Each network has a different
style of shows on Sundays. Sunday is the only time you’ll see primetime from
6-7 Central. Except ABC, all of the major four networks show football for the
first half of the season. This causes problems on CBS where most of the shows
get delayed which is really annoying. FOX just preempts the first hour as
needed which causes very rare delays sometimes. NBC doesn’t even show
non-sports until midseason. In terms of consistency, this day of the week has
the most, except for possibly Friday. The CW doesn’t show any primetime shows
on Sundays anymore. ABC and CBS show mostly the same thing in theory in terms
of dramas. In fact, it’s creepy how similar they are. FOX shows comedies, a lot
of them adult animated comedies. When NBC show shows after football season
ends, it is normally just various limited run series. Here’s my view of the
shows that I have seen, some of them, watch regularly.
America’s Funniest Home Videos: Status- Currently on ABC on Sundays
at 7/6 Central and in syndication on various networks. Why I’ve seen it- I
can’t remember for sure, but back when it had its original host, I watched all
the time with my family. I guess we just liked the concept. One of the few
memories I have of my father (who is dead) relates to this show.
Noteworthiness- It has been on a long time. I don’t know for how long and it
did take a break in new episodes at one point. Everything that you see on the
show is from viewers. Description- Viewer submitted home videos are viewed as
the audience determines which one is the best. It is shown in Los Angeles. I
used to watch it all the time with its original host, Bob Saget. He is no longer
the host. Pros- If you like the Three Stooges, you’ll like this show. It can be
funny sometimes. Cons- Most of the laughs comes from people getting hurt. It
can get boring quickly. Some of what is shown is far from being funny. Note to
Parents- I watched this a lot as a kid. I don’t know how much the show has
changed over the years, but I’d have to say that this show is probably
acceptable for kids, but it may teach them to laugh at other people’s pain.
Recommendation- Do not watch this show. It is not worth your time. My Viewing
Habits- I used to watch this show, if only because I didn’t like watching
football at the time instead. I can’t stand this show anymore and refuse to
tune into it as it isn’t any good. Prediction- This show will be on until
people stop watching it, submitting videos to it, or the network finally
realizes how bad it really is. A new host could spill its demise as a new host
for virtually any show like this could. Plus, even if it ends for a while, it
could return as it has in the past. Reception: mixed to positive. Grade: D-.
60 Minutes: Status- Currently on Sunday nights on CBS at 7/6
Central unless delayed due to sports. Why I’ve seen it- Typically, there’s
nothing good on other networks when I started, but a general interest in
current events is why I typically watch as much as I do. Noteworthiness- Some
consider it to be the longest show in primetime. That is probably correct.
Description- It is an in-depth news show of current and interesting events.
Could be like the PBS news hour with commercials. Normally three stories are
shown with the first relating to current events and the last relating to
culture. Normally, the last story is a profile on some notable celebrity.
Sometimes, a segment is continued in a later segment. Pros- Unique news stories
could keep you hooked until commercials. Cons- Nothing keeps you into it if you
want to watch something else and the segment you were watching ends.
Controversies have arisen more from this show than any other show on CBS. The
segments tend to last a very long time which can irate you. Note to Parents- This
is a news show and the news can be gruesome. While some segments may work for
certain ages, most would not unless the kid is a teen. Recommendation- You should
watch this if you have the chance. Maybe you’ll learn something interesting. My
Viewing Habits- I tend to watch this most of the time this isn’t on delay. If
it is on delay, I normally watch other shows instead. While I like it, it isn’t
something that I always watch. Prediction- This show will be on until the end
of the world. Even then, it might continue. Reception: positive. Grade: A-.
Bob’s Burgers: Status- Currently on Sundays on FOX at 7:30/6:30
Central. Why I’ve seen it- I guess I just typically like watching these types
of shows for some odd reason. Plus, there might have been a gap in my schedule
with nothing else to watch at the time. To put it simply, I don’t know why I
started watching this. Description- Part of animation domination, we see the
misadventures of a family who works in, owns, and (more or less) lives in a
restaurant. Pros- It is funny, using a humor not typically seen on television.
Cons- There may be worse things than this, but there are a lot of better things
as well. It can be hard to stay into it and watch it all the time. It may take
you a while to realize that it is good. Note to Parents- This is one that is
probably best avoided among kids less than the teenage years. Recommendation-
It is pretty good so watch if you can. My Viewing Habits- Sometimes I watch and
sometimes I don’t. It depends on when it airs, what else is airing at the same
time, if that thing is on delay or not, and various other things like that. Prediction-
This will last for a while, considering how it is renewed already for future
seasons. Reception: mixed then positive. Grade: B+.
