As usual, I am posting
something later than I should be. I’m sorry for the delay of this update as now
most, if not all, of these shows are already over for the season. Still, enjoy
my thoughts about them still as I explain what all there is to say about them.
I’ll start with the new shows and then work my way to returning shows that I
haven’t reviewed yet (and some that I already have), if they are on the summer
schedule this season.
Don’t: Show Description- This is a game show where the contestants
get money based on things that they don’t do. Behind the Scenes- Adam Scott, formerly
of Parks and Recreation, is the host of the show. Movie star Ryan Reynolds is
the creator, a producer, and possible narrator. My Thoughts- While this show is
strange and some might be annoyed by all the voice overs in it, I think that it
is good and often funny, making it a show worth watching. I give it four out of
five stars. Long Term Prospects- Promos called it summer’s number one show
which should ensure that it returns for the future, if they are able to film
more of it in the future. Where to Find- This was on Thursdays on ABC, but
isn’t on the schedule right now, having ended its season.
Game On: Show Description- Celebrities compete in various games.
Behind the Scenes- This is hosted by Jordon Peele from Key and Peele who was
also on Mad TV and does horror films. My Thoughts- I did not see much
interesting about it as the competitions didn’t seem to have much of a point to
them. I give it two out of five stars. Long Term Prospects- I have no idea if
this will last or not. Where to Find- This was on CBS at some point, although I
don’t know if it still is
The Greatest #AtHome Videos: Show Description- Various viral, er,
internet videos that have happened since the start of the pandemic are shown.
Behind the Scenes- Cedric the Entertainer, who also stars in The Neighborhood
and has started in Cedric’s Barber Battle, is the host of this show. My
Thoughts- I don’t really like TV shows showing us what we can just see on the
internet instead. What I saw wasn’t bad at all, but also something that I don’t
care about either. I give it two out of five stars. Long Term Prospects- If the
pandemic lasts a long time, this show could return for future seasons.
Otherwise, I don’t see this lasting long at all. Where to Find- On CBS at 8/7
Central on Fridays
Tough as Nails: Show Description- Men and women compete at real job
sites and on two teams to see who is the toughest of them. Behind the Scenes-
Phil Kogan, the host of The Amazing Race, also hosts this show as well. My
Thoughts- It is nice to see something sort of different and contestants that
are out of the individual competition are still part of the team competition so
that can help them earn money still in the game. I like the show. I give it three
out of five stars. Long Term Prospects- This has already been renewed for
another season. How much it will last beyond that is unknown. Where to Find- On
CBS at 9/8 Central on Wednesdays
Taskmaster: Show Description- A group of five people
complete various tasks for points. Behind the Scenes- This is a British show
that aired in the US. My Thoughts- I love it as we saw humorous things
happening as the odd tasks are completed. I give it four out of five stars.
Long Term Prospects- It was already cancelled by the CW after just one episode
aired on the network. Where to Find- The entire series is available for free on
CW seed
Being Reuben- Show Description- A male tries to get into the makeup
business in this documentary show. Behind the Scenes- Like a lot of the CW
shows this summer, it aired on British television first. My Thoughts- It seemed
dumb and didn’t have much to it. I don’t have anything wrong with a guy doing
makeup, but I also have zero interest in it either. I give it one out of five
stars. Long Term Prospects- I don’t think that it will last in the US, although
it might last overseas. Where to Find- On the CW at 9/8 Central on Fridays
Coroner: Show Description- This is a murder mystery show largely
shown from a coroner’s perspective. Behind the Scenes- This is a Canadian show
that is airing in the US. My Thoughts- What I’ve seen of it thus far is pretty
interesting and worth watching. I give it four out of five stars. Long Term
Prospects- Whether or not it last doesn’t depend on US viewers, but will depend
on Canadian viewers instead. Whether or not it lasts and airs here is another
thing. I predict that it will last here as long as it lasts there. Where to
Find- On the CW at 9/8 Central on Wednesdays
The CW Happy Hour: Show Description- This show has people doing
standup for around an hour minus the commercial breaks. I do believe that this
is footage shown from existing standup specials. Behind the Scenes- I don’t
think that this is an actual or official show as they are just airing standup
specials as a show. My Thoughts- Honestly, this show is only as good as the
comedians on it. If they are good, the show is good. If not, the show is bad. And
it is only one comedian per episode so if you don’t like it, then you can
always try again some other time. I give it three out of five stars. Long Term
Prospects- I don’t think that this will return. I mean, I’m not even sure this
is a real show. Where to Find- Not currently on the schedule right now, having
been replaced by Tell Me a Story
Stargirl: Show Description- A teenage girl gets a cosmic staff
believed to be from her father that turns her into a mystic superhero called
Stargirl. Behind the Scenes- Originally airing on DC Universe, this is now
considered part of Arrowverse. My Thoughts- Very well done in terms of being
character driven among nearly all of its stars both big and small, it is hard
to think of much that’s bad about it. I do worry that it has the problems of
having to see every episode to understand it, but other than that, give it
quite a good grade thus far. I give it five out of five stars. Long Term Prospects-
This is already renewed for a second season. I expect it will last even longer
than that. Where to Find- Not currently on the schedule right now.
