Back to School Commercials 2019

Well, here is the final count of back to school commercials for the current year. They might not have seemed as annoying this time around, or, perhaps, I just didn’t see as much of them. Maybe they are reading this blog of mine and know not to offend me. I like to think that at times, but know that it is really unlikely that it happens. They will air them regardless of how much hate I give them by merely counting them.

In 2014, the official count of back to school commercials before Independence Day is 1. The official count before August is 48. The official count before September is 158. The official total of the whole year is 170. In 2015, the official count of back to school commercials before Independence Day is 0. The official count before August is 44. The official count before September is 125. The official total of the whole year is 136.

In 2016, the official count of back to school commercials before Independence Day is 1. The official count before August is ~61. The official count before September is ~261. The official total of the whole year is 286. In 2017, the official count of back to school commercials before Independence Day is 0. The official count before August is ~68. The official count before September is 219. The official total of the whole year is 234. In 2018, the official count of back to school commercials before Independence Day is 0. The official count before August is ~20. The official count before September is 110. The official total of the whole year is 115.

In 2019, the official count of back to school commercials before Independence Day is 0. The official count before August is ~52. The official count before September is 159. The official total of the whole year is 165.

That’s all for this quick post. I hope to have the cancelled shows from the previous season mentioned pretty soon in the future. I still need to work on the best of 2018’s shows. I still don’t know what else you might see here that I need to write and get caught up on before the year is over. Hopefully, I will have the time to write this in addition to important things in life.

Golden Huckleberry Award Winners 2018-2019

It wasn’t too long ago that I finally came out with the late nominees of what is the worst of what I saw on television the previous TV season. Well, I am now finally getting to the winners (or losers) of this section. I realize that I shouldn’t have nominated Riverdale for any award out of respect of the late Luke Perry. So consider that nomination void. I think that one only showed up once. Hopefully, I can learn to stop doing this mistake in the future. Now let’s get to the awards!

Main awards

Worst cliffhanger resolution: SEAL Team

Worst title: Rel

Worst ending to a TV series: The Crossing

Worst acting: Rel

Worst writing: Fam

Worst plot: Star

The good riddance award: Life in Pieces

Why do people care award: Life in Pieces

Worst idea for a show: AP Bio

Biggest waste of time: Last Man Standing

Most forgettable: Star

Bonehead decision of the season: TKO

Worst pilot: Fam

Worst drama show: Star

Worst comedy show: Life in Pieces

Worst new show: TKO

Why is it still on award: In the Dark

Most overrated show: Life in Pieces

Weakest Characters: Star

Worst reason to cancel a good show: Mental Samurai

Why was it created award: Rel

What were they thinking award: TKO

Why do people like it award: Life in Pieces

Worst retooling of a show: The Blacklist

Jumped the shark award: The Blacklist

Most obvious cancellation: Rel

What’s it about award: Star

They’ve stopped caring award: The Blacklist

Most average show award: Mental Samurai

That’s actually a show award: The Gong Show

Not worth a second viewing award: In the Dark

Weirdest show: The Gong Show

Worst news show: Heartland News

Biggest Dud: TKO

Dead to me award: The Crossing

Worst show on FOX: Star

Worst show on ABC: The Gong Show

Worst show on CBS: TKO

Worst show on NBC: AP Bio

Worst show on the CW: In the Dark

Worst show on every other network: Game of Thrones

Worst syndicated show: Maury

Worst show on television nominees: Star, The Gong Show, TKO, AP Bio, In the Dark, Game of Thrones, Maury

Other awards

Worst story arc: the fight against Connor Devlin from Quantico

Worst plot twist: changing when the crisis of 2024 is on Arrowverse

Worst new character: Emiko from Arrow

Biggest moron: any of the Life in Pieces characters

Most hated character: Ricardo Diaz from Arrow

Worst character transformation: Jane being Remi from Blindspot

Most overrated character: Ricardo Diaz from Arrow

Most obvious twist: trying to taint the new “Good Place” from The Good Place

Why are they still alive award: Eobard Thawne from Arrowverse

Most accepted death: Ricardo Diaz from Arrow

WTF death: Ryan from Quantico

Most obvious death: Deedee from Modern Family

Most useless character: Emiko from Arrow

Worst Villain: Conor Devlin from Quantico

Dumbest scheduling choice: airing the final season of Jane the Virgin as late as you did on the CW

Worst episode yet: These are the Names from The Crossing

Worst episode this season: These are the Names from The Crossing

Episode not worth a rewatch award: These are the Names from The Crossing

Dumbest character departure: Wally West in Arrowverse

Weirdest plot choice: changing when the crisis of 2024 is from Arrowverse

Worst romance: Petra and JR from Jane the Virgin

Worst commercial: Hinney clean

WTF moment: the asteroid isn’t an asteroid from Salvation

Worst host: Kevin Hart on TKO: Total Knock Out

Worst political commercial: any vote Republican ad

Most ridiculous plot point: the car pileup on the way to the hospital on New Amsterdam

