Photo: Emmy nominee Simon Baker of the CBS drama "The Mentalist"
by Jennifer Squires Biller
If you haven’t heard, the Emmy nominations were announced on Thursday.
We have to wait until September 20 to see who takes home the naked statues known as Emmys and who shows up with their mother as their date, but meanwhile, here’s a look at the nominees.
Overall, I’m quite pleased with this year’s list. (No, I haven’t been drinking.) It seems Emmy voters may finally be getting that there is more to television than HBO.
I’m absolutely over-the-moon that Pushing Daisies’ Kristin Chenoweth, How I Met Your Mother’s Neil Patrick Harris, and The Mentalist’s Simon Baker scored nominations. Also, a great big high five for Boston Legal - which delivered some Emmy-worthy television in its final episodes - and for Vanessa Williams, who is always downright delicious playing a devilish diva on Ugly Betty. And I’m hoping that this is the year Chandra Wilson gets her well-deserved Emmy for her work on Grey’s Anatomy.
Oh sure, there were several snubs, but not like we usually see. Most notably, where was Josh Holloway of Lost? He has done excellent work and should be recognized. Also, there is no excuse for the complete shut out of Friday Night Lights. It’s one of the best dramas on TV! Just as disappointing, was the lack of love for Psych and its stars. Dule Hill and James Roday make me laugh out loud every week.
That’s my opinion. What do you think of this year’s nominees?
Best Series, Drama
'Big Love'
'Breaking Bad'
'Damages'
'Dexter'
'House'
'Lost'
'Mad Men'
Best Series, Comedy
'30 Rock'
'Entourage'
'Family Guy'
'Flight Of The Conchords'
'How I Met Your Mother'
'The Office'
'Weeds'
Best Actor, Drama
Bryan Cranston 'Breaking Bad'
Michael C. Hall 'Dexter'
Hugh Laurie 'House'
Gabriel Byrne 'In Treatment'
Jon Hamm 'Mad Men'
Simon Baker 'The Mentalist'
Best Actor, Comedy
Alec Baldwin '30 Rock'
Tony Shalhoub 'Monk'
Jim Parsons 'The Big Bang Theory'
Steve Carell 'The Office'
Charlie Sheen 'Two And A Half Men'
Jemaine Clement 'Flight Of The Conchords'
Best Actress, Drama
Sally Field 'Brothers & Sisters'
Glenn Close 'Damages'
Mariska Hargitay 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'
Holly Hunter 'Saving Grace'
Kyra Sedgwick 'The Closer'
Elisabeth Moss 'Mad Men'
Best Actress, Comedy
Tina Fey '30 Rock'
Christina Applegate 'Samantha Who?'
Julia Louis-Dreyfus 'The New Adventures Of Old Christine'
Sarah Silverman 'The Sarah Silverman Program'
Mary-Louise Parker 'Weeds'
Toni Collette 'United States Of Tara'
Best Supporting Actor, Drama Series
William Shatner 'Boston Legal'
Christian Clemenson 'Boston Legal'
Aaron Paul 'Breaking Bad'
Michael Emerson 'Lost'
John Slattery 'Mad Men'
William Hurt 'Damages'
Best Supporting Actress, Drama Series
Rose Byrne 'Damages'
Hope Davis 'In Treatment'
Chandra Wilson 'Grey's Anatomy'
Sandra Oh 'Grey's Anatomy'
Dianne Wiest 'In Treatment'
Cherry Jones '24'
Best Supporting Actor, Comedy Series
Kevin Dillon 'Entourage'
Tracy Morgan '30 Rock'
Neil Patrick Harris 'How I Met Your Mother'
Rainn Wilson 'The Office'
Jon Cryer 'Two And A Half Men'
Jack McBrayer '30 Rock'
Best Supporting Actress, Comedy Series
Kristin Chenoweth 'Pushing Daisies'
Kristen Wiig 'Saturday Night Live'
Amy Poehler 'Saturday Night Live'
Jane Krakowski '30 Rock'
Vanessa Williams 'Ugly Betty'
Elizabeth Perkins 'Weeds'
Best Reality-Competition Program'American Idol'
'Dancing With The Stars'
'Project Runway'
'The Amazing Race'
'Top Chef'
Best Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
Ryan Seacrest 'American Idol'
Tom Bergeron 'Dancing With the Stars'
Phil Keoghan 'The Amazing Race'
Heidi Klum 'Project Runway'
Jeff Probst 'Survivor'
Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio 'Top Chef'
Best Variety, Music or Comedy Series
'Late Show With David Letterman'
'Real Time With Bill Maher'
'Saturday Night Live'
