Watching The CW

You won’t hear from me much this week. Not even about all the new shows that are airing. Sorry, but I’m away on vacation, in a lovely cottage on a private beach and I won’t really be watching much TV. Don’t worry, I am DVRing everything back home so I’ll get caught up next week.

Even if I do get a chance to watch anything while I’m here - and I don’t expect to, cause the weather is gonna be amazing all week (sunny and in the 80’s) - I probably won’t have much time for blogging anyway.

Part of the problem is also the fact that I’m here with my entire family. There are like 14 people here, plus visitors, and its really crazy. Add to that the fact that everyone wants to use the computer. Of course. I was thinking I wouldn’t even be able to use it, cause where we are is pretty much outside of any signals; you can’t hardly get a cell signal at all, and the only way up until this year that I was able to use the computer was dial up. Which made it impossible to even check email. But, lo and behold, this year they installed a wireless modem. Yay!! I was so excited when I saw it I did a little dance, cause at least I’m not totally cut off from the world.

But then I remembered that I intend to spend most of my time at the beach. I’ve already read a couple of books and got a nice tan started, and this is only day two.

Anyway, to end all this babble, you may or may not hear from me again this week. But I promise I’ll catch up with you all later.

Another new show airing on the CW is Valentine, which premiers on Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 8:00 pm. I have to admit that I’ve read the info on this one, and it sounds a little strange. The press release calls it a “one-hour romantic comedy” and I don’t quite get that. The only reason I’m gonna give it a chance at all is cause I like Kristoffer Polaha, who is in the cast, along with Jaime Murray, Autumn Reeser, Patrick Fabian, Greg Ellisand Robert Baker.

The premise is that a family of Greek Gods, the Valentines, are here on earth to assist people who are falling in love. Or maybe they are supposed to make people fall in love. Something like that. The press release says, “Valentine looks at love, fate and the work it takes to make romance happen.” Yikes!
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Another show coming from the CW is Stylista on Wednesdays at 9:00 pm EST, but it isn’t gonna air until October 22, 2008.

The CW says, “If The Devil Wears Prada were a reality show, it would be Stylista.” There are eleven candidates, fashion wannabes, who fight over an editorial job at Elle magazine. Anne Slowey, Elle’s Fashion News Director, is a demanding, well-respected fashion icon, and the candidates will work as her assistants. (I checked out the pic in her bio on the Elle site, and I’m not sure I even like her fashion sense. I mean, it’s like she forgot to put on her top! Personally, I hate that look. It’s kinda trashy and desperate, if you ask me.)
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In my web searches to find fun and interesting things to share in this blog, I came across some stuff.

First off, here’s a fun little widget I made up with some shows from the CW available at Amazon.com:

I was kinda surprised that not every show I looked up had DVDs available there. I’ll keep looking for other shows and stuff relating to the shows and make up other widgets for you. I especially like the carosel, cause it’s just fun to spin around and around, isn’t it?

Oh, and while I’m thinking about TV shows, I also wanted to mention something else I found out. My husband works some strange hours, so we don’t see each other too much during the week. When he does see me, he complains that I’m either watching TV or on the computer. Of course, that’s pretty true. I suaully am either watching TV, on the computer, watching TV while on the computer, or even watching TV on the computer. I think it’s really a lifestyle choice.

So, to add to the other sites I’ve mentioned where you can watch TV shows online, hulu.com and surfthechannel.com, I want to add a couple more. There’s veoh.com and fancast.com. I’ve checked them both out, and although they don’t have huge selections, yet, they did have some shows that I didn’t see on the other sites. One was Beauty and the Beast, and as much as I know it was silly and sappy, I loved that show. I had every ep on video, but then a friend borrowed them, like 20 years ago, and I haven’t seen them since.

This could keep me busy for the next several years. Maybe longer.

Next on my list of new shows on the CW is Privileged, an hour long comedy that premieres Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 9:00 pm.

JoAnna Garcia (from Reba), is Megan Smith, a 23 year old Yale graduate, who wants to become a world famous journalist, even though she’s working for a tabloid rag. Megan is described as “relentless positive,” which is a good thing, when she gets fired, and accepts a position as the live-in tutor for the headstrong teen twin granddaughters of wealthy cosmetics mogul, Laurel Limoges (played by Anne Archer).