Dead Pixels: Show Description- A woman and her friends play a game
and have some issues in both their game lives and their real lives. Behind the
Scenes- This is a British show that airs in the US. My Thoughts- There could
have been better ways to air this, such as better edits given the constant use
of swears that are censored in the US. Plus, this seems too similar in some
ways to The Guild, but not nearly as good. I give it two out of five stars.
Long Term Prospects- I doubt it will last in the US, but it could last
overseas. Where to Find- On the CW at 8/7 Central on Tuesdays
Tell Me a Story: Show Description- Supposedly a twisted version of
fairy tales, it seems to be more like a crime drama filled with other stories
too. Behind the Scenes- This was a CBS all access show that is now on network
TV. My Thoughts- It moved too slowly and didn’t make sense, with not much being
known about the characters or anyone to root for. I give it one out of five stars.
Long Term Prospects- It was already cancelled by CBS all access. While it is
possible that a CW network revival would bring it back for future seasons, I
wouldn’t count on it. Where to Find- On the CW at 9/8 Central on Tuesdays
Fridge Wars: Show Description- Two chefs try to make meals based on
duplicates from fridges of some people with the people eating said meal. Behind
the Scenes- I forget if this aired elsewhere before it aired here or not. My
Thoughts- While this wasn’t that bad, it wasn’t my style and I doubt that I
will be seeing it again. I give it two out of five stars. Long Term Prospects- I’d
put this at a toss-up. Where to Find- On the CW at 8/7 Central on Sundays
Killer Camp: Show Description- A reality show, the contestants have
to find who among them is actually a killer while trying to earn money against
the sabotage of the killer. Behind the Scenes- This was a British reality show
that aired here in the US. My Thoughts- It seemed too strange in some places. While
I liked parts of it, it lost me at the ending and is now dead to me. I give it
two out of five stars. Long Term Prospects- It is already over. Where to Find-
Not currently on the schedule
Celebrity Watch Party: Show Description- Famous people are shown
reacting and watching shows that were on TV. Behind the Scenes- This was based
on a British show and one of the original programming brought forth by the
pandemic. My Thoughts- This is exactly as dumb as it sounds. I don’t want to
watch reaction videos to what is actually worth watching instead. I’m surprised
it lasted as long as it has. I give it one out of five stars. Long Term
Prospects- I don’t see how this lasts, but it could if enough people actually
care about it. Where to Find- This was on FOX, but I don’t know if it is still
airing right now.
Labor of Love: Show Description- A twist on the Bachelorette, this
woman wants a man who can give her a baby and the contestants even compete in
some sort of competitions (I think) that relate to being a dad as well. Behind
the Scenes- This does, actually, have a former Bachelorette contestant who is
the lead of the show. My Thoughts- While I’m glad that the twist of the woman
wanting to get pregnant (presumably the natural way) wasn’t a secret from the
men on the show, there was nothing that was good about this at all or worth
watching. I give it one out of five stars. Long Term Prospects- I don’t see
this coming back, but it could surprise me. Where to Find- This was on FOX, but
is not currently on the schedule right now
Ultimate Tag: Show Description- Different contestants compete is a
game of tag that is very different than what we are used to. Behind the Scenes-
There’s not much to say here. I think that the hosts might be famous in some
way, but I can’t remember. My Thoughts- It wasn’t that interesting to me and
seemed too much like Million Dollar Mile. I give it two out of five stars. Long
Term Prospects- I don’t have high hopes for it lasting beyond what has already
aired. Where to Find- This was on FOX, but I’m not sure if it is still on right
now.