'The Colbert Report'
'The Daily Show With Jon Stewart'
Best Guest Actor In A Drama Series
Edward Asner 'CSI: NY'
Ted Danson 'Damages'
Jimmy Smits 'Dexter'
Ernest Borgnine 'ER'
Michael J. Fox 'Rescue Me'
Best Guest Actress In A Drama Series
Sharon Lawrence 'Grey's Anatomy'
Ellen Burstyn 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'
Brenda Blethyn 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'
Carol Burnett 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'
CCH Pounder 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency'
Best Guest Actor In A Comedy Series
Beau Bridges 'Desperate Housewives'
Justin Timberlake 'Saturday Night Live'
Steve Martin '30 Rock'
Jon Hamm '30 Rock'
Alan Alda '30 Rock'
Best Guest Actress In A Comedy Series
Christine Baranski 'The Big Bang Theory'
Gena Rowlands 'Monk'
Betty White 'My Name Is Earl'
Tina Fey 'Saturday Night Live'
Jennifer Aniston '30 Rock'
Elaine Stritch '30 Rock'
Best Miniseries
'Generation Kill'
'Little Dorritt'
Best Lead Actor, Miniseries or Movie
Kevin Kline 'Cyrano de Bergerac'
Brendan Gleeson 'Into The Storm'
Sir Ian McKellen 'King Lear'
Kevin Bacon 'Taking Chance'
Kiefer Sutherland '24: Redemption'
Kenneth Branagh 'Wallander: One Step Behind'
Best Lead Actress, Miniseries or Movie
Chandra Wilson 'Accidental Friendship'
Shirley MacLaine 'Coco Chanel'
Drew Barrymore 'Grey Gardens'Jessica Lange 'Grey Gardens'
Sigourney Weaver 'Prayers For Bobby'
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Emmys nominations 2009: Well done!
Subscribe by RSSMonday, July 13, 2009
Neil Patrick Harris to host Emmys
by Jennifer Squires Biller
Now, he’s scored the job of host of this year’s Emmys. Congrats, Neil!
I’m sure that the network was impressed with his Tony performance, but I have to say that I’m partial to his job at the TV Land Awards. He killed in the musical number and his ongoing computer gag was hilarious.
Nominations for the Emmys will be announced Thursday, and it’s likely (if I have my way) that Harris will be up for an award for supporting actor in a comedy for his role as Barney on the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother.
The 61st Primetime Emmys airs live at 8 pm/ET on Sept. 20. Tune in, please. I think it will be, as Barney says, “legendary.”
Friday, April 17, 2009
How I Met Your Mother: Robin and Barney BRo Love video
by Jennifer Squires Biller
EEEEEEE!!!!
That high-pitched squeal you just heard (OK read) was the sound I made after watching the How I Met Your Mother Robin and Barney-centric video from CBS. It’s titled BRo Love, “B” for Barney and “Ro” for Robin. Get it?
The video has many of Barney and Robin’s best scenes and heavily implies that a romance is brewing. Sure, some of the scenes are taken out of context and set to romantic music, but hey, isn’t that what a great “shipper” video - as their known on the ‘net - is all about?
I’m not sure which makes me happier: that it looks like the show listened to me — and a zillion other fans — and is pursuing a Barney/Robin coupling or that CBS took time to make a “shipper” video.
Fans of TV couples have been making these videos for years and promoting the networks’ shows for free. (For proof, check out this and more at You Tube.) It’s about time the networks tapped in to this popular form of fandom. Honestly, I’m shocked that it’s CBS who took the plunge first. I would have thought the CW would have been the first to do a shipper video. But kudos to CBS for this piece of brilliance, rewarding longtime fans. This is one of the best I’ve seen. And I’m betting it may even pull in a few folks who’ve never watched the show.
Hit play below and enjoy!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Breaking news: Moonlight cancelled, How I Met Your Mother renewed
And the bad news just keeps coming. CBS has officially cancelled Moonlight.
