the most:
a. The Peter on Peter action
b. The Dragon Ball plot
c. The Sylar Petrelli storyline
My guess is b.

....My apologies to Arthur's fiance, Andrea who most likely woke up to the sound of ten text messages coming in at such an hour.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Apparently, This is Offensive

But, I'm more excited cause Kumail, an awesome local New York Comic, is in it:


He's the second dude to be asked his name. He's got two lines! Congrats pal!

PS - Um, what happened to SNL's writing? Whew, hit it with the Palin thing last week and now nose diving to sketches that just go too long. My friend Gina put it best, "I watched SNL Saturday...where's the funny?"

Oh America, You Watch Such Crap

Really? You watched Kim Kardashin's ass rather than Heroes last night.
Really?

Heroes was so freakin' good it would've melted your face off, is that why? You can't handle outstanding original story lines and really great acting.
I'm sorry but last night's return of Heroes was fun. It was two hours of television worth watching.
I'm at least happy to see that after a long summer hiatus from great network drama Heroes returned with an actual plot and characters I look forward to watching.

Also, this was the season to start watching as it's really heating up. The idea that it's called Villains was less appealing than watching people try to ballroom dance? Oh America, you used to enjoy action.

I sigh heavily and hope that NBC keeps this amazing season going cause for the love of God it was a good return.

Also, can someone please tell the Cheerleader that if you can be upset about not feeling pain, you're still human because you have emotion. That really bugged me last night. Everything else those, stellar.

Get into it people:

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Scrubs wins "Best Music"

In my personal award ceremony which is me on the couch, eating cheese and saying aloud to my cats, "Scrubs has the best musical integration of any comedy series I've ever seen."

And I figured I should back up this claim with some examples.
First we've got guest musicians, and when I say guest musicians, really it's Colin Hayes appearance I speak of, because it's awesome:


Then we've got the Turk's proposal to Carla, which has the Old 97's singing one of my favorite songs:


And, the most recent clip that I watched that really drove home how great they are with integrating music:


So congrats to Scrubs on me saying that about your music.
As you can see, the Funke awards are the least formal award event. In fact, I'm writing this in my sweat pants.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Stephen Schnetzern Resurfaces My Love of "Another World"

Are you even old enough to remember Another World?
It was an NBC soap opera that ran from 1965 - 1999. (Not to be confused with The Cosby Show spin off, A Different World.)
It was also always the lesser soap opera in my mind, for it paled in comparison to it's back-to-back buddy Days of Our Lives (I mean Marlena was a freakin' demon people.)

Another World had one good thing about it, Cass. He was the male voice of reason on the show. This is part of the reason my mother and I loved him so, but the root of our love for him was his voice.

Cass was played by Stephen Schnetzern, and though you might not have seen for nearly a decade, you've heard his voice. He does car commercials, drug commercials...I hear his voice quite often. I'm always pretty sure, but never a hundred percent.

But tonight, I was validated. While watching SVU (seriously, it's almost always on.) all of the sudden dear ole Cass/ Stephen Schnetzern walks on plugging Aleve.

Good for you Stephen Schnetzern for still getting work. It's very good to hear :)


Fun Facts I learned while researching this article:
-Stephen Schnetzern is a Gemini with Capricorn rising, same as Paul Newman (interested?)
-Some ladies on the forums at SoapNet think he's "gotten even sexier.. if that's possible!"
-I have way too much free time on my hands

Monday, September 15, 2008

Tina Fei is Sarah Palin

And Amy Poehler is Hilary Clinton...
and combined they make me damn proud to be a female comedian.
Seriously, this is television history, you must watch this:

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Britney Introducing the VMA's...

was better than last year's debacle.
She's still a Micky Mouse Club comedic actress.

I apologize to loyal readers, and thank you for your mail, even though you were pissed I wasn't updating.
My good pal and writing partner Joe Powers was in an accident. He's doing better day-by-day, life goes on, and well, he harped on me to start this blog in the first place, so I hope to be back to regular posting this week.

News on Mad Men and more on the VMA's and other TV dirt soon to follow.

For now though, please go enjoy some comedy from comedian Joe Powers


...for the record, I am wooing for the LOVE of America's Funniest Home Videos.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Isaac Hayes Sheds His Meat Body

The death of Isaac Hayes is of course tragic, sad, and a little creepy cause one of his last appearances was in a movie called Soul Men which also starred Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson (watch your back SLJ!!).

The world will of course miss Isaac Hayes, for he was a sexy mother
- shut my mouth?
I'm just talking about Chef.
You dig it.

That's right pals, as you know the Chef character of South Park was voiced by Isaac Hayes until a creative/religous difference came between South Park creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker and the soul musician.

It was all over one of my favorite episode of South Park entitled "Trapped in the Closet" that explained actual Scientology beliefs, and of course, mocked them. Isaac Hayes believed in Scientology and was extremely offended and left the show, resulting in the episode "Return of Chef" where they wrote the character off in a bitter sweet/hilarious way. (The links in this paragraph link to South Park Studios where you can see every single episode of South Park for FREE)

Since Isaac Hayes was a Scientologist though, where does this leave him now that he's dead? Well, according to Slate he's shed his "meat body" and his spirit will inhabit another one, or just move on to an even higher state.