The Simpsons: Status- Currently on FOX on Sundays at 8/7 Central
and in syndication on various networks. Why I’ve seen it- I typically watched
reruns when I was a child. It’s probably not something that a young person
should be watching, depending on the episode. Not sure why we were into it, but
we typically watched it during supper and right before bed. Noteworthiness- It
has lasted more seasons than any other scripted primetime show. The original
cast is still working on the show. There tends to be a famous guest voice in
most episodes. It was originally a spin-off of The Tracy Ullman Show. Over 500 episodes
have been made. FOX considered creating a channel for reruns of just this show.
Description- This is an animated comedy on a strange family in Springfield.
They have different, unrelated stories in each episode. Notable People- Matt
Groening is the creator of this show and he has done different comic book
series as well as Futurama. Pros- Funny episodes are shown all the time. There
is never any ongoing storylines so you don’t have to be devoted to the show.
Despite the fact that it has been on a long time, they still manage to come up
with great, new episodes and might be better than when the show originally
started. Cons- Inappropriate humor is used a lot. Because of its length on the
air, the head writer changes every so often. There is absolutely no continuity
between episodes. The show jumped the shark a long time ago, yet remains on the
air simply because of great ratings. One wonders why it is still on air when
they don’t have good ideas anymore and even air show’s too short segments,
which are probably as ridiculous as they sound to you. Religion is typically
represented poorly in the show. Note to Parents- While I watched this a lot as
a kid and it even won polls for favorite kids show, I don’t think that most
young ones should watch this. A preteen or older can handle the show without
asking any serious questions. Recommendation- You should watch it if you like
it (and only if you like it) and have the time. It can be quite entertaining.
Although, since they don’t have the best ideas anymore, then it may not be
worth your time. My Viewing Habits- While I have waning interest in the show, I
typically watch it when I can. There was a time I didn’t watch it and if it
aired with a show I didn’t like, I wouldn’t watch it for as long as they are
paired together. Prediction- This show will last forever, unless the death of a
cast member causes a retooling of the show or otherwise abrupt ending. One can
wonder what the death of Matt Groening, who still supervises the show, would
cause. It could end at some point, but it seems generally unlikely to most
people. Reception: generally positive then somewhat negative. Grade: B-.
Once Upon a Time: Status- Currently on ABC at 8/7 Central on
Sundays. Why I’ve seen it- General interest in the whole fairy tale genre. Description-
The world of fairy tales are trapped in our world (a world of “pure horror”).
Well, the show has evolved since then, but that was the original purpose at
least. Notable People- The creators of Lost also created this show. Pros- A
captivating drama, it keeps you interested with the writers’ take on fairy
tales. It is hard to stop watching. Cons- One can wonder if they’ll have enough
material for a long series. One could wonder instead if the show moves fast
enough. Due to the frequent use of flashbacks, one could wonder also if they
can keep their stories straight and avoid continuity errors. Plus, it could be
too much like a soap opera for those of you who don’t like that genre. Its
biggest problem is being too confusing. Note to Parents- It’s borderline
wondering whether or not younger people can watch this show. There’s enough in
there that you might find objectionable, but most of it might be considered
okay to watch with your family. Recommendation- It is a good show, if you don’t
mind the other shows at the same time. You should watch it sometime. My Viewing
Habits- While I do miss episodes frequently due to poorer reception of this
network in my area, I have more or less watched this since the very first
episode. Prediction- This show is a hit and the network needs more of those so
it will stay around for quite some time. However, if they start messing with
the cast like the rumors say they are, then it could wind up ending soon.
Reception: positive. Grade: A.
NCIS: Los Angeles: Status- It is currently on CBS at 8/7 Central on
Sundays. Why I’ve seen it- I watch NCIS so I figured that this would be good as
well. Noteworthiness- It is a spin-off of the popular NCIS. The agency it is
based off of (office of special projects) does not really exist in real life
(although the information I have on that could be wrong). Description- The
office of special projects of NCIS which is located in Los Angeles investigates
different crimes. Notable People- Chris O’Donnell, known for different movies,
is the lead agent G Callen. LL Cool J, a rapper and also known for different
movies is Sam Hanna. Linda Hunt, known for different movies as well, is Hetty.
There are probably others I’m forgetting about. Pros- This is different from
NCIS, but still good enough to keep you watching. The undercover assignments
are funny and interesting. Cons- It is not as good as NCIS and unrealistic at
points. It seems like some unethical methods are used at times to catch the
perps. Note to Parents- I’d say this has the usual amount of what you would
expect from a primetime drama. I’d say that you could let high schoolers watch
this, but probably not younger than that. Recommendation- I say that you should
watch this show if you like it, but not if you aren’t already into NCIS or
military dramas like that. My Viewing Habits- While I have not seen every
episode, I’ve been watching this since the very first episode. Prediction- It
might get cancelled before NCIS ends. I’m not sure if it will. The ratings have
been bad lately so it might not last that much longer, although it should last
until next season. Reception: mixed. Grade: B.