Megan is thrown into the heady world of wealth and power in Palm Beach and meets the girls, Rose (played by Lucy Kate Hale from Bionic Woman) and Sage (Ashley Newbrough), who are beautiful, rebellious and less-than-thrilled with their new tutor. Megan, however, is determined.
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The CW has posted their 2008-2009 season primtime schedule:

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GOSSIP GIRL
9:00-10:00 PM ONE TREE HILL

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM 90210 (New Series)
9:00-10:00 PM SURVIVING THE FILTHY RICH (New Series)

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL
9:00-10:00 PM STYLISTA (New Series)

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SMALLVILLE
9:00-10:00 PM SUPERNATURAL

FRIDAY
8:00-8:30 PM EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS
8:30-9:00 PM THE GAME
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL (Encore Presentation)

Notably missing from this schedule are Aliens in America, Beauty and the Geek (just when I started watching it!), Farmer Wants a Wife, Girlfriends, Pussycat Dolls, Life is Wild and WWE Friday Night Smackdown.

It may appear that Reaper is also missing, but don’t worry, it’s coming back mid-season. So we are losing seven shows, and only gaining three, but I think these are good decisions. Maybe annoying reality TV is on the way out, which is a good thing. And apparently, at least on the CW, it’s being replaced with young adult soaps, which can also be a good thing. I guess we’ll find out.

Here’s a link back to the CW blog, where they have lots more info on the shows and what’s happening, as well.

I was surprised to see that they are reviving everyone’s favorite zip code in 90210. I wasn’t a huge fan of the original series, but I was certainly aware of it and I think it will be interesting to see how they have updated and modernized the show. I’m also interested cause I heard Rob Estes is in it and I’m in love with him. And I mean, really.

In any case, it looks like the CW has a great season set up for us and I’m looking forward to checking out the new shows. As for this summer, I plan to also try to catch up on some of the shows from this season that I just didn’t get a chance to watch the first time around. When I do, I’ll let you know all about. You count on that!

Lots of shows that I’ve been waiting for start up again this week. Well, to be honest, a couple started last week, like Bones, which is airing on Mondays at 8 pm ET on Fox, and Law & Order: SVU on NBC at 10 pm ET. There were 6 new eps of Bones and 5 of SVU. Actually, last week’s ep of SVU was one of the most disturbing I’ve seen in a long time.

So here is my TV schedule for this week (all times are ET):

Monday
Big Bang Theory - CBS - 8 pm
Bones - Fox - 8 pm
House - Fox - 9 pm (4 new eps start 4/28)
The Bachelor - ABC - 10 pm

Tuesday
American Idol - Fox - 8 pm
Beauty and the Geek - CW - 8 pm
Hell’s Kitchen - Fox - 9 pm
Reaper - CW - 9 pm (5 new eps)
Law and Order: SVU - NBC - 10 pm

Wednesday
America’s Next Top Model - CW - 8 pm
Back To You - Fox - 8:30 pm
American Idol - Fox - 9 pm

Thursday
Supernatural - CW - 9 pm (4 new eps)
Lost - ABC - 10 pm (5 new eps)

Friday
Sarah Jane Adventures - SciFi - 8 pm (new eps to air in US)
Doctor Who - SciFi - 9 pm (new eps to air in US)
Moonlight - CBS - 9 pm (4 new episodes)

Obviously, I’m gonna be pretty busy this week. Thank goodness for DVR.

I have some exciting news for everyone. Well, especially for me. You can now pre-order American Idol alum Chris Sligh’s new CD at his website. It comes out on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, and if you pre-order, for only $10, you can get an autographed copy!!! If you want to hear some of his music (provided you haven’t any of the many other times I’ve mentioned it), you can check him out at his myspace.com/chrissligh. There are six songs up there now that you can listen to including the first single, Empty Me, which is also available now at iTunes.