So, we here at I Love TV More Than You wish Isaac Hayes' spirit a safe journey to his new vessel, or beyond. Bon Voyage Soul Man!

Monday, August 11, 2008

It's Sunny on September 18th

Get psyched It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia pals, the best insulting comedy is coming back for a fourth season.
Here's a great little cast interview with fellow TV dorks (head dork Damon Lindelof, creator of LOST, heads the panel...don't worry, we'll get into LOST here soon, very soon). at comic con:

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Have We Won The Olympics Yet?

Some people don't like the Olympics.
When I watched a lot of daytime TV it was my worst enemy. I'm tunning in to see what's up with Bo and Hope on Days of Our Lives and instead of hunky men and crazy story lines, I'm getting post pubescent girls looking like prepubescent girls jumping around my screen.
This year though, I'm actually quite into the Olympics. I even work up early to watch the "Redeem Team" do what they need to do to take our sport back...the fact that the games are also in HD and I have a lovely 46 inch plasma is also a nice bonus.

If you don't want to watch the game, but wanna know how we're doing, here's some help:


Olympic Medal winners at NBC Olympics.com!

Christian Slater the New Kiefer Sutherland?

For a long time movie actors believed TV actors to be beneath them.
Then, Kiefer Sutherland rejuvenated his career by becoming Jack Bower in Fox's Die Hard serial action/drama 24. He pretty much single handedly made it ok for the cross over to occur.

So, it shouldn't shock anyone to see Christian Slater coming over to the small screen in this fall's My Own Worst Enemy on NBC. But, I admit, I was still a little surprised.

Slater hasn't been the movie star he once was, it's been a while...when was Heathers? Anyway, he's still someone who's in the Americana movie star love, so people will tune in out of curiosity. It sounds like adventure lovers will be pleasantly surprised with this show.

With a plot line that's ridiculous similar to The Bourne Identity, Slater plays a family man who is starting to think he's got an alternative personality that's a spy. The twist - he's going to a shrink to help piece it all together.

Many critics think it has promise, and I have to admit the commercials look good - but I'm on the fence about whether or not I'll watch this program. I'm also really disappointed that there's no new comedies being hyped. Do we really need another action drama?

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Bernie Mac Dies at 50, Way Too Soon

Sad news America, Bernie Mac has died.
Apparently, Mac had sarcoidsis which is a lung disease that makes having pnemonia deadly.

This is indeed quite a loss. Not only did Mac have a family sitcom sitcom where he and his wife took in his two nieces and one hilarious nephew:



Mac was also a gifted comic. He struggled for years before he became famous and spent way too few years living comfortably off of his talents.

RIP Bernie Mac

Friday, August 8, 2008

Family Guy Lovers- Don't Say I Never Gave You Anything

Here's a treat I stumbled upon on Hulu- an interview with the people behind Family Guy.
This clip has a really good "failed joke" that I hope to see sometime soon...

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Mad Men Season 2 Episode 2 Delivers

psst...Mad Men Fans,

What did you think of episode two of the second season?

Me?

I'm waaaay more psyched about this episode than the premier.
From beginning to end all characters came out of hiding.

*SPOILER ALERT*
Don was stern, Roger Sterling was back to his sardonic reactions.
Penny's baby storyline was delved into, and Pete Campbell classically bottled (or should I say canned?) up the emotion about his father's death, and the way the new dude loops Pete in when Dan isn't there to be his father figure is just ruthless business that advertising knows best.


Well, I'm not going to recap the entire show. I just wanted to share the enthusiasm for the second season. I'm psyched for Sundays again.

(If you can't wait, check it out on SurfTheChannel)

Effective Promotional Advertising of a TV Show

In Plain Site, a new show on USA Network finally caught my eye tonight as I was watching- big shock here, Law & Order SVU.

I've seen ads for the show before, it didn't really catch me as a show I'd want to watch.
Similar to ads for Burn Notice, there was an all-too-perfect Hollywoodesq lighting/dialogged/ "action-packedness" of it
-that was heightened by the fact that the star is not only always smokin', f'in, hot under pressure,
but she also has the same name on-screen and off.

Now, I love Tony Danza - Who's the Boss was a really great show. Taxi, far better.
(Daytime talk show? What daytime talk show?)
But it has long been told that his characters on those shows being named "Tony" was no coincidence.
See, Tony Danza was a boxer before a comedy star. It's been said that he had to have the same name as his character because he was hit in the head a few too many times and can only answer to that.
Now, that might be true, might be false.
But, you gotta admit, you could believe it.

Anyway, the main character on In Plain Sight is named Mary Shannon,
which is played by Mary McCormack
...I'm just sayin', perhaps she's not the brightest contender in the mental olympics.

