Will Your Favorite Shows Be Back?

If you haven't been keeping up with the news from the television networks, you may still be wondering whether your favorite shows will be back for a new season.

Some shows ended their run and got a proper finale, while others ended on a cliffhanger that left fans in suspense, never knowing what would have happened if the network had decided differently. Still others were yanked from the air early on.

If you still don't know the status of your favorites, check out this list of canceled and renewed scripted shows from TV by the Numbers. TV Guide's scorecard includes the status of both scripted and reality shows.

Bunheads: First Impressions

When I first saw the previews for ABC Family's Bunheads, I thought it could be interesting but wasn't sure about the dance aspect. I considered checking it out anyway since it was a new show from Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino.

Then I found out that Kelly Bishop would be playing the mother-in-law. That was the deciding factor for me; I had to see this show. After all, she had portrayed one of my all-time favorite characters, Emily Gilmore, and I knew she would also be great in the role of Fanny Flowers.

Bunheads premiered last night at 9:00 pm EDT. Since the episode will be repeated several times, I don't want to give away anything terribly crucial, so any spoilers here will be minor.

Bunheads stars Sutton Foster as Michelle, a Las Vegas showgirl who's been putting off an ardent admirer named Hubbell (Alan Ruck) for quite some time. After a bad experience at an audition, she gives in and goes out to dinner with him. She gets pretty drunk while he goes on about how he just wants to take care of her. Michelle eventually wakes up to find herself in the passenger seat of Hubbell's car--wearing a wedding ring.

Hubbell takes Michelle to their new home in Paradise, on the coast. However, he has neglected to mention one crucial detail: although he owns the house, his mother lives there, and he's allowed her to decorate every room but his bedroom.

After Hubbell breaks the news of his marriage to his outraged mother, Michelle finds out that her new mother-in-law operates a ballet studio on the property. Could this mean they have something in common other than Hubbell?

Like Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, Paradise is a very small town with very quirky characters. The writing for Bunheads is good, as is the casting and pacing. I definitely plan to watch this show again, and I hope it does well in the ratings.

Bunheads airs Monday nights at 9:00 pm Eastern. Full episodes are also available on the official website and will probably be available On Demand.

Radiohead - There There

Radiohead - "There There"
From Hail to the Thief(2003)

The video for Radiohead's "There There" was inspired by Bagpuss, a British TV show for children. It features frontman Thom Yorke in a forest, where he is stunned to encounter woodland creatures engaged in activities he never expected to see in species other than human beings.

In 2003, "There There" won Best Art Direction in a Video at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Lenny Kravitz - Stand

Lenny Kravitz - "Stand"
From Black and White America (2011)

The video for "Stand" is a takeoff on the old game show Let's Make a Deal. In the video, Lenny Kravitz portrays three different characters on a game show called Run For Your Money; he plays the crooked host as well as both the singer and the drummer of the house band.

Another SOAPnet Update

In my last post, I mentioned that SOAPnet was going to continue airing same-day episodes of Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless, and General Hospital. At the time, I didn't know the status of the next-day repeats and weekend marathons since they weren't specifically mentioned in what I'd read.

As of today, I haven't noticed any change in the lineup. There was a Make It or Break It marathon on Sunday, but there are often marathons of other shows anyway. I'm sure this one was because ABC Family is now in charge, since that's one of their shows. The same-day and next-day airings of the soaps are still being done, as are the weekend marathons of Y&R and GH.

TheCoolTV

A while back, I was scanning my cable guide and saw something I hadn't noticed before: a channel called TheCoolTV. Taking a quick look, I saw that it was airing music videos. In fact, the whole channel seemed to be dedicated to music. Even the infomercials were for CD collections.

Later, I went online to look it up, and I learned a few things. TheCoolTV is a digital substation that's been around for about two years now. I have no idea when it came to my area. In fact, it's not everywhere, but more affiliates are signing on all the time. Right now, the channel guide lists affiliates in 34 states.

Programming blocks include Indie Cred, Nineties Nectar, The Underground, and Retro Rewind, to name just a few. The website also states that programming is customized to each area's demographic and local music scene.

If you're into music videos, take a look at the channel guide and see whether TheCoolTV is in your area yet.

Grimm Marathon Tonight

If you've missed out on Grimm--which airs opposite Supernatural and Fringe--you're in luck. Syfy is airing a special catch-up Grimm marathon tonight from 7pm-11pm Eastern. Fans will also be happy to know that it has received an order for a full 22-episode season.

