I’ve greatly pared down what I’d originally been planning to check out when the new TV season starts this fall. (Although if the actors strike at the end of the month, we might have a repeat of last season. Joy and joyness.)
I usually start out with something like 21 or 22 shows, but that quickly changes as I check out the new stuff and am underwhelmed, or if said new stuff gets canceled, etc.
This season I’m planning on watching only two of the new dramatic offerings, and one of those doesn’t premiere until mid-season. I’ve axed Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl, American Idol and Heroes, as well as most of the criminal procedurals I used to watch. The great thing about procedurals, especially the Bruckheimer series, is that they do very well for their respective networks and are always re-running during hiatuses and over the summer, so I can catch up then if I feel the urge. (Regarding the procedurals: it’s purely from a scheduling standpoint and not a content issue.)
The Grey’s writing was awful this past season, and I hate some of the storyline directions they’ve adopted, so that was easy enough. Same with GG. Heroes — well, if it returns to its Season 1 awesomeness, I can catch up on DVD. But I’m not really that optimistic, especially since I still can’t stand its supposed hero, Peter Petrelli, and Claire’s annoyance factor increased exponentially last season, too.
Plus I plan to start watching The FOX Report, Just in with Laura Ingraham and The O’Reilly Factor during the week, and Hannity’s America on Sunday evenings. I consider myself pretty well-informed, but I’d like to be more consistent.
With those three additions, I’ve got a total of 20 shows on my plate, which includes mid-season replacements and stuff like new seasons of Jon and Kate + 8 and Top Chef. It’s still a lot, but hey, that’s what TiVo’s for.
What I’m keeping/checking out: Chuck; The Sarah Connor Chronicles; Medium; Dollhouse; 24; House; Fringe; Pushing Daisies; Criminal Minds; Bones; The Office; Cold Case; Lost; Scrubs; Just In with Laura Ingraham; The FOX Report; The O’Reilly Factor; Hannity’s America; Top Chef; Jon and Kate + 8.
Scheduling aside, the main reason for the change is that I don’t want to watch anything I’d be embarrassed to tell my pastor, my parents, or my nieces and nephews that I watch.
And I believe every show listed above meets that criteria.