I realized that I’ve mentioned time and again how much I love Chris Sligh. He’s absolutely one of my very favorite artists ever to come out of American Idol. I’ve been watching this show since the second season and in all that time, I’ve really only liked about four people. Well, liked enough to buy their CDs anyway, and this is one CD I’ve really been looking forward to buying.

If you read my other blog, watchingsitcoms.com, you’ll see that I review American Idol each week, and I get way more excited and involved than someone my age really should over a TV show. That being said, you can begin to understand what it means that as much I love the show, I still haven’t liked that many people that I was willing to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak, and buy their CDs.

Just as a reminder, you can also buy Chris’s previous CD, Take A Chance on Something Beautiful, with his band, Half Past Forever, on Amazon.

In my Internet travels today, I came across an article detailing the shows that the CW is renewing for next season.

The show I’m most excited about is Supernatural. I was nervous and so was the show’s creator, Eric Kripke. But luckily for all of us, the CW has renewed Supernatural for a fourth season!! And there’s still new eps to air this year, so as far as I’m concerned, its all good.

The CW also renewed Smallville for it’s 8th (and probably last) season. I’ve read elsewhere that they are probably gonna use this season to tie up all the ends and bring Superman up to true Clark Kent adulthood. I’m just not sure how they plan to make him a nerd with glasses.

Other shows renewed by the CW are Gossip Girl for its 2nd full season, One Tree Hill for a Season 6, and sitcom, Everybody Hates Chris. Also, America’s Next Top Model was renewed for both an 11th and 12th cycle. No word yet on new shows Reaper and Aliens in America. I’d like to see Reaper renewed cause I think the show has potential. Don’t forget that there are still three new eps of Reaper to watch starting this week on Thursday, March 13 at 9:00 pm. You should check it out and see what you think if you haven’t seen it yet.

Finally, don’t forget Beauty and the Geek. The fifth season premieres tonight, Tuesday, March 11 at 8 pm. It’s worrisome that it would premiere opposite the Top 12 singing from the Lennon/McCartney songbook on American Idol, but that’s why we have DVRs, right?

So, finally, the time has come. The time when I only have to sit through two more hours of Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles. This Monday, March 3, marks the two-hour season finale on Fox at 8 pm ET. I haven’t seen anything that says that the show is absolutely coming back in the Fall, but if it does, I probably won’t be watching. I committed myself to watch this season, and I’ve watched each and every episode. I feel like I’ve seen enough and I’m pretty sure that I can’t take any more.

I was so excited for this show, not only because I love the Terminator movies, but also because I’m a fan of Summer Glau. Unfortunately, at least in my opinion, the show has never lived up to what I had hoped for it. I’ve tried to like it. Really, really I have. But somehow the eps always seem to move too slowly or be full of lots of running around and getting nowhere. I’m not a huge Brian Austin Green fan either, or maybe his addition to the cast, as John’s uncle, would make me care more. Actually, the most interesting cast member to me is Dean Winters, cause he’s such a doll.

Who knows, things can change. Maybe when and if the show comes back in the Fall for a second season, I’ll give in and watch it again. I’m gullible and I love to live in hope. So I might give it another chance. But probably not.

One thing it was good to see on America’s Next Top Model is that lots of these people really are deserving. They discussed being homeless, living in shelters. I’m no bleeding heart, so that’s only gonna take is so far for me, but its still good to know that they aren’t all people who were failures as models already. I get enough of that on American Idol this year. The year of the has-been.

I know it’s only the second week, but I am already tired of hearing about the genital mutilation. I mean, I’d be OK if they never mentioned it again, but it seems pretty doubtful.

Surprisingly, more of them did well on the initial runway show than I thought would. Of course, some of them were really bad.

As for the fashion shoot, I thought they also did OK, but it really showed who could follow direction and who couldn’t. I still don’t have a good idea which one of these chicks is which, but I’ve already figured out which ones I don’t like. I’m pretty tired of the little blond annoying chick, Kim, who won’t support the purchase of expensive clothing. Um, did someone explain to her about modeling?

I think I’ve also had enough babble from Amis and lack of entire personality from Fatima.