Making History: Status- Currently on FOX at 8:30/7:30 Central on
Sundays. Why I’ve seen it- I normally watch whatever FOX comedies air on
Sundays at least once. Description- A man carelessly travels through time and
messes up history so he tries to help fix it with his friend. Notable People- This
show stars Adam Paley who was in The Mindy Project. Pros- The show is pretty
decent and works overall as a whole. Cons- This could be considered among the
stupid genre of comedies. It could be improved upon in some places. Note to
Parents- This contains some of the immaturity that I remember from high school
so that’s all you need to know about that. Recommendation- It is worth watching
more than once. My Viewing Habits- I plan on watching this as long as it lasts.
Prediction- This will probably not last as the ratings are too low. Reception:
generally favorable. Grade: C-. New review
Family Guy: Status- Currently on FOX at 9/8 Central on Sundays and
in syndication on various affiliates. Why I’ve seen it- I’m not sure why I was
interested in it, but it might have been my usual interest in animated
comedies. Noteworthiness- To my knowledge, it is the only show in television
history that has been cancelled twice yet still manages to produce new
episodes. Actually, that might not be true, but few other shows have done that.
Description- The animated adventures of a family including their dog and baby
who can talk and behave like normal people. Notable People- Seth MacFarlane created
the show as well as voices several characters. Seth Green, known for his work
on Robot Chicken and some movies is Chris. Mila Kunis, who was in That 70’s
Show and some notable movies like Black Swan, is Meg. Pros- The show manages to
stay fresh while poking fun at somewhat recent events. Insides jokes come up
all the time. Funny episodes are common. The themes that show up are less an
approval of them but more a comment on them and how other people can sometimes
think. Cons- Bad episodes pop up just as often as good ones. If it weren’t
animated, it couldn’t be shown on network television due to sex, violence, and
language. It can be too random at points leaving you with no clue as to what is
going on. You’ll probably hate as much as you like. At least two episodes were
controversial enough to not be aired (although they reversed the decision of
one of them later). Note to Parents- This show has always aired with a content
advisory warning so that alone should be enough for you to make a judgment on
it. Your teens would probably love it, but don’t yet young ones watch it. Recommendation-
Take it or leave it. It’s not for everyone, although I like it sometimes. My
Viewing Habits- I got into this late and don’t always watch or care about it.
But I am still into it despite its declining quality. Prediction- It will last
a long time because the people who hate it are a minority and could always
bring it back another time by buying all the seasons on DVD for themselves.
Reception: positive yet controversial. Grade: C.
Time after Time: Status- Currently on ABC at 9/8 Central on
Sundays. Why I’ve seen it- I like most time travel shows and watch them
whenever possible. Noteworthiness- I might have mentioned that this was
original. I was wrong about that. It is based off of a book and a movie of the
same name. Description- H. G. Wells follows Jack the Ripper from the past into
the present with his time machine and he works to prevent future murders and
fix what has changed with time while working with various people. Pros- This
show is gripping, intriguing, and just keeps getting better. It goes in
unexpected places and seems to have various plots to keep you interested in it.
Cons- The show can be a bit gruesome. It has typical time travel flaws that can
cause headaches. Note to Parents- There is the typical violence and sex that is
likely worrisome for parents. Unless your kids are in high school, don’t let
them watch this. Recommendation- I would highly recommend this for everyone. My
Viewing Habits- I plan on watching this until it ends. Prediction- Sadly, this
is not likely to last considering how low the ratings are for it. I hate it
when that happens with great shows like this. Reception: mixed. Grade: A. New
review
Madam Secretary: Status- Currently on CBS at 9/8 Central on Sundays
unless delayed due to sports. Why I’ve seen it- I almost always watch a CBS
show at least once. Description- This show is about a woman who becomes
secretary of state and all the drama that unfolds with it. Some think that this
is made to get Hillary Clinton elected president. Those people are morons.
Pros- This show is pretty good. The characters are interesting. It is an
interesting drama with enough mystery going on to make people interested in it.
The show is also pretty realistic, to an extent. Cons- I don’t know if it runs
the risk of getting too political based on the undisclosed parties the people
are part of. Plus, like other shows, it is in the strange situation of being in
a reality that is both real and made up instead of a completely made up reality
which would probably be better for it. Also, the number of crisis that the
country faces each episode, even though they are relatively minor, can be a bit
much, even if it’s needed for the plot of the show. Note to Parents- I’d have
to say that this be a decision that goes either way with your views on what
kids should watch. Preteens might be okay watching it, but I think that the
really young kids should be avoiding this. Recommendation- I ultimately think
that it is worth the watch. My Viewing Habits- I have seen this since the very
first episode and keep watching to blog about every episode in the future as
you’ll see in the link below. Prediction- This show being on Sunday may be a
bit of a risk for this show. Plus, keeping it realistic might be hard as years
pass, meaning that it might have to be short term to stay realistic in some
way. But, I think that this show will probably last for a while. Or it could
become a misnomer if it continues too long. Just remember that it has to have a
Madam Secretary at some point to stay true to its name. While they could keep
her in office for a while, I’ll probably let the writers do their magic instead
of worrying about what they would probably have to do as time goes by.
