With most of our beloved television shows wrapping up their respective seasons, our attention can now turn to the summer TV drought that is looming. (At least until Big Brother premieres. And yes, I’m dead serious about that. Love that show.) My plan? I’m going to dedicate a fair amount of time this summer to catch up on shows I have missed. And not just shows I have missed one or two or twelve episodes of, either. I’m going to start waaaaay at the beginning.
First on my hit list: Fringe. With Lost entering its final season (and it’s apparent replacement Flash Forward not due until fall), I need to look elsewhere for a sci-fi fix, preferably one that’s created by J.J. Abrams. Next: Chuck. I was slightly bemused by all the fan hoopla (and Subway tie-ins) to save the show from cancellation, and now that it is saved, I think it’s time to give it a shot. I watched the pilot back in the day, and enjoyed it, so I’m not sure why I haven’t kept up.
Finally, the Must List pick of this week: Friday Night Lights. The third season of NBC’s high school football drama hit DVD yesterday, which means I’ll be able to Netflix every season thus far and devour them in the span of one thoroughly unhealthy week or two. Why would I make a show I’ve never seen before my Must List pick, you ask? Because I already know it’s good. People I know who don’t even particularly like or watch much TV swear by it. I know once I watch, I’ll love it. Thus, the Must List pick.
Enough about me. I’m much more interested in YOU. What’s on your Must List this week? The new Denis Johnson novel? The Sherlock Holmes trailer? Jillian, the lovable Canuck on The Bachelorette? Speak up! Watch Dalton Ross and Jessica Shaw spar on the most recent Must List Live, then list your top three Must List picks in the comments below. Include your e-mail address, just in case we decide to use your submission in the magazine. The deadline is Thursday, May 14 at noon ET. Ready. Set. Go.
1. Deadliest Catch- It’s the blast ice cold salty air helps get me through the summer time rerun doldrums.
2. Paul Blart Mall Cop DVD – because it allows me to realize that there are movies I won’t watch…touche… maybe when it comes on HBO.
3. Green Day’s “21 Guns” performance on SNL; a performance worthy of sharing the night with Will Ferrell. Maybe there is still hope for SNL?
I’m so excited for the return of So You Think You Can Dance. After four seasons, it’s hard to imagine summer without Nigel’s crooked smile, Mary’s blood-curdling scream, and jaw-dropping dance stunts. Here’s hoping for another session of endearing hip-hoppers, inspiring contemporary dancers, and maybe even a smarmy Russian ball-roomer, just for good measure.
First of all I can’t believe you’ve missed out on two of the best shows on TV, Fringe and Chuck! They just keep getting better so stick with it and watch all episodes.
Now, my Must this week is definitely Glee. Quirky, but not too quirky, sweet but not too sweet, it definitely has me looking forward to the Fall season. I laughed, I cringed, I laughed some more and wound up teary-eyed by the end. Don’t stop believing, indeed.
I picked season 3 of FNL on DVD yesterday. Best show ever! I agree that Glee needs to be a Must List pick.
I went to Best Buy right after work & got “FNL” S3 DVD set…such a fan of the show. But it should be noted–the versions of the eps on this DVD set are the slighty-edited/shortened NBC versions NOT the longer DirecTV ones
Screw them for that and also–hey NBC, so I’m gonna have to wait until NEXT YEAR this time to be able to watch Season 4????
Simon Baker on The Mentalist- He’s given one of my favorite performances all year,in fact he’s so good he’s moving to Thursday nights now!
Chuck’s renewal- my favorite news from the upfronts has got to be that my beloved Nerd Herder is returning. See buying Subway sandwiches help you lose weight and save great tv!
Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix- Stream the whole album at their myspace now and get your summer soundtrack pumping.
You just made my day by including Chuck on your list. Love Fringe as well, but Chuck is so well worth it. Enjoy!!
My Must list includes three low rated but much loved shows with rapid fan bases (and I happily include myself in that category). Finally, networks look like they’re starting to “get” it.
Chuck – NBC
Better off Ted – ABC
Dollhouse – FOX
Good choices but my Must List this week definitely includes “The Guild” on DVD – great webseries from Felicia Day and the DVDs have exclusive extras!
I love FNL – it’s totally underrated. The Guild on DVD – happy to see more fans out there! I love The Guild!
Is it weird if I say “Don’t Stop Believing” by the kids on FOX’s Glee? Whatever happened to the audience midway through the program? I’m bummed they missed that last sequence. It was beyond musical perfection. It was the greatest mix of talent and emotional connection. In other words, you made it your own, dawg! (and those trumpets! ah!)
I’m just so pumped that you’re catching up on Chuck and FNL. Enjoy them!
My must list item hasn’t actually aired yet, but I’m so glad that So You Think You Can Dance is back! My favorite summer show.
Cannes is definately a must. Some anticipated (“Up!), highly discussed (“Inglourious Basterds”, “Antichrist”) movies premiere there. A lot of boos and woos. What more do we need?
C.D. Payne’s first part of his Nick Twisp anthology is made into a movie. “Youth in Revolt” was funny as a book and featuring Michael Cera in the lead and being directed by Miguel Arteta promises the same for the movie.
I enjoyed FNL the movie and the show is okay, but the movie is better in my opinion. http://www.datepetowners.com/
You are right, you’ll LOVE Friday Night Lights. It’s so real and so wonderful. If you are in NYC, go see Rock of Ages on Broadway. It’s fun 80s hair band rock love. And for music, pick up the self titled debut by Tinted Windows. Awesome catchy fun supergroup!