Well, anyway in the most recent episode trailer she's no longer shiny sex machine safety monitor, she gets roughed up.
I'm not saying I want to see her get hit - but I am saying that she's finally not perfect looking, I'm talkin' walked off a billboard and ran after bad guys still looking that pristine, perfect looking.

And now, it actually seems like her character might have depth.
She's possibly a stronger character that's going to have to overcome adversity by using her mind.
And television that has that kind of character on it, I'd check out.

So, yes USA, you've reeled me into yet another one of your shows.
Let's see if you can deliver.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

I'm Way Into Spoofisodes

Psych on USA Networks 10pm on Fridays - Epsiode: Murder? …Anyone? …Anyone? …Bueller? Gus Does Not Spoof of- John Huges films/ Brat Pack

Why I Love It - Great homage to John Huges films. I recommend it for anyone who loves/loved/watched a lot of John Huges films, or ever had a crush on anyone in the Brat Pack

The episode was set at a High School Reunion, which is often a great set up for humor. The detective buddy show took the "murder at the high school" case and threw in fun John Hughes nods, and flat out obvious call-outs that led to great references:

  • Sean refers to suspects/ high school sweet hearts as Molly Ringwald, and Andrew McCarthy from Fresh Horses (Not a Hughes film, but a Brat Pack one)
  • Sean's "picture tag" is of Judd Nelson
  • Sean does a Breakfast Club style dance to solve crime
  • Sean introduces himself as Abe Froman and then asks "Andrew McCarthy" if he's taped Larry Lester's butt cheeks together.
  • In the car with his father, Sean mentions The Breakfast Club, Curly Sue, and Flubber, as all having a "Ducky" Character - then asks his dad for his underwear for a few hours.
Basically, the Sean character is desperately making this episode a Hughes/Brat Pack spoofisode.

The most hilarious part to me, the accident that leads up to the murder -
eerily similar to the Matthew Broderick accident that is rarely mentioned.


I was dorkily delighted the entire episode, but totally jumped off my couch with glee with the last scene of the episode...watch the whole episode, it's so worth it:

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

PSA's: Don't Do Drugs

In a reminiscing moment my pal remembered this wonderful ditty:
"Users are losers,
and losers are users,
so don't do drugs,
Don't do drugs!"

I immediately went to youtube to try to find the 25 year old commercial with McGruff and stumbled upon this amazing PSA:


Thanks Pee Wee! (creeepy)
My pal's response -
"Remember when everyone thought little kids would get into crack? So whack!"

Anyway, here's the McGruff one:


For more ad council fun - check this out.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Studio 54 - The Television Show

Because two feature films weren't enough, it's all over the news today that Showtime is going to have a Studio 54 show.
Here's the important details:
  • It will be a drama.
  • It will not use real life stories from the club, the only "real" character is founder Steve Rubell, so it can be totally crazy without being libel.
  • There will be tons of sex and drugs and disco music
Ok, so that third bullet point wasn't on the press release, but you totally know it will be true.

Question is, are we excited about this show?

It matters who's in it, but I think it could be an interesting show.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Shows I Can't Wait For: Dexter and Californication

In exactly 2 months, September 28, 2008 --Showtime will premier Dexter AND Californication.

I'm obsessed with both of these shows.

DEXTER
If you like CSI and/or Law & Order - take it to the next level with Dexter. Ya know how cops always get way to into the cases on those shows? Well, Dexter wants vengeance so bad he'll indulge in another extreme need he has, he'll kill the wrong-doer.
It's extremely creepy thanks to Michael C. Hall, an amazing supporting case, great writing, and an overall well put together production team.


CALIFORNICATION
I wasn't really super crazy about David Duchovny in a sexual attraction ever. I always was on the line about his aloof acting in The X Files. But, like many I was won over when he was in the comedy film Evolution. (His cameo in Zoolander also hilarious) So, I watched the film The TV Set on Showtime, and then decided, what the hey - I'll check out Californication.
The premise is pretty much things my nightmares are made of - a New York writer goes to LA to work on seeing his vision put on film, only to see his work and his life be reduced to phony Hollywood glam.
This show is sexy, funny, real and absurd. A completely entertaining show that I look forward to seeing how they continue the storylilne through in the second season.

Basically kids, get psyched for September 28th...

Mad Men Season 2 Premier

Was a little anti-climatic.

What did rock my socks was the cinematography of the show. It's magnificent, but I feel like the story fell a little flat.

...but even without a thrillingly interesting storyline - I love the characters, and setting on this show.

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't seen it before, I'm gonna talk about the show and possibly spoil it for you. You've been warned...Dumbass.

Questions the season premier spurred in me:

Are we going to see Don Draper have a dramatic fall due to health issues similar to boss Roger Sterling?

WHERE can I get Meditations in an emergency [poems]by Frank O'Hare?? I want to see those poems! (Get thee to a library! It's out of print according to Amazon.com...though it seems to be available via Alibris.)