I’m shocked. Sure, I’ve heard the rumors for the past couple weeks that it could be cut, but this show has such a passionate fan base I thought for sure CBS would stick with it.
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. If I like a show, it’s almost guaranteed to get the boot. (R.I.P. Aliens in America, Las Vegas, etc.)
Sorry, Moonlight fans. I know this bites.
I’m glad I don’t work at CBS right now. I can’t imagine the onslaught of mail this decision is going to generate.
There is some good news out of the CBS upfront announcements. How I Met Your Mother has been renewed. Can I get an amen?
Also coming back to CBS is The New Adventures of Old Christine and The Unit, but not the James Woods’ drama Shark.
Monday, April 21, 2008
OMG! Barney and Robin share a kiss on ‘Mother’
Yes, there was the much talked-about Robin Sparkles video and guest stars James Van Der Beek and Tiffany (more on that later.) But the crowning moment of brilliance was one I’ve been waiting for since the first season: Robin and Barney shared a kiss!
Can I get a Woo HOO?
Kudos CBS for keeping such a giant plot point quiet. The Web has been all abuzz for weeks about Van Der Beek, the Robin Sparkles video, and guest stars Tiffany and Alan Thicke. No one was expecting the show to end with such a shocking turn of direction.
I’ve been begging for a Robin/Barney hook up for since season one. They have off-the-charts chemistry. (I never liked Robin with Ted.) My optimistic theory has been that Robin and Barney ultimately end up together, hence the constant “Aunt Robin and Uncle Barney” in the flash-forward narration. So, thank you, HIMYM folks for giving us a special treat. I can’t wait to see the fallout.
As for the rest of the episode, it was brilliant, as well. Van Der Beek nailed his role as an ‘80s pop star, complete with teased hair, combat boots, and a leather jacket. The Robin Sparkles video was perfectly cheesy, complete with Tiffany and Alan Thicke guest starring. To watch the video, visit CBS.com.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Barney Stinson channels Doogie Howser
Last week, I raved about How I Met Your Mother and the clever ending that made longtime TV fans (and me) squeal in delight. Barney, played by Neil Patrick Harris formerly the star of Doogie Howser, M.D., ended the show at the computer typing. (It’s a familiar scene for those of us who loved Harris as Doogie.) The Doogie music played as “Barney” wrote in his journal. Harris even did one of the trademark “Doogie” mannerisms during the scene.
By popular request, here’s the video for those who missed it. CBS finally got it uploaded to You Tube. Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Tube News
It’s been some times since I’ve done a news roundup, but interesting TV tidbits are popping up all over the ‘net, and I wanted to share. Here we go.
James Van Der Beek on How I Met Your Mother
Former Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek is scheduled to guest on How I Met Your Mother in the upcoming Robin Sparkles episode, according to E!Online. The Beek is rumored to be a crush of Ms. Sparkles. Hmmm, I would have taken Robin for more of the Pacey type, myself.
Eddie Cibrian to star on Ugly Betty
One of my favorite TV stars is set to guest for three episodes on Ugly Betty in a role th
at could continue into next season. Eddie Cibrian, or as I prefer to call him, “Dimples,” is allegedly signed on as a love interest for Betty’s sister, Hilda. (Lucky girl.) Cibrian will play Justin’s gym teacher, according to TV Guide. If this means Dimples will be running around in gym shorts, then I’m for it.
Las Vegas creator headed to Knight Rider
Regular readers know my love for Las Vegas boss Gary Scott Thompson, so I’m somewhat excited that he’s been tapped as executive producer of the new Knight Rider series. (According to TV Guide.) I watched the pilot movie on NBC previously this year, and I was bitterly disappointed. Hopefully, Thompson can make the show worth watching or at least give K.I.T.T. something more to do.
Derek Hough of Dancing With the Stars sent to hospital
Dancer Derek Hough was taken by ambulance from the set of Dancing With the Stars yesterday, for what was later diagnosed as a strained neck, according to E!Online. Hough was rehearsing with his sister and fellow pro Mark Ballas when he was injured. Hough was back for the live show Tuesday night and removed his neck brace for the live show. He did not dance Tuesday night.
Simon Baker signed on for new CBS show
It’s a good week for news on all my favorite TV boyfriends. Simon Baker, who I’ve been crushing on since The Guardian, has signed on to the upcoming CBS show The Mentalist. Baker will play a guy who has a heightened sense of observation that he uses to solve crimes. No word yet on whether he’ll be using his yummy Aussie accent for the role.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Ted Mosby is a jerk.com
I admit it. I took the bait.
