Thank you, ABC, for I Survived a Japanese Game Show | May 15, 2008
We could never have a show like this in the U.S., right?
Yeah, that's what I thought until ABC totally made my day with this crazy press release about the craziest show ever, I Survived a Japanese Game Show:
May 15, 2008
“I SURVIVED A JAPANESE GAME SHOW” HAS BEGUN SHOOTING FOR A HYSTERICAL PREMIERE, JUNE 24 ON ABC
“I Survived a Japanese Game Show” has begun shooting in Japan and will premiere TUESDAY, JUNE 24 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC. This unscripted reality/game show takes an eye-opening, behind-the-scenes look at 10 Americans – many of whom have never traveled outside the United States -- who are whisked away to Japan and compete in the ultimate Japanese game show… with hilarious results. The final winner will take home $250,000.
Guiding the American players through their stay in Japan will be host/interpreter Tony Sano (“Touch Wood,” “Beating Vegas”), an American actor fluent in Japanese; a house mother and resident pot-stirrer, Mamasan; and the witty game show host Rome Kanda (“Pink Panther,” “Saturday Night Live”), who leads the contestants through all of the zany challenges.
Some of the games/challenges will include:
WHY IS THIS FOOD SO HARD TO EAT? -- Why? Because the food is attached to the head of a teammate who must run in place on a fast-moving treadmill, while the first teammate leans over a platform and tries to eat from the moving dish.
CRAZY CRANE FINDS FLUFFY BEAR -- This takes the American arcade game to the next level, as blindfolded teammates must operate a moving crane while another teammate precariously dangles trying to collect as many stuffed animals as he/she can.
CHICKEN BUTT SCRAMBLE -- The contestants create their own version of Japanese scrambled eggs as they attempt to smash goo-filled oversized eggs with only their butts… while wearing chicken suits.
The executive producers are Arthur Smith and Kent Weed (A. Smith & Co., “Kitchen Nightmares,” “Hell’s Kitchen”), David Sidebotham, Karsten Bartholin and Tim Crescenti, from a concept by Babyfoot APS Denmark.
OK, seriously? Those games sound so ridiculously delightful and hilarious. Is it wrong that I sort of can't wait for this? Can you?
Posted by deann in New shows| News | permalink | Comments (1)
Oregonians on American Gladiators | December 27, 2007
There are two Oregonians on the new American Gladiators on NBC, and I blogged about it.
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Reviews: Moonlight, Life, Bionic Woman | October 04, 2007
I've written mini reviews of the three shows I watched last night (and I didn't say they were actually shows that aired last night because I'm behind). Read and enjoy!
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Veronica Mars and more | June 14, 2007
So, I posted about the latest news on Veronica Mars, Boston Legal, Hidden Palms, Posh Spice's reality (show?) and Isaiah Washington. You'll have to go read all about it.
Posted by deann in Love| New shows| Ratings/Scheduling| News | permalink | Comments (1)
I watch bad TV so you don't have to (and to make you laugh) | June 01, 2007
I watched BOTH Hidden Palms and Pirate Master, I'm a little ashamed to admit. And I blogged about them both. Enjoy!
You really should read about both of these, because otherwise watching them really was a waste of my time. The only solace I can take in these horrid shows is that you all might find some humor in my retellings. And then, please, please, tell me if you watched (don't be ashamed!) and if you actually liked them. I'll try not to judge!
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Same old, same old | May 21, 2007
So, did you hear, the Upfronts were last week? I'm sure you couldn't have missed it. Best overall coverage is still available at TV Guide.com. But my colleague over at my other blog wrote a great piece on how it's another year, but it's the same batch of tired TV formulas. Mostly true.
But, I'm not here to judge ... yet. For now, I just want to help you find everything you're looking to find out. So, with that said, I present my magnificent Guide to the Upfronts (or the very, very preliminary fall TV schedule):
Continue reading "Same old, same old"
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Still not sure? | March 15, 2007
So, you all know by now that I've been singing the praises of Showtime for ages -- since I fell in love with Queer as Folk before it got kind of bad in its mid- to late seasons -- and now it's really reached a high point with the upcoming shows This American Life and The Tudors, in addition to Dexter, Brotherhood and Weeds. HBO's programming lineup isn't holding a candle to Showtime's right now, so if you have to choose, it's no contest.