Here, we switch to returning
shows that I haven’t reviewed yet. There are a lot of them that are not on this
season that are set to return for the future, be it next summer or some other
time. Thus, I don’t know when to review certain shows. At least be glad that I’ve
already reviewed most summer shows in previous summer review posts of this
blog. Now let’s get to what I can.
Mysteries Decoded: Status- Currently on the CW at 8/7 Central on
Thursdays. Why I’ve seen it- I often watch a CW show at least once. Description-
A true crime show, a woman seeks to find answers relating to various mysteries
of sorts. Pros- It might be liked for those of you who are into this type of
show. Cons- I don’t really like true crime most of the time so I didn’t like
this as much. Note to Parents- This is the same type of content that you’d get
from other true crime shows which is probably why you should not watch it
yourself. Recommendation- Don’t watch it. My Viewing Habits- I saw this once,
but will not see it again. Prediction- This will probably last. Reception:
good. Grade: D. New review
Bulletproof: Status- Not on the schedule right now. Why I’ve seen
it- I watch a CW show at least once now when I can. Noteworthiness- This first
aired on the Sky Network in England and is a British show. Description- Two
black cops work together to solve crimes. Pros- This seems like a typical buddy
cop format so you’ll know what to expect from it. Cons- I couldn’t tell if this
was strange due to the accents on the characters or if they sped up the speed
of the show so as to not cut out much from the American airing of it. It didn’t
work for me based on other factors either. Note to Parents- This was a crime
drama so there isn’t much else to say about whether or not this is for kids
outside of that. Maybe preteens and older would work for it. Recommendation-
Don’t bother with it. My Viewing Habits- I watched this once and will not see
it again. Prediction- Whether or not this will last at all will depend not on
American viewership but on British views. Thus, a prediction is pointless. It
could last there but not here, but I think that it will last both places. Reception:
good. Grade: F. New review
Love Island: Status- Either on CBS sometime or will be on CBS
sometime. Why I’ve seen it- I watch a CBS show at least once when it works out.
Noteworthiness- This is an American adaptation of a British show. Description- Contestants
compete for love, sex, money, or something like that, in this show. Pros- It
has what some people would like in reality TV. Cons- It seemed to cliché to
work that well. Note to Parents- This is not something that your kids should be
watching. Recommendation- Don’t waste your time with this. My Viewing Habits- I
watched the first episode and that was it. Prediction- Maybe this will keep
lasting, even though it shouldn’t be. Reception: largely bad. Grade: F. New review
Big Brother:
Status- This CBS show airs in three hours of primetime during the summer and on
live internet feeds at
www.cbs.com. The three
primetime hours are basically split into the mostly live show where people are
voted out, the show where people get nominated to get voted out, and the show
where people compete to possibly change the nominations on the show. Why I’ve
seen it- A parody of it on the Talk interested me in watching the real thing.
Noteworthiness- There are many versions of it in other countries, most of which
work very differently than ours. In case you were wondering, we were not the
first country to do this show, although we were the first country to use the
format that it has in almost no other country’s version of it. Description- A
group of people, normally strangers, but sometimes not, are put into a house
where they are recorded 24/7 and competing for a money prize. Notable People- Julie
Chen, formally of CBS’s Early Show and The Talk, is the host of this show.
Pros- While it may seem similar to other reality TV shows, it is very different
to the usual. You can see whatever you want to online since CBS has live feeds
of what goes on inside the house. Cons- The live internet feed gets cuts a lot
making it seem like the people that air the show is hiding something. Tons of
controversies have arisen on the show. Note to Parents- I’d say that teenagers
can watch this. I wouldn’t go with much younger than that as the typical
episode can have enough objectionable things in it. Recommendation- This show
is a pretty good show to watch. My viewing habits- I got into this late and for
varying reasons don’t know yet if I’ll watch it again. I have not been watching
it this season and might not see it again as it is too much of a time
commitment. Prediction- It will probably last a long time, although it just as
easily might not. Reception: mixed. Grade: B-. Include
Celebrity Family Feud: Status- Currently on ABC at 8/7 Central on
Sundays. Why I’ve seen it- I was able to catch a rerun. Description- This is
basically the same as Family Feud, only the people competing are from famous
families and competing for charities instead of themselves. Also, winning
people wouldn’t be back on future shows like in the regular game show. Notable
People- Steve Harvey, well known comedian and current talk show host who also
currently hosts the regular version of Family Feud is the host of this show as
well. Pros- Everything that you’d love about the regular Family Feud is in this
show as well. Celebrities are competing for charity so it is all for a good
cause. Even the losers’ charities get money. Cons- To make this an hour, they
cram what are two half hour shows into one episode, which I find strange and
unnecessary. A lot of the questions relate, intentionally or otherwise, to sex.
