Here’s a hilarious and quite concise recap of Mad Men‘s first three seasons in preparation for the fourth season premiere this Sunday.

|source|

After a great season finale that is full of possibilities, Mad Men returns for a fourth season on July 25. As a teaser, The New York Times has released this promo of the principal cast.

Welcome to Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. This is going to be an interesting season.

| source |

Okay, maybe I won’t get to watch ALL of these shows; but I do promise to try. A much more comprehensive list of shows is available from the source (link below); but I’ve chosen the new shows I will probably check out and the returning shows that I would not dare miss.

The Making of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Sunday, June 6, NBC
This special is a sneak peek into the Harry Potter Theme Park which opened its doors to the public recently. Do I have to further explain why I want to watch this? Of course not.

The Hard Times of RJ Berger
Sunday, June 6, MTV
It’s basically “Hung” for the younger set; but I’m hoping there will be more to the show than that. I’m looking for a smart, teen comedy to replace “10 Things I Hate About You” since it was abruptly canceled.

Pretty Little Liars
Tuesday, June 8, ABC Family
It’s yet another adaptation of a bestselling young adult series; but I can’t get enough of them. I’m definitely watching this one.

True Blood
Sunday, June 13, HBO
Season three is here! After an awesome sophomore season with a slightly disappointing finale that had a pretty interesting cliffhanger, I’m still a huge fan who’s awaiting new episodes. Bring them on!

Make It or Break It
Monday, June 29, ABC Family
Yes, I watch this show about gymnasts and their journey to making it into the 2012 Olympics. It’s interesting and entertaining for me, okay? Anyway, the series continues after the last episode left me hanging and wanting more.

White Collar
Tuesday, July 13, USA Network
I haven’t exactly gotten all caught up with the first season finale; but this show is definitely a must-watch.

Psych
Wednesday, July 13, USA Network
Yet another series I have to catch up to. I do miss these guys; and if you are loving this series, do catch the new season.

Mad Men
Friday, July 25, AMC
I’m only halfway through the third season; so I have to catch up before new episodes come around. I’m hearing great things about the season that just ended; so I really have to stay current if I want to see what the fourth season has in store.

Of course, there are more shows in store in the coming months before the regular TV season kick starts again. Feel free to check out more shows at the source link below.

|source|

I’m pleasantly surprised by the winners this year. After the first couple of seasons that Dexter‘s been on air, I’m so glad that Michael C. Hall finally gets the recognition he deserves for playing America’s favorite serial killer Dexter Morgan. The fourth season has been such a rush to watch and other than Hall’s amazing performance, it’s also in part thanks to John Lithgow, Best Supporting Actor Winner for his creepy and amazing portrayal of The Trinity Killer.

It was also a surprise to see 30 Rock and Modern Family lose in favor of freshman favorite Glee. I guess it’s all in the spirit of the Hollywood Foreign Press honoring breakout shows and stars. Still, I’m happy for the musical dramedy series. I love it; and apparently, so does the HFPA. If I was disappointed of anything, though, I wanted Jane Lynch to win for her supporting role as Sue Sylvester. She was up against Chloë Sevigny, though, so she had some tough competition in her category.

As for the other winners, I’m not that surprised with Mad Men and Alec Baldwin winning yet another Golden Globe. Also, I’ve watched United States of Tara and from the pilot, I had already declared that Toni Collette will have to win an award for what she’s doing in that show. Anyway, here’s the complete list of winners:

TELEVISION
Television Series, Drama
Mad Men
Television Series, Comedy or Musical
Glee
Actress in a Television Series, Drama
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Actor in a Television Series, Drama
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Actress in a Television Series, Comedy or Musical
Toni Collette, United States of Tara
Actor in a Television Series, Comedy or Musical
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television
Chloë Sevigny, Big Love
Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television
John Lithgow, Dexter
Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television
Grey Gardens
Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television
Drew Barrymore, Grey Gardens
Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television
Kevin Bacon, Taking Chance

As for the movie winners, I can’t really judge that much; but from what I’ve read, upsets abound. Avatar and director James Cameron, as well as The Hangover were surprise winners in their respective categories. I’m happy to see these movies win, though. Also, I’m happy that The Blind Side is allowing Sandra Bullock to finally be noticed in the awards circuit. She’s been an underrated actress for quite a while now; and I can’t wait to watch her in one of the biggest surprises in movies for 2009. |complete list of winners|

