It seems more and more of us are getting out of the network tv habit. I know we are. DH and I enjoy a lot of the scripted shows on the cable channels.

I do plan on watching the Leno Show. I like his humor, generally. I think I'll give a look to the new nurse show called Mercy. Other than that, I don't think I'll pick up any new ones; particularly since so many are canceled so quickly.

Donna in Southern Maryland

I am re-posting this from the Readers and Reading group http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1016...
==================
Late every summer, my daughter and I make a list of all the shows we plan to watch in the new fall season (which is not really a valid term any more)

I know this list looks long, but I am sure it will be cut in half by November. And I am a serious multi-tasker, so I never just sit and vacuously look at the screen.

So far, this is what I have:

Sept 8,15,22,29 Chopped Champions - Food Network

MONDAYS

DWTS - starts on Sept 21 8 ABC
Accidentally on Purpose CBS (my daugher talked me into putting this on my list)
10 My Fair Wedding WE (Oct. 26th) - I love this show! http://www.davidtutera.com/tuteramain.ht...

TUESDAYS

8 NCIS CBS
9 NCIS L.A. CBS
9 DWTS ABC
10 The Good Wife CBS
10 Masters of Reception TLC
?10 Whose Wedding is it Anyway? STYLE

WEDNESDAYS

8 Mercy NBC
9 Giuiana and Bill STYLE
9 CBS Criminal Minds
9 SVU NBC (repeats Sat. at 10)
10 Top Chef BRAVO

THURSDAYS

8 Bones FOX
9 Grey's ABC
10 Private Practice ABC
10 The Mentalist CBS

FRIDAYS

9 Ugly Betty ABC
10 Say Yes to the Dress TLC
10 DogTown NatGeo

SUNDAYS

9 Desperate Housewives ABC
9 Three Rivers CBS
10 Brothers and Sisters ABC
10 Cold Case CBS
Lots of wedding shows on WE network on Sundays
***Big Love HBO -- which I watch at my sister's sometime during the week using HBO on demand (I do not get HBO)

Joann-

I love that you have your TV schedule planned out!! I need my TV Guide to keep track of all my shows.

Big Love is one of my favorite shows and I can't wait for it to come back.

Alot of my list is like Joann's but I am sure there will be more from other channels too. I always have looked forward to the fall schedule. I do miss my NCIS and I am looking forward to the new NCIS. Also Medium and Grey's and Private Practice. I am giddy at the thought that there will be shows in the tivo list each morning for me to watch.

I'm getting steamed! This is the third post i've written on GR & each time the post is lost! Grrrrrrr! Slow learner that i am, i will now copy & save before clicking post.

I saw JoAnn's list on R&R and commented that because i am not a multi-task viewer, i am trying to pare down my watching. I spent too much time asking DH, "What? WHo?" so that it ruined his viewing as well. Now i sit in silence & watch fewer shows.

While i like "NCIS" very much, i will not watch the spin off, despite being a Big Fan of Linda Hunt. I watch "Medium" & "Heroes" only occasionally, just enough to see what's going on with the characters, which is harder with the latter.

Initially i decided i wasn't going to watch "THe Good Wife" but have changed my mind. We like Margulies. I hope the show is horrid. ;-)

With Cable network series, there is no longer a non-tv season for me. I miss that & needed it, to be honest. Now i've begun asking myself would i rather watch a third rate been-done-before tv show or read a book? Generally, the book wins! Hurrah for my sanity!

deborah, wishing those reality shows had never been created! ;-)

I agree about the reality shows we do not watch those here. I am amazed at how many people have to tune into those. The only reality tv that is watched here is Dirty Jobs and Deadliest Catch.

I tend to read alot too and with football started up I am sure that is what I will be doing alot of. Hubby loves football. I like College but can not deal with NFL. Anyway, my shows are all tevoed and when hubby is at work and son and daughter are doing their own thing I relax with the drama of my shows.

Thanks
Jennifer

Jennifer wrote: "I agree about the reality shows we do not watch those here. I am amazed at how many people have to tune into those. The only reality tv that is watched here is Dirty Jobs and Deadliest Catch."

Jennifer, i think all of us have a couple of reality shows we like. Darnit! lol!

What is it with "Deadliest Catch"?!? I cannot begin to tell you how many people i know watch that show! It's almost funny. I'm awaiting "Ice Truckers Deadliest Catch" before i'll watch. ;-)

deborah

As you could see from my list, my preferred reality shows are related to weddings! LOL

I barely manage to watch "Top Chef" because I do not like it when people are not nice to each other or are conniving. Which is why I do not like American Idol, Survivor, Amazing Race, Big Brother, or anything else like that.

My husband loves "Deadliest Catch" and some new one, "Cash Cab", where people take quizzes in a taxi and win money.

My one and only reason for watching the offshoot of NCIS is Chris O'Donnell.

I only found out recently tha NCIS itself was a spinoff!

Of course, my one and only reason for originally watching NCIS was Mark Harmon!!! Remember him in St. Elsewhere? I think that was the first time I saw AIDS mentioned in a drama. And he was great on Chicago Hope too...

Here's an interview with Harmon -- http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1167013,...

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "My one and only reason for watching the offshoot of NCIS is Chris O'Donnell.

I only found out recently tha NCIS itself was a spinoff!

Of course, my one and only reason for originally watching NC..."

MARK HARMON! He is on my swoon list right below Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott; maybe even tied with Sam. And I really like that guy who is the male lead in Castle. He has the same kind of 'twinkle' in his eye as TS.

Donna in Southern Maryland

I like "Cash Cab", too, but not as much as the men in my family. Dad won't even answer the phone while that show is on! What a fun concept!

Something about Harmon bothered me when he was on "St. Elsewhere", so i didn't even bother with "Chicago Hope." However, i think he's very effective in "NCIS." When i rented DVDs of the early episodes i missed, i learned that NCIS was a spinoff from JAG, i think it was. Some military trial show, anyway. (Can you tell i didn't watch it?)

deborah

Yes Deborah it was a spinoff of Jag. I loved that show too. I watch Army Wives also. I can not help