For those of you who are still confused, here’s the breakdown of the One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl and Life UneXpected schedules next year… courtesy of thetvaddict.com

It all begins…
January 18 (Monday)
8pm ONE TREE HILL
9pm LIFE UNEXPECTED *series premiere

Schedule shift starts on…
March 8 (Monday)
8pm LIFE UNEXPECTED
9pm GOSSIP GIRL

After Life UneXpected airs 13 episodes…
8pm ONE TREE HILL
9pm GOSSIP GIRL

I don’t know if this will work; but I really hope Life UneXpected performs well. It looks like a show I could really love.

Thanks to The TV Addict‘s March 2009 TV calendar, we know exactly what to expect this month. There are a number of sweeps stunts coming our way (Please refer to our crash course # 1 to understand what "sweeps" is. Plus, an answer to why it’s March sweeps this year and not the usual February sweeps.). Also, there are a couple of series and season premieres on the horizon. Here are some of the highlights:

March 3
Reaper returns to The CW for a second season!
I really missed this show. The latter part of the first season has gotten really interesting; and my brother and his wife are just getting into it. So there’s really no choice but to get the latest episodes.

March 5
[edited]
We meet the 12 finalists of American Idol season 8.
After this Wednesday’s results show, Thursday will be the Wild Card Round. Each judge gets to pick 2 contestants from the Top 36. They will perform and the final three finalists will be chosen by the judges on the same night. Exciting!

March 9
Summer Glau guest stars on The Big Bang Theory as herself.
The geeks are gonna go crazy over this Terminator star and I can’t wait to see what happens!

March 15
It’s the series premiere of Kings.
I’m not so sure what this show is about; but there’s some buzz. I’m just being the usual TV drone that I am.

March 16
Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill return.
It’s been a long couple of weeks since we last saw a new episode. I can’t wait to get my hands on them. Seriously. Everyone’s been asking me where the new episodes are. They’re finally back!

March 18
Better Off Ted premieres on ABC.
I’ve seen the promo; and I think it’s a good, quirky comedy that probably won’t be appreciated by most Americans (i.e. Arrested Development). Still, I love these kinds of shows; and I’m hoping audiences will wise up and watch it.

March 20
It’s the series finale of Battlestar Galactica.
I know I haven’t gotten all caught up; but this means I can buy the complete series on DVD soon (original, of course!).

March 30
Greek returns for a new season!
I missed this show a lot. It’s one of those light and fun shows that I really enjoy. Plus, last season’s cliffhanger really threw me. I have to know what happens next.

March 31
Cupid premieres!!!
It’s finally here! Rob Thomas’ second chance at making his old creation a hit… I really hope it’s as good, if not better, than the original. Please!

All the good stuff on TV was back this week and I couldn’t be happier. Of course, some of them will be gone a long time after this (like Gossip Girl taking a break for 4-5 weeks); but the others just came back on air (like Chuck). With the number of shows I’ve already watched this week and with my sudden abundance of free time (just refer to My Twitter for some clues), I want to do a quick recap because I don’t think I’ve done those in a long time.

How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory are really funny this week.
Barney’s video resume had me lol-ing the whole time. I could only wish we had a glimpse of what Barney put together for Robin’s video resume. My only guess is that it’ll turn up right before these two get together (Barney and Robin, I mean). Aside from that, there is the brilliant use of Alyson Hannigan’s pregnancy to illicit some laughs… in that she joined a hotdog eating contest and upon winning, got a really huge belly. Ted and Marshall’s stories are no match for the others; but I would just like to mention Ted’s hair in college… wow. (And not in a good way.)
As for the nerds of TBBT, the problem-solving in the beginning and everybody else walking out on Sheldon — funny. Sheldon’s hiding places for his money — really funny. Penny freaking out because of her guilt for borrowing the money from Sheldon — entertaining. The gang confronting Kurt to get Penny’s money — really entertaining. I’ve definitely fallen in love with this show especially with the laughs it brought on this season.

One Tree Hill is casting a movie!
James Van Der Beek is really funny as the jackass director; and how each of the characters responded to their movie versions certainly gave some laughs. The read-through was a bit — bad and I think some cameo appearances of real actors or actresses would’ve made things more interesting. Still, overall, I can’t wait to see where things go with this movie version. It could get really good or it could get really tiring and ridiculous fast.

