What to Watch…Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Get set TV lovers because tonight is a BIG BIG night for the old boob tube. There’s a bunch of new shows premiering tonight, some of which I’m sure we’ll be talking about tomorrow. So where to start? How about with my #1 pick for TV tonight (and a new personal fave) GOSSIP GIRL.

Gossip Girl | Series Premiere | 9pm on The CW
Privileged students at an exclusive Manhattan prep school keep up on local gossip from a secretive blogger. In the opener, campus It Girl Serena (Blake Lively) returns just as abruptly and mysteriously as she left one year ago.

Hopefully by now you’ve had a chance to read my fall preview for The CW’s GOSSIP GIRL and know just how jazzed I am for tonight’s premiere. You’re going to love it…or hate it – there will be no middle ground. As I’ve said before, leave all your moral judgments at the door and you will have a blast! GOSSIP GIRL is one of my top 5 picks for the new Fall season.

America’s Next Top Model | Season Premiere | 8pm on The CW
The ninth season begins with 33 new contestants embarking on a cruise to the Caribbean. The contestants then compete in a life-jacket runway walk and a photo shoot on the beach before the field gets narrowed down to 13.

Tyra is back and tonight we get to meet the ladies that are in the running to be America’s next top model. I enjoy this show but it’s never been appointment TV for me because it’s always conflicted with something else on my crowded TV schedule. But since this is a favorite of Ducky’s, then I think it’s worth me checking out if for no other reason we can talk about it on the podcast.

Back to You | Series Premiere | 8pm on Fox
A once-popular newscaster duo reunite in this sitcom.After flaming out in L.A., Chuck Darling (Kelsey Grammer) returns to Pittsburgh, where he greets the staff and resumes his love-hate relationship with co-anchor Kelly Carr.

Check out my take on this show in the BACK TO YOU Fall preview. Kelsey Grammar (Frasier) and Patrica Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) know all about creating successful TV, but can they do it again this time around? I think this show is enjoyable enough but I’m not sure it’s one that’s going to be taking up a lot of space here on GMMR but that’s really up to you. If you like the show be sure to let me know.

Kid Nation | Series Premiere | 8pm on CBS
Forty kids, ages 8-15, attempt to create an operating town in 40 days without the help of adults in a former New Mexico ghost town. In the opener, the kids arrive in Bonanza City and begin their task.

I don’t have much to say about this show. I didn’t even create a Fall preview for it. Why? CBS opted not to send out press screeners. Pre-show controversy usually works in favor of a show. People will tune in just to see what all the blather is about. But since the controversy is surrounding the treatment of children, people might stay away from the beginning out of principle. Controversy aside, what little I did hear about the show itself is positive and the premise does sound interesting. But as my friends can attest to, one of the things that creep me out most in this world are child actors. They’re like little demonic beings who look like children but act like adults (see Dakota Fannning)…ew!! I fear that Kid Nation will be filled with these little creatures – I may have nightmares.

Kitchen Nightmares | Series Premiere | 9pm on Fox
This reality series follows chef Gordon Ramsay’s attempts to turn around troubled restaurants. First up: Ramsay visits an Italian eatery in Babylon, N.Y., that’s being run into the ground by its brash manager and co-owner.

This is another one I haven’t seen but it’s getting pretty good buzz. If you’re already a fan of HELL’S KITCHEN then you’ll probably like this one. I’m not a fan of Chef Ramsay so I don’t think this one is for me. That, and I’m kind of squeemish and I don’t want to know just how truly disgusting some restaurant kitchens really are.

Come Rain or Come Shine: From Grey’s Anatomy to Private Practice | 9pm on ABC
In preparation for next Wednesday’s premiere of PRIVATE PRACTICE, we get a one night only special that chronicles the character of Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) as she moves from Seattle to L.A., and from “Grey’s Anatomy” to “Private Practice.”

Later today I’ll be posting my Fall preview of PRIVATE PRACTICE. I’ll give you this much – I may come to regret what I said about the Grey’s Anatomy/Private Practice crossover ep they showed last May. But is that a good thing or a bad thing? Wait and see.

Last Comic Standing | Season Finale | 9pm on NBC
The winning stand-up comic is revealed in the fifth-season finale, which features a special guest appearance by Dane Cooke and a gathering of the Top 10 finalists.

Which shows are you planning on watching tonight?