On Monday’s How I Met Your Mother, within minutes of the mere mention of the Web site http://www.tedmosbyisajerk.com/ by one of Barney’s crazy ex-one-night stands, I hit the ‘net to see if it was indeed a real site. Of course, it was. I expect no less from the entertaining folks that bring us this show.
The site made me howl. It has funny portraits of “Ted,”a catchy background song that explains the entire ordeal, and the letter he left the girl so he wouldn’t have to talk to her again.
For those of you who don’t understand why the site doesn’t read www.barneystinsonisajerk.com, well, it goes a little like this. Notorious womanizer Barney told a woman his name was Ted Mosby and that he was an architect. Needless to say, things didn’t end well, and she launched a Web site to tell the world that he’s a cad.
In addition to this fun interactive Web site, last night’s episode rocked from top to bottom. Barney’s 64-bracket game to chose the “final four” ladies who could be out to ruin him was hysterical.
But one of the highlights of the show for me was Robin pretending to be Barney’s date. I’ve said it before, CBS, please put these two together at the end of this journey. They have off-the-charts chemistry, more than anyone on the show. (Sorry Lily and Marshall fans.)
Unfortunately, we never did find out who the blonde was who was warning ladies to stay away from Barney. I think this show is getting as bad as Lost when it comes to giving us answers. But, the final minutes of the show made up for any anger I had.
In what can only be described as brilliant, the final shot had Barney sitting at his computer, typing, as familiar music played in the background. (Well, familiar if you were ever a fan of the show Doogie Howser, M.D., of which Neil Patrick Harris starred.) He typed his journal thoughts and even did his trademark “Doogie” mannerisms. Of course, he was all Barney, as he typed, “I’m awesome.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Please make Scrubs’ star “Mother’s” mother
I know many of you tuned in to How I Met Your Mother last night to see Britney Spears do her guest role as a receptionist. But, I hope you stayed because of the fantastic performance of Scrubs guest star Sarah Chalke.
It’s not often that I beg. But, here I go. CBS, please, please, please, for the love of all that is right in the zany world of television, make Sarah Chalke’s character, Stella, Ted’s future wife and the mysterious “mother” we’ve been hearing about for so long.
Chalke was brilliant in the role of Ted’s new doctor. And talk about chemistry. Sorry Robin Sparkles, but even you couldn’t outshine Stella.
The clues are there that Stella may be the future Mrs. Ted Mosby. She attended the same St. Patrick’s Day party that Ted did, and I’m betting that yellow umbrella belongs to her. I’m not sure how Chalke could possibly manage doing the role on Mother while working on Scrubs next season, but I hope somewhere, somehow, it happens.
As for the much-ballyhooed Britney guest role. It was anticlimactic, to say the least. She only had a few lines, but she did a decent job. And thank you Britney, for not chewing gum or talking with that weird accent.
I’m just sad that Britney got all the ink from the TV press for last night’s episode, when Chalke rightly deserved the press. She stole the show. And that’s not all. Stella stole Ted’s heart and mine, too.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Mother gang
If you’re not out drinking green beer tonight, then I’ve got another way for you to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Why not spend it with Barney, Ted and the rest of the How I Met Your Mother gang?
The show returns tonight with an all-new episode that looks to be “positively delicious.” (For that joke to work you need to say it with the Irish Lucky-Charms-guy accent.)
In tonight’s episode, Ted decides to follow in Barney’s footsteps to celebrate the holiday. Will Barney be full of blarney? Will Ted survive or end up bolloxed? (That’s drunk for those of you who don’t speak Irish slang.)
The fun starts at 8:30 p.m. on CBS.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Britney on How I Met Your Mother—make it stop
It seems the TV world is buzzing about Britney Spears’ upcoming guest role on the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother.
To all of you, I say, “STOP IT!”
I think we need some clarity here, people. Do we really want to encourage media attention of Spears starring on one of the few good sitcoms we have left?
Why the HIMYM people thought this was a good idea is beyond me. I assume it must be the thoughts of big ratings. The very fact that Spears will be on the episode, however, doesn’t entice me to watch it, in fact, just the opposite. I’m so sick of seeing Spears’ face in newspaper, magazines and on TV, that I feel like there is no way to escape it. And now, it’s invading the one place I take solace - my beloved den of escapism - scripted television shows.
