Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story | 8pm on Encore

Following a childhood tragedy, Dewey Cox rises to music stardom, falls victim to drug abuse, and finds the love of a good woman. John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, Raymond J. Barry, Kristen Wiig, Tim Meadows

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Top 20

Tonight the Top 20 dancers competing this season on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE will be announced. As the judges share the good news with the dancers, I’ll be sure to pass on the news to you. The comments are open so weigh in on the dancers who are cut and the ones moving on to the all important Top 20.

The judges aren’t wasting any time. The dancers are taking the stage to find out their fate.

The Top 10 Girls

1. Janette Manrara
2. Kayla Radomski
3. Paris Torres
4. Jeanine Mason
5. Karla Garcia
6. Caitlin Kinney
7. Melissa Sandvig
8. Ashley Valero
9. Randi Strong-Evans
10. Asuka Kondoh

The Top 10 Guys

1. Vitolio Jeune
2. Pono Aweau
3. Ade Obayomi
4. Jonathan Platero
5. Brandon Bryant
6. Tony Bellissimo
7. Maksim Kapitannikov
8. Jason Glover
9. Philip Chbeeb
10. Evan Kasprzak

There you have it. One of these dancers will be the next winner of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE.

A few notes on tonight’s show. First of all, I have to say that despite it being good television, I thought it was cruel that they final vote for the guys came down to brothers Ryan and Evan Kasprzak. They didn’t have to do that. So sad. Ryan is the man and I hope he goes on to do great things in his career. Maybe we’ll see him back next year. (And by next year I mean this Fall….Ryan better be trying out again this season. He’s so fresh in the judge’s minds that it would be ridiculous for him not to.)

In general I’m a little disappointed at the lack of screen time for so many of the Top 20 – especially the girls. Let’s hope they all look to Kris Allen and his IDOL win for a little inspiration – the judges might not have wanted to give them an extra boost, but it doesn’t mean we can count them out. They’ll just have to work a little bit harder to get our attention.

Next week the competition begins. The guys and the girls are paired up with the partners that they’ll hopefully be with for quite some time. Any dream pairings so far?

Rumor has it that Mia, Shane Sparks and Wade Robson are all going to be on the show next week. So glad to have Wade and Shane back this season in whatever capacity they return.

I can’t wait…until next week!!

Conan Really Loves The Super Mario Brothers

This is one of the coolest things I’ve seen in some time. Pop culture blog, Serious Lunch, posted photos of the backdrop on Conan O’Brien’s new Tonight Show set. It seems the set designer is a huge Super Mario Brothers fan.  Check out the similarities. This can’t possibly be a coincidence.

Conan not only moved to L.A., but apparently the Mushroom Kingdom as well.  How long until he saves the princess?

TCA Announces its 2009 Nominations

The Television Critics Association (TCA) announced today their 2009 nominees for the upcoming TCA Awards. The 25th annual TCA Awards honor the finest work of the 2008-09 season as selected by the association’s 200-plus member critics and journalists.

The TCA nominations are my favorite of all the TV awards because they truly honor the best of television. These nominations are sans the political nonsense and sometimes inside dealings associated with some of the larger awards including the Golden Globes and most notably the Emmys.

Good work gets recognized. It’s that simple. What a novel idea.

The full list of nominations are below. Some personal highlights include the recognition of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – two shows that have been traditionally overlooked come awards season. Although it seems odd to be that BSG would be nominated in “Program of the Year” and not “Outstanding Achievement in Drama”.

On the comedy side, kudos to the brilliant Jim Parsons who plays Sheldon Cooper on THE BIG BANG THEORY. Here’s to hoping Parsons sees his name on the ballot come Emmy season.

PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
“Battlestar Galactica” (SciFi)
“Lost” (ABC)
“Mad Men” (AMC)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
“The Shield” (FX)

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY
“30 Rock” (NBC)
“The Big Bang Theory” (CBS)
“The Daily Show” (Comedy Central)
“How I Met Your Mother” (CBS)
“The Office” (NBC)

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA
“Breaking Bad” (AMC)
“Friday Night Lights” (NBC)
“Lost” (ABC)
“Mad Men” (AMC)
“The Shield” (FX)

Read more

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE: Vegas Week

Vegas, baby, Vegas! The top dancers from all six cities have descended upon Vegas to work their asses off in an attempt to earn one of the Top 20 spots in this season of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. One of the dancers who took the stage tonight will be named America’s Favorite Dancer and the winner of Season 5 of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!

