Whatever Happened to Family Sitcoms?

If you watch a lot of classic tv and hang around the channel's message boards/Facebook pages etc, you'll see a lot of people bemoaning the lack of good tv.

Well there is good tv out there, you just have to look for it, but really the family sitcom seems to be a thing of the past. The Middle was really the only show in recent years on the major networks that the whole family could watch. It was also good in the way that you didn't have a "smart mom" and "stupid dad" thing going on..or even better...the goofy looking dad and the "hot mom."  It kind of falls under the Leonard and Penny thing from Big Bang Theory. How does a goofy looking smart guy get a girl like Penny, even when THE HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN COMMON.  Sorry, that whole dynamic has always bugged me, especially when Howard and Sheldon both end up with equally smart partners.

Early sitcoms had parents at least on equal footing or absent parents..because the dad's were always widowers. The family sitcom starting dying in the 90s, after The Cosby Show ended its run. Sure shows like Full House, Family Matters and of course Home Improvement lasted well into the 90s..and later Boy Meets World..but the amount of shows with family being a central figure...and without sex being the premise of almost every episode, has faded into obscurity, especially if you don't watch cable.

Its really a sad sorry shame that this type of programming can't make a comeback.

What's your favorite family sitcom?

Oh and as an aside, Disney really did the best sitcoms in recent years, like Good Luck Charlie (which my dad loved) and The Wizards of Waverly Place.

Waiting For Good TV

I think Christmas is the only day when I might find a show that's enjoyable to watch. (Well besides The Librarians on Sunday night)

I've given up on Big Bang Theory, which jumped that proverbial shark a few seasons ago. Its getting less and less funny with each episode.

I'm not a huge cop drama fan or a med show fan either, so there's just nothing on for me anymore.

I'm waiting on Doctor Who and Sherlock.

On a plus there is the Hairspray live special on tomorrow. That may be worth watching, because I love that musical, and there's actually a pretty good cast for this one. (Heck even Ariana Grande is pretty good..and Martin Short is downright awesome)

But I miss having a show or two that I really MUST WATCH and right now, there's just nothing. I can take or leave just about everything that's on.

There's just nothing quirky enough for me anymore. Everything I loved in the last few years got the ax in the first season or less, Forever, Selfie, Super Fun Night.

I'm left watching reruns of The Jeffersons, All In The Family and Barney Miller.

~sigh~

Back to Dear John

OK, so I've been watching the US and UK version of this show, as most of you know. We all know I huge Old Man Crush on Judd Hirsch.

I absolutely adore the US version, but after seeing the UK one, I find it more disappointing, because they tried to make the US version more sophisticated. Of course, even when Judd Hirsch plays a schmuck, he plays a smart schmuck.

The problem is, the original John Lacey was a little bit of loser, not the smart kind hearted guy that Hirsch played. The John Lacey in the UK version is more "real" to the ridiculous. He's a lot more self deprecating.

The Kate and Kirk banter is much more amusing in the UK version too. A little nastier, but that is what makes it funny. Especially as Kirk isn't really good looking. Jere Burns who plays that part, is actually very easy on the eyes.

Louise is fabulous in the UK version too and that's saying a lot because Jane Carr who plays the part in the US version is great.

Much more sexual innuendo too.

I really wish these shows were available on DVD so I could totally binge out on them.

Classic TV Boyfriends

I've been watching a lot of classic tv, and I've developed a few tv crushes.

Sadly some of them are dead.

Thankfully others are still working.

Musical Television

For the last few months I've been watching the musical 2 hours on Antennae TV on Sunday afternoons. The first hour is The Monkees and the second is The Partridge Family.

It really is amazing how very different these shows could be.

I've loved The Monkees for years and years and I find the show to be very enjoyable even now, but when aired next to The Partridge Family, it is easy to see how bad the show actually was.

The music is timeless, and the guys were decent actors, but the writing for The Monkees was terrible, awful even.

There was such potential if they really did a show about a band. If they would have even done a show that parodied A Hard Day's Night, which was supposed to be what the band was about, it could have been great.

I'm not saying that there weren't good episodes, because there were, especially in the second season. The Devil and Peter Tork and The Christmas Episode, but this was a show that could have been so much more, especially with the talent of the stars

Its really only been recently that I've taken a shine to The Partridge Family. I watched them a little bit when I was little, but not much. Seeing the two shows back to back, you can really see the differences and yet both shows have a lot of similarities.

The primary difference is that The Partridge Family didn't try to be a real band, it was David Cassidy.

