GMMR Randomness: PRISON BREAK

Some days are better than others. During my lunch break today I watched the first episode of the new season of PRISON BREAK, and let me tell you it’s sooo good!! I can’t wait for this show to come back later this month. I’m going to watch the second episode after work.

Before you ask, NO I can’t (a) put these episodes online or (b) tell you exactly what happens. I will however share a few teasers. Wentworth Miller, how I’ve missed you!

30 ROCK: Season 1 DVD Giveaway

Thursday night was a big TV night this past season.  Sadly there were a few shows that didn’t make it to my TiVo.  30 ROCK was one of them. I gave up on it after the first few episodes, and shame on me for doing so.  GMMR was lucky enough to have Brian recap the full season, and you all seemed to love to talk about it, but I really never felt part of it because I hadn’t watch the show.  But I’ve been catching up on it this summer and it’s pretty damn funny.

Yesterday, 30 ROCK: Season 1 was released on DVD and GMMR has two copies to giveaway.

30 ROCK: Season 1 is a three-disc set that is packed with exclusive bonus features including commentary by Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan and Jack McBrayer.  Hilarious deleted scenes, bloopers, behind-the-scenes featurettes and more make this a must have DVD.

Enter to Win:
If you are like me and you want to see the funny that people are talking about or you are already a fan of 30 ROCK and want to relive the season, enter to win a chance for your very own copy of Season 1 on DVD.  Just leave a comment below and share your favorite moment of this past season of 30 ROCK.  If you are a newbie, tell us if you plan on watching this season.

Two winners will be chosen an random from all the comments received.  Please be sure to provide a valid email address.  Winners will be announced next week.

What to Watch…Wednesday, September 5, 2007

In just over a month from now, this ‘what to watch’ list will look so different.  It will be filled by PUSHING DAISIES, PRIVATE PRACTICE, BIONIC WOMAN, DIRTY SEXY MONEY and so many others.  I think Wednesday might just be a scorching night for television come the Fall.  But we are still in the summer months, and I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts.

What’s on your ‘what to watch’ list tonight? 

Mythbusters
Conspiracy-theory myths about RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags in $20 bills and car tires; throwing bullets into a fire; identity theft.

Rescue Me
Tommy plays hero in someone else’s uniform, confusing the crew; Colleen finds a new reason to get upset with Tommy; Natalie asks Franco for a favor; a rift between Mike and Black Shawn nearly leads to blows.

Last Comic Standing
The final three stand-up comics square off in Week 3 of performances.

My K-VILLE Adventure in AdWeek

As I mentioned before, I’ve got my Fall preview coming up soon. One of the shows we’ll be talking about it K-VILLE. I have a ton of pics, interviews and vids from the premiere party. All in due time.

It seems that my little adventure was mentioned in AdWeek. Nothing too exciting, but hey it’s AdWeek and it’s something. Hopefully other networks will take notice and plan similar opportunities for bloggers.

To Tout ‘K-Ville,’ Fox Reaches Out to Blogs
AdWeek.com

Fox has enlisted the aid of several popular blogs to rope in viewers for its new drama series K-Ville.The show, which centers on two police officers trying to help put New Orleans back together after Hurricane Katrina, was recently pre-streamed on Fox.com as well as other sites such as AOL.com and MSN.com, nearly a month prior to its TV debut on Sept. 17.

Fox executives wrapped a new-media conference around the episode, inviting bloggers to meet with show producer and writer Jonathan Lisco. Attendees included: All Your TV.com, Give Me My Remote.com, TV.com, Blog Critics and MSN.

“Our consumers are everywhere on the Internet. We value the blog community’s contribution in its ability to talk directly to consumers,” said William Bradford, svp, content strategy at Fox.

In addition to luring viewers, the strategy was designed to reach audiences who consume a good amount of programming online and demonstrate its value-placement to the Internet as a serious distribution platform for content going forward.

Bradford added that Fox had not embraced the blogging community to this scope before. There are plans in the works for similar new-media conferences for other new shows as well as pre-existing programs. “This is a great way to reach out to consumers,” Bradford added.

Premiering Pilots Online – Help or Hurt?

In response to ABC announcing it won’t be premiering its most talked about new show PUSHING DAISIES online before it’s October 3rd premiere, Rae of Ramblings of a TV Whore explored the pros and cons an early online release of new shows.  (Read Rae’s take here)

In a recent trend, more and more networks have been premiering their Fall shows online in hopes of generating some positive buzz.  But TV is a ratings game, and if people watch the show online do the networks risk losing viewers on the important premiere night?