We’re going to see a lot of talent in tonight’s 2-hour broadcast so I’ll be sharing my thoughts on some of the dancers that I thought did a lot to stand out from the rest.

We’ve got a full crew at the judges table tonight. Nigel and Mary will be joined by Mia Michaels, Adam Shankman, Lil C and Debbie Allen. And before we get into tonight’s performances, I just wanted to send out big hugs to The Shankman. He’s having a rough week. Here’s to hoping he keeps on dancing and smiling!! We love The Shankman!

Tonight we’ll see the dancers take the stage for their solos. If they at least get one vote from the judges table they’re going to move on in the competition. Throughout the course of the week the dancers that move on will be grilled in all kinds of dance genres and techniques. Who will be goo enough to make it through?

Alex Wong really knows how to kick off a show. The dancer with Miami Ballet infuses martial art techniques into his Contemporary solo. And let me tell you, this guy was something to watch. Actually you couldn’t take your eyes off him. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen so much control in a dancer. He had Mia Michaels and Debbie Allen both speechless (and let me tell you, that’s something).

Almost a quarter of the dancers are sent home after failing to impress single judge during their solos. But for those who stayed, the hard part hadn’t even started.

Read more

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Thursday, June 4, 2009

Just when you were really starting to miss scripted TV…it’s back!  Tonight three summer series are kicking off. BURN NOTICE is already a favorite of many, but will new shows THE LISTENER and ROYAL PAINS be? Maybe.

Tonight’s highlight for me will be finding out who made the Top 20 on SYTYCD.  That and seeing NPH read a special Top 10 list on Letterman. Doogie!!

Which shows will YOU be checking out tonight?  Leave a comment here or send me a message via Twitter.

Jimmy Kimmel Live | 8pm on ABC
“Game Night”
Jimmy has a special prime time show leading into the NBA finals.  Tonight’s Jimmy welcomes guests Will Ferrell (“Land of the Lost”) and rapper Eminem.

The Listener | 9pm & 10pm on NBC | Series Premiere
“I’m and Adult”; “Emotional Rescue”
A telepathic paramedic uses his special skill to help others while also trying to uncover the truth about his past. In tonight’s episodes:Toby rescues a woman who has been in a car accident and uses his abilities to solve a kidnapping. | Toby tracks down an arsonist after saving a childhood friend from a burning building.

Burn Notice | 9pm on USA | Season Premiere
“Friends and Family”
Michael gets out of prison with help from an old friend, who wants Michael to extradite a thug who is displacing landowners in Latin America.

So You Think You Can Dance | 9pm on Fox
During the final day of Vegas week, the judges see the dancers perform one last solo routine before deciding who will be in the Top 20 of this year’s competition.  One by one the dancers will take the stage and find out just who will be competition in Season 5 of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE.

Royal Pains | 10pm on USA
“Pilot”
When he loses his job fighting for a patient’s life, Dr. Hank Lawson escapes to the Hamptons with his brother and inadvertently becomes the area’s newest on-call doctor. (Note: the episode runs from 10pm until 11:17pm.  Set your DVRs accordingly)

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Elvis Costello, a Top Ten List presented by Neil Patrick Harris
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Gwyneth Paltrow, Joel McHale, John Mayer Trio
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Elizabeth Perkins, Mark Burnett, Bernie Williams
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Thomas Haden Church, Ed Helms, 311
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Jessica Biel, Rachel Dratch, Jason Sudeikis, Doves
• Chelsea Lately: Candy Spelling, Jason Kennedy, Sarah Colonna, Josh Wolf
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Jesse James, Dwayne Perkins

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NJ Recap: Black, White & Read All Over

The battle lines are being drawn and the ladies are picking teams. In one corner we have Danielle and Jacqueline and in the other corner we have Dina, Caroline and recent addition – Teresa.