Gossip Girl is more scandalous than ever.
Blair starts a rumor about a student and teacher having an affair (specifically Dan and Ms. Carr). Sure, with a teacher that cute, it’s possible that Dan can’t keep his hands off her. And that teacher is quite young that she could maybe get it on with a student. Of course, everything wasn’t true. However, this causes a rift in the Serena-Dan dynamic and in the end, they don’t quite make it out alive. And once that teacher was fired and once Serena and Dan officially broke up, the teacher and the student turn those rumors into reality.
I just found it funny that Ms. Carr (or should I say, Rachel) immediately jumped in the sack with Dan right after she got fired. Talk about being a bit of a s**t yourself. I don’t know where they’re going with this; because personally, I was a bit surprised that Dan and Serena threw in the towel quite suddenly. This better be good.
There’s a whole month of speculation before we see another episode. I guess fans like me will just have to power through.

Chuck is back!
The episode wasn’t as dizzying as I thought it would look without the 3D glasses. I just had to watch it despite the blues and reds in the background because I missed the show so much! Simply put, I’m just happy the show is back.

The first work week of the year is officially over; and the shows I grew to love are back in full swing. I’m happy to say that I’ve watched most of them in the midst of the craziness that is the first week back to work. Anyway, if this week is any indication, it’s looking like a good year for television.

Since I recently joined Twitter (because of all the buzz) and will be updating my journal with daily postings of my Twitter updates (if there’s any and if you’re interested to know what I’m doing), I will share my thoughts on the shows, Twitter-style (140 characters only).

- I loved the rivaling soon-to-be in-laws on Desperate Housewives. Bree continues to find competition everywhere she goes!

- Blair and Chuck reconnect at last on Gossip Girl! He better not screw up by the next episode.

- One Tree Hill was fairly decent this week, with Brooke kicking the ass of her attacker.

- I love the Sage and Luis story on Privileged! Benefits for Cubans rule.

- Courtney Cox is back on television and finds her way to Scrubs!

- Damages‘ second season looks as mind-boggling as the first. Was Ellen talking to Patty or to someone else? Place your bets!

- I’m so sad that the Dillon Panthers lost the State Championship on Friday Night Lights. More sad that the season is ending next week.

- Baby-crazy Liz ruins the potential with a really cool UN guy on 30 Rock. Oh, and Salma Hayek? I think it was such a random guesting.

- I still have Grey’s Anatomy, Ugly Betty, The Mentalist, Flashpoint and Psych to watch. Oh, and Barney on SNL!

- Next week, the comedies are back (The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Samantha Who?)! Plus, Kyle XY and American Idol? Yipee!

Old shows are slowly making their way back… at least until they officially run out of episodes. I watched a bunch of old favorites after weeks of waiting; and overall, I enjoyed it a lot.

Desperate Housewives returns with the aftermath of the hurricane/tornado that hit Wisteria Lane.
* There were 2 casualties: Victor and Aida. Not that big characters.
* We find out that Carlos lost his eyesight and all his money (due to the offshore account information flying away during Gabby and Edie’s spat in the midst of the hurricane). This means Gabby and Carlos will have to find a way to get back on track in order to continue living the way they do. Money problems again? Uh-oh.
* Lynette finds out that Aida had a role in saving her family; and gives back by fulfilling her request to have her ashes scattered on the baseball field.
* Susan struggles with the idea of Mike in rehab and gets by with the pampering she gets from her house guest, Bree.
* Bree, in an effort to get her brokenhearted gay contractor to work on her house immediately, pimps out her son Andrew. Funny as hell.
* Katherine’s husband and daughter find out what her mother has been keeping secret all this time.

Cutest kid ever. But doesn’t he look more like Lucas instead of Nathan?

One Tree Hill returns with a flash forward after everyone has finished college.
* Lucas is now head coach of the Tree Hill Ravens; and is currently struggling with his second book. Peyton works in a recording company and quits shortly after in an effort to avoid completely changing her mind about music’s ability to change someone’s life. Brooke’s fashion label is as big as ever. Nathan’s drowning in self pity because of an accident that made him lose his spot in the NBA; and as Haley struggles with her annoying husband, shejuggles taking care of their son and being a new teacher at the high school.
* Just as expected, eventually the whole gang ends up back in Tree Hill to continue their stories. Brooke will move her operations there; and she invests in Peyton’s company.
* Nathan and Haley’s little boy is so adorable. He’s the light that makes the show so much better for me.

Why the face, B? Read something lately?