Grimm normally airs Friday nights at 9pm Eastern on NBC. However, in an attempt to improve the ratings, the network is giving it a trial run on Thursday, December 8, when it will air at 10pm; another episode will air the next night in its regular timeslot.

If the Thursday test works out, it could mean a very full night of TV for genre fans, with The Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle airing on the CW from 8pm-10pm Eastern.

No matter where it eventually ends up, I'm hoping Syfy will continue to air repeat episodes.

Second Chance to See Ringer and The Secret Circle

If you missed the first episode of Ringer or The Secret Circle, you're in luck. The CW is re-airing both shows tonight. Ringer will air at 8pm EDT, followed by The Secret Circle at 9pm EDT.

In case you don't know anything about these shows, here's a tiny bit of info. Ringer stars Sarah Michelle Gellar in dual roles as twins Bridget and Siobhan. Bridget is running for her life and ends up taking Siobhan's place, but she soon starts wondering whether it was a huge mistake.

The Secret Circle is about a teenage girl who finds out she's a witch after moving in with her grandmother. She's not the only witch in town--far from it.

This second chance to see these shows is a one-time deal, since Nikita and Supernatural are back in those timeslots next Friday night. (I don't watch Nikita, but I'm anxious to see what's in store this season on Supernatural.)

New Paranormal, Science Fiction, and Fantasy TV Shows on the Fall Schedule

Every year, I wait for the TV networks to announce the fall schedules. I enjoy reading the descriptions of each new show and deciding which ones are worth checking out.

I tend to gravitate toward certain genres. If a scripted show has a paranormal/supernatural/horror slant, chances are good I'll at least give it a try. Science fiction and fantasy are also high on my list, as are mystery and intrigue.

I've found five cool new paranormal, science fiction, and fantasy series on the fall 2011 schedule. The premieres start in September, so if you're interested in those types of shows, check out my article for the details you need.

Shows I've Been Watching This Summer

I was thinking about how much TV I watch, and I realized I probably watch more this summer than any other summer. Some of this is due to how many soap operas I watch, since each one airs five hours a week.

Alphas is my only Monday-night show, although I don't watch it until a day or two later. In fact, at this point, I've only seen the first episode. Fortunately, there have only been two so far, with the third episode airing tonight, which means I'm not really very far behind.

On Tuesdays, Pretty Little Liars is a must, followed by The Nine Lives of Chloe King. That reminds me; any Chloe King fans who want The Rogue to be resurrected should check Kiko Ellsworth's Twitter or Facebook account for info about a campaign to get him back on the show.

Also, I watch The Young and the Restless on SOAPnet, either the evening repeat or the next morning. The same goes for One Life to Live; the story about the two Todds is too good to miss.

I do still watch All My Children, but not as often or as closely. I'm tired of the endless resurrections--especially Dixie. I've never been a Dixie fan. I do, however, want to see where Zach has been since his plane exploded. He's supposed to be back on August 5.

I still haven't had a chance to see Legend Quest, but it's on my list of things to do. I'm also planning to give The Lying Game a try when it premieres next month.

I tried to watch the premiere of Falling Skies, but I was very sleepy, and it was too action-oriented for me, so I gave up. If anyone thinks I should give it another chance, please let me know.

Bittersweet News for Fans of AMC and OLTL

There was a big announcement from ABC today, when a press release revealed that both All My Children and One Life to Live will continue after all. The catch? They won't actually be on TV anymore.

Instead of continuing on ABC or any other network, both shows will be moving to an online venue. This is big news for everyone involved, and while it makes a lot of people happy to know that their shows will continue in some form, it isn't exactly the news we'd hoped for. You can read more about it here.

Two Awards and Some Trivia

Lisa at Diary of a Square Toothed Girl has given me two awards: Stylish Blogger and Irresistibly Sweet Blog. Thank you, Lisa!

There are two conditions for claiming the awards. I need to tell you seven things about myself and pass the awards on to five other blogs.

The seven things I've chosen to tell you about myself are in keeping with the arts and entertainment theme here.

1. I avoid spoilers for my favorite series. If I'm really into a show, I don't want to know what's happening until I see it on my TV.

2. I don't watch my shows or any movies online. I'll watch something short, such as a music video, but when it comes to full-length entertainment, I want an actual TV screen.

3. I must watch episodes of my favorite primetime shows in order.

4. I've watched very few reality shows over the years.

5. I like most types of rock music, including classic, goth, southern, and alternative.

6. I've never played air guitar. Air piano is a different story.

7. I like to read suspense, horror, paranormal, and health-related books.

Now, I would like to pass the Stylish Blogger and Irresistibly Sweet Blog awards on to the following sweet and stylish blogs:

1. Amy at Content for Foodies
2. Jamie at From My Classroom Window
3. Langley at Hearts in Fur Coats
4. Pam at A Pirate Looks Past Sixty
5. Pup Fan at I Still Want More Puppies

Summer TV

Although it isn't officially summer yet, the summer TV season started a few weeks ago. My summer shows start tonight.