Teresa started to make the switch to the other team after Danielle insulted her husband Joe at a dancing lesson. She was officially swayed when the Manzo sisters (Dina and Caroline) shared their discovery of Danielle’s criminal history. Chronicled in the book “Cop without a Badge,” Danielle was charged with extortion, kidnapping and drug possession. I checked a major online book retailer and found you can purchase a copy…for $189! No wonder sensible Caroline checked it out of the library.

This leads Danielle on a scramble to gain allies. She claims she was “arrested for being a victim of circumstance” and was in the “wrong place, wrong time,” twenty-four years ago. First cohorts she stakes her claim on are her daughters (easy targets). Next she moves on to Jacqueline (until the Manzo clan can threaten her) and lastly her friend, Tommy (who is probably in it for his 15 minutes of fame). Not the strongest team.

Teresa moves into her new massive “French Chateau.” Her husband shells out a wad of cash to cover the cost of the furniture. This is not the first time this season this family has covered a large expense in hundred dollar bills. Too bad all the cash in the world can’t cover the fashion blunder Teresa made this week with that Kangol hat.

Other minor events included…the kids (again). Dina’s daughter Lexi travels to Cyprus for two weeks. Teresa’s little diva Gia gets work on Gossip Girl. And Jacqueline and her husband get positive results from her fertility doctor. She’s not pregnant (yet) but her chromosome and genetic tests came back fine.

At one point, Dina suggests a boxing match to settle the dispute. She lectures Jacqueline to “Stay true to what you feel about each person who enters your life, keep them close and understand who your enemies are.” Put on the gloves, because them sounds like fighting words to me.

Always drama with the housewives.  The comments are open to discuss this latest round of craziness.

MENTAL: A Beautiful Delusion

Did you guys watch MENTAL on Fox last night?  Are you digging it yet? I so wanted to like this new episode. But I’m not in love yet.  I find that so far, what the show lacks is subtlety. The dialogue and characterizations are so forced, it’s uncomfortable to watch sometimes. So that’s where I’m at – “like”, not “love”. What about you?

A little about the plot. A woman perceives herself to be pregnant and shows all of the physical and psychosomatic symptoms, except for one, an actual baby. Her husband arrives and they find he is just as deep into the delusion as she is, if not more. But no matter how hard you try you can’t create a baby by wishing it. There’s a lot more to it than that. Birds, bees and storks are all involved.

One thing that’s working for the show is Chris Vance as Dr. Jack Gallagher. He’s not too reactionary – a wait and see type of guy, and I like that.  This character is really one of the strengths of the show.

A few thoughts on the supporting cast:

• Veronica: Yuck! I did not care for that affair storyline one bit. I did like her interaction with the patients.

• Chloe and Arturo: Zero subtlety there. Which is unfortunate, because what could have been good characters are so far just caricatures.

• Carl: It was even worse! His ‘threats’ to Nora were hollow. Or maybe they want him to be a completely shallow person. If so…success!

• Nora: A little better this week for me. I like her interactions with Jack.

What worked for me…

• Veronica’s husband. He seemed like an actual good guy. Played by Rob Boltin (and, hey, five points to the first person who can tell us which episode of BONES he played ‘Jason’ in!). And the way Veronica reacted in the truck toward him at the end of the episode made me feel sorry for him.

Read more

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Happy Tuesday my fellow TV luvahs! Are you missing your regular TV shows as much as I am? Geesh, can’t we just skip over the summer and get to September already?! (Hold that thought…I think I might need to think that one through again).

I might be missing some of my shows, but that doesn’t mean we have some gems to choose from tonight.  My DVR is set and ready to go.

Here are a few highlights from tonight’s TV lineup.  If I missed anything leave me a comment or tweet me at twitter.com/gmmr.

Wipeout | 8pm on ABC
Contestants face obstacles such as Plank in the Face, Fender Bender, Aqua Launch and the Raging Rapids in their quest to become Wipeout Champion. [GMMR: If you haven’t seen WIPEOUT before, definitely give it a shot tonight…that is if you like to laugh.]

So You Think You Can Dance | 8pm on Fox
Believe it or not we’re already in Vegas. The best dancers from each of the audition towns will be descending upon Las Vegas in an attempt to impress the judges and dance their way into this season’s Top 20. [GMMR: Sorry guys, but I won’t be home for a SYTYCD live chat tonight. It’s going to be sad watching all by my lonesome.]