But if I still haven't convinced you, I have one last ploy. I am going to tell you how to watch the first two episodes of The Tudors online for free (and, unlike many of the free TV offerings online these days, it's high-quality and seems to be glitch-free). So, just go here, click on the episode you want and type the password: king. (This is an offer for DirecTV Showtime subscribers, so feel very privileged that I'm sharing it with all of you. Go watch now! You know it's the only way to get me to shut up about Showtime.)
Note: This is TV MA, which is similar to a movie that's rated R, so you might not want to watch at work or with your kids. They didn't edit it for online broadcast, because it's password-protected.
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Coming to your TV (if you act NOW)! | March 08, 2007
In the spirit of Isabel seeing the live taping of This American Life last night, I am going to implore all of you to get Showtime as soon as you can. You know that This American Life is, like, the best show in the history of radio, right? And that Showtime has begged Ira & Co. for years to let it become a TV show, and they finally acquiesced.
Well, do you also know that the wonderful new show starts in TWO WEEKS (March 22)? And that if you miss an episode, you will be missing out on one of the coolest things to happen to TV in a very long time. (I'm not sure if it will be available on iTunes; some Showtime shows are and the This American Life podcast is, so my hopes are high.)
Do you need more convincing? Well, sign up here for a $25 rebate and other special offers.
Still not enough? Here are three trailers:
The bonus, of course, is that you'd also get to watch Weeds, Brotherhood, Dexter, and new series The Tudors. Remember, I've told you Showtime is the new HBO, and I will repeat my plea that if you get just one premium, from here on out, it should be Showtime.
Posted by deann in Love| New shows | permalink | Comments (4)
Parker Posey's new partner | March 06, 2007
I don't know how many of you have been following Amy Sherman-Palladino's (Gilmore Girls creator, for those who don't know) upcoming show (or at least pilot), The Return of Jezebel James. Well, Parker Posey is the star, which was exciting enough. And now this latest casting news: Lauren Ambrose (aka Claire on Six Feet Under) will play her sister.
I haven't been this excited about a new show in ... well, let's just say a VERY long time. I can't even remember when.
More casting news on lots of shows from TV Guide.
Posted by deann in Love| New shows| News | permalink | Comments (5)
We (and by we I mean ABC) have hit a new low | March 05, 2007
No, seriously, a new low. Lower than anything that's come before: ABC has greenlighted a sitcom pilot based on those Geico Neanderthals. Every TV writer in the world will be scrambling to get their hands on this one.
And all of the people (read: ME) who have been trying to get people to take TV seriously just let out a collective, blood-curdling scream.
Posted by deann in New shows| News | permalink | Comments (2)
Preachin... | December 13, 2006
I guess it's time I finally took my friend Jake's advice and read the Preacher comic book series, since it will be coming to HBO. But, the powers behind it aren't people to get too worked up about, according to the TV Guide podcast folks.
But I'll read the comic books, and then I can bet I won't be able to contain my excitement anyway.
Anyone else a fan of Preacher? And, if so, are you excited or worried about the series?
Posted by deann in New shows| News | permalink | Comments (1)
Nothing to get excited about | November 14, 2006
So, yes, it's midseason, and none of our new offerings are all that great. I can tell you that much. But, because I'm lazy, I'll let other critics tell you HOW not great:
Tim Goodman on 3 LBS: Nothing new.
Maureen Ryan on Day Break: It's a little late to the party.
Tara Ariano (back in the fall) on Big Day: The best thing about it is Wendie Malick's jewelry. Ouch!
There could be hope, though: I'm looking forward to NBC's The Singles Table, probably mostly because I miss Miss Match.
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One more | November 13, 2006
Consider this an addition to yesterday's newsy post:
Despite troubled ratings, Friday Night Lights got a full-season pickup. Thanks to NBC for having faith in this fine show. I couldn't be happier.
Posted by deann in Love| New shows| Ratings/Scheduling | permalink | Comments (3)
Help Slate.com save Friday Night Lights | October 12, 2006
I'm always begging for you to save a good show. This time I'll let someone else do the begging for me: Slate.com's Troy Patterson, to be exact. He loved the show and wants you to love it, too. Won't you?
He says:
Your correspondent finds himself at full grovel, crawling toward Nielsen households, begging that they flip on Friday Night Lights (NBC, Tuesdays, 8 p.m. ET). The show is terrific—the most engrossing new drama of the fall season—but it's also the worst-rated, and that's just not fair.
He also, weirdly but somehow fittingly, compares the series to Moby-Dick. And it's not too late to catch up. I promise. If you feel like you need a refresher first, though, feel free to read TWoP's recaps of the first two episodes.
