In today's column, I run through premiere dates for notable new and returning mid-season TV shows, plus return dates for all those fall shows like "Glee," "V" and the non-rhyming "FlashForward" that are taking very long mid-season breaks. As mentioned last week, I've liked a good deal of the new stuff I've seen, so what does and doesn't join the blogging rotation will be a question of time management, especially while I'm at press tour starting on Friday. Despite the use of the above photo(*), don't expect "24" to be back in the rotation. I gave the new season two and a half episodes to change my mind after I walked away early last season, and despite liking some of the new castmembers, I think that show and I are better off quits - particularly since what looks like it could be season eight's version of amnesia/cougar comes very early.
(*) Who doesn't like the image of Jack Bauer holding a gun in his hand? Other than suspected terrorists, I mean.
Does FOX want "Fringe" to fail? I've never seen a show take so many long, in-season hiatuses. What is their reasoning behind this? Also, I know you were able to, but I just can't quit Jack. I just can't. Bring it on in NYC Jack!
ReplyDeleteHow about the return of the Sarah Silverman Show? No love for that?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the list, Alan. Do you know anything about when Party Down is returning?
ReplyDeleteI can't quit Jack either. Front and center on Jan. 17.
ReplyDeleteFive shows I'm interested in are scheduled for Tuesdays at 10:00. Talk about a jam-up.
The return of Glee is too far away.
I haven't watched 24 in a couple seasons, but Katee Sackhoff may suck me in for at least a few episodes this season....
ReplyDeleteI would watch 24 again if Elisha Cuthbert sprained her ankle while being stalked by an amnesia-ridden Courtney Cox in the wild, maybe.
ReplyDeleteYeah...
ReplyDeleteParty Down ?
Entourage ?
Breaking Bad ?
Mad Men ?
Rescue Me ?
Greek ?
Good call on 24, Alan...it is what it is
Since I've blocked out almost everything about last season's 24 that *didn't* involve Jack, Tony and Bill in that awesome parking deck escape maneuver (because that was one of the greatest things I've ever seen on film, tv, real life, etc.), I'll be back. Me and 24 managed to get past the stupid of the cougar, the irritating of the unnecessary love interests and the awful of Day 6, so we're in it for the long haul.
ReplyDeleteGuys, if I didn't list a date for a show, it's because I don't have a date for that show yet.
ReplyDeleteI can't quit Jack either. Front and center on Jan. 17.
ReplyDeleteSame here. I know who I'm working for.
I guess I was asking about if you had a rough idea like in the spring, in the summer, not til fall about a few of those
ReplyDeleteAnd I'll be watching 24, just not proudly and with a whole lot of anticipation...hopefully, nobody breaks into any building in the middle of Manhattan by swimming under the island
At the very least, Mad Men and Rescue Me are traditionally summer shows. I think last Mad Men returned in August.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the ABC Family Website, Greek returns Jan 25 at 10PM.
I had at one time heard that season 8 might be the final season. Has that issue been decided yet?
ReplyDeleteAnd while I definitely enjoyed last season, it was obvious to me that they couldn't keep redoing this formula again and again forever, so I would be fine with it ending.
Thanks for the list. I wait with bated breath for dates for Breaking Bad and Justified-seriously.
ReplyDeletewhat is Justified?
ReplyDeleteAlan,
ReplyDeleteRegarding the two and a half eps you gave 24 to win you back: were you only provided with two and half episodes in advance, or did you decide you'd had enough halfway through episode three?
That's a serious question - there's a big difference between the two scenarios.
MDS, they sent out four. (No network would send half an episode, unless you count the days when CBS would send out a Survivor premiere with Tribal Council omitted.) I had my "Oh, yeah, that's why I don't watch anymore!" moment (two of them, really) sometime during the third episode.
ReplyDeleteFor those asking about Party Down, Fienberg over at HitFix listed its premiere as March 23. Sorry if that's stealing your thunder Alan. (I suspect not, since you guys are clearly BFF).
ReplyDeleteTwo and a half? Come on man even if the whole season is a dud 24 openers are always good. Funny thing is the chicks over at E! say it doesn't really suck you in till the end of hour 3. But there was no way you were putting 24 back into rotation anyway.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen an episode of 24 before but I will be watching this season solely for the awesome that is Katee Sackhoff, David Anders and Callum Keith Rennie. I'm pretty excited about it but probably not for the reasons any actual 24 fan is. Heh.
ReplyDeleteMike F-Justified is a new series that stars Timothy Olyphant as a modern 19th century Deputy U.S Marshal. There are clips and more information via search. I have high hopes for the series. It will debut on FX sometime in March. His (Olyphant) character is based on some of Elmore Leonard novels/short stories that includes his character, Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens.
ReplyDeleteI have high hopes and will see how I like the series. I'm also eager to hear what the critic's have to say (in depth). I'm not a huge Western fan but that did not stop me loving Deadwood, amongst a few others.
A compelling story is what really matters to me.
Sanctuary isn't notable?
ReplyDeleteAlan, do you know the episode length for Big Love this year? The only thing disappointing about last season was its shortened length (compared to the previous years).
ReplyDeletebig love has nine episodes. one less than last year. I will never give up on 24. I love it.
ReplyDeleteSECRET DIARY OF A CALL GIRL being a comedy would surprise the producers, ITV's Drama department.
ReplyDeleteHey, Alan, when does Dollhouse finish its run?
ReplyDeleteJan. 22, I believe. New episode this Friday.
ReplyDeleteSo Dollhouse passes away as Caprica arises? It's like some kind of universal geek equilibrium.
ReplyDelete