Gossip Girl brings out the pregnancy scare card early; and executes it perfectly.
* All out scandal on the Upper East Side. Everything about B’s indiscretions with two boys is exposed; and everything started with S getting caught buying pregnancy tests in the drugstore. How did it get there? You just have to watch it to find out.
* This whole pregnancy thing turned me off at first; but the way it was done in true Gossip Girl fashion. Now, B’s the outcast and little J is officially in. B and S continue to be best friends forever; and all other friendships are ruined (C & N, to be exact).
* This show is as addictive as ever.

Ugly Betty celebrates fashion week.
* Marc and Amanda are back! Marc introduces Amanda to a psychic who gives her clues as to who her real father is; and the search is wholly entertaining.
* We also get a little bit of Marc and Cliff action in the “adult” section of the video rental store. *wink wink* Okay, so they were just looking at adult videos; but these two are still adorable.
* Wilhelmina tries to look for a surrogate for her Bradford baby project.
* Betty convinces Daniel to use healthy women for their fashion week show in order to teach some impressionable kids (her nephew’s classmates) that beauty doesn’t have to equate skinny.
* Great episode. Lots of funny moments especially with the reunion of Marc and Amanda. Love them!

Grey’s Anatomy lets Miranda narrate for a change.
* Bailey’s son is taken to the hospital after an accident. And it escalates the problems between her and her husband.
* Lexie breaks out after eating some eggs that Meredith cooked for her. Apparently, she’s allergic to eggs and is just eating them to be appreciative.
* George’s mom finds out about the dissolution of his marriage and his infidelity to Callie… from Izzie.
* We learn that Alex is still SO MUCH in love with Izzie.
* Meredith finds out about Rose… confronts Derek about it… eventually, the two decide to break up… for real. Is this really the end?

I heart Kenneth…

30 Rock introduces Kenneth to coffee.
* Brilliant episode. This show is funnier than ever.
* Kenneth suddenly gets addicted to coffee; and realizes that he’s been sodomized (Just watch it to understand what I’m talking about). The cast also breaks out into song after Kenneth misses a midnight train back to his hometown in Georgia.
* Jack ends his relationship with CeCe after efforts to literally meet halfway fail.
* Liz tries to buy some real estate; and ends up treating it like a break up. Hilarious.

My Name Is Earl gets back on track… sort of.
* Earl gets back to his old [bad] ways after realizing that despite two years of doing good things, karma hasn’t done anything good for him.
* We end with a reappearance of Alyssa Milano; and both of them lying side by side on the road after getting hit by two different cars.
* Since Earl’s out of jail, I hope the show will sort of reboot after some disappointing episodes that didn’t move the story of Earl forward.

I know that currently being on a summer TV hiatus doesn’t excuse me from not blogging. I hate to use the same excuse over and over again; but my work just doesn’t make regular blogging possible. I’m still watching, though. Kyle XY and Big Love are back and I refuse to miss a beat. And other than the return of summer shows, a couple of news also broke out which made June a pretty eventful month… TV-wise. How about a quick rundown?

1. Veronica Mars is officially over. (I’m still in denial over it.) The show will possibly continue in comic book form. Rob Thomas accepted a new job as showrunner for ABC’s Miss/Guided. And efforts to send Mars Bars didn’t bring out the same results as the Jericho nuts campaign.
What do I think? Having the show continue its story in comic book form may not be ideal; but if it’s the closest thing we could get to getting our VM fix, so be it… But on one very crucial condition: Rob Thomas has to be the one to write it. Also, I heart Judy Greer, so I hope Miss/Guided does well.

2. Isaiah Washington is fired from Grey’s Anatomy. An issue that was supposed to be over a couple of months ago resurfaces. And the actor involved is not mum about it.
What do I think? This is a pretty complicated topic; but honestly, I think firing him from the show was too much of a punishment. Still, if firing him would reduce tension on set, and if the tension was one of the reasons that made year three such an irritating season, then I welcome this change. Now, if only Isaiah Washington could stop being so whiny about it.

3. Kyle XY is back!
What do I think? The season premiere certainly did not disappoint. It provided serious answers to some season-long questions; and I love the show for it. It’s good to keep an air of mystery; but clearing up some things are necessary to keep audiences interested.

4. One Tree Hill season four ends. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip ends.
What do I think? OTH was okay. The season finale looked like it was prepared to be a series finale. I’m just happy that the cat’s out of the bag and Dan’s in jail for what he did. I’m simply looking forward to next season where they skip college and go ahead to the real world. I want to know what happens to the characters after five or so years.
As for Studio 60, I honestly haven’t caught up. The whole brother-getting-kidnapped-by-Al-Qaeda storyline just bugged me. I want to be entertained, not reminded of the horrible things going on in the country. I think Aaron Sorkin got a little TOO serious with the show. I still like the show, though, so I’ll finish it… eventually.