Before you fire off the hate mail to me, hear me out. No, I haven’t seen the episode, and I’m sure it will be good, considering the brilliant writers on this show. But, do they really need to invite this kind of media attention? This show is better than a cheap casting stunt. And no offense to Spears, but the last time I checked, she isn’t an actress.
It’s been reported that the Spears camp approached the folks at HIMYM for the role, so I guess I should take comfort in knowing that they didn’t seek her out. But, frankly, I hate that stunt casting is creeping in to How I Met Your Mother. I don’t want the show to turn into Will and Grace.
Sure, sometimes, stunt casting works brilliantly. Remember John F. Kennedy Jr. on Murphy Brown? Other times, it’s a complete disaster.
All reports from the HIMYM set are that things went well during Spears’ taping. There is, however, a strange and funny story at E!Online about how Neil Patrick Harris wasn’t allowed on the stage one day because he didn’t have the right security wristband (a security measure that came along with Spears, so that tabloid reporters couldn’t sneak onto the set.) Harris eventually got someone to believe he was actually one of the stars of the show and made it in, he said. Sounds like something that would happen to his character, Barney, doesn’t it?
I’m hoping this stunt casting is a one-time gig and that the show will get back to focusing on the characters I love. And, oh yeah, finally tell us who gets to be the mommy of Ted’s future children!
The good news is that Scrubs’ Sarah Chalke is also headed for a guest role on HIMYM. Now, that’s some casting news I can get behind. Will Chalke be the mom? I can only hope.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
How I Met Your Mother writers reveal who the “mother” is
In an open letter to fans from their My Space page, writers/producers Carter Bays and Craig Thomas spilled the beans about the much-debated identity of the show’s self-titled “mother,” just in case television doesn’t survive the strike.
I’m sure they’re joking, but take it for what you will. Here’s the quote:
“And just in case the strike goes on so long that the medium of television goes out of business forever and we never get to make another episode, the mother is the coat check girl.”
Funny, right?
Here is the duo’s open letter to fans about what’s happening with the show since the strike.
LETTER TO THE FANS
Sunday, November 25, 2007
You Just Got Slapped Video
By popular demand, here is Marshall Eriksen’s musical number about the infamous Slap Bet.
For those of you who e-mailed me confused about the “Slapsgiving” reference in my Thanksgiving Day post, this should help clear things up for you. In short, it’s about a bet between Barney and Marshall, on How I Met Your Mother, that Marshall won. Barney’s reward is that he gets to slap Marshall five times in his lifetime. Marshall had announced that Thanksgiving would be the day he issued one of his slaps.
You really need to watch the previous season of How I Met Your Mother to fully appreciate the humor here.
For HIMY fans, enjoy the talented Jason Segel as he tickles the ivories, and me, in this cute musical number by hitting play below or clicking here.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Let’s talk TV! The Week in Review
Best line of the week
Barney from How I Met Your Mother wins this week for this gem:
(Robin explained that she hadn’t shaved her legs in days so she wouldn’t go too far on the first date.)
Barney: “FYI baby, guys just want to get on the green. They don’t mind going through the rough.”
Journeyman
Why does the Journeyman only have one sweater? It’s a nice one, sure, very GQ-esque, but still. He needs to change it up a bit.
Pushing Daisies
The facts were these. Kristin Chenowith stole my heart in Pushing Daisies when she portrayed her heartbreak via song. She channeled Olivia Newton John in her rendition of Hopelessly Devoted to You, complete with Digby the dog’s masterful accompaniment. I know we’re supposed to root for Ned and Chuck, but Olive deserves some love, too. This could be primetime’s best love triangle since Sawyer, Kate and Jack. Not often does a television show with a perfect pilot live up to it in the next episode, but Pushing Daisies did. I hope we get to see more of Olive singing, more of Emerson knitting, and more of Ned being, well, Ned.