What exactly are the pills Don's on, are they going to alter his state?
I looked this one up, and they are:
Phenobarbital
and
Reserpine

How much do I love the female roles? (Ok, so this is more of an exaggerated rhetorical.)
Betty Draper - The former model turned housewife with too much free time is back to trying to act as frighteningly close to perfect as possible.

The voluptuous Joan Holloway who's obvious queen bee mentality within the secretarial pool and over the most powerful man in the office (the aforementioned Roger Sterling) makes her a delightful power woman of the '60s to watch.

And, the creative mind and strong young woman Peggy Olsen, (her character's name is such a throw back to Clarke Kent's (Spoiler Alert: Clarke Kent's Superman) wide-eyed co-worker Jimmy Olsen, but season two finds her growing much stronger, and colder. The surprise baby of last season has somewhat made her focus on her position all the more. It doesn't hurt that she's Draper's appretice, which makes me giddy, mostly because Don chose her over the snarky-brat Pete Campbell (a character I Love to Hate).

So, was the season pemier of two exciting?
No.

Was it the start of something good?
Absolutely.

Stay Tuned.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Melrose Place IS a Really Good Show

Let me clarify before you stop reading this blog thinking that I have no taste.
It's good in that cheesey goodness that only television can provide.

I never watched Melrose Place during it's original run. When I found it on CBS.com/Classics I was a little surprised seeing as it is a FOX show. Then I got over and said, what they hey, I'll give it a shot.

The first few episodes of season one are god awful. Truly craptastic.

Then Heather Locklear came in (Episode 21 "Picture Imperfect") and things got a lot better.
It's not the catty drama that I enjoy about Melrose though, it's the themes each episodes touch upon. They really set up the classic 90's storylines in TV dramas.

Plot lines such as:
-Car Jacking
-Racial Violence
-AIDS
-Gun Control
-Affair
-Sexual Harassment

In the first season there were also cast members that never came back. Most notably the token black character played by Vanessa Williams:

Oh, no no no - not that one. The one from the show Soul Food that played Maxine Chadway.. yeah that one. She played an aerobics instructor with a boring plot line about dating an awesome millionaire.

The character that possibly had even less of an interesting plot line was "the gay guy", Matt Fielding. He is basically there to listen to stories and inform people it's ok to be gay, and of course about AIDS.

In one episode they go so far to have him comfort the Vanessa Williams character by saying, "I know it can be hard to understand issues like this, like all my friends with AIDS..." Did I not mention the stellar writing yet?

It's by my favorite writer ever - Darren Starr. He's a writer of my total fav show - Sex in the City. (That's sarcasm folks.)

The sad ending to this post, CBS.com only has season 1. From what I hear/read/beg friends to tell me about it gets a lot crazier. While I'm intrigued to see what happens for myself, I did grow up watching Days of Our Lives and can spot a soap opera obsession budding when I see it.

I think I may just give up on Melrose for now and move on to something even more classic:
Dallas

Stay tuned :)

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Estelle Getty - Thank You For Being a Friend.

Very sad news to report to TV fans.
Our beloved "Ma", has passed away.

Estelle Getty suffered from advanced dementia and died at her sons home on July 22nd, 2008 - just two days shy of her 85th birthday.

Oddly enough, the role that brought her to the forefront of American Sweetheartery was as Sophia Petrillo an octogenarian grandmother living in Florida with her daughter, two other women, and some cheesecake. She was only in her early sixties when she first played the role.

Sophia was a great character brought to life with quick wit by Getty.

We'll miss you, but we'll always...


No matter what, Estelle Getty is a Golden Girl in our hearts.

Reruns air on Lifetime every morning.

FUN FACT: Often believed to be the youngest of the Golden Girls, Estelle Getty was actually the second youngest. Rue McClanahan is actually the youngest.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The Freaks and Geeks Factor

Shows lasting for one season can sometimes be a great thing.

Let's take Freaks and Geeks for example.

It was only on for one season.
Some say this is a tragedy.

But let's be honest, they were able to end on a high note.
If Freaks and Geeks continued, it would've become sitcom spit-shined and lost all the glorious rough edges it had.

How do I know I can hold this as a truth?

Let's look at the careers the producer's, writer's, and stars went on to do:

Paul Feig - Creator, Writer/Co-Executive Producer all 18 episodes
Where He'd Be Now If Freaks and Geeks Stayed On: He'd run into burn out by 3rd season and need to bring in new blood. Though I'd trust his decision, my guess is network brass and heirarchy B.S. would get in the way and someone would be brought in that would try to sex it up for the masses. Though it was his creative brain child, and the network trusts him, he's original vision that was so great, will be lost in brightly lite laugh predictable laugh tracks.
Where He Is Now: He directed "Shoot", the best episode in terms of direction on Mad Men in the first season. Also some amazing episodes of the American Office. I mean, check out his IMDB director's list*. Stellar television direction. He's really grown to be one of the best there is.