Tonight Show Shake Up

The Jay Leno Show is canceled; but they want to keep Jay, Conan and Jimmy. Talk about NBC wanting it all.
NBC reportedly planned to have Jay on at the 11:35pm slot, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien at 12:05am and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon afterwards. But if that’s going to happen, Conan O’Brien has issued a statement that he won’t do “The Tonight Show” following Jay Leno.
“My staff and I have worked unbelievably hard and we are very proud of our contribution to the legacy of ‘The Tonight Show.’ But I cannot participate in what I honestly believe is its destruction.”
I’m Team Coco all the way. His statement has got to be one of the classiest and most eloquent responses to a news this messed up. NBC is just making messes all around. And Jay Leno’s smugness doesn’t help things one bit. I still can’t understand why he didn’t just retire altogether when he said he would leave “The Tonight Show.” And now with the way things are going, it seems like he’s going to go back to his old timeslot as if nothing changed. And Conan O’Brien! I love the man and his comedy way more than Jay Leno (This guy doesn’t even make me laugh.). I just wish things pan out for him in the long run; because he’s simply getting the shortest end of the stick here.

Simon’s Last Year

Simon Cowell is leaving American Idol after this season to concentrate on the American version of his Brit show The X Factor.
Well, that sort of throws the whole future of American Idol into a tailspin. After all, Simon Cowell IS the show. His opinions are the only ones that really really matter. Fox could only hope to find a suitable replacement that achieves even half of what Simon does for the show.
So I guess Ellen Degeneres, Randy Jackson and Kara Dioguardi are sure things for next year. Other than that, we could only enjoy the last few days of Simon Cowell on American Idol and only speculate on what will happen on the show’s tenth season.

January Pick-Ups

And onto some good news, here are shows that got early pick-ups for next season.
The Middle, White Collar, Modern Family, Cougar Town, Glee, Mad Men, Dexter, The Big Bang Theory.

Friends on TV

Right on the heels of Lisa Kudrow’s guest appearance on Courtney Cox-Arquette’s show Cougar Town, we’re hearing more shows from former friends are getting their own go signals. ABC has greenlighted to pilot the Matthew Perry-starring comedy Mr. Sunshine. |source| Meanwhile, Matt LeBlanc is forced to audition for the role of himself in the series/spoof Episodes for Showtime. |source|
I love seeing my favorite Friends stars on television. I deeply miss the show; and seeing them move on to (hopefully) good projects just feels great.

It’s the end of another decade; and what a decade it has been. Between 2000 and 2009, so many shows have come and gone. And when I think about it, most of my TV obsessions sprung within the past 10 years. From Smallville (which I used to love but now do not watch completely) to Veronica Mars (which I miss to this very day) to Friday Night Lights (the BEST drama right now) plus a bunch of new and amazing comedies (The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family) that replaced some classic favorites (Friends, Sex and the City), watching television pretty much ruled a part of my life the past decade.

Anyway, before moving on, you might want to read my year-end TV recaps since 2006 when I started blogging about TV. It might give some insight into how my TV watching has changed (or not) over the past 4 years:
TV in 2006
TV in 2007
TV in 2008

And now…. As a salute to the decade that was, here are some notable TV highlights between 2000 and 2009 (some personal, some general observations). The shows mentioned may not all be award-winning critical favorites; but I loved ‘em (maybe even left ‘em recently):

Smallville (2001-present)

From the time I heard about it being produced, I’ve been excited to check out Smallville, which is basically “Superman as a teenager.” The first season was everything I loved in a series: drama, action, comedy and a lot of teen angst. It became the first show I was truly obsessed with (at least in this decade). I visited websites, read spoilers, collected its music, even started a fansite of my own for the show.

The first few seasons kept me hooked, with the cliffhangers as events I always looked forward to. I kept on watching until half of the sixth season, when the stories just became less and less interesting. Plus, when I heard that the show was losing Michael Rosenbaum, quite possibly the best actor on Smallville; that was it for me. Now, the original executive producers have gone and the show still goes on… It’s now on its ninth season; and I have absolutely no idea what’s happening.

I still have the first three seasons in my DVD collection; and despite the show losing its quality in recent years, Smallville still remains in the back of my mind as a show that started my TV show obsession.

Meteor Garden (2001)

The first Asianovela I watched (and still a favorite). With only 19 hour-long episodes, the story ended quickly; but the mania that came along with it lasted quite a while. Four guys that made up the supergroup F4 became a sensation; and the Philippines never looked back. Asianovelas, until now, are a staple in television programming. Though imports still keep coming in, none of them could recreate the stir that Meteor Garden started.