I was surprised that they replaced Twiggy with Paulina Porizkova. I guess I shouldn’t have been when they all met with her at the beginning. But what can I say, I’m slow.

My further impressions:

Lauren is pretty, but just too sloppy and awkward.

Anya is also pretty, but her nose looks a little big in her photo.

Amis is friendly, but just too over the top for me.

Aimee looks very different in her picture than she does in person.

Fatima is getting on my nerves. She’s so robotic. She did take a good picture, though.

Dominique was told she looked like a drag queen. I don’t get that.

Allison didn’t take a good picture at all. But I don’t really know much about her yet.

Whitney is just beautiful. She took a great pic, too. I hope they keep her around for a while.

Marvina just seems to have some issues dealing with others, but she’s pretty.

Katarzyna has already been on my nerves for the way she keeps telling people how to say her name. You have an unusual name, get over it.

Claire reminds of Julia Stiles, only taller and darker.

Atalya hasn’t made any impression yet, which can’t be good.

Stacy-Ann is cute, but a little too perky.

Kim is annoying me with her ‘tude. It wasn’t even a shock when she said she didn’t want to be there. Actually, it gave me a happy.

I assumed there would have to be another elimination since they started out with one too many people, but I thought it might happen later in the season. In any case, I guess I called it. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who didn’t remember Atalya.

Get ready for makeovers next week.

Yesterday I was at Jury Duty (you can read about my adventures and new sitcom idea here), and I’m watching people. I’m sitting next to a real estate attorney, who is closing deals on the phone. There are all these strange people and we get to hear everyone’s name called. I love names. One person was named Champagne Young. Isn’t that fun? Another one was named Crystal Gazer. Now, what do you think someone named Crystal Gazer would look like? I pictured a tall, willowy woman with long dark wavy hair all loose around her shoulders. She is wearing a flowy peasant skirt, sandals and a long scarf wrap.

They called her several times, but I was never able to pick her out or anyone I thought fit the name. Finally, towards the end of the day, I was able to see her. Did she look anything like I pictured her? Absolutely not. She was short and heavy, even a little dumpy, probably in her 50s with very short straight blondish hair. I was amazed. Maybe she never realized that her name is Crystal Gazer as in one who gazes into crystals and tells people’s fortunes. Or, you know, whatever.

So, pulling myself back into this blog topic, the CW has released the winter schedule. Here’s the scoop from tvbloggin.com.

According to the CW site, Reaper is moving to 8 pm on Tuesday starting next week (1/15) and re-airing the first ep. Then it’s moving to Thursdays at 9 pm starting on 2/28. Apparently, it’s being paired with Smallville to gain more exposure, and I get that. But I have one question, what’s happening with Supernatural?

Jury duty, the CW, Reaper, Supernatural

I wasn’t at all surprised to see Jenah leave first last night on America’s Next Top Model. I believe I’ve called for her to come in third at least a couple of times over the last few weeks. (It’s OK, you don’t have to congratulate me or anything.) Although, I was sorry when she cried and was talking about having to raise her little sisters by herself. I didn’t know that and it was a bit surprising.

In any case, I wasn’t really surprised to see Saleisha and Chantal as the top two, even though I had some worry a while back that they were grooming Heather for the top spot. I have to say that Saleisha has always been one of my favorites and I thought she and Chantal were among the best.

Which, as it turns out, they were. I thought it was interesting to see that little clip where Saleisha says to Chantal at the very beginning, “Let’s be the last two standing.” It does make you wonder a bit if this whole thing is rigged. I don’t know that I think it is and it doesn’t really matter to me that much. I’ve pretty much always thought American Idol was rigged, and I love that show. I don’t watch reality tv cause I’m truly expecting reality, I watch it cause it’s entertaining. Sometimes. Now that I come to think of it, I do believe that ANTM and AI are the only two reality-type shows that I actually watch. Oh, wait, and Hell’s Kitchen.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand. In watching the runway walk, I did think that Saleisha was much stronger than Chantal - although, I really felt sorry for Chantal when that guy fell on her dress. You could just see that she wanted to turn around and help him back up, but realized that she couldn’t do that. Then, when the judges were telling them how they did, even though most of the positive comments went to Saleisha, you could almost see a look in Chantal’s eye that said she was confident she had won. Saleisha, on the other hand, looked hopeful, but unsure, like she didn’t think she really deserved it. I thought that was interesting, cause it does seem like the most confident person should win and, also, I thought maybe they were faking us out by only showing the negative criticism of Chantal. Apparently not.