Pretty Little Liars returns for its second season tonight at 8pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). ABC Family is leading up to the premiere with a catch-up marathon from last season. Immediately after the new episode, there's a new show I want to see: The Nine Lives of Chloe King.

I'm also interested in four other new shows, which you can read about here. They should appeal to fans of suspense, science fiction, intrigue, and adventure--in theory, anyway. I hope they're good, but you never know until you give them a try.

At this point, I don't know of any other summer shows I'd enjoy, but there's always a chance I'll find out about something I missed. Most of my existing shows won't be back until the fall season. I'm glad Pretty Little Liars is back now, because my fall TV schedule looks really full.

CW Fall Schedule

The CW announced its fall schedule today. In addition to some returning favorites, a few new dramas and reality shows will be on the lineup.

The CW picked up Sarah Michelle Gellar's new show, Ringer, after CBS passed on it. I'd already seen indications that this was the case, but now we have the official word. The network also picked up Hart of Dixie, which stars Rachel Bilson.

Supernatural is staying in its Friday night timeslot. I really wish it had been paired with The Vampire Diaries and put back on Thursdays. Instead, Nikita is moving to Fridays, and The Secret Circle will be paired with The Vampire Diaries. This pairing makes sense, considering the fact that both shows are based on books written by L. J. Smith. Days of Our Lives fans will recognize Shelly Hennig, who played Stephanie until recently, as one of the stars.

In addition to Supernatural's undesirable timeslot, I was disappointed not to see Awakening on the schedule. I was looking forward to the zombie show.

The full story is here.

CBS Fall Schedule

The CBS fall primetime schedule is in, and it includes five new series and major timeslot moves for CSI and The Good Wife. Check here for the full story.

The five new shows consist of three dramas and two sitcoms. One of the dramas is A Gifted Man, which is about a surgeon whose dead ex-wife starts appearing to him to teach him the meaning of life. I mentioned this in an earlier post, but the series was still untitled at that point. Julie Benz will play the doctor's sister.

CBS didn't pick up Ringer, Sarah Michelle Gellar's pilot, but all indications are that the CW did.

ABC Fall Schedule

The fall 2011 primetime schedule for ABC has been released, and it includes thirteen new series.

Fans of canceled soaps All My Children and One Life to Live may not be interested, since many have vowed never to watch ABC again, but here's some info for those not affected by the daytime situation.

Once Upon a Time, ABC's fairy tale offering, is currently set to air on Sundays, which means it's not in direct competition with NBC's Grimm. Several of the new shows won't premiere until mid-season; these include Missing and Good Christian Belles.

Hallelujah sounded weird enough to get my attention but didn't make it to the schedule. Neither did Poe, the drama about Edgar Allan Poe as the world's first detective.

You can see the full schedule here.

FOX Fall Schedule

FOX has released their primetime schedule for this fall. It includes four new sitcoms, three new dramas, and one unscripted show.

The big news is that Terra Nova is finally on the schedule. After being postponed more than once, it's now set for Monday nights at 8pm.

Also of note, Fringe is staying in its current timeslot on Friday nights.

An important omission from the schedule is Locke & Key. I was really interested in that one.

A few more details about FOX's plans are available here.

NBC Fall Schedule Announced

NBC has released the primetime TV schedule for fall 2011; the full list is here. At this point, I'm not as concerned with when shows are scheduled to air as I am the shows themselves. The networks often move them around before fall, so I'd rather wait a bit longer to see what they're going to do.

The renewal of Chuck, along with its move to Fridays, is of special note to me. Chuck has been one of my favorite shows since the beginning. Although the ratings are terrible, the fans are extremely loyal and vocal. Now that it's moving to Fridays, it's clear that this is the final season. For many years now, Friday nights have been where shows go to die. It's said that fewer people watch TV on Friday nights, although that's based on how many Nielsen households watch TV then. NBC chief Bob Greenblatt even stated that this is Chuck's last season. At least it should get a proper ending--as long as the network doesn't decide to pull it before all the episodes air. It's happened to a lot of my shows.

Okay, so I said I wouldn't get bogged down with the scheduling details, but this fall's Friday schedule is making me nervous. Chuck is to be followed by Grimm, which I was hoping to watch. Because of its timeslot, I don't expect it to make it; it will be competing with Supernatural and Fringe (if they stay where they are). That will make it tough for those of us who want to watch all three.