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Schedule changes | October 10, 2006
Thank you, Matt Roush, for doing what I have been too lazy to get around to. If you are wondering where your favorite show has moved to, TV Guide's Roush tracks all of the schedule changes here.
In related news, CBS's early cancellation of Smith might mean they air their new medical drama 3 Lbs sooner than expected. Really, we need more medical shows, don't we? That's exactly what I was thinking.
Speaking of medical shows, though, Scrubs season 4 is on DVD today. Buy it.
Posted by deann in TV on DVD| New shows| Ratings/Scheduling| News | permalink | Comments (1)
How was Heroes? | September 26, 2006
So, do you agree with me that Studio 60 and Heroes will/should own Monday nights? I can't wait to see what's coming next week on Heroes, either. What an awesome twist there at the end. And we haven't even met all of the major characters/heroes yet.
NBC has made some very good decisions this year, don't you think? With these and 30 Rock, I think it might be their best new season in a long time.
So, what are your thoughts on Heroes?
Posted by deann in Love| New shows | permalink | Comments (16)
Fall Fashion Week for your TiVo | September 17, 2006
How did I ever live in a world without TiVo? I can't even imagine living with only one, or with two that aren't dual tuners. I am spoiled, and insane.
But you benefit, because you get to read my TiVos list -- or, as I like to think of it, my guide to what YOUR TiVo(s) should be wearing this fall -- listed by time slot (so that you'll understand why some things are in TiVo 1, which is in my living room, and why some are in TiVo 2, in the bedroom). I will link the new shows to their respective home pages and I'll bold those that should be watched by all of you if you want to be my friend. I might be kidding. My point is, those are the shows I recommend most highly.
Anyway, here you go. A complete list of what I'll be watching, at least to start the season:
Continue reading "Fall Fashion Week for your TiVo"
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Vanished | August 21, 2006
Yes, I know I wrote an entire column about it, but in case you don't read my column, I'll try to convince you to watch the first show to premiere this fall using something much more capable than my writing: pictures.
I like this cast picture best, because it has a mysterious air to it:
But, as many of you know, my love for Gale knows no bounds so I'll post this cheesy promo picture of him in a weirdly orange-lit hall. Anyway, he's still beautiful.
Oh, yeah, and the show is pretty good, too. Nothing else is on anyway, so watch it. Tonight!!
Posted by deann in Love| New shows | permalink | Comments (7)
Tucker Carlson vs. Jerry Springer | August 15, 2006
I know it sounds like something off of bad cable TV, but really, it's the new season of Dancing with the Stars. I, for one, will be rooting for Harry Hamlin, especially if Lisa's there to cheer him on! Who do you like?
The full list (from ABC) of dancers:
TUCKER CARLSON – MSNBC news anchor -- and often controversial -- conservative political TV pundit and columnist. He will be partnered with professional dancer Elena Grinenko, who makes her series debut this season.
MONIQUE COLEMAN – Actress and teen idol from Disney Channel's smash hit High School Musical. She will be partnered with professional dancer Louis Van Amstel, who returns for his third season. Van Amstel danced with Lisa Rinna and Trista Sutter in previous seasons.
SARA EVANS – Country Music Award-winning and top-selling singing sensation. Sara will dance with Tony Dovolani, who partnered with Stacy Keibler in the second season.
WILLA FORD – Singing sensation and self-professed "bad girl of pop." Professional dancer Maxsim Chmerkovskiy, who teamed up with Tia Carrere last season, will be her professional dance partner.
VIVICA A. FOX – Stunning film and television actress/producer who has starred in several major blockbusters including Kill Bill and Independence Day. She will be partnered with professional dancer Nick Kosovich, who returns for his second season. He was previously paired with Tatum O'Neal.
HARRY HAMLIN – Film and TV star of the hit, award-winning drama series L.A. Law and husband of Dancing with the Stars alumna Lisa Rinna. Professional dancer Ashly Delgrosso returns to the series for her third season. She was previously paired with Master P and Joey McIntyre.
JOE LAWRENCE – Actor and former teen heartthrob. Professional dancer Edyta Sliwinska, who returns for her third season, will be his partner. She previously partnered with George Hamilton and Evander Holyfield.
MARIO LOPEZ – Actor and TV host. He will be partnered with professional dancer Karina Smirnoff, who makes her series debut.
SHANNA MOAKLER – National beauty queen, actress, model and reality television star. Professional dancer Jesse DeSoto joins the cast for the first time this season as her partner.