Reception: positive. Grade: B.
The Last Man on Earth: Status- Currently on FOX on Sundays at
9:30/8:30 Central. Why I’ve seen it- It looked interesting and it fit in with
my schedule. Description- After a virus decimates the human population, only a
handful of people remain. Believe it or not, it’s a comedy. Notable People-
Will Forte, who was once on Saturday Night Live, is the main character. Kristin
Schaal, from Bob’s Burgers, is another character. January Jones, from Mad Men,
is a character. Pros- I think that it is pretty good. It is unique and
interesting. It actually works as a comedy. Cons- It is strange. It doesn’t
always make sense. Some of it is dumb. Note to Parents- Sometimes it airs with
a content adversary warning. I’d have to say that this probably is something
that teens can watch, but not any younger than that. Recommendation- I’d say
that you should watch it if it fits in with your schedule. My Viewing Habits-
While I may miss episodes from time to time, I have pretty much seen this since
the first episode. Prediction- I do not expect this show to last very long
given its high concept as a show. Also, its ratings aren’t all that good so it
will probably end. Reception: generally
positive. Grade: B.
American Crime: Status- Currently on ABC at 10/9 Central on
Sundays. Why I’ve seen it- I was interested in it and it fit in my schedule at
the time. Description- I believe that this show changes what it is like from
season to season so I’m not entirely sure what the description of it is right
now. Be warned that this review may be more like what it was like in the second
season, the only season of it I’ve seen. Notable People- Sandra Oh, who was in
Grey’s Anatomy, is a main character now according to promos. Pros- The show
tackles serious issues. Cons- The show moves far too slowly and isn’t as
interesting as one would like. Note to Parents- I think that even the promos
air this with a content advisory warning so that’s all you need to know
regarding this. Recommendation- I wouldn’t watch it again as I found it to be
far too boring. My Viewing Habits- I have only seen one episode of this and
won’t watch it again since I didn’t like it. Prediction- Its ratings are low,
but not bad enough to warrant cancellation. I guess that we’ll see what happens
with it later for sure. Reception: critically acclaimed. Grade: F. New
review
Elementary: Status- This CBS drama airs at 10/9 Central on Sundays
unless delayed due to sports. Why I’ve seen it- I generally like mystery shows,
even if I’m not that familiar with this famous detective. Noteworthiness- This
is another look at the Sherlock Holmes franchise set in modern day New York
City. Description- Sherlock Holmes helps the police solve crimes in the present
time. Pros- It can appeal to those that aren’t already fans of Sherlock Holmes.
It is a bigger hit than most people would think. The show is pretty
interesting. Cons- Not everyone would like the new interpretation of it such as
Watson being female for some odd reason, it being set in the modern day, or it
being in New York City instead of London. It can also be described as
Americanizing a British hit (which almost never works out for anyone).
Recommendation- Hopefully, it will work in the end and last a long time as I
wouldn’t mind watching it every week. My Viewing Habits- While I’ve missed
episodes here and there, I’ve watched it since the very beginning and will
watch it until it ends because of the blog I now have about it which you will
see in the link. Prediction- It looks like the end is coming soon for this show
due to its terrible timeslot it now has. Reception: positive. Grade: A.
Shades of Blue: Status- Currently on NBC at 10/9 Central on
Sundays. Why I’ve seen it- I was interested in it for reasons I don’t remember.
Description- This is about dirty cops and the possibly corrupt feds
investigating them. Notable People- Jennifer Lopez, who was in American Idol,
among other things, is the main character of the show. There are other notable
people as well. Pros- It is a nice take on the recent feelings on police. I’d
say that it is pretty good in the end, for now at least. Cons- It can be hard
to tell where they are going with this show or who the good guys are (if there
are any at all). It can be gruesome and negative. Note to Parents- There’s
enough in here that’s bad plus it runs the risk of causing distrust of the
police, a message you probably won’t want spread to your kids. You might want
to watch this if you are not sure. Recommendation- I’d put this at a toss-up.
There’s enough in here that’s wrong with it even if it is good enough. My
Viewing Habits- I’m not sure if I’ve seen all of this, but I’ve watched this
since the beginning. Prediction- Believe it or not, it is already renewed for a
third season, based on a source that I’ve read. It could keep lasting longer,
but I’m not sure how long it could wind up lasting. Reception: mixed. Grade:
C+. New review
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