This show only started a year or so after The Monkees ended, but this show was so much more developed. There are actual stories that make sense, rather than just silly ones.

Sure this show was based on The Cowsills, but they did so much and the show is entertaining, regardless of how you feel about the music.

Which show did you like better?

Classic TV Is The Best

I have to say I'm getting old.

I find myself watching MeTV and Antenna TV all the time.

I think I watch shows like Newhart, MASH, Mama's Family, and Bewitched more than I do new tv. I think maybe its because new tv just isn't funny anymore.

I used to love The Big Bang Theory. Maybe it is because the show has been on forever, but I really don't get as many laughs anymore. 2 Broke Girls is just ridiculous. Mom tends to get depressing.

I like the Wednesday lineup with The Middle and The Goldbergs and to a lesser extent, Blackish. Modern Family is getting old for me too.

As for new shows, Superstore is actually a hoot.

But so few of these hold up to the classics.

Heck, I find myself enjoying The Partridge Family, when they play them after The Monkees.

Ah The Monkees, I have a huge rant there. That show could have gone for a long time, if they had writers worth their weight in salt, which they obviously didn't. The guys had talent and were all passably decent actors. They should have written a real show, rather than the nonsense that they did.

The second series had some stellar episodes, like The Devil and Peter Tork and The Christmas Episode oh and The Frodis Caper.

The producers should be ashamed that this show was as ridiculous as it was. (Funny but ridiculous)

I want good tv.

Oh and thanks to Decades, I want to see more of Love, American Style.

How Did I Miss This

I was surfing the internet today for random stuff when I ended up discovering a short lived sitcom from the mid 90s.

It was called Maybe This Time and starred Marie Osmond, Betty White and Craig Ferguson.

I found a bunch of episodes on Youtube, so I decided to watch one.

It was hilarious!

I can't believe this show only lasted one season.

Considering most of the shows that were made then were pretty lousy, one season is kinda sad. Oh and Betty White was pretty darn brilliant.  There were hints of Elka from Hot in Cleveland in Shirley.

If you have a chance to check this show out, it is worth it.

TV I Give Up On

After last season, there are two shows I really can't bother watching, Castle and The Big Bang Theory.

Yeah, I have crazy taste in telly.

I just can't get my head around Penny doing a real job, considering she's so ditzy and the whole Castle amnesia thing is stupid. How many times can that be done? Do they really not want him to marry Kate that much?

Oh, and will someone please tell me how Last Man Standing is still on? I hate politics in my telly, especially sitcoms. I mean, this show isn't like Alex P. Keaton, from family ties, its full on in your face annoying stuff. And guess what? It isn't funny.

Oh and to be honest, I don't care what party you belong to, I don't want to see it in my sitcom, unless its a show about politicians etc.

GAH!

Now let me rant about Doctor Who.

I love this show.

I hate Steven Moffatt.

This season has been so iffy. I think Peter Capaldi is a wonderful Doctor, but the writing he's been given is shit. And then there's Clara, who goes from being The Impossible Girl to the Impossible Bitch. She's acquired a personality, but it isn't a likable one. Jenna Coleman is adorable, but the character just doesn't work with 12. And Samuel's Danny Pink? Blech.

They need to bring back Captain Jack or get someone that has sass and actually feels like he/she wants to be on the TARDIS.

Maybe its just me.

As it is, Robot Of Sherwood was my favorite episode this season, which a vast majority of people didn't like.

PAH!

At least I have Forever, now that's a show I could really grow to love...

And this is why...

Up Past My Bedtime

Ok, I'm really trying to stay up for The Tonight Show, so I can see Jimmy Fallon.

I love Jimmy Fallon. I think NBC finally has the right man to follow Jay Leno's footsteps.

See, I freaking hate Conan O'Brien. He was good the first few years he had Late Night, but then nothing changed with him. His interview style was juvenile and so was his humor.

I've always liked Jimmy Fallon, even if I wasn't keen on Saturday Night Live. He seems like an all around nice guy, and he is talented.

I think he'll bring some life to The Tonight Show. (Even if it does just become Late Night an hour earlier)

So fingers crossed that I can stay up to see his first show!

TV That I Can Watch And Watch

There aren't many episodes of any show that I can watch multiple times...

Allow me to share some that I can watch...and I can tell you...most are British...

Doctor Who:

Vincent And The Doctor: Fighting aliens and Vincent Van Gogh. Oh I dare you not to cry at the end.