Judd Apatow - Executive Producer (all 18), Writer, Director
Where He'd Be Now If Freaks and Geeks Stayed On: He'd probably stick through and possibly get to 1 or 2 movies in between.
Where He Is Now: He's behind your favorite movies -either by pen, camera or producing he's done something you've seen in the past 7 years. Titles such as 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Anchor Man, Walk Hard


Allison Jones - Casting
Where She'd Be Now If Freaks and Geeks Stayed On: She did a great job she'd be used again regardless.
Where She Is Now: She is "aces" at what she does. Her resume is virtual lists of comedy dream teams… the two best that come to mind, oh just a little TV sitcom known as Arrested Development, and a film called Super Bad.

Linda Cardellini - Linda Weir
Where She'd Be Now If Freaks and Geeks Stayed On: Probably made into a sitcom starlit in the same vein of a Jennifer Aniston. While it would be great for the actress, the character would be capitalized upon by the network, she'd be made into the sex symbol more than the growingly independent female character that the actress played so well.
Where She Is Now: She's been in a decent films, most notable though was Grandma's Boy. She's also on ER, but starting in the older seasons that most original ER fans stopped watching. Even though it's still well written, let's face it- when Noah Wiley left they should've just named it "Thursday Night Doctor Drama".

John Francis Daley - Sam Weir
Where He'd Be Now If Freaks and Geeks Stayed On: Would've grown into and out of the role by the third season. It would stay on longer. He could've faced the dreaded teen sitcom star fate, or just rode into complete obscurity after the series.
Where She Is Now: He's done some film work, Waiting, and he's also been working on Bones.

James Franco - Daniel Desario
Where He'd Be Now If Freaks and Geeks Stayed On: He probably would've been the first Ashton Kutcher. Um, James, are you happy or sad about missing out on that? I'm not even sure.
Where He Is NowSpider-Man trilogy for starters, and more recently (to this post) Pineapple Express


Samm Levine - Neal Schweiber
Where He'd Be Now If Freaks and Geeks Stayed On: Ride the show as far is would go. They'd want to keep him and probably lock him in for as long as possible.
Where He Is Now: He's all over television. Every season at least three shows a season he's cameoing. He's a very talented baby face actor. I'm surprised no one's cast him as a regular on a sitcom yet.


Jason Segal - Nick Andopolis
Where He'd Be Now If Freaks and Geeks Stayed On: Continue to showcase talent in this character, perhaps done a movie.
Where He Is Now: He's starring in How I Met Your Mother, and just did Forgetting Sarah Marshall which he wrote and Judd Apatow Produced…are we seeing the trend?

Martin Starr - Bill Haverchuck
Where He'd Be Now If Freaks and Geeks Stayed On: Probably never as valued by networks as he should've been. Martin Starr killed this role, and would've continued to be awesome.
Where He Is Now: He's done some guest spots and had minor roles in films (Judd Apatow's produced 3). I wouldn't be shocked if he starred in a film soon. He's very good.

Seth Rogan - Ken Miller
Where He'd Be Now If Freaks and Geeks Stayed On: Kept up with wise cracks, most likely grow obese, perhaps get to one or two films
Where He Is Now: He's Hollywood's sweet heart and has been in pretty much every Apatow film since Freaks and Geeks. He's written, produced and starred. If Freaks and Geeks stayed on the air, no way we would've seen the entire potential he's grown to.

I'm not saying Freaks and Geeks didn't deserve another season. It could've gone on to do great things. But, let's not remember this as the-show-that-got-away. Freaks and Geeks is an amazing show, with eighteen really wonderful episodes.

The only way it could've survived is if it was a half hour instead of an hour long dramady. It could've been cut down, but there would've been a little less focus on each individual's story. This may have lost it's original intention, but it would've meant a long running show. The American public can't take a full hour of humorous reality. They like their hour long funny in the form of America's Funniest Home Videos.

What made it successful to fans is because it has a lovely way of portraying the realistic teen years. The changing relationships with friends, parents and the self are all captured with smart dialogue and actors.

If you haven't seen Freaks and Geeks, I highly recommend checking it out. It's too good for Hulu as of now. So go treat yourself to the box set. You'll be pleasantly surprised with the 1980's version of Wonder Years minus the voice over, which is a refreshing change of pace in coming of television.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

The View: Whoopi Makes Elisabeth Cry

First, let me say I do have a full time job and cannot watch daytime TV as much as I'd like. If I had my druthers though, I'd still never watch The View.

Except today, because not only does Elizabeth Hasselbeck (Elisabeth I saw it spelled somewhere today and I was like, really? You even spell your name stupidly.) cry, but she is also beautifully cut off by Barbra Walters in classic, "let the adults talk now" fashion.

It all was over the N Word. And Elizabeth/Elisabeth Hasselbeck was trying to explain that Whoopi Goldberg and her were totally alike. Apparently Elizabeth/Elisabeth she doesn't see color, she also doesn't know when to stop.

Take a look:



Many thanks go out to my girl Erica Watson for alerting me to this breaking story.

Your 2008 Emmy Nominations

Here's the run down...