Note to Parents- You might have some stuff to worry about for the really young
ones, but other than that, it should be fine. Recommendation- I’d say that this
is worth watching. My Viewing Habits- This is something that I plan to watch
when I can although I haven’t always watched it in the past. Prediction- This
show comes and goes already so even if it ends, it could come back. I’d imagine
that it will probably stay as a long term summer show for a while. Reception:
somewhat positive. Grade: B+.
Penn and Teller: Fool Us: Status- It airs on the CW at 9/8 on Mondays.
Why I’ve seen it- It being a magic show interested me enough into watching it.
Noteworthiness- Originally, this was a foreign series that had lasted a single
season and was cancelled. It aired in Britain, but not in America for a while.
After it aired in this country, the show was brought back for a second season
and it has been on the CW during the summers and oddly timed reruns and other
episodes since then. Description- Various magicians compete for a chance to be
an opening act for Penn and Teller. They get to do a trick for them and get to
be the opening act if Penn and Teller can’t explain how the trick was done.
Pros- With a standalone format, this is the type of show that you don’t have to
watch every week. The tricks are entertaining, regardless of if Penn and Teller
are fooled. You get to see them perform a trick at the end of the show to keep
things interesting. Cons- Whether or not Penn and Teller are fooled, we don’t
know what the secret is behind the trick. So, basically, if people don’t fool
Penn and Teller, we still don’t know how they aren’t fooled. I will say this,
though, the tricks that fool tend to be better. Also, it can be rather annoying
when people who have been on before, especially if they have already fooled
them, are back on another time. Note to Parents- Anything potentially offensive
in this show is relatively minor compared to most other shows. I’d be wary of
the sexual things that show up from time to time. Recommendation- If you can
watch it, then you probably should. My Viewing Habits- I haven’t always watched
this compared to other shows. I do watch it if there is nothing notable I feel
competes with it, which it doesn’t at the time. Prediction- I think that this
show will last a while, although it will obviously end if something happens to
Penn and/or Teller. Reception: positive. Grade: B-.
Whose Line is it Anyways?: Status- Currently on the CW on Mondays
at 8/7 Central. Why I’ve seen it- I liked the original show and am a general
fan of improvised comedy. Noteworthiness- It is the remake of an ABC show and
retains much of the original cast. Description- A group of comedians make up
stuff and make us laugh while competing for meaningless points. Notable People-
There are guests from certain shows that are noteworthy, whether they are the
fourth member of the group (which changes) or a different special member. Aisha
Tyler, who used to co-host the Talk, is the current host of this show. Pros-
This is more or less the same great show that we all knew and loved when it
first aired. Most of the original cast is back. Even though everything is made
up, it still manages to be really funny. Cons- There are normally guests on the
show that tend to slow things down and take away from the talent of the true
part of the show. There tends to be some sexual related things that come up
often enough. Note to Parents- Some of the humor is not things you’d want your
kids watching, but most of it is okay and shouldn’t cause any problems if they
watch it. Recommendation- You should probably watch it. I don’t know why one
wouldn’t like this. My Viewing Habits- I try to watch this as often as
possible, although I know that I miss it a lot. I watched the original version
when it was on too and plan to keep watching it until it ends. I haven’t seen
it when other shows I like compete against it. Prediction- This should last a
very long time, provided that the cast can stay together throughout the run of
this show. I’m pretty sure that the cast not being able to stay together is
what killed it the first time, although low ratings didn’t help. Reception:
positive. Grade: A+.
Match Game: Status- Currently on ABC at 10/9 Central on Sundays.
Why I’ve seen it- It originally fit in my schedule when it was first airing.