Las Vegas
I can’t believe it, but it seems we’re getting deeper character development on Las Vegas. Sam didn’t miraculously recover from her kidnapping ordeal in one episode. In fact, she’s been struggling the last three episodes. Yay! My only complaint with Las Vegas in the past is that the fun-filled romp fest is infamous for introducing great storylines and dropping them too quickly. (Danny’s war trauma, Sam and Casey’s love story, Nessa’s relocation.) The show has a different feel this year, and it seems to be leaning toward longer story arcs. It still has the outrageous plots, the humor, the slick set and stellar cast, and now it seems a little more conversation to go along with all that action.
Grey’s Anatomy
I want to hug Lexie Grey. When she begged Bailey to not make her work with Meredith because she hates Lexie for something that isn’t her fault, she won me over. As for this George/Izzie/Callie relationship, not so much. Callie needs to kick that cheater to the curb and regain her mojo. Let deer-resuscitating Izzie have him. Callie can do better. I hear MsSteamy’s single again.
Private Practice
I’ve never tried so hard in my life to love a show. (Well, OK, Gossip Girl is an effort, too.) But week after week, Private Practice disappoints me. Yet, I keep hanging on because I know the greatness that is Shonda Rhimes, and my love for Kate Walsh, Tim Daly, Audra McDonald and Taye Diggs knows no bounds. I think I’ve pinpointed my problem. The show setting is silly. (Ducking for cover.) A wellness clinic may work for massage, therapy and alternative medicine, but if your children were turning blue, what parent wouldn’t rush them to an emergency room? If these doctors worked in a hospital, perhaps they’d be more believable and credible. The fact that they sit around all day eating cake, playing pranks and eyeing one another undermines their professionalism. On Grey’s Anatomy, at least they always redeem their childish antics by performing some miraculous medical miracle. Maybe next week will be better.
Chuck
Here’s just one of the reasons I’m enjoying Chuck. The writers are obviously fans of Lost. What else could explain one of Chuck’s government-downloaded secrets including the fact that Oceanic Flight 815 was shot down? (That’s a nod to the plane that crashed on Lost.) Brilliant!
Losing steam
I loved the pilot episodes of Reaper and Moonlight, but I’m quickly losing interest. Moonlight hasn’t grabbed me the way Buffy and Angel did, and Reaper seems to be lacking that Kevin Smith polish that made the pilot shine. Heroes is also waning for me. I’ll just say it. There are too many heroes. Watching this show is like having ADD. We get a two-minute clip of one story, and then it’s on to the next.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Buffy alumni back on the tube
Charisma Carpenter landed a recurring role on the new ABC show Big Shots, beginning Nov. 1. She’ll also make a guest appearance on the new FOX show Back to You.
James Marsters is returning to Smallville soon on the CW, according to E!Online. He also did a role on Without a Trace and a guest spot on Saving Grace this summer.
Alyson Hannigan can be seen every Monday night on the CBS comedy How I Met Your Mother.
And Buffy’s former love interest, Angel, actor David Boreanaz, is busy solving crimes on the FOX drama Bones. Now, if we could just get Sarah Michelle Gellar to guest on Bones as Booth’s former love interest, I’d be happier than Spike at a Red Cross blood drive.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
How I Met Your Mother news
Photo: Courtesy of CBS
On Monday, Enrique Iglesias guest stars again on How I Met Your Mother as Robin’s new boyfriend, from Argentina.
I’ve seen a clip of Monday’s show and it’s funny stuff. Barney and Ted decide to take a cue from the sexy Argentinean and pose as out-of-towners, in order to meet women.
Also, for those of you who can’t wait until Tuesday for the season two DVDs, click here to watch a sample of the gag reel.
How I Met Your Mother airs on CBS Mondays at 8 p.m.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Big week for TV
Are you ready for some TV? Tubers, it’s the week we’ve waited for all year. Old favorites are returning and, perhaps, new favorites will emerge, as the new fall TV season gets underway this week.
Tonight, don’t forget Dancing With the Stars returns at 8 p.m. on ABC. Barney and the gang of How I Met Your Mother also return at 8 p.m. on CBS. If that’s not enough to get you excited, NBC is launching the new season of Heroes, at 9 p.m., and the new time travel show, Journeyman, at 10 p.m.
I’m most excited about Smallville, Ugly Betty, Grey’s Anatomy, Brothers and Sisters, and Las Vegas, all premiering this week.
For a complete list of when your favorite shows are coming back, click here for the schedule. Then, set your VCRs and DVRs for a busy workout.