Worst season yet: Quantico season 3

Mondays in Primetime Version 6

Mondays are a day that I’ve had mixed feelings about at times, but they tend to have good shows a lot of the time now. It seems to air a lot of new things a lot of the time. NBC shows a lot of different things over time. They mostly show The Voice as the first show for most of the year. ABC airs Dancing with the Stars in the spring and fall, The Bachelor in the winter, and The Bachelorette during the summer. It airs other things throughout the year, such as American Idol now at times. The Good Doctor is the current end of their schedule. CBS shows two different comedies right now at this time before ending with Bull. FOX is currently airing Prodigal Son and 9-1-1. The CW airs All American and Black Lightning.

The Neighborhood: Status- Currently on CBS at 8/7 Central on Mondays. Why I’ve seen it- I tend to watch a CBS show at least once and this was no exception. Description- A white family moves into a predominately black neighborhood. Notable People- It has Max Greenfield from New Girl. It has Beth Behrs from 2 Broke Girls. It has Tichina Arnold from Everybody Hates Chris. Pros- It has a more racially equal cast than what you typically see. Cons- It wasn’t really any good or funny. The material does not work that well. Note to Parents- There might be some issues with it at time in terms of if kids should watch this or not, but it is probably better than most. Recommendation- I’d pass on this. My Viewing Habits- I only watched this once. Prediction- This will probably last for now as enough other people like it. Reception: mixed to negative. Grade: D. New review

Dancing with the Stars: Status- Currently on ABC at 8/7 Central on Mondays. Why I’ve seen it- I watched it since James Van Der Beek was in a season of it. Description- Celebrities team up with professional dancers to compete on a live show. Notable People- Tom Bergeron, former host of America’s Funniest Home Videos, is one of the co-hosts of this show. Carrie Ann Inaba, who is currently on The Talk, is a judge on the show. Pros- It can be better and more interesting than one might think, giving its genre. Cons- Too much time is wasted on this show due to set up to dances and other competitions. Note to Parents- Outside of sometimes inappropriate outfits, there might not be too much bad in the show, although you’d have to watch for yourself. Recommendation- This isn’t too bad, but isn’t outstanding either. The main reason why one wouldn’t want to watch it would be time commitment to other things. Prediction- This will probably keep lasting. Reception: good. Grade: B-. New review

9-1-1: Status- Currently on FOX at 8/7 Central on Mondays. Why I’ve seen it- When I first watched it, nothing else that I cared about was on. Description- Various emergency works are shown from their professional life to their personal lives. Notable People- Jennifer Love Hewitt, from Ghost Whisperer and Criminal Minds, is a character on the show. Peter Krause, from Parenthood and The Catch, is another person on the show. Pros- The plot is good and works most of the time. Cons- Some of it can seem a bit unrealistic at times. A lot of what happens can seem like wasted time. Note to Parents- There is a lesbian on the show. Most of the episodes air with a content adversary warning. Some of what happens can be violent more than it needs to be. Recommendation- I think that it is good and worth watching if you have the time for it. My Viewing Habits- I starting watching into its second season around March and plan to keep watching when I can until it ends. Prediction- This will probably keep lasting for now and it has a spin-off set to start at midseason. Reception: positive. Grade: A. New review

All American: Status- Currently on the CW at 8/7 Central on Mondays. Why I’ve seen it- I like to watch some new CW shows at least once when they first start airing. Noteworthiness- This is based off of a true story. Description- A teenage boy moves in with a coach who seeks to give him a better life. Pros- The show worked in some ways. Cons- It didn’t really click with me at all. There wasn’t much that was interesting about it. Note to Parents- There might not be too much bad about this. Recommendation- I don’t think that it is worth anyone’s time. My Viewing Habits- I only watched the first episode and never cared about seeing the show again. Prediction- It might have a deal that can save it. I don’t think that it will last, but just as easily might. Reception: positive. Grade: D. New review

Bob Hearts Abishola: Status- Currently on CBS at 8:30/7:30 Central on Mondays. Why I’ve seen it- I tend to watch a CBS show at least once when I can. Description- A man falls for a medical person who treated him after he was sent to the hospital. Notable People- This stars Billy Gardel from Mike and Molly. It also was created by Chuck Lorre who also did Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, and Mom. Pros- This had some parts that worked and could be interesting long term. Cons- I wasn’t finding much good or funny in it. Note to Parents- This might have the usual problems that you might expect from most of the TV shows nowadays. Recommendation- Don’t bother with it. My Viewing Habits- I watched the first episode, but never cared about seeing it again. Prediction- This will probably last. Reception: mixed. Grade: D. New review