Best Drama
BOSTON LEGAL ---really? People are still watching this show? And they consider it a drama? It's pretty much the poor man's Alley McBeal without dream sequences.
Mad Men --- didn't this already win an Emmy for the first season? I mean I love it, but let's just say it's awesome and move on.
Dexter --- GREAT show. Really creepy, compelling and something that is not to be missed. A strong contender.
Damages: --- I found this show to be a little too into itself. I am willing to give it another shot, but I think the storyline is a little too night time soap opera meets law drama. I could be wrong here though. I'm going off the pilot, which is never the strongest.
Lost --- Amazing show. Great season. They really kicked it up a notch and deserve the recognition.
House, M.D. --- This season was the worst season, with the best season finale. Tough call. But can we all agree the extra team members are people you just couldn't care less about? Just keep showing House being a dick, it's all we really care about.

Best Comedy Series
Entourage - This show is a fun superficial comedy, but it's nothing so outstanding that deserves the kudos of an Emmy.
Two and A Half Men- a national tragedy that it's the number 1 sitcom. Make it stop America, I beg of you, make it stop.
Curb Your Enthusiasm- Consider it curbed. I love this show, but we've been uncomfortabley hilarious for long enough, this season wasn't as good as past seasons. I think it's time to say goodbye.
The Office
- Here's a show that continues to get better. The writers and actors seem to all work really hard together to put forth characters that you care about and want to love and laugh at. It's really well done, but I don't see it getting the award this year.
30 Rock
- This show has 17 nominations total, and had one of the best seasons ever in sitcom history. Topping out with my favorite 2.42 minutes in television history. I give you the clip that will win them their Emmy...



For more on Emmy nominations, stay tuned here, or visit:
The Prime Time Emmy Award List

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

SVU Marathons Hijack My Life

It happens every weekend, almost without fail.

I will plan my quality time with TV. There’s the hours allotted to a lovely slow wake up lounging in front of my roommates orgasmically large plasma TV.

On the couch I usually view DVR’d programs that I’ve been looking forward to. I get oh-so-comfy as I rub the sleep from my eyes. After my scheduled programs have completed, that’s when I take a gander at the channel listing.

And that’s when they get me.

It’s either USA Networks, Bravo, or TNT that is airing them,

And you can never have just one after you watch them.

That’s right folks,

Law & Order marathons.

I can take about two hours of plain old Law & Order.

I will go about 4 episodes deep of Criminal Intent (To be honest, I find most of the Criminal Intent marathons run short for me because they have a heavy hand on rotating in the same episodes. This is most likely because there are some episodes that are really not worth repeating of Criminal Intent, and it’s a young show. In a couple of years though, I’ll probably be able to take more episodes. That Vincent Dinafrio* is a trip!)

Special Victims Unit though, it takes hold of me.

I have spent entire 24 hour periods watching this show. Sometimes I don’t even mean to keep watching, they just keep coming and every story is more fucked up than Maury Povich’s wildest guests on crime sprees.

Not only is the story telling compelling, but it’s the only one of the Law & Order that really gets you committed to the characters. Since they deal with the most horrific crimes, they get background stories. It’s not as invasive as cop shows such as NYPD Blue, but you have a good idea the reasons they take on the sex crimes.

The best cop on the cast is the most experienced NBC police officer, Detective Munch, from the Baltimore unit in Homicide, otherwise known as Richard Belzer. His ability to attach himself from the crime and have witty jabs and off kilter conspiracy theories is always a refreshing injection into their dark stories.

But let's be honest, when it comes down to it, the best part has to be this guy:

Shows I Can't Wait For: Heroes


I saw this as I was walking in Manhattan the other day and stopped in the middle of the street to take a picture of it.

Why?

Cause it's almost too good to believe.

The Heroes series finale left us with the world being saved, but the villains uprising. For fans of the show you know each season is referred to as a chapter. The next chapter is entitled "Villains".

My theories so far are just that we can expect a lot more amazing fight scenes and a compelling story line that isn't constantly introducing characters and taking away from the characters we love (a problem the writer's ran into in the second season and freely admit to being the reason ratings fell).

For fans of the show, please, I beg you, remember to tune in. This show is costly to make and if ratings fall they are definitely going to pull it.

If you've never watched Heroes, get into it. It's well worth the time invested, especially if you enjoy super heroes, and ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Characters are relatable and all have interesting back stories. There's enough twists to keep you asking, but not so much that you're constantly questioning people motives (like the wonderful but often confusing LOST).

I cannot wait for Heroes to come back, and I couldn't be happier that they're keeping the Monday time slot. In the fall, we'll all have reason now to have a case of the "Fuck yeah it's Heroes Monday".

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

American Pride

I know the Fourth of July has come and gone, but being a native New Yorker I feel some sense of pride knowing that today was the day the Declaration of Independence was read in New York.

And because of that I want to celebrate my Amercanism by making up a new word (see: Americanism) and also celebrating one of the best shows to ever show off freedom of speech, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia



This clip came from the classic episode entitled Charlie Goes America All Over Everybody's Asses and it can be seen on Hulu by clicking on this link. (NOTE: You will have to create a Hulu account to see this program due to the fact that it's TV MA. It's worth it.)