The Name of The Doctor, The Night Of The Doctor, The Day Of The Doctor: The 50th trilogy...and The Time of The Doctor and you have several hours of absolute brilliance featuring a bunch of Doctors...

The Unicorn & The Wasp: Agatha Christie and The Doctor! Nuff said.

The Eleventh Hour: Matt Smith's debut episode...4 words...fish fingers and custard.


Sherlock:

Scandal In Belgravia: Benedict in a blanket....Fangirls everywhere die.

The Empty Hearse: #Sherlock Lives

Coupling:

Series 1 - 3...they are all good as long as Richard Coyle is in them. (He's my forgotten TV boyfriend)

The Monkees:

The Christmas Episode: Riu Chiu....most beautiful Christmas song ever, and Davy falling off the top of the tree.

TV Ramblings

I don't watch a lot of telly, but the shows I do watch I love passionately. This year's telly has had some really high highs for me and some pretty low lows.

Here are my feelings on my favorite shows:

1. Doctor Who: Steve Moffat loves to torture his viewers, a lot. Not all of the scripts for the mini half season were good, but he really pulled out all the stops on Angels Take Manhattan. If you didn't cry at the end of that one, you have no heart, obviously like Mr. Moffat. It is hard to believe this is the guy that was responsible for Coupling, on the funniest shows I've ever watched.

2. Downton Abbey: I'm a newcomer to this one, however, it is freaking brilliant, and other than the story line involving Mr. Bates, it isn't hard to follow if you've never watched an episode before. I've got a soft spot for any period drama set in England.

3. 2 Broke Girls: AH this is just raunchy fun stuff. This is part of my Monday Night laughfest..or what used to be my Monday Night Laughfest.

4. Mike and Molly: Ok, I think they married these two off too quickly. The show is not funny anymore. Plus when they got rid of Carl's girlfriend, the story lines with him took a downward spiral. This was such a good show. It is a shame its sinking in my estimation.

5. Big Bang Theory: I love and hate this show. Someone said this show was becoming a nerd soap opera, and I agree. It isn't quite as fun now that everyone ...well almost everyone has hooked up. Plus the girls are more funny than most of the guys...well except for Sheldon, who is the real star of the show.

6. Ripper Street: Period cop drama, set in Whitechapel. 'nuff said. This one is a must watch show.

7. Happily Divorced: Great guest stars and it isn't quite as ridiculous as Hot In Cleveland. Plus I love Fran Drescher!

8. The Neighbors: This show is just spectacular. Aliens and humans living in a posh area. Everything is fab. Plus if they ever start looking for the 12th Doctor, I think the guy playing Larry Bird should be considered!

Why I Love Downton Abbey

I am in love with this show. I got started on it a little late, but better late than never I always say.

Why do I love a British period drama?

Let me tell you.

1. The fashion is fabulous.

2. It's not reality tv.

3. I love the upstairs/downstairs aspect of the show.

4. Its drama without being what my dad likes to call "a whore show". Soap Operas are daytime whore shows..just to let you know.

5. The abbey is stunning.

6. Maggie Smith, nuff said.

7. When I watch the hour flies by...great escapism.

8. The scripts are brilliant!

9. Best show on PBS in ages..and probably one of the best shows on tv.

10. I love all things Brit

Watching M*A*S*H

My Sunday nights almost always seem to revolve around the 4077. I'm not sure why. Maybe it is because I harbor a strange crush on Alan Alda's Hawkeye.

Tonight they aired the first episode with Sherman Potter. I have to admit, I've seen many episodes of this show, when they were actually on, when I was a wee bitty girl and in re-runs, but I never saw the epi Change Of Command.

I have seen the epi where Henry Blake leaves though a few dozen times.

There were so many cast changes in that show, a lot of the early ones because of Alan Alda really stealing the spotlight from the other actors.

Ah well.

Still it is good TV, something there isn't much of these days.

Who was your favorite character on M*A*S*H?

Watching The Tudors

I've only watched a few episodes of this series, but it has always intrigued me.  Tudor England was so interesting, and Henry VIII was definitely a character.

I remember memorizing how his wives fared in school. Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived.

BBC America  has the rights to the Showtime series now, so I've had the opportunity to watch it some more.

I find it absolutely hilarious that they don't fatten up Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the last season. I guess it was too hard to ugly that man up.

Ah well, at least it is a pretty hour of TV

Yay For The Fall Season

So far I'm really happy with the way my tv shows are shaping up this fall. I adore 2 Broke Girls and am looking forward to Mike and Molly on Monday after 2 And A Half Men. (Not sure how I feel about that show right now).

NCIS was awesome on Tuesday...and my mom says Unforgettable was pretty good too.

I loved the premiere of The Middle and Modern Family. I'm glad to have those shows back...and Big Bang was hysterical tonight.

So much goodness and Psych comes back on Oct 12.

Woo hoo!

I'm going to be a couch potato this fall.

I'd rather do that than pay attention to the politics of this country...cos oye...I'm all for the Vote Em All Out option.

Pardon me while I go back under my rock...

TV viewing recap

~ 2.5 Men: Never liked the show much, but had to watch to see how Ashton Kutcher did. I enjoyed the epi more than the old ones, but that isn't saying much. I think this show is on its way out the door. Charlie Sheen may be a crazy warlock, but his method acting made that show. Oh and the guest stars? Boo to the hiss for what Lorre did with Dharma and Greg.

~ 2 Broke Girls: By far the best thing I've seen on telly in months. Really a cute comedy and one I look forward to watching again next week.

~ Castle: Please hook up Beckett and Castle please. I'm sick of the relationship angst. I love Nathan Fillion with all my heart but I can't take much more of the jealousy crap. I will keep watching though...cos...have I mentioned, I love Nathan Fillion.

~ Dancing With The Stars: I've seen clips and can I just say...Yay for Chaz! I was really happy at how well he/she did. Good for ya!

Now its time for NCIS! Yay! Mark Harmon rocks!

Randomosity

~ Can I get a woo hoo for Troy Polamalu for getting his degree while the NFL Lockout is going on! Good job Troy!

~ Hoping Hines Ward's dance partner Kym is OK...so they can continue to kick butt on Dancing With The Stars. I don't even like the show all that much, but I'm part of Steeler Nation...and I love Hines...so I want them to bring home the Mirror Ball...especially since they didn't win that Super Bowl.

~ Eat N' Park's Chicken and Strawberry salad is still pretty damn good. I think it is the poppyseed dressing that really makes it yummy though.

~ So far this season of Doctor Who has been a bit underwhelming. I'm hoping that last night's episode, which I'll be watching shortly will make up for the total meh-ish-ness the other 3 episodes left me with.

~ Torchwood I don't even want to think about what the next 10 episodes are going to be like, except maybe depressing.

Political Commentary Or Political Satire

I was talking to a friend the other day about The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. I get most of my political news from these shows, because...sometimes they seem more honest than regular news shows, and yet...they aren't really news shows.

OK....maybe The Colbert Report isn't...but what about The Daily Show.

Since Jon Stewart took over the show from Craig Kilborne many moons ago, The Daily Show has become more credible as a news show. Sure Jon gives a comic spin to what's going on in the world, but there's less ha ha's for the sake of ha ha's on The Daily Show.

I've always found Jon to be the more serious of the two, when it comes to discussing world politics. Sure they put some satirical bits in but The Daily Show is as close to a news show that you can find on Comedy Central.

Plus Jon does some awesome interviews, even when interviewing members of the "Repugnant" party.

So what's  your take on these two shows? Personally I think they should be required viewing for everyone in the US.

My New Favorite TV Show

If you haven't checked out Miranda's CD or her BBC tv show yet, I have to urge you to do it!! It is the funniest thing I've seen on TV in ages. It actually tops my two favorite shows on US tv, which are Mike and Molly and Bleep My Dad Says.

Plus there's some eye candy for the men in the form of Sarah Hadland and more eye candy for the ladies in the form of Tom Ellis. Such prettyness.

But above all else, this show is so funny.

Oh and have I mentioned in the first season....The Fifth Doctor makes an appearance as a former French teacher of Miranda's who hooks up with Stevie?

Now that's some funny stuff!

So if you aren't checking out the show, do it! NOW!!

Burning Out On TV

This seasons shows really aren't doing anything for me. At least this years US shows. Most of the stuff I find from the UK I really enjoy.

Castle has been boring me silly this season.

Big Bang Theory is rather Ho Hum!

I hate Two And A Half Men, and wish Charlie Sheen would go to jail for awhile so that this show would go away.

Law and Order....dullsville

CSI...same thing.

BTW how many spinoff shows can we have here!

Right now I'm enjoying Mike & Molly, The Middle, Better With You, Modern Family, Shit My Dad Says and Psych.

That said, I can't wait til Christmas when Doctor Who comes back for a few episodes and the Eureka Christmas special