All Rise: Status- Currently on CBS at 9/8 Central on Mondays. Why I’ve seen it- I tend to watch shows on CBS at least once. Description- This is a courtroom drama largely from a judge’s perspective. Pros- It seemed pretty good. We see what we normally don’t in perspective. Cons- It does have a problem by not seeming much different from other shows like it, outside of who the main focus is on. Note to Parents- This might not have too much that kids can’t see, but could have issues beyond that as it would focus on bad things in people’s lives such as crimes. Recommendation- Maybe this is worth the time, but it might not be since it might be leaving the airwaves soon. My Viewing Habits- While I like the show, I don’t think that I’ll be able to see it much outside of the one time I saw it. Prediction- This will not last. Reception: generally favorable. Grade: A. New review

Prodigal Son: Status- Currently on FOX at 9/8 Central on Mondays. Why I’ve seen it- I was a bit into it and want to start watching every new FOX show when I can. Description- A consult works for the cops while also dealing with his criminal father. Pros- It’s not entirely something different while not being something you wouldn’t expect either. It seems to make sense. Cons- It could become too cliché or mysterious. Note to Parents- I don’t know what to say having not seen much of this show. I will say that it is probably not for kids, but teens might be okay watching it. Recommendation- This might be good for others to watch. My Viewing Habits- I don’t know yet if I’ll be able to see it more than once or not. I can only hope that I will be able to see more. Prediction- This will more than likely last for now, although it might be in danger of going either way. Reception: mixed. Grade: B. New review

Black Lightning: Status- Currently on the CW at 9/8 Central on Mondays. Why I’ve seen it- I try to watch a new CW show at least once if I can. Also, I like most superhero shows and watch them when I can as they are normally good. Noteworthiness- This is adapted from a DC comics character, but is not part of the main franchise of superhero shows on the CW (yet at least). Description- A black superhero comes out of retirement to protect his city from new threats. Pros- This show has more normal humans that can solve problems and even create problems. Thus, it is good that it focuses less on just a super villain of the week. The plot largely works for the most part. Cons- There could be more people that have super powers in this than I’ve seen thus far. Its advantage of not always focusing on people with powers is also a problem. There could be more to it than there is. Note to Parents- Teens should be okay watching this and maybe some preteens would be okay too, but there are some issues that parents might have with this, such as a lesbian character. Recommendation- I see it as largely good, but it needs improvement as it goes along. I suggest watching it. My Viewing Habits- I got into this just a bit later than I was wanting to and have missed a lot, but have watched this since the first season. I don’t know if I’ll be able to see it as much this season or not. Prediction- This will probably last and the only problem that could potentially happen is the network’s limited superhero shows at a time rule. I’ll admit that it might be better outside of Arrowverse. Reception: positive. Grade: B.

The Good Doctor: Status- Currently on ABC at 10/9 Central on Mondays. Why I’ve seen it- It looked like a pretty good show to me. Noteworthiness- This is an adaptation of a South Korean show. Description- A young doctor with autism starts working with other doctors and has to overcome stigma. Notable People- Hill Harper, from CSI: New York, stars on this show as well. David Shore, the creator of House, is also the creator of this show as well. Pros- This is wonderful with well written characters, plots, and overall believable medical situations. Cons- Not all the characters are nice people. I know that happens a lot and it can be needed at times, but it can still be a problem. Note to Parents- This is mostly acceptable for kids, but there are some problems with it in terms of what age can watch. I’d say that pre-teens and older should be good with this. Recommendation- I think that everyone should watch this. My Viewing Habits- I don’t know if I’ve seen every episode, but I’ll watch this as much as I can over the course of time. I am currently missing this show for now due to work commitments. Prediction- This is getting good ratings for now so it will stay for as long as that lasts. Reception: mixed to positive. Grade: A+.

Bull: Status- Currently on CBS at 10/9 Central on Mondays. Why I’ve seen it- I always watch a CBS show under most circumstances and I thought that this show would be interesting too. Noteworthiness- This is inspired by something Dr. Phil did before he went into television. He also helped create the show. Description- This is about a jury consultant who helps with court cases. Notable People- This stars Michael Weatherly, well known from NCIS, as the main character. Pros- It seems like a pretty interesting show as you normally don’t see courtroom dramas from this perspective. In fact, it makes you wonder why you don’t see shows like this more often. Cons- Michael Weatherly is doing a bad job of separating himself from NCIS as his character on this show is very similar to the one he played on NCIS. Also, it doesn’t seem realistic as no other courtroom drama has this angle on it. Some problems often wind up being nonfactors in the show. There can be a sense of sameness with the episodes. Note to Parents- This is the standard amount in terms of what is acceptable for kids or not. Recommendation- I would watch this show if you could. My Viewing Habits- I have watched it since the first episode, but I don’t think that I’ve seen all of it. Prediction- Due to allegations against the star, I would say that this is probably in danger of ending this season. Reception: negative. Grade: A.