The Goode Family | 9pm on ABC
“Pleatherheads” / “Goodes Gone Wild”
Helen and Gerald have a hard time adjusting when Ubuntu becomes a high school football star; Bliss tries to improve her college prospects; Helen tries to win Charlie’s approval; Che helps Gerald with the college’s squirrel problem. [GMMR: Yikes, this is some bad TV.  Sorry, but the Goodes aren’t doing it for me.]

Inside the Obama White House, Part II | 9pm on NBC
Part II: Brian Williams will take viewers “Inside the Obama White House,” for an exclusive, wide-ranging look at what happens throughout the White House and the West Wing during a day in the life of the Obama administration. [GMMR: I watched Part I last night and I found it absolutely fascinating. I think no matter your political affiliation you can’t help but to be intrigued at the daily happenings of the White House.  I’m really looking forward to watching the conclusion tonight. Did anyone else watch?]

The Unusuals | 10pm on ABC
“The Dentist”
Alvarez is put in charge while Sgt. Brown is away; Banks decides to stay in his apartment until his birthday.

Law & Order | 10pm on NBC | Season Finale
“The Drowned and the Saved”
The murder of a charity executive exposes allegations of stalking and blackmail as Lupo and Bernard seek leads from the victim’s secretary, her ex-boyfriend and a politician’s wife in the 19th-season finale.

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Jessica Biel, Zach Galifianakis, Steve Earle
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bradley Cooper, Sheryl Crow
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Jeffrey Tambor, Gabrielle Anwar
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Heather Graham, Lance Krall, Katie Melua
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Danny McBride, Sean Riley, Dave Matthews Band
• Chelsea Lately: Peter Facinelli, Whitney Cummings, Randy Sklar, Jason Sklar
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Jo Koy, Lissy Trullie

What will YOU be watching tonight? Anything other shows you want to let people know about?

Law & Order | 10pm on NBC

The murder of a charity executive exposes allegations of stalking and blackmail as Lupo and Bernard seek leads from the victim’s secretary, her ex-boyfriend and a politician’s wife in the 19th-season finale.

Jon Minus Kate Plus 7 = Heaven!

I know I shouldn’t be watching JON & KATE PLUS 8. I’m contributing to the downfall of their family. If we weren’t watching then maybe the cameras would go away and those kids would grow up in peace. But alas, I’m hooked.

Last night’s episode was a little less awkward and painful than last week’s premiere. But only a little. Jon and Kate actually shared the “love seat” (which will from now on be known as the “loveless seat”) for some talking heads, but with Mady strategically situated in between them throughout both episodes. But the talking heads were the only screen time Mommy and Daddy shared last night. During actually footage of the family, the two were far apart. Jon let us know what the situation really was: “This season, sometimes you’ll see Kate and I interview separately. Sometimes you’ll see us interview together on the chair,” Jon explained in a voiceover. “It depends how things are going. We have busy schedules.” Yes, that’s what’s keeping them apart…their busy schedules.

Just a reminder for those who were watching and were surprised to see Jon & Kate sharing screentime – remember that the events of last night’s episode took place almost two months before last week’s tension-filled premiere.  Last week we saw where they are now.  Last night we got a glimpse as to where they were at the end of March. A lot of nasty happened in between that time.

In the first of two new episodes last night, Kate and the kids visited Charm City Cakes (aka “Aces of Cakes”) for a special birthday surprise for Kate. Jon was away skiing (again) in Utah. The double shot of missing his wife’s birthday and taking a vacation while leaving his wife home with the 8 kids meant TLC had to do a little PR work on Daddy Gosselin. Luckily there were some disabled kids on the mountain that Jon could ski with. Whew, that was close. Jon was thisclose to being portrayed as a neglectful and apathetic father.

Read more

Conan O’Brien’s Historical Debut: This isn’t Your Grandma’s Tonight Show

Navigating the waters of late night television is a monumental task. The iconic performers who have sustained us through countless evenings hover in rarified air. Johnny Carson, David Letterman, and Jay Leno are not simply recognizable names. They are elite brands with millions of loyal customers. Considering how difficult it is for parents to settle their newborn babies to sleep, it is fitting that the audience is cautious when it comes to choosing the last voice we want to hear before we fade into tomorrow.