5. Friday Night Lights is great!
What do I think? This is not much of a news item. I just want to say that I’ve been rewatching season one for the past few days (only half way through); and the show keeps on getting better in my eyes. I’m now noticing more of the character development and how they used to act as compared to how they are in the season finale. This show is just amazing. If they get snubbed in the Emmys when the nominations are announced, public outcry will rage on. Seriously.

6. In TV-related (sort of) news… American Idol finalist Elliott Yamin is coming to the Philippines! AND Who Watched Transformers? I DID!
What do I think? I practically jumped out of my seat from hearing about Elliott’s tour here in September. I am a HUGE fan and I can’t wait to hear him LIVE! I would like to thank all my fellow Yaminoys who helped put together the care package we gave him last year. Whether it was a factor in his decision to come here or not, it put us in the map and made Elliott aware that he had fans here in the Philippines. Check out his MySpace for tour dates and other information.
As for my brothers’ favorite animated series, Transformers, the movie was AWESOME! It may have been very Michael Bay in some parts; but the action, special effects and Shia LaBeouf more than made up for them. Highly recommended. Watch it when you can.

As a way of quickly recapping the TV shows I watched during the past week (and week before that), here’s the first (and probably last) “Recently Watched Awards” as decided by me, myself and I. These particular awards honor the best (and worst) of the most recent episodes I’ve seen.

Best. Episode. Yet. Award | Heroes “Company Man”
I thought it was another flashback episode where I would only find out how HRG came to work at Primatech Paper. Boy, was I wrong. Not only did this episode serve up a number of answers to a lot of questions, it gave us insight into the inner workings of HRG’s mind. I’m still not sure whether what he’s doing is essentially good or not; but we are pretty sure about his love for Claire and his family.
This episode is easily the best one this show has come out with since it started only a couple of months ago. There are a number of surprises and revelations. There are new characters thrown in. The show just continues to prove itself as quality television week after week; and finishing sweeps with this amazing episode definitely closed the deal.

Worst. Episode. Ever. Award and Out of Character Award | Grey’s Anatomy “Some Kind of Miracle”
I hate these kinds of episodes… You know, the one where one of the characters takes a journey in the afterlife and realize something about their life. It’s just painful. The moment Meredith woke up in that empty hospital with Denny and the Bomb Squad guy (who I more lovingly know as Coach Taylor), I was like, “Oh no, they can’t possibly be doing this.” Yet they did. And it was the most excruciating end to a potentially great 3-episode arc.
To be honest, I still gave it a chance. I thought, “Hey, it’s Grey’s Anatomy… Maybe they could put a good spin on it.” No use. I wish it all just happened in Mer’s head and we didn’t have to see it. The whole thing was just out of character for this show. And why the hell were all the top surgeons of the hospital worrying about an intern when a ferry boat just crashed? I’m sorry Grey’s fans; but season three just tanks compared to previous seasons. With all the drama behind-the-scenes and some of the story lines that have been churned out this year (not to mention the changes in the characters), this show’s being bumped further and further down my favorites list. What’s happening?

Most Exhausting Award and Most Frustrating Award | One Tree Hill “Prom Night at Hater High”
Brooke and Nathan. Whatever. Fine, it was pretty surprising; but how they treated the issue was so juvenile. The whole time I was watching this episode, I was practically screaming at the computer screen. The whole thing was just one long catfight that can’t seem to end. It was both exhausting and frustrating at the same time. Haley, you know how Nathan was in the past, why don’t you just deal with the fact that he’s probably done some stupid things? If he did that while you guys were married, then feel free to be mad… just not with something that has happened many years ago. Peyton, you think Brooke did that to hurt YOU? Why does it have tobe all about YOU? And just because you and Lucas didn’t sleep together while you were sneaking around behind Brooke’s back doesn’t mean what you did was any less hurtful. What about Brooke not being there? She told you things were never going to be the same; but she was there for you when Ellie died. Doesn’t that count at all? Aaargh!!! And Psycho Derek coming back? PUH-LEASE!
Seriously, this episode gave me a headache. The problems in Tree Hill just keep on going round and round. Move on, please! I don’t want to start hating this show like the many people who make fun of it.

Best Continuity | How I Met Your Mother “Stuff”
Marshall’s Slap Number Two. Genius.