Fall Shows 2019 Part 2

While there is at least one new NBC show I was hoping to possibly see this season, I’m not sure that I care enough to see any or will be able to before they are gone this year. I do need to work on other posts that should have been done a while ago. The cancelled shows post should hopefully come soon since I’m caught up on all of them that I care about. I also want to do other, annual posts before too long. I just hope that I have time to write them all. Next week will be the Monday primetime shows this year. Today is the second and final post on the new fall shows this year. Let’s get to it.

All Rise: Show Description- This is a courtroom drama largely from a judge’s perspective. Behind the Scenes- This show replaces The Code. My Thoughts- It seemed pretty good. It does have a problem by not seeming much different from other shows like it, outside of who the main focus is on. I give it three out of five stars. Long Term Prospects- It probably won’t last based on its current ratings. Where to Find- On CBS at 9/8 Central on Mondays

Prodigal Son: Show Description- A consult works for the cops while also dealing with his criminal father. Behind the Scenes- It replaces Lethal Weapon, I think. My Thoughts- It seems like it works. It’s not entirely something different while not being something you wouldn’t expect either. It seems to make sense. I hope that it doesn’t become to cliché or mysterious. I give it three out of five stars. Long Term Prospects- I think that it might last longer. Where to Find- On FOX at 9/8 Central on Mondays

Almost Family: Show Description- A woman’s life is turned upside down when she learns that her father was misusing his role at a sperm clinic in many ways, most notably by being a sperm donor to tons of women unknowing to them, meaning that she has countless siblings. Behind the Scenes- This replaces Mental Samurai, I think. My Thoughts- The plot may be a bit unbelievable, but I think that it works in some ways and is too weird in other ways. I give it three out of five stars. Long Term Prospects- This probably won’t last long. Where to Find- On FOX at 9/8 Central on Wednesdays

Nancy Drew: Show Description- Now either a teenager or young adult, the sleuth Nancy Drew is working to solve a cold case murder and a newer murder. Behind the Scenes- This is based on the popular kid’s book series based on the popular character. This also stars Riley Smith from Frequency, Life Sentence, and Proven Innocent. My Thoughts- I like what I’ve seen of it thus far. I’ll admit that it runs into ususal problems like sex or other things that probably don’t need to be there, but it otherwise interesting if you have the time for it. I give it three out of five stars. Long Term Prospects- This might last, but just as easily might not due to the CW already having far too many shows on already. Where to Find- On the CW at 9/8 Central on Wednesdays

Batwoman: Show Description- Following the disappearance of her cousin, a woman seeks to be the new hero that Gotham needs. Behind the Scenes- This is based on a comic book character with some things different and set in Arrowverse. My Thoughts- I like it thus far. I hope that it doesn’t just become more of a female Batman type show as they should establish differences. I give it three out of five stars. Long Term Prospects- This will more than likely last beyond its first season. Where to Find- On the CW at 8/7 Central on Sundays

Fridays in Primetime Version 6

Fridays are the least competitive nights on television although there are some good shows out there. Viewers aren’t regular, but those that are and even those that aren’t give the show these ratings. The CW shows Dynasty and Charmed. CBS is showing Blue Bloods, Hawaii Five-0, and Magnum P.I. ABC is showing 20/20, Fresh off the Boat, and American Housewife. NBC shows Dateline and The Blacklist. FOX is now just airing Friday Night Smackdown, also known as WWE Smackdown. Beware that most of the shows come here to die and they are only here right now to enjoy them before they are gone, although some shows have thrived here since they have never really seen another night throughout most of their run or even after having previously not been on Fridays.

American Housewife: Status- Currently on ABC at 8/7 Central on Fridays. Why I’ve seen it- It aired with a show that I liked and nothing else that I cared about was on at the time. Description- This is more or less your average sitcom revolving around a family of people. Notable People- This show stars Katy Mixon from Mike and Molly. Pros- This is better than what one might expect. Cons- Some of it is dumb and way to similar to other shows. Note to Parents- There is enough in here that will be bad for kids, although a lot of shows are way worse. There are lesbian characters. Recommendation- Take it or leave it. I like it, but I know that it isn’t for everyone. My Viewing Habits- I started watching it into its first season, but never cared that much about whether or not I tuned in a lot. I have missed parts of it at times due to me choosing other shows at the time. Prediction- This might be in more danger since it moved to Fridays, but could last longer. Reception: mixed. Grade: B-.

Hawaii Five-0: Status- Currently on CBS at 8/7 Central on Fridays. Why I’ve seen it- Devotion to the CBS network and curious about what the show is about. Noteworthiness- It is a remake of an old, popular show. Description- An elite crime fighting team works in Hawaii to solve cases. Notable People- Alex O’Loughlin, known for his work on the TV shows Moonlight, Three Rivers, and various movies, is on this show as the main character. Jorge Garcia from Lost is in this as well. Pros- This show is actually filmed where it set. It is an interesting drama. The bickering between the two leads is entertaining. Cons- Some of the methods the characters use to catch the perps are unethical. Since it is a remake, it could just be considered trying to reclaim what it once was. Note to Parents- I’d say maybe on this, although it is probably better to not let your kids watch this unless they are teenagers. Recommendation- Watch this if you have the time to. My viewing habits- I have watched since the first episode, although I have not seen every one yet. Prediction- It might be more in danger of ending now than it has been in the past since it is an older show. Reception: positive. Grade: B.