If NBC's new show REM caught your eye, it's important to know that it has a new title. Now known as Awake, it's currently on the list of mid-season replacements. My question is why they would change the title to something so similar to the CW's Awakening.

I was hoping NBC would pick up 17th Precinct, but it's not on the schedule. Too bad.

Supernatural, Horror, Sci Fi, and Fantasy Pilots

The television networks have been busy selecting the shows that will be on the fall lineup. Although none of this is set it stone yet, there are quite a few supernatural, horror, science fiction, and fantasy pilots that could start airing this fall on the major networks. By that, I'm referring to ABC, CBS, CW, FOX, and NBC. Other channels such as Syfy will probably have a few new shows of their own that fall within at least one of these categories.

Here are the ones I've been able to find:

17th Precinct - This series, which is set in a world ruled by magic, has potential. The cast includes Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica), Stockard Channing (The West Wing), and Brandon Jay McLaren (Being Erica). (NBC)

Awakening - Zombie fans, take note. This show is set during a zombie uprising. It stars Lucy Griffiths (Robin Hood, Collision) and Meredith Hagner (As the World Turns, Royal Pains) as teen sisters who don't get along. I don't know how it will compare to AMC's The Walking Dead, but my guess is that it won't be anywhere near as graphic, which will make it a better choice for those who find the other series too intense. (CW)

Ghost Angeles - This one is about someone who talks to ghosts, but instead of being a drama or thriller, it's a sitcom. (NBC)

Grimm - David Greenwalt (Angel) is involved, which means it should be good. It's described as "dark but fantastical," and it has characters from fairy tales. I hope this one makes it to the air. (NBC)

Hallelujah - Terry O'Quinn (Lost, Millennium) has joined the cast of this series, which is set in Hallelujah, Tennessee. Hallelujah is a small town that's being torn apart by the forces of good and evil when a stranger shows up to help. Music is going to be an important part of this show, and probably not the way you think. The songs will be performed by a gospel choir that serves as kind of a Greek chorus. Um, okay. It all sounds interesting, but I have my doubts that this one will make it to the final lineup. (ABC)

Heavenly - It's not clear how much of a fantastical element this series will have. It stars Ben Aldridge as a man who used to be an angel. (CW)

Locke & Key - Based on the graphic novel by Joe Hill, this series should be a good one if it makes it to the fall schedule. It's about a woman and her three daughters who move into a creepy old house where a violent murder took place.

Once Upon a Time – Okay, what's the deal? This is another show with characters from fairy tales. This one takes place in a small town where fairy tales might actually be real. The characters include Snow White, Prince Charming, Pinocchio, and Grumpy. (ABC)

REM - This series has been described as a "procedural hybrid which follows the simultaneous and parallel lives of a detective who can not let go of any aspect of his fractured family after a horrible car accident." Further digging around led me to some clarification. Basically, the main character is caught between two different realities after being in an accident. (NBC)

The River – I have no idea why this one is described as a "horror drama," but since it is, I'm including it here. After a famous TV explorer and his crew disappear in the Amazon, his son decides to go searching for him. (ABC)

The Secret Circle - All the buzz says this one is going to be good! It's about witches and is based on a book series by L.J. Smith, who also wrote the books on which The Vampire Diaries is based. (CW)

Touch - This is the latest series from Tim Kring (Heroes). Keifer Sutherland stars as a man who learns that his autistic, mute son has psychic abilities. (FOX)

There is also the Untitled Susannah Grant TV Project in which a surgeon's ex-wife starts teaching him about life--after she dies. (CBS)

I'm also going to include Terra Nova, which has been postponed more than once and is now slated for a fall premiere. This Stephen Spielberg series is set 85 million years in the past! (FOX)

Which Shows Are Coming Back in the Fall?

It's that time of year again. Television networks are finalizing their plans for the fall season. Some series have already been renewed, while others won't be back. Still others are "on the bubble," which means that the decision could go either way.

At this point, only one of my shows is on the bubble, right where I knew it would be. The fate of Chuck is always undecided until the last possible minute. It angers, annoys, and just plain bothers me, but that's just the way it is. Chuck's ratings are never very good, and that's something I'll never understand. It's a fantastic show.

To find out the status of your shows, there are a few places you can look. My favorite is TV By the Numbers. They have a renew/cancel index and much more. I also recommend following them on Twitter.

You can also check this list from the TV Squad, which is updated as news becomes available. They are also on Twitter.