I cannot wait for this sitcom to return. It's by far one of the boldest comedies on television since Seinfeld. Just as they took the "friend" comedy to another level, It's Always Sunny goes even further and mocks just about everything in such a manner that you can't even get pissed at their hilarious ignorance.

If you aren't watching this show, I highly recommend picking up Seasons 1 & 2 on DVDwhich is absolutely hilarious.


Tuesday, July 8, 2008

AFTRA Accepts Deal - NO SAG STRIKE

Here's the info I just read on Wild Sound,
AFTRA's agreed to the proposed contract:

AFTRA ACCEPTS DEAL - NO STRIKE!

Members of the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists have ratified the union's primetime deal, spurning SAG's avid campaigning to vote down the contract.

AFTRA said 62% of those voting supported the deal. Announcement came Tuesday evening following a month of bitter battling between the thesp unions...

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE CLICK HERE.

Huzzah! The shows I can't wait to see will be coming back on schedule!

Theme Song Study

Have you ever noticed that whenever you try to sing the Family Matters theme song you always end up singing the Full House one?
or
When you try to complete the Family Matters theme song you get it garbled with the Perfect Strangers theme?

Well, first of all this is understandable. All three shows were on the golden years of Friday night television - the ultimate television package line-up known as T.G.I.F. on ABC.

What you might not know is originally the theme for Family Matters was Nat King Cole's What a Wonderful World. This changed, thankfully, to this song (click here)

The theme to Family Matters was written by Jesse Frederick, Bennet Salvay and Scott Roeme.
The duo of Frederick and Salvay also composed Perfect Strangers. This accounts for their similarities...


BUT, none other than Uncle Jesse himself, wrote the theme song to Full House. That's right ladies, John "still hot, still great hair" Stamos wrote this gem:


You think Stamos ripped that shit off from Jesse Frederick?

Nope.

Jesse Frederick sings it.

And that is why Perfecrt Strangers, Full House, and Family Matters theme songs all sound the same.

SAG Strike Updates

Is anyone else worried about the SAG strike?
I mean sure, the Writer's got a bum wrap, and Broadway was able to negotiate,
but what's up with SAG?

Will this interfere with shows coming back???

Well here's the best resource I've found so far with up-to-date info for all you junkies:
http://www.sag.org/contract-2008-press-releases

Sunday, July 6, 2008

My Thoughts on Your Ad Here

This week’s discussion: Adam Corolla’s Taco Bell Commercial

Is it wrong that the more he talks about this "Big Box Meal" being a manly meal…the more I want it?

I mean, it's got all the food I love, and Adam Corolla likes it too?

Sold.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Top Ten Reasons I Hate Sex and the City

10. Shoes – seriously, I wouldn’t listen to a discussion with my own friends about expensive shoes for more than a courtesy breadth.

9. The Short Haired Red Head – She’s the dowdy one therefore more business minded. How does this not piss more people off?

8. Charlotte – I know this one’s name because it fits her doughy eyed character. She’s been living in New York long enough, she should be more jaded.

7. The Old Whore- The cougar character is fine for a movie, but as a serial character it’s just an old whore. Blanche Deverogh kicks this character’s ass, hard. Ya know why? She didn’t do sex scenes.

6. The Sets – Friends was over the top with their apartment, and then the Sex and the City designers were like, ya know what? Let’s just go WAY over the top! We’re so fucking awesomely extravagant.

5. The Clothes – Ok, she’s in a fucking ballerina outfit in the beginning, and she means to wear it out. There are GIANT flowers on her outfits:


A. Those are $60!

B. If this was a fatter woman you saw on a Manhattan street, you’d think she was someone who speaks to trash cans.

4. Squint and Laughs – There are a lot of fucking phony ass laughing moments that start with a knowing or condescending squint and then chuckle.

3. The Dialogue – Female dialogue written by gay men. I said it. Yes, women discuss sex, but we don’t do the same as gay men, and I think it’s just painfully obvious.

2. Drinks – The alcohol they consume and the places they chose are beat you over the head prissy.

1. Sarah Jessica Parkwhore

important editorial note:

I know a lot of you TV Junkies love Sex and the City though, and I just want you to know, I do blame you.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Shows I Can't Wait For: Mad Men

July 27th is too far away to DVR.
I know this because I've been trying.

On July 27th one of the best series on TV is coming back, and you've got precious little time to NetFlix this people, so get on it.

Mad Men is AMC's gem of a show set in my favorite backdrop, New York City. It gets better though, because it's 1960's New York City, and it's all about working in advertising.

Oh, and it's also got a ton of great directors, you may remember them from such amazing shows as Sopranos and Six Feet Under.

To read my initial reactions to the show, please click here.

Need to catch up on MadMen fast? Check out the AMC website, they are absolutely great with their coverage. Which is smart, because, what other show do they have?
Way to nurture the good stuff AMC.

psst...Fox, start making your show websites more like these.