I’ve seen almost all the Fall pilots so far, some of them multiple times, so I can’t say that I’ll be rewatching all of them again on their actual premiere dates. I’m just one person so it doesn’t really make a difference, right?  Maybe, but what if you took a step back and counted all the people that have watched the new Fall shows online either through legal streams, like the Fox premiere of K-VILLE (which you can view in its entirety here) or most commonly, illegal downloads.  Don’t those numbers start to add up? Even if the buzz is good, is it worth risk to the ratings?

ABC marketing chief Michael Benson told the Associated Press that presenting the full episode online could cannibalize the ratings for the actual show.

“I have the same approach that Coca-Cola might have when they’re launching a product,” Benson said. “The idea is to get people to sample a product, then come in and buy more. You don’t give a six-pack; you give a sample and hope they’ll buy a six-pack if they like it.”

Is Mr. Benson forgetting the concept of “NEW Coke”? The early sampling of that product from its consumers could have prevented the corporate disaster that ensued.  And on the flip side, what if premiering the show early to fans can help boost its profile.  Think back to last year and how much early, positive buzz there was when NBC decided to release the first episode of STUDIO 60 through Netflix weeks before it’s premiere on the network. Despite it’s fall from glory, it was one of the most highly anticipated shows of the Fall season, and viewers turned in…well at least in the very beginning.

I know, I know, I’m arguing both sides of the coin here, but that’s because I really don’t know what the right answer is, or if one even exists. As fellow TV lovers I thought it would be interesting to hear your thoughts on the subject.  So do you think premiering pilots online helps or hurts a new show? Share your views in the comments.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Blog

It’s Week 2 of Ducky’s SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Video Death Match. By popular demand Danny & Lacey’s Samba was added to the mix, but good things are never free and now three routines will pay the price this week. If you’re a SYTYCD fan let your voice be heard! (Ducky Does TV)

Speaking of PUSHING DAISIES, the Editors of EW teamed up with ABC to give us all a taste of what’s to come when Ned finally allows us in to The Pie Hole (in context it’s not all that dirty). (The Pie Maker)

I’m sorry I didn’t get to a recap of Sunday’s BIG BROTHER. I was drunk. Ok, not drunkity drunk, but I had enough wine to put me to sleep before I watched the happening of the BB8 houseguests. But you’re in luck because I know some pretty responsible bloggers. (dingoRUE)

Ladies, we have a hot one on our hands. There’s no doubt in my mind that Zach Levi, the star of NBC’s new show CHUCK is going to be a huge hit with the ladies of GMMR. He’s the perfect blend of Seth Cohen and Jim Halpert…sigh! Levi seems nothing if not modest about his new show and career path. TV with MeeVee landed an exclusive with Levi last week that still has me swooning. (TV with MeeVee)

Looking for the latest and greatest news on HEROES? The TV Addict got to hang with a few of the genetically altered humans last week when the HEROES world tour stopped in Seattle. More about his adventures coming soon, but he’s already posted a few great pics. (The TV Addict) When you’re done, head over and check out some more sizzling hot HEROES pics at Just Jared. (Just Jared)

Season 3 of THE OFFICE and Season 1 of 30 ROCK were both released on DVD today. You have until tomorrow to enter to win THE OFFICE Season 3 on DVD. And check back tomorrow because I’m going to be giving away two copies of 30 ROCK. But first things first..if you aren’t lucky enough to win of the copies of THE OFFICE DVD that I’m giving away, then you’re going to want to know all about the various versions on sale in stores. Office Tally has got you covered. I might have to go out and buy another DVD because I want a Dundie! (Office Tally)

CBS’s new fall show KID NATION places 40 children, aged 8 to 15, in a “ghost town” in New Mexico to see if they can build a working society without the help of adults. The show has been feeling the heat from critics who think they children were in abusive and unsafe working conditions. I’ve kept pretty quiet about this because it’s one of the few Fall pilots I haven’t seen. Critics I trust who have seen it think that the premise is being harshly judged. IHT has a good synopsis of the issue to date and why CBS is battling the advertisers. (IHT)

Reunited and it feels so good. One of TV most beloved couples (feel the sarcasm), Darlene and David from ROSEANNE are being reunited this season when Sara Gilbert guests of THE BIG BANG THEORY along side her former on-screen husband Johnny Galecki (go Trouty, go Trouty). (Seriously? OMG! WTF?!)