Conan O’ Brien took control of The Tonight Show last night, entrusted with the most valuable real estate that follows your late local news. Far from his lofty perch at 30 Rockefeller Center, O’ Brien tiptoed onto his brand new stage at Universal Studios attempting to succeed where many have stumbled. Is Conan’s face destined for a place on the Mount Rushmore of Late Night Hosts, or will his Tonight Show fall victim to the pratfalls that sunk familiar faces like Chevy Chase, Magic Johnson, and Pat Sajak?

Read more

Earth 2100 | 9pm on ABC

Scientists predict that without action, population growth, climate change and resource depletion over the next 100 years could result in catastrophe.

Inside the Obama White House | 9pm on NBC

Brian Williams will take viewers “Inside the Obama White House,” for an exclusive, wide-ranging look at what happens throughout the White House and the West Wing during a day in the life of the Obama administration.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Wowza! Tonight’s TV lineup is bleak. When ACCORDING TO JIM is one of the few shows with new episodes you know it’s got to be June.  So sad.

How about we skip right over the barren prime time schedule and go right into late night? Here’s just a few of the guests hanging on the late night couches tonight:

• John Krasinski on ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’
• Tom Hanks and Green Day will be on ‘The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien’
• Denis Leary will be chatting with Craig Ferguson on ‘The Late Late Show’
• Steve Martin, Paul Simon & Vanessa Williams will be in NYC with Jimmy Fallon
• Danny McBride & Nia Vardalos will be talking with Jimmy Kimmel

Seems late night is the place to be.

But alas, there are still a few prime time shows to check out.  Here are a few of them…

According to Jim | 8 & 8:30pm on ABC
Ep: 1: Jim is haunted by a ghost when he buys Cheryl a diamond necklace that was taken off a dead woman. Ep. 2: Jim must stand trial in heaven after he chokes on a shrimp puff. [GMMR: Can I please share with you the title of tonight’s first episode? It’s “Diamonds are a Ghoul’s Best Friend” – I kid you not.]

Earth 2100 | 9pm on ABC
Scientists predict that without action, population growth, climate change and resource depletion over the next 100 years could result in catastrophe. [GMMR: Just in case you weren’t worried enough with the economy and planes disappearing over the ocean. Watch tonight’s uplifting program about how you are killing your future children and their children.  Good times. Cheers!]

Inside the Obama White House | 9pm on NBC
Brian Williams will take viewers “Inside the Obama White House,” for an exclusive, wide-ranging look at what happens throughout the White House and the West Wing during a day in the life of the Obama administration. There will be more than a dozen crews and cameras strategically placed throughout the White House, capturing nearly ever aspect of the day. This unique documentation will consist of behind-the-scenes footage, as well as interviews with key administration players and those who make the West Wing work. [GMMR:I think this is going to be very interesting. It’s like “The West Wing” reality show.  Perhaps the we’ll see the real life Josh Lyman and the real life Matt Santos having a quick hallway chat full of intelligent but funny banter.  Someone keep an eye on “backpack”]

Mental | 9pm on FOX
“A Beautiful Delusion”
Jack and Veronica are called to treat a woman (Nicholle Tom) who believes she is pregnant, but the ultrasound reveals there is no baby; Jack searches for his mentally ill sister, who is homeless and wandering the streets of the city. [GMMR: Can you please raise your hand if you’re going to be watching tonight? I’m trying to get a sense as to whether or not we should be following the show on GMMR.]

Just Because…

Selfishly I’m highlighting two episode of THE OFFICE tonight.

If you’ve never seen the pilot, it’s on at 10pm tonight on TBS.  And to this day, my very favorite episode, “Diversity Day“, is airing right after at 10:30pm.  So excited to see both these episodes again. It’s going to be a hoot to see how different everyone looked. And let’s not forget Pam falling asleep on Jim’s shoulder. Ah, young love.  How far they’ve come. Can’t wait!

What will YOU be watching tonight?

Follow the latest TV news. Follow me on Twitter.

« Previous Page — Next Page »