If you haven’t ordered a DVR yet, you may want to get cracking. If not, you’re going to have to make some tough choices, most distressingly being Monday nights, trying to choose between Chuck, Dancing With the Stars and How I Met Your Mother. As usual, Thursdays are going to be downright stressful, too, having to pick between Ugly Betty, My Name is Earl, and Smallville.
So, arm yourselves with your remote, a bowl of buttery popcorn, and a sense of humor. It’s going to be a fun season.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Primetime Emmys 2007: Tube Talk Girl’s picks
It’s Emmy night! Tonight, our favorite TV stars will paint on the spray tans, put on double-stick tape to hold their barely-there evening gowns in place, and strut their stuff down the red carpet. Good times, Tubers. Good times.
I’m almost more excited about the pre-show coverage this year than the actual event. In the past, most of the hosts interviewing the TV stars knew nothing about the shows and failed to ask good questions. This year, I think things may be different. E!’s Kristin Veitch is helping out Ryan Seacrest, and she’s as big a TV buff as I am. So, I’m sure she’ll ask what enquiring minds want to know. Also, the TV Guide channel has Lisa Rinna and Joey Fatone pulling red-carpet duty, and that should be a hoot.
As for the Emmy show, here are my picks for who I want to win, not for who should win or will win. You’ve already seen those predictions from every other TV blog and magazine. So, these are my selfish picks with an explanation of why I chose them, because really, it all comes back to me.
My picks are highlighted in bold.
BEST DRAMA SERIES
“Grey’s Anatomy”
The Sopranos is favored to win by a landslide, and probably deserves it based on that brilliant finale. But I don’t care. I don’t get HBO and don’t watch the show regularly. My pick: Grey’s Anatomy. Yes, there were a few subpar episodes, but it’s still better than the too-scattered Heroes. House is too procedural for my taste, and while I adore Boston Legal, it’s a bit preachy and silly at times to win for best drama. Although, it might be fun to see William Shatner get up and thank “Denny Crane!”
“Entourage”
I love Leary, but Laurie is my pick. Laurie always gives an interesting, funny speech, and let’s face it. I’m that shallow. It’s a long show. I also wouldn’t mind seeing Spader take the prize. He also gives good gab in acceptance speeches and once complimented the audience on their “wonderful choices in dresses and shoes.” No one does deadpan better. Gandolfini will probably win, as Emmy voters may give him a nice present to end his run as Tony Soprano.
BEST DRAMA ACTRESS
My pick: The flying nun all the way. Field is hilarious, neurotic and a complete joy to watch as the matriarch of the nutty Walker clan. She leaves me giggling or in tears on a weekly basis. I’m sure the other ladies in this category are equally talented, as well, but I don’t watch any of those shows so that’s no fun for me if they win. Plus, Field is known for her award show speeches. Maybe she’ll coin another “You like me” phrase at the podium.
BEST SUPPORTING DRAMA ACTOR
Michael Imperioli, “The Sopranos”
Terry O’Quinn, “Lost”
Katherine Heigl, “Grey’s Anatomy”
There is no other choice for me in this category but the talented Wilson. I’m going to be one McAngry blogger if she doesn’t win. She’s been the one constant on Grey’s since its debut.
Steve Carell is hysterical as Michael Scott. But the real reason he should take the gold: He has a proven track record at delivering entertaining award show acceptance speeches. His Golden Globe 2006 speech is legendary. He humorously claimed his wife wrote it. Let’s hope she fired up the computer this year.
BEST COMEDY ACTRESS
Ugly Betty, this had better be your night. Ferrera shines on a weekly basis as sweetheart Betty, so even if the show doesn’t win for best comedy, I’m hoping Ferrera will score the prize. The girl deserves it not just for her acting skills, but for having to wear that hideous wardrobe. What? Like you’d be caught dead in a red, “Guadalajaro” poncho.
Jeremy Piven, “Entourage”
Doogie is the man. Harris makes me laugh out loud every week as "legendary" Barney on How I Met Your Mother. He’s the best part of the show. I also wouldn’t mind Wilson scoring a win for Dwight Schrute. The guy his has own bobblehead, shouldn’t he have an Emmy?