Surf or Hulu?

Either way, you're never going to miss a show again.

Sure, watching TV on your PC doesn't seem ideal, but with all the new ways to convert video for iPods and to stream on your television, you should really start getting into this.

Did you realize that if you pay for an internet connection, you can pretty much see any show for free?

I, of course, figured this out early - and not by watching YouTube.

There's been an absolute revolution in TV on the web with in the past year. Better quality, more variety, and easy streaming. It's a TV junkie's favorite show marathon on a rainy day. (For those of you "book readers"this is as exciting as Oprah's book club books being on super discount at the local Barnes & Noble, oh boy!)

What Sites Are Worth Watching?

You want to be legit, and you don't mind commercials?
Check out Hulu : http://www.hulu.com/
Not only do they have current TV shows, but they also have past favorites, shorts that don't make it to air, and HD streaming. Which is a great way to utilize that LCD monitor you have.

You want to see pretty much anything you want and don't mind pop-ups?
I highly recommend Surf the Channel: http://www.surfthechannel.com/cat/television.html
Not only do they have pretty much every TV show I wanted to see, they also have movies that are still in the theaters.
Legit?
Probably not.
Good for the broke and TV lovers?
Fabulous.

Go forth and watch!

What's Worth Watching on TV, Thursday, June 26th 2008

Not a whole lot. We are feeling the summer slump hard this year kids.
(These picks are for the 8pm EST television viewing hour.)

Comedy
If you want to watch great stand up, let me suggest staying far, far away from Last Comic Standing (NBC).

I recommend watching Kathy Griffin's My Life on the D List for a more realistic Reality TV look at the life of a comedian. (Bravo)

Sitcoms

I have yet to see a full episode of Ugly Betty. I've heard good things, but my heart just won't let me because I found it way too over the top. Often you can tell a good sitcom by the lighting. Since Ugly Betty takes place in a superficial magazine setting it's got a lot of bright lighting. I'm a believer in natural lighting, but the brightness of the show is off-putting and takes away from humanizing any of the characters for me. (ABC)

I would suggest trying on for size How I Met Your Mother. It's got a great cast, and a natural flow. Sure there's the standard laugh track that can get in the way, but for the most part this is a fun show with interesting situations. (CBS)

Brain Numbing TV
If you really wanna veg-out tonight. I suggest watching Denise Richards: It's Complicated. You really need to see how it's not complicated at all. She really is the vapid bitch you think she is. (E!)

TV Pop Quiz Question #1

Where did Saved by the Bell take place?

Put your answer in the comments, and check back tomorrow for the answer.

I leave you now, with not a hint, but a great theme song clip:


Wednesday, June 25, 2008

What's on TV Wednesday, June 25, 2008

This is all for the 8 o'clock EST hour

What You Shouldn't Watch

America's Next Top Model - Tyra's tapped out. (UPN)
Sheer Genius - I love you Bravo, but this is so boring.

What Reality Competition Show You Should Watch

If you like fun ones - So You Think You Should Dance (Fox)
If you like ridiculous tackiness - The Price is Right Million Dollar Spectacular (CBS)*
*Note - you should also watch this if you are taking care of an elderly releative, that is if that relative doesn't get PAX. If they do, well you already know you're watching it, they're probably on it right now.

Check Your Brain at the Door Winner

Sweet 16 on MTV


Stoner Viewing


How it's Made on Discovery

Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Cheers

Cheers is one of my all time favorite sitcoms. Why you ask? Well, I'm glad you asked...

10. Sam Malone, not really that hot, yet amazing with the ladies. How does he do it? And by “it” I mean his hair.

9. Diane’s literary references: If you catch them it’s like getting a Jeopardy! question correct.

8. Carla’s Earrings: Pay attention to these if you haven’t already noticed. She wears the most bizarre things on her ears.

7. Kirtsy Alley: I find myself looking at her wondering if she’s fat, healthy, or just in awfully cut 90’s power suits. (Personal note: Pretty sure she’s the reason why I vowed at a young age that I would NEVER have to wear a suit to work.)

6. Cliffy’s accent. It’s so Boston.

5. Norm’s alcoholism. He’s the loveable drunk/ role model of slack -


4. Dr. Fraiser Crane: He’s one of the most durable characters of television. I really like the idea of the character in the ensemble of Cheers. A bar setting lends itself to the telling of personal stories. Sam’s so vapid. You kind of respect his advice, because he’s a recovering alcoholic, but he’s no expert (outside of bangin’ chicks). Dr. Fraiser Crane delivers the honest advice, but is neurotic himself which in a way is also honest. There’s a reason why he’s one of TV's Longest Running Characters.

3. Theme Song: If you have never heard the entire theme song, you’re missing out.

2. Great Writing. Sitcom’s by nature have simple story lines with clear cut plots. What makes a good sitcom is dialogue. Cheers has some of the best banter around.

1. The best straight men: Coach and Woody. Sure, they were bumbling idiots with hearts of gold, but they delivered so many hilariously naive responses. Skills like that make good television.