Meant for Reality Television Award | Amazing Race’s Romber
These two make chasing after people who go around the world worth it. Rob and Amber, you were meant to be on television. Even if people may hate you for it, I love you guys for it. Go out and win this time, please!

Tearjerker Award and Longest Winning Streak Award | Friday Night Lights “Extended Families”
I cried more within the 40 minutes of this episode than in the past two weeks! I loved the moment between Tyra and Tami Taylor. Even Lyla improved with her dramatics. It was more subdued; and the moment she shared with Jason is heartfelt and genuine. Loved it. How about Buddy spending time at the Taylors? Funny and disturbing at the same time. Smash also encounters some problems with Waverly; and it was something I didn’t expect. And the new friend Tim made… cute.
This show just never fails to entertain and involve me. Not a single bad episode since it started. That itself deserves an award.

Oh-My-God-I-Can’t-Believe-That-Just-Happened Award | Veronica Mars “Papa’s Cabin”
That was a hell of an episode. The mystery was settled in a new way; and I was way pleased. It was just a rollercoaster ride; and I loved it. “Spit and Eggs” was good; but this is oh-my-god good. It had me surprised over and over again; and got me talking afterward.
Now, as the pre-emption that is the search for the next Pussycat Doll begins, let’s hope the stand-alone episodes will be as good as I think they’re going to be. Just please let the ratings go up…

In Memoriam | The OC “The End’s Not Near, It’s Here”
It was a very pleasant end to an iconic show. Even though it only lasted for four seasons, The OC has a special place in my heart; because it was once a show I was constantly raving about. I’m pretty happy with what happened to the characters; and for letting Ryan and Taylor be together. And with that, the end is definitely here…
Farewell to The OC.

I happened to surf in between channels; and I came upon the season 4 premiere of One Tree Hill on ETC. I should be happy, right? Not really. A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from ETC that the schedule posted on the Solar website will be in effect this February. Under February 13, it says that The OC will have weekly back-to-back airings (8pm then 10pm) of season three every Tuesday. Hardly any notice was given to viewers that season four of One Tree Hill will be airing starting TODAY when they should probably be promoting profusely about this over the past couple of days, at least. This is always where Solar channels screw up. Take Heroes, for example. It has been rumored (maybe even confirmed) that they’ve got the show; but how come they haven’t come out with teasers to at least let people anticipate for a premiere in the near future? Tsk tsk tsk…

If I didn’t get the episodes in advance, I would be pretty mad upon finding this out. I guess I’m disappointed mostly because I wasn’t able to give the news about this on my blog…

Anyway, just in case you missed the season premiere, repeats air Wednesdays, 4pm and Saturdays, 6pm.

Because of reliable sources, we have updates on premieres and air dates. Also, despite having reliable sources, there are bound to be some mistakes or retractions. Here’s a quick update on the dates you should remember as a TV fan:

PHILIPPINES
ABC5
AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 6 (two-hour season premiere) will be on January 17.
Studio 23
The 64TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS will be aired live on January 16, Tuesday, 9am.
SURVIVOR: FIJI will not be aired on the network as the producers reportedly rejected their offer.
ETC
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS premieres on January 18, Thursday at 8pm.
Crime/Suspense
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA airs Mondays at 9pm with a number of replays, one of which is Thursdays at 3pm. The show has already started with the first hour of the miniseries, part one last January 8.
STANDOFF premieres January 16 at 9pm.
Star World
The 64TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS will be aired live on January 16, Tuesday, 9am with a primetime telecast at 8pm.
The 13TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS will be aired live on January 29, Monday, 9am with a primetime telecast at 8pm.
AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 6 (two-hour season premiere) will be on January 17, 6pm with a replay at 8pm.
HEROES will premiere on January 31 at 9pm (HK); but will not be airing in the Philippines (based on promos). I am pretty sure, though, that it will be aired on RPN9 (Prime Shift) so tune in for further updates.

USA
NBC
STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP and HEROES will come out with new episodes on January 22.
The CW
ONE TREE HILL will come back starting January 17.

Feel free to comment for any corrections or confirmations. Be updated with PinoyTVJunkie’s TV Calendar.

This year’s fall season took a big leap with a number of old favorites and some new faces that entertained and intrigued. All in all, it looks like it’s going to be another great year for television. I kept up with most of the shows I tune in to. Others, like Prison Break, Dexter and Lost, I decided to stack up on this holidays when no new episodes churn out. For the ones I’m still up to date on, here’s “the good and the bad”.