(more…)

10 Outstanding Motion Pictures and TV Programs of the Year

“The Hurt Locker” has done it again. The drama about soldiers in Iraq who diffuse bombs landed on the American Film Institute’s Top 10 movies of the year the same day that it was named the top film of 2009 by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

Among the other dramas that made the cut were “The Messenger,” “Precious,” “A Serious Man,” “A Single Man” and “Sugar.” There was still love for comedies like “Up in the Air” and “The Hangover,” as well as family films like “Up” and “Coraline.”

The AFI awards gives nods to the “most outstanding achievements in film and television” and honors the creative ensembles in front of and behind the cameras. A luncheon to present the honors will take place on Jan. 15 in Los Angeles.

It was a good year for new television, according to the American Film Institute. The AFI’s TV Top 10 of 2009, announced on Sunday (Dec. 13) afternoon, features five programs that premiered this year, including the surprising inclusion of the Starz comedy “Party Down.”

Also making the AFI TV Top 10 were “The Big Bang Theory,” “Big Love,” “Friday Night Lights,” “Glee,” “Mad Men,” “Modern Family,” “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” “Nurse Jackie,” and “True Blood.”

The only show carried over from last year’s AFI TV Top 10 was “Mad Men,” meaning that “Breaking Bad,” “In Treatment,” “The Office” and “Life” must have done something to disappoint the AFI’s voting panel.

While the AFI honored a pair of TV movies/miniseries last year, with “John Adams” and “Recount,” this year’s list only saw value in series television.

|source|

Yay for the shows in BOLD… 7 out of 10… not bad. And though I’ve only watched the first season of Big Love, I wouldn’t argue that it’s a really good show. I’ve been reading up and everyone’s saying it only gets better and better. Anyway, I’m happy that organizations such as The American Film Institute recognize the greatness that Friday Night Lights brings to the table. I still don’t get why the Emmys don’t just get a freakin’ clue and nominate this show for some major awards.

As for the movies, I already have The Hurt Locker and Precious saved for viewing (can’t wait!).

The AV Club’s List of Top 30 Best TV Series of the 00′s

I love television shows; but I haven’t watch every single one on this list. I’m not that addicted. In all fairness, I’m happy that a couple of my favorites made the list. And I really plan to watch some of these when there’s a hiatus and I could catch up… most especially numbers 1, 2, 12 and 19… maybe 6, 10, 17 and 25. Anyway, enough with the numbers. Here’s the list:

30. The West Wing (NBC, 1999-2006)
29. Wonder Showzen (MTV2, 2005-06)
28. Eastbound & Down (HBO, 2009-present)
27. Flight Of The Conchords (HBO, 2007-2009)
26. The Venture Bros. (Cartoon Network, 2003-present)
25. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (The WB/UPN, 1997-2003)
24. Dexter (2006-present)

From the gripping first season to the exciting fourth year with John Lithgow as the Trinity Killer, Dexter Morgan is the serial killer you can’t help but root for. His character has grown in so many ways; and with the kid and family he now has, things are more complicated than ever. Can Dexter have it all? We’ll see.
23. Undeclared (Fox, 2001-02)
I watched this around 2007 as a result of the praise surrounding Judd Apatow’s comedic genius. I really enjoyed it in the short time it took to watch every single episode.
22. Six Feet Under (HBO, 2001-05)
21. Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO, 2000-present)
20. Tim And Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! (Cartoon Network, 2007-present)
19. Big Love (HBO, 2006-present)
I have finished season one of this show back when it just started. It is a good show. I watched the first episode of the second season… still good. I’m still figuring out why I haven’t gotten around to watching the rest of it. I plan to, though.
18. How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 2005-present)
This show not only gives us Robin Sparkles, Slap Bets, Bro Codes and of course, Barney, it also gives us a lot of insight into relationships… presented in a hilarious way. The strongest season has been seasons two and three; but the show is still making me laugh on its fifth year. The semi-mythical “mother” is almost the last thing on our minds.
17. Firefly (Fox, 2002-2003)
16. Friday Night Lights (NBC, 2006-present)