The Blacklist: Status- Currently on NBC at 8/7 Central on Fridays. Why I’ve seen it- I don’t know why I started watching it, but it was probably because the promos made it look good or something like that. Description- It seems to be about some law enforcement agency going after very dangerous criminals that are on something called the blacklist with the help of a criminal. There’s more to it than that and not every episode features someone on the blacklist. Notable People- James Spader, from movies and other things I’m not familiar with, is a main character on the show. Harry Lennix, who was on Dollhouse and Emily Owens MD, is on this show as well. Pros- This show can be interesting at times. Cons- It can be hard to understand. The show is very violent and bloody. Note to Parents- Don’t let young people watch this. Recommendation- I’d pass on this. My Viewing Habits- I came in early into the first season (after it started) and had been watching this until it lost my interest after I went on a hiatus from it and tried to come back to it. It wasn’t any good to me anymore and has changed too much. Prediction- I think that it is close to ending now. Reception: critically acclaimed. Grade: D.

Charmed: Status- Currently on the CW at 8/7 Central on Fridays. Why I’ve seen it- I tend to watch all CW shows that I can and was interested in it since I liked the original show. Noteworthiness- This is a remake of a classic WB show. Description- Three sisters find out that they are witches with powers and have to save the world from evil. Pros- It is quite interesting and good. It changes nothing about the original while creating its own story. Cons- It has a cast that is younger than it needs to be and much of it can be too mysterious. Parts of it can be predictable with its parallels to the original show. Note to Parents- There is enough creepiness in here that might scare younger children. There are lesbian characters. There is more violence then sex, but there are still issues with both, although the violence isn’t nearly as bad as other shows. Recommendation- I think that it is good, even if you liked the original. My Viewing Habits- I have seen the first episode and have kept watching. I plan to see all of it so I review all of them for my YouTube channel. Prediction- It will probably last, but I’m not sure if it will due to the fact that it is now on Fridays. Reception: somewhat positive. Grade: B. New review

Link to my video reviews of Charmed: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO8vECGH5CX-BmCMoA7kF11I1gsQOuX2X

Fresh off the Boat: Status- Currently on ABC at 8:30/7:30 Central on Fridays. Why I’ve seen it- It aired with a comedy that I normally watch. Noteworthiness- This is based off of a true story and book, but I don’t know how much. Description- Set in the past, this is a sitcom about an Asian family that moved to America and other friends in their lives. Pros- This is actually quite good in terms of quality. Cons- The show can be weirder than it needs to be. Note to Parents- This is actually quite acceptable in terms of material as I can’t think of much bad in here for kids and other young ones outside of a gay character (that I know some people wouldn’t like but most wouldn’t care about). Recommendation- I would watch this show if you can. My Viewing Habits- I got into it into its second season and have watched on and off as long as it fit in my schedule which it hasn’t always has. Prediction- It is doing well in the ratings right now so it should last. Reception: critically acclaimed. Grade: B-.

Dynasty: Status- Currently on the CW at 9/8 Central on Fridays. Why I’ve seen it- I try to watch every CW show once, if I can. Noteworthiness- This is a remake. Description- A family has to deal with changing dynamics and working with their respective companies. Notable People- Alan Dale, who had a role on NCIS for a bit, is a character on this show. Pros- The plot works for the most part. It is interesting enough to keep some people into it. Cons- The characters are bad people so it has that against it. There could be more to this. It seems too strange. Note to Parents- There are some of the usual problems like sex and violence. There are gay characters. Recommendation- While I might watch this at times, I’d put this as a toss-up in terms of if people should watch this. My Viewing Habits- I’ve seen little of this thus far due to scheduling issues in my life or against other shows. I watched a lot of the second season, but don’t know yet if I’ll see much of this current one yet. Prediction- This has a pretty sweet deal with Netflix, so it will probably last elsewhere if it doesn’t last here. Reception: mixed or average. Grade: B-.

