Pop Culture Curmudgeon

The Fall Season So Far

So far, I think the new fall TV season has gotten off to a good start. There have been some misses (Accidentally on Purpose, to name one really big one), but I’ve been impressed with a few of the new and returning shows.

The Vampire Diaries is fun, though it is a DVR show. Flash Forward is awesome, interesting, and thought-provoking. And Glee. Wonderful, fun Glee. It should go without saying that I am completely and hopelessly in love with this season of Supernatural, but I’m saying it anyway.

I’m embarassed to admit it, but Cougar Town is actually pretty funny. I still think the word “cougar” is one of the most offensive current terms to refer to a woman, but Courtney Cox is very likeable and the show itself isn’t offensive.

The jury is still out on Dollhouse. It is improving, but I’m not sure the underlying premise is that strong. Case of the week doesn’t require glorified whores who can ‘t remember they are whores.

The CW made a good decision to cancel The Beautiful Life, but the back 9 order for Melrose Place? Really?

My Mondays and Thursdays are manageable. Tuesday is a nightmare. And Wednesday offers nothing at 8, but a glut of shows in the 9:00 hour. (Okay, maybe not a glut, but the only things worth watching mid-week are all on opposite each other.)

How about you. How is your fall shaping up so far?

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Most Exciting Upfronts News

Which last-minute renewal made you do your happy dance? Feel free to explain your rationale or even describe your happy dance in the comments section.

Personally, I was most excited about Chuck’s renewal, but most surprised by Better off Ted. I really enjoyed that show, but I was sure it was a goner after the first episode. So, bravo to ABC for sticking with a fun and quirky show. Let’s hope we can make it past the second season, too.

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Happy Upfronts Week

We’re going into this week of fall schedule announcements and pageantry after a weekend of fabulous announcements.

Chuck, Castle, Dollhouse, and Better off Ted were all renewed. There were budget concessions in some cases, and the orders weren’t for a full season (13 episodes instead of 22). Those were huge wins for the fans and for creativity, but our work isn’t over.

We have to keep the momentum and make sure that we watch our shows, talk about our shows, and flex our consumer muscle so that our shows get renewed next year.

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Dollhouse Renewed?

George Ruiz, head of new media at International Creative Management, just tweeted that Dollhouse was renewed.

Edited to add: The Hollywood Reporter confirms it. Dollhouse is coming back. And Castle got a pickup, too.

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