This show deserves to be higher on the list but I’m just happy Friday Night Lights gets this sort of recognition. It’s an absolutely well-made and well-written series. People can’t help but fall in love with it once they start watching. It’s also the first show EVER, at least in my opinion, to execute a FLAWLESS SEASON when it came out in 2006. Every single episode that year was just… amazing. Season 3 is a close second. So far, Season 4 is also looking good. I can’t get enough of this show, I love it so much.
15. Veronica Mars (UPN/The CW, 2004-07)
This is another one of those shows that I absolutely LOVED. From the relationships (Veronica & her dad/Logan/Wallace/Mac/Weevil) to the mysteries, Veronica Mars is easily one of those underappreciated gems that have come out this decade. I’m a groupie. And I miss the show so much.
14. Futurama (Fox, 1999-2003)
13. 30 Rock (2006-present)
Tina Fey comes out with a winner on this one. Casting Alec Baldwin in that role was sheer genius; and the episodes are just hilarious.
12. Battlestar Galactica (2004-09)
I got hooked on the first season a while back; but I’ve been having a hard time finishing the rest of the seasons. Still, that first season alone has already proven to me how good this show is. It’s so much more complex than a regular sci-fi series. And I think that’s what makes it one of the best.
11. The Office US (NBC, 2005-present)
10. The Shield (FX, 2002-08)
9. Deadwood (HBO, 2004-06)
8. Lost (ABC, 2004-present)
I haven’t gotten caught up with the last season; but this show has gotten better and better ever since they decided to have an end to the series. Lost is definitely an iconic show, one that could easily represent television for this decade. I can’t wait to see how they end it.
7. The Office UK (BBC 2, 2001-03)
6. Breaking Bad (AMC, 2008-present)
5. Mad Men (AMC, 2007-present)
Half the time, I almost forget what happens with each episode; but the show is just such a work of art, you can’t help but be fascinated with everything that’s happening. I’ve only started watching the latest season; but it continues to be as great as when it started.
4. Freaks And Geeks (NBC, 1999-2000)

This was a show too intelligent for its time. I’m happy to have had the opportunity to watch this back in 2007. Definitely a must-watch if you love TV and love high school series.
3. Arrested Development (Fox, 2003-06)
2. The Sopranos (HBO, 1999-2007)
1. The Wire (HBO, 2002-08)

*italics: ones I watch or have watched
|source|

It’s the middle of August and a lot is coming up in the next few weeks. The summer season is winding down so this means finales are just around the corner. Right after that, there will be new seasons of my favorite shows and a bunch of series premieres! Here’s just some of the things worth looking forward to:

True Blood
season finale: September 13
This season has been so addictive. It surpassed the intrigue that was the first season with its new characters, new vampire mainstays (I can’t stop gushing about Eric), and the impending war between vampires and humans. Mary Ann might have become a bit tiring after a while, but the rest of the goodness more than made up for it.
The last episode was really a question of whether a full out war is about to blow up. There are four more episodes to the season so we know there’s still a lot of things that could still happen.

Top Chef Masters
season finale: August 19
This is the first time I watched a Top Chef season from start to finish. It’s down to Rick Bayless, Hubert Keller and Michael Chiarello. I’m cheering Hubert Keller because I think he’s a really cool guy, Rick Bayless next, third Michael Chiarello. Wherever this may go, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a delicious finale.

Mad Men
season premiere: August 16
Last season ended with Sterling Cooper being bought out by another agency, Betty having a short rendezvous with a stranger while carrying a baby, Don going through some weird experiences with a couple of hedonistic strangers and Peggy telling Pete about their baby, among other things. What else this show has in store this season, I don’t really know; but I can’t wait to see what happens.

Greek
season premiere: August 31
This is simply a fun show to watch; and I really wanna know: Will Cappie and Casey EVER get together again? Ever?

Glee
series premiere: September 9
The anticipation for new episodes has been building for quite a while now. Expectations are high; and I’m confident that the show is going to deliver. With its catchy songs, witty dialogue and talented cast, this so far the new show I’m looking forward to the most.

These are, of course, stuff that’s off the top of my head. There’s still the Fall TV Previews coming up so I could pick which shows spark my curiosity and which shows I’m returning to.

If this video from The TV Addict didn’t get you excited about Jon Hamm’s guest role on 30 Rock (which means you’re crazy, unless you’re not a Mad Men/Jon Hamm fangirl like I am). Seeing the great Don Draper in specs might just do the trick. He’s sooo dreamy… Okay, I’ll stop gushing now and just show you the pictures. The much anticipated episode airs this week!

 

“I want to go to there” – - – *faints*