Magnum P.I.: Status- Currently on CBS at 9/8 Central on Fridays. Why I’ve seen it- I tend to watch all CBS shows at least once when and if I can. Noteworthiness- This is a remake of a classic show with the same name. This is set in the same universe as Hawaii Five-0 and NCIS. It is filmed in Hawaii where it is set. Description- A private investigator and his friends help solve crimes. Notable People- This has Tim Kang, who used to star in The Mentalist. Pros- It pretty much works for the most part. It has fun characters and isn’t always the same type of crime. Cons- It can seem too generic and run of the mill. Note to Parents- I don’t think that this is as bad as others in terms of who can watch it, but I’d still be safe and let only teens and maybe preteens watch. Recommendation- I think that this is good and recommend it. My Viewing Habits- I don’t think that I’ve seen every episode, but have seen it since the first one. Prediction- This is likely to last for now. Reception: mixed. Grade: B. New review

Dateline: Status- Currently on NBC at 9/8 Central on Fridays. Why I’ve seen it- Nothing else on and it seemed interesting. Noteworthiness- It is the longest running primetime news show on NBC and sometimes airs multiple times in one week. Description- Pretty much an NBC version of 20/20. I don’t know which came out first. Pros- It can be interesting. Cons- It can only be interesting if you like it. I haven’t seen enough of it to find out how different it is from other networks versions of this show. They mostly only do murder mysteries from real life. The promos for it make it seem like if you watch TV on your own, you are better off without it. Note to Parents- This show is gruesome a lot with what they show on it. They even promote it in a way that implies that the squeamish shouldn’t watch it, at least by themselves. So you probably shouldn’t let your kids watch this. Recommendation- Take it or leave it. My viewing habits- I watch at times but normally don’t care enough as I don’t like true crime shows that much, although this does catch my interest at times, but not always. Prediction- It will last forever. Reception: mostly positive. Grade: B.

20/20: Status- Currently on ABC at 9/8 Central on Fridays. Why I’ve seen it- It looked interesting when I first saw it. Noteworthiness- It is the longest running primetime news show on ABC and the longest running ABC show in primetime at least. It premiered when Jimmy Carter was president. Description- This is an in-depth news show regarding issues relating to current events or just anything like a murder mystery. Pros- Can be quite interesting if you don’t watch anything else at that time. Cons- There’s a show like this on every network. Re-runs rarely exist. Some episodes are better than others. It can be hard to watch all the time. Note to Parents- If you typically let your kids watch the news, then this is something you can let them watch. Although, I’d honestly stay clear of letting most kids watch this as it is far too grim for them. Recommendation- I like it, but don’t watch it unless I know that I want to. Maybe you’ll like it or consider it a complete waste of time. My Viewing Habits- I don’t watch all the time, but I do when it works out although I tend to avoid the murder mystery episodes. Prediction- It will last unless something weird happens. Reception: currently positive, although the first episode was panned which lead to a retooling of the good show we know today. Grade: A.

Blue Bloods: Status- Currently on CBS at 10/9 Central on Fridays. Why I’ve seen it- It is on CBS. Nothing else good was on. Description- This is a cop show where the cops are related. It is set in New York City. Notable People- Tom Selleck from Magnum PI and movies is a character. Donnie Walburg, who is in the band New Kids on the Block, is a character as well. Pros- Something good exists on Friday nights for you to watch. A partial family aspect is added to the show which makes it more relatable. They rarely deal with murder and seem to deal with every sort of crime and problems that you might hear about in real life. Cons- The ways the officers catch and interrogate some of the suspects/criminals is unethical some of the time. It can be like a lot of other dramas. They have made some questionable off-camera choices regarding at least one actress who works on the show. Some episodes are better than others. There have been some episodes which use unfair stereotypes for villains. Note to Parents- This is better in terms of what is acceptable to show your kids than a lot of shows are. Recommendation- Take it or leave it. I like it. You might too. My Viewing Habits- I have seen most episodes and watched this from the very first episode. Prediction- It will stay around for a while unless they decide to end it. It could wind up on the chopping block with little to no warning. Reception: mostly positive. Grade: B-.

Thursdays in Primetime Part 6

Thursdays are the most competitive nights on television. All the networks put all their best shows on the same night. It is impossible to watch everything good at this time, unless, of course, you record some things to watch later or watch what you can’t see online. NBC airs comedies and a drama. CBS airs comedies as well and ends with Evil right now. ABC shows their popular TGIT night which are all dramas produced by Shonda Rhimes. FOX has a constantly changing lineup that I won’t bother to keep track of, but will review from time to time. They are airing football right now. The CW shows Supernatural and Legacies. There are no losers and every network seems to win in their own right. The reason this night is the most competitive is the high demand of advertisers for the movies that will come out the next day. I have seen a lot of these shows so here’s my views on them:

Superstore: Status- Currently on NBC at 8/7 Central on Thursdays. Why I’ve seen it- My mother was originally interested in it, so I recorded it for her and watched it myself. Noteworthiness- Despite its short time on the air, it is the longest running comedy on NBC. I don’t know if the return of Will and Grace complicates things or the transfer of Brooklyn Nine-Nine to this network. Description- This is a comedy about people who work in a store and the adventures that ensue. Notable People- America Ferria from Ugly Betty is in the cast. She might have also created the show too. Pros- This show is interesting and different. Cons- There really isn’t much that this show offers. It can be weird. Note to Parents- This is probably the standard amount of what you’d expect in terms of what is acceptable or not for your kids to watch. In the episode I saw, an unmarried woman was pregnant. Recommendation- It isn’t terrible, but I wouldn’t watch it again. My Viewing Habits- I only watched this once. Prediction- I say that it might last, but only given NBC’s general lack of comedies that they have to rely on. They need something, right? Reception: mixed/average. Grade: D.