EMMITT SMITH – An NFL legend and three-time Super Bowl champion who holds the world's all-time leading rushing record and is considered one of the greatest football players to ever play the game. He will be partnered with Dancing with the Stars season two professional dance champion, Cheryl Burke.
JERRY SPRINGER – Notorious TV talk show host of The Jerry Springer Show, talk radio broadcaster and politician. He will be partnered with Australian beauty, professional dancer Kym Johnson, who makes her series debut this season. Kym was the champion of the Australian Dancing with the Stars.
Posted by deann in New shows | permalink | Comments (6)
Nobody's reading | August 07, 2006
So, I suggested in a recent column that everyone go to YouTube and search for "Nobody's Watching" to watch the pilot the WB canceled that has been resurrected due to YouTube success.
Apparently, certain people didn't read that colum. Well, if you didn't, here's what I wrote (in my "tune in" what-to-watch section):
If you don't feel like searching, you can catch the first third of the episode here, the second third here, and the final third here. Enjoy!Nobody's Watching
www.youtube.com (search for "Nobody's Watching"): This 2005 pilot from "Scrubs" creator Bill Lawrence was passed over by the WB. Thanks to some 600,000-plus downloads on YouTube.com, NBC has picked up the pilot to premiere later this year on the network. The pilot, however, is still available at the site for viewers who want to get a glimpse before it shows up on their televisions.
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NBC news items | July 20, 2006
Did you all hear about NBC's partnership with Netflix to prescreen the premieres of a couple of the network's new shows? I think it's such a great idea, I cannot even properly express it. I am only wondering why no one thought of doing this before now.
Also in big news for NBC, Spike Lee has signed to develop a drama series for the network. I have very high hopes about it, because ... well ... it's Spike Lee!
Finally, if you're wondering what show I'm most looking forward to for fall (you know you are!), it IS on NBC, but it's NOT available for preview through Netflix. However, you can watch this promo. Try to tell me you're not excited!
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Saved shows improvement already | June 20, 2006
So, I watched the second episode of Saved last night, and I have to admit that I liked it much more than the first. I think the characters are getting better, and the patients that the paramedics picked up were fewer, which I think was a good thing (there's only so much of that flashback stuff I can take in one episode). I'm liking Tom Everett Scott in this semi-skeezy role, because he usually always plays such a good guy.
I think some of the acting is hilariously stiff (the mother of Sack's son -- who, for those who didn't notice -- is played by one of Keith and David's sons from Six Feet Under -- for example), and the fact that it's supposedly set in Portland (according to the "About" section here) is ridiculous, because nothing about the show resembles anything about Portland (the Tremain Bridge? Wha...?). Last night, I finally had to tell myself that it's set in a town that doesn't exist, then I could stop paying attention to the non-Portland-ness of it all.
But I really am warming up to it otherwise. I love Sack. I love Wyatt. I kind of like Alice. And I can already tell Harper is going to become my favorite. I'm not such a fan of hard-ass Angela, but I can deal with her.
The other thing I liked about the episode was that preview of Nightmares & Dreamscapes, which looks pretty good with its all-star cast and its apparently high budget. You can catch the preview here, if you missed it.
Posted by deann in Indifference| New shows | permalink | Comments (4)
The verdict is out | June 19, 2006
So, after watching the first episode of Treasure Hunters, I'm still undecided on whether I'll keep watching. The first hour was SLOW, but it picked up after that ... a little. It definitely did NOT live up to the hype. Or to The Amazing Race, which it seems to be trying to mimic unsuccessfully.
Did anyone love it?
Posted by deann in Indifference| New shows | permalink | Comments (6)
Going on a Treasure Hunt | June 15, 2006
As Zoot (who also has a very cool TV blog) mentioned in the comments to my latest column, another show that looks good is Treasure Hunters, which starts Sunday on NBC. It looks very similar to The Amazing Race, and everyone knows how I feel about watching a social anthropology experiment that also gives me a glimpse of the world, right? Well, I love it. And I think I'll love this one, too. So, don't forget to watch it.
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It's a Windfall | June 08, 2006
Tonight on NBC, that is. Windfall looks to be one of the summer's best new shows and tonight is when you meet all of the characters (and there are MANY). So, if you plan to watch, this would be the night to start. In the meantime, TV Guide has an interview with Luke Perry, the show's biggest star (but this is definitely an ensemble, so don't expect him to take center stage and leave the other characters in the shadows. They all get equal time.)
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