BEST SUPPORTING COMEDY ACTRESS
This is like choosing my favorite chocolate. Williams is downright delicious as evil Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty. The show would have a huge void if she weren’t there plotting her evil plots. She’s a villain, but plays her with enough layers that we sometimes feel for her. I also wouldn’t mind to see Fischer win because we all know that Pam is the glue that holds The Office together. Pressly is also impressive as crazy Joy on Earl. No one does white trash better. It’s too hard to pick one choice here. If any of these three win, I’ll do a happy dance.
“American Idol”
You know I LOATHE reality TV, but I’m smitten with Dancing with the Stars. Any show that can get Billy Ray Cyrus and Ian Ziering on the dance floor without coming across as cheesy is a winner in my book. Plus, it inspired me to take ballroom classes, and now I can cha-cha like Jerry Springer.
No comment. Enough said.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tube News
Smallville fans, if you haven’t completed your DVD set of past seasons, now is your chance. Amazon is offering past seasons for an incredible price, $23.99. I knew I should have waited for the DVD discount, but what can I say? I don’t always think clearly when Clark Kent is involved.
Desperate Housewives is about to get more interesting. The gardener is returning. Yes, cutie-patootie Jesse Metcalfe is headed back to Wisteria Lane, according to TV Guide. Apparently, he wants Gaby back. Hmmm…. where does that leave Carlos and her new husband?
It’s no secret that Kristen Bell can sing. Anyone who caught her stint on Broadway or her karaoke session on Veronica Mars knows that Bell has a killer voice. Now, she apparently is forming a band with TV star Clark Duke. They’re calling the band Kung-Fu Professor, New York Magazine is reporting. Love it!
Kevin Smith fans, check out this interview with Smith about his new gig: directing the CW show Reaper. I just watched the pilot for Reaper and it’s great!
The ABC Family drama Lincoln Heights will premiere on Tuesday, September 4th at 8 p.m. ET. I don’t watch the show, but I know some of you do. So, enjoy.
Smallvile’s Allison Mack was voted TV Choice Sidekick at the Teen Choice Awards. Congrats, Allison. You’re our favorite sidekick, too.
Rosie O’Donnell will not be appearing on Friday Night Lights, TV Guide is reporting. O’Donnell was reported to be playing the role of a soccer coach, but apparently the gig didn’t work out.
Jason Alexander will join his fellow former Seinfeld co-star Julia Louis-Dreyfus on The New Adventures of Old Christine as a guest star. No date has been released.
Scott Baio is 45…and Single is a hit. The show is being renewed for next year, despite that Baio is no longer single. He’s engaged. The show ranked among the top 10 basic cable programs in its time slot, with an average of 1 million viewers in the key 18-49 demo, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Tube News
The news that Mandy Moore was set to guest star on How I Met Your Mother was barely cold, before the news broke that fellow songster Enrique Iglesias would be guest starring, too. Iglesias will be playing a love interest for Robin. Maybe he’ll be her “Hero?” I know. Bad joke.
Everyone knows if you’re not a woman on Wisteria Lane, your chances of getting out alive are slim. Rumors are swirling that a male cast member will get a toe tag this year on Desperate Housewives. I hope it’s Bree’s creepy husband who goes to that eternal slumber. Meanwhile, cutie Nathan Fillion has signed on for Desperate Housewives this season. I think I speak for all of us when I say, “Watch your back, dude.”
Reality TV fans, NBC has given the go ahead to new seasons of America’s Got Talent and Last Comic Standing. America’s Got Talent is the summer’s most watched program, with 12.1 million total viewers, proving once again that America May Have Talent, but not good taste, when it comes to television.
Former real-life spouses Rick Fox and Vanessa Williams will reteam on Ugly Betty this season. Fox is reportedly playing Williams’ onscreen bodyguard. Daniel Meade, take note.
One of my favorite TV journalists got married this summer: Kristin Veitch at E!Online. Veitch does the popular Watch With Kristin column. Congratulations to Kristin and Joao on their nuptials. You can check out the lovely bride’s photos at E!Online.
Remember Potsie Weber from Happy Days? His portrayer Anson Williams is now behind a line of skin care products coming soon to a CVS store near you. The line is called Starmaker and is currently used on the TV shows Grey’s Anatomy and Desperate Housewives. The products include Micropearl Resurfacing, Hollywood Hands, and Pearl Moisturizing, Anti Wrinkle Mist. Hmmm…if those products can make my skin look as good as the Desperate Housewives, I’m in.