Now this is a fun game! Head over to BuzzSugar and play “Who said it? David Brent or Michael Scott“. I am happy to report that I got them all correct. (BuzzSugar)

What to Watch…Tuesday, September 4, 2007

I hope you all had a nice long weekend. For GMMR readers going back to school, best of luck to you this week. Those of us living in the Boston area feel a physical swell in the city this weekend as students pour into all the local colleges (Harvard, MIT, BU, BC, Emerson…just to name a few and there are many others). It’s kind of crazy, actually.

Not a ton on in my personal TV world tonight. I’m trying to get my Fall preview stuff done so I think I’ll maybe limit myself to an house or so of TV. But I’m definitely going to be watching CONAN tonight as Tim Gunn is a guest – I love you Tim Gunn…make it work!! What are you watching tonight?

Big Brother
Tonight is the Power of Veto competition. Who will win? And will the winner use his/her power to save either Jameka or Jessica from the chopping block. If you’d like to know, head over to GMMR’s Big Brother 8 spoilers.

Damages
Eager to learn Gregory’s secrets before it’s too late, Patty pursues him—cautiously; an emboldened Frobisher tries to salvage his legacy with an unconventional strategy; and Lila reappears in David’s life.

Weeds
Peter’s DEA partner questions Nancy about his whereabouts; a builder (Matthew Modine) of “values-based” communities asks a zoning favor of the Agrestic city council; Shane helps Nancy with her résumé so that she can get a “real job.”

The Singing Bee
A karaoke-inspired competition in which contestants must finish the lyrics to popular songs once the band stops playing.

Talk Show Round Up…

The Late Show with David Letterman
Former President Bill Clinton, Patti Scialfa

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Dennis Miller, Capt. Ed Kiesel, Rodrigo y Gabriela

Jimmy Kimmel Live
Kirk Douglas, Terrell Owens, Gogol Bordello

Late Night with Conan O’Brien
David Duchovny, Tim Gunn, Kevin Brennan

Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
Jason Priestley, Sherri Shepherd, Chris “Kid” Reid

Last Call with Carson Daly
Bill Bellamy, Hellogoodbye

The Daily Show
Alan Weisman (R 8/21/07)

The Colbert Report
Michael Shermer (R 8/21/07)

MAD MEN Marathon on AMC Sunday

If you are like me and have been kicking yourself that you missed the boat on MAD MEN this summer then you’re in luck.  AMC will be showing the first seven episodes of MAD MEN starting today at 9AM.  One of the best reviewed shows of this summer, MAD MEN follows the life of New York City ad executives back in the 1960s.

I’ve heard nothing but good things abotu this show and I’m so excited to finally see what everyone is talking about.  My TiVo is set and I suggest you do the same.  If you plan on catching up on MAD MEN today or if you’re already a fan, let me know.

What to Watch…Saturday, September 1, 2007 – FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

NBC is airing three of the best episodes of FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS in a mini-marathon starting at 8/7c tonight. For those of you who aren’t yet convinced that FNL is the best drama on TV or for those of you who already know of the beauty and genius of this show, tune in tonight and enjoy.

And make sure you come back to GMMR next week because a little birdie has told me that we might have a few FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHT Season One DVDs to giveaway.

“Mud Bowl” @ 8/7c
With the state semifinals state looming, an unforeseen event leaves the town – and the game’s venue – in a state of flux. Jason mentors Matt and finds a future in coaching.

Tyra Collette: Just wish I could build a time machine and go back and shoot who ever it is that invented Algebra, that’s for sure.

Landry Clarke: Well, see, that’s kind of a Catch-22, though, because in order to invent that time machine you may need to use Algebra.

“Best Laid Plans” @ 9/8c
Coach considers the TMU job, Tim befriends his neighbors, and Landry grows closer to Tyra.

Tim: Hey, how about Matt Saracen sleeping with Coach’s daughter!

“State” @ 10/9c
With the state semifinals state looming, an unforeseen event leaves the town – and the game’s venue – in a state of flux. Jason mentors Matt and finds a future in coaching.

Eric Taylor: “A few will never give up on you. When you go back out on the field, those are the people I want in your minds. Those are the people I want in your hearts.”

 For all the best Friday Night Lights news please visit Friday Night Lights Insider.

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