Noteworthiness- This is a reboot of a game show that has been around, on and
off, for various decades. Description- This is a game show where two ordinary
people try to match their answers with those of celebrities. Notable People-
Alec Baldwin, well known actor who has hosted Saturday Night Live the most
times, appeared in 30 Rock, and has a notable movie career, is the host of the
show and there are various celebrities who help with the show. They make use of
the same celebrities at times, but not always. Pros- This show is quite
entertaining as it can be funny a lot. Cons- Some of the questions are strange
and one can wonder why they are as suggestive as they are. Plus, they seem to have
a strange format by combining two half-hour shows into one all the time. One
can question if some choices are easier than others. Note to Parents- This show
frequency uses double entrées and sexual related dialogue so I would probably
steer clear of those younger than teens watching this unless you want to
explain to them things no parent would probably want to under most
circumstances. Recommendation- If you aren’t busy and want to watch something
without much long term commitment, this show would work for you. My Viewing
Habits- I watch this sometimes, although I don’t care about this too much. If
it’s during the summer and something else I like is on, I wouldn’t watch this
long term. But I do tend to watch this when I can if I am doing nothing else.
Prediction- I say that this probably will last for a while. It would probably
eventually come back if it goes away again. Reception: somewhat positive. Grade:
B.
To Tell the Truth: Status- Currently on ABC at 10/9 Central on Thursdays.
Why I’ve seen it- I was interested enough in it to watch. Noteworthiness- This
is a reboot of the same show by the same name that has been around every so
often. Description- Celebrity panelists have to guess who there is really who
they say they are and not just pretending. Notable People- Anthony Anderson,
who currently stars on Black-ish, is the host of this show. Pros- It can be
funny at times. Cons- It can seem pointless. There should be more to it in the
modern version. Note to Parents- This may be the standard amount of what you’d
find objectionable so I’d say that you should watch an episode for yourself to
see if you think kids could watch it. Recommendation- If you aren’t watching
anything else at the time, you’d like this. If you do care about literally
anything else, then don’t bother with it. My Viewing Habits- I watch this when
I can, but do not currently tune into it. Prediction- This could last a while
and I think that it will in the end. Reception: good. Grade: C.
Masters of Illusion: Status- It airs on the CW at 8/7 Central on
Fridays. Why I’ve seen it- It first aired right after a show that I normally
watch. Noteworthiness- Looking up the history of this show, I found out that it
has aired off and on various networks in recent history. That means that if it
ends, it could be brought back. Description- Simply put, this show has various
magicians doing performances for people. Pros- A lot of stuff happens in one
episode. Tricks and magicians always change so you know you can expect
something different in each episode. The show happens quickly and this isn’t
something that you always have to watch as the episodes are always standalones.
Cons- Well, some of the pros can also be cons. They seem to focus on putting
too much in a single half-hour. A lot of the tricks are things you’ve seen
before. It is hard to tell a new episode from a rerun as a lot is repetitive.
Note to Parents- There isn’t too much in here that would be worrisome for kids
to see. All one would have to worry about is mild innuendo every now and then.
Recommendation- I would say that you should watch it if magic is the type of
thing that interests you. My viewing habits- It can be hard to stay into this
show although I do watch it at times, but not always. Prediction- I think that
this show will last a good while and if it ever ends, it can come back again as
it has in the past. Reception: somewhat negative, although, it was hard for me
to find a good place that mentioned the reception that the show got. Grade: B.
Primetime: What Would You Do?: Status- It airs on ABC at 10/9
Central on Tuesdays. Why I’ve seen it- Commercials made it seem interesting.
Cancellation of The Good Guys helped me decide to watch it since I had the free
time for it now. Noteworthiness- It is the first hidden camera show I’ve seen
that wasn’t out to exploit people for laughs. It is actually very serious.
Description- Different situations are set up to see how people react to them.
The point is to get people to react to a situation and get them to help people
out. Very serious situations are acted out using issues such as coming out,
unwanted pregnancy, racial issues, gender issues, and more. Pros- It shows the
good side among people and how they actually help sometimes. It is very
interesting and could make good teaching material. There are different segments
in each episode to keep you interested. It probably is a more realistic version
than any scripted show could come up with. Cons- Some segments are better than
others because some segments are just pointless. A certain amount of deception
is involved with the people. All the shooting locations tend to be in the same
locations. The Would You Fall for That? segments are pretty dumb. One can
question the legalities of this show. It is often annoying when it pushes
something with an agenda of some sort. Note to Parents- Some segments might be
okay for kids and others are not. I’d say that it depends on your mood to be
honest. Recommendation- Everyone should watch this show. This is my favorite TV
show of all time. My viewing habits- I haven’t always watched this in the past
but always watch it now whenever I have the chance. Prediction- It should be on
until they run out of ideas, which is unlikely that they will. I guess it might
matter whether or not there’s enough interest and it could just disappear
randomly and never come back. Reception: positive. Grade: A++.