Young Sheldon: Status- Currently on CBS at 8/7 Central on Thursdays. Why I’ve seen it- I watch the show it span off from so it made sense to watch this too. Noteworthiness- This is a prequel to the show The Big Bang Theory. Description- A spin-off of The Big Bang Theory, it features Sheldon Cooper at a younger age. Notable People- Jim Parsons, who plays adult Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory, is the narrator of this show, or was at one point. Pros- The show works and is pretty good. It doesn’t have some of the problems that the main show has, like focusing on sex too much, due to all the characters being young. Cons- It doesn’t seem to have the same type of appeal that The Big Bang Theory does. It doesn’t seem as funny as one would want it to be. Note to Parents- This is pretty acceptable most of the time. There have been some issues now and then, but not too many. Recommendation- I would suggest watching this. You don’t even have to like The Big Bang Theory to enjoy this, although there are links between them. My Viewing Habits- I have not seen every episode, but I have watched this since it first started. Prediction- This will probably keep lasting for a while. It is renewed for next season. I see no reason why it wouldn’t last. Reception: generally favorable. Grade: A.

Grey’s Anatomy: Status- Currently on Thursdays at 8/7 Central on ABC. Why I’ve seen it-Desire to find a medical drama to watch all the time on a regular basis. When I realized that I liked medical dramas, I also realized that they always cancel the ones that I like, so I figured that I should watch this since it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Noteworthiness- It is the longest running drama on ABC to still be in production. It is also the longest running medical drama of all time. Description- A medical drama featuring a large cast of doctors of both genders solves medical problems that sometimes relates to their own team. I’m not really sure how to describe it that well so you might understand it better if you watch an episode yourself. Notable People- Shonda Rhimes, who went on to help produce Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, and now dominates most of Thursday nights on ABC with shows that she helped make, created this show. Pros- This show is pretty interesting and humorous. Most of the large cast is focused upon most of the time. The medical aspect is well-done. It isn’t always about the same characters all the time. The acting is great. Cons- The show can be quite complicated and hard to understand and follow, especially if you don’t watch every week. If you don’t like soap operas, then this show probably isn’t for you because of the format it uses. There’s too much sex in the show as well and most people wouldn’t like the morals present. There are too many characters to keep track of on a regular basis and sometimes a lot of the cast isn’t in a certain episode. The main character, in particular, isn’t there that much. Note to Parents- I would avoid letting your kids watch that. Recommendation- Take it or leave it. If you don’t like it now, you never will. My Viewing Habits- There was a long time when I didn’t watch this for one reason or another, but I finally decided to start watching it. I plan to stick with it until the end. Prediction- This could be ending at some point in time over the new few years. Reception: somewhat positive. Grade: C+.

The Unicorn: Status- Currently on CBS at 8:30/7:30 Central on Thursdays. Why I’ve seen it- I tend to watch each new CBS show at least once when I can. Description- A widower decides to go out into the dating world again. Notable People- It stars Omar Miller from The Eleventh Hour and CSI: Miami. Pros- There is a good thought behind the basic premise of the show. Cons- It doesn’t seem to offer much to it. Note to Parents- This has some objectionable stuff that you might not want your kids exposed to. Recommendation- This isn’t really any good so I’d pass on it if I were you. My Viewing Habits- I watched the pilot and that’s it. Prediction- This is likely to stay around for now. But it is early in the season and things could change. Reception: positive. Grade: D. New review

The Good Place: Status- Currently on NBC at 9/8 Central on Thursdays. Why I’ve seen it- In order to review this for another blog of mine, I watched it. Description- A comedy, a woman finds out that she is dead, but in the good place. The main problem: she’s not supposed to be there. Notable People- Ted Danson, who was in many shows in the past, among them Cheers, CSI, and CSI: Cyber, is a character on the show. Kristen Bell, who did many movies and Veronica Mars, is the main character. Pros- The show is different and interesting. It tries to keep religion out of it so as to not offend anyone. The writing is quite good. Cons- The idea of things going wrong with the good place in death is a bit hard to believe. It lacks a certain amount of charm that you would want it to have. It doesn’t seem as funny as it could be. Note to Parents- This is borderline is terms of what is acceptable to let your kids watch or not. Recommendation- I think that it is quite good and should be watched. Prediction- It is ending this season. Reception: positive. Grade: B.

Mom: Status- Currently on CBS at 9/8 Central on Thursdays. Why I’ve seen it- If you didn’t know already, I like to watch every CBS TV show, even if it is just once. Description- A woman deals with the issues of single motherhood and various family problems. Notable People- Alison Janey and Anna Farris, both known for movies, are two main characters on the show. Chuck Lorre, who created Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, and helps with Mike and Molly, helps with this show, although I’m not sure if he created it, which he might have. Pros- People like it, based on comments I’ve seen online. Cons- All the show is about is a bunch of immoral people and I don’t know why we should care about something like this. Also, it is far from being funny. Note to Parents- This has so much smut in it that I wouldn’t let anyone you take care of watch it. Recommendation- Don’t watch it. It’s terrible. The fact that people like it completely baffles me. My Viewing Habits- I watched the first episode and would rather watch 30 straight minutes of commercials before I’d tune into this again. Prediction- This will keep lasting for a while unless something weird happens. Reception: somewhat favorable. Grade: F.

Carol’s Second Act: Status- Currently on CBS at 9:30/8:30 Central on Thursdays. Why I’ve seen it- I like to watch a CBS show at least once. Description- A woman starts her second career being a doctor with a bunch of younger medical residents. Notable People- This stars Patricia Heaton from Everybody Loves Raymond, The Middle, and Back to You. This also stars Ashley Tisdale from the Suite Life of Zack and Cody. Pros- The show works and makes sense. Cons- Some of it seems dumb and could be better. Note to Parents- This might have some questionable stuff, but probably not too much. Recommendation- I think that it is worth watching if you aren’t into anything else. My Viewing Habits- I have seen this since the first episode and don’t plan to stop watching any time soon. Prediction- It is likely to stay based on initial ratings which could quickly change. Reception: somewhat positive. Grade: C. New review

Evil: Status- Currently on CBS at 10/9 Central on Thursdays. Why I’ve seen it- I watched this to review it for a blog. Description- A woman and others have to deal with the idea of what makes one evil and if there are supernatural abilities behind it or not. Notable People- This is created by Robert and Michelle King who also did The Good Wife, The Good Fight, and BrainDead. It stars Michael Emerson from Person of Interest, Lost, and Arrow. Pros- It has a lot to offer in terms of understanding the human mind. Cons- It might be too mysterious at some points in the long term. I just hope they decide whether or not to include supernatural elements for sure at some point. Note to Parents- This is probably not something that you want your kids watching. Recommendation- I’d say that this is pretty good to watch. My Viewing Habits- I plan to see as much of this as I can and have watched since the first episode aired. Prediction- This doesn’t seem likely to last. Reception: positive. Grade: B-. New review

How to Get Away with Murder: Status- Currently on ABC at 10/9 Central on Thursdays. Why I’ve seen it- At the time, I wanted to watch something at this timeslot and chose this over Chicago P.D. Description- A woman teaches an intense legal class and various cases are solved as well. Pros- The show is just as mysterious as it should be without being too much of a problem. Cons- There are some bad morals present and plots can see too drawn out. Note to Parents- This isn’t something kids should watch as there are a lot of more adult themes in it. Recommendation- This might be good, but if you aren’t into it yet, don’t bother with it. It is a good show if you don’t care what you’ve missed. My Viewing Habits- I joined at the start of a new season and plan to stick with it when I can until the end. Prediction- It is ending this season. Reception: generally positive. Grade: C. New review

Law and Order: Special Victims Units: Status- Currently on NBC at 10/9 Central on Thursdays. Why I’ve seen it- I forget why I started watching. It might have been me wanting an hour long alternative to Modern Family so I wouldn’t have to watch what aired with it. Noteworthiness- It is the longest running drama spin-off on television as well as the longest running NBC drama. It is also the only primetime drama to premiere last millennium and still be on the air producing new episodes. It is a spin-off of Law and Order. It is now the longest running primetime show of all time. Description- A group of people known as the special victims unit (SVU) investigate sexual crimes and crimes that happen to children as well. Pros- They never show the rapes, even though that’s often what the show is about. The plots are interesting and different. There are always twists that keep you hooked on the show. They use real life cases as an inspiration, but not as what actually is shown. Cons- The show may never end. They regularly switch head writers because it has been on so long. The endings are normally not happy. It has a rather grim subject for a show. Note to Parents- There’s a lot of dark stuff in here and every episode airs with a viewer discretion is advised warning. So keep that in mind when you don’t let your kids watch it. Recommendation- Give it a chance and you might like it. If you don’t, that’s okay because it is dark. My Viewing Habits- I tend to watch this whenever possible, although I do miss a lot of it. I watch it a lot when it reruns on My Network TV, although it only tends to be when what I normally watch isn’t on or during the summer. Prediction- It will last until people stop watching for some odd reason or it gets too expensive to keep making. It might be in danger of ending, but if it is, there might be enough warning to let viewers at the people who do this show time to know. Reception: great. Grade: A+.