Overall, even though I didn’t call it, I’m glad Saleisha won, cause I think she’s adorable and I think that she really was one of the best there, especially role model-wise. Good luck, Saleisha!!

America’s Next Top Model, Tyra Banks, Saleisha, American Idol, Hell’s Kitchen

Just to keep up with strike issue and holiday programming, I’ve checked out the prime time schedule on the CW for the next couple of weeks. The CW shows its own programming from 8 to 10 pm Sunday through Friday, and local programming on Saturday night. Here’s the scoop:

Sunday, November 25
Tonight, they are showing a repeat of New Life is Wild and, as always on Sunday, an encore of the latest ep of America’s Next Top Model.

Monday, November 26
Monday is the night of the sitcom at the CW and this week there are all new programs all night, which are Everybody Hates Chris, Aliens in America, Girlfriends and The Game.

Tuesday, November 27
Both Beauty and the Geek and Reaper are new this week. Of course, being reality TV, Beauty and the Geek will be new regardless of the strike. There probably aren’t too many weeks left though.

Wednesday, November 28
Wednesday has another reality show, America’s Next Top Model, which has about 3 weeks left, plus this week, a new Gossip Girl. At first, I thought of watching this, but somehow, I never got around to it. Some of the previews I’ve seen, though, have not at all captured my interest.

Thursday, November 29
Unfortunately, both Smallville and Supernatural are repeats this week, which makes me very sad.

Friday, November 30
The CW has the Friday Night Smackdown each week, and being a form or reality TV - or do they consider this a sport? - its a new ep.

Sunday, December 2
New Life is Wild and encore of ANTM.

Monday, December 3
All the sitcoms are all repeats.

Tuesday, December 4
Both new Beauty and Reaper.

Wednesday, December 5
All new ANTM and Gossip Girl.

Thursday, December 6
Again, *sigh* repeats of Smallville and Supernatural.

Friday, December 7
New Smackdown.

Sunday, December 9
Once again, we are treated to a new Life is Wild and an encore of the latest ep of ANTM.

Just for fun, here’s a link an Ausiello report of the 20 things he’s thankful for this year. It’s worth it, just for the link to the what could have been Season 4 Veronica Mars trailer, so check it out.

The CW, the Ausiello Report, Veronica Mars, Reaper, America’s Next Top Model, Gossip Girl, Supernatural, Smallville, Life Is Wild, Everybody Hates Chris, Aliens in America, Girlfriends, The Game, Bauty and the geek, Friday Night Smackdown

Well, things change, and as of today, the change on WatchingCW.com is that I’ll be the new blogger.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to provide you with lots of fun info, along with my occasionally slanted take on the CW’s shows. Please feel free to comment, discuss, argue, cajole, and whatever else you’d like, in the comments section. I love to have feedback.

Just so you have some background info about me, I love scifi stuff, so I’m a fan of Reaper and Supernatural, and to a lesser degree, Smallville. I also watch America’s Next Top Model, whenever I get the chance, and not, as you might think, because I believe that chicks that skinny must be aliens. Well, I’m not positive they aren’t, but I’m pretty sure.

If you hang around me long enough, you’ll know that my absolute favorite show of all time, is, was and always will be, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. That probably tells you something about me that you may or may not even want to know. Either way, get ready for lots of random Buffy quotes and Whedonisms, as well as comparisons to Buffy and why, in my opinion, it was so much better than any other show out there. Ever.

I hope we’ll all be very happy together for some time to come and get to be great friends. Or at least that you will read my blog and post comments so that I don’t think I’m just here talking to myself and that no one cares.

You can also check out my other blog at www.watchingsitcoms.com.

CW, Reaper, Supernatural, Smallville, America’s Next Top Model, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Joss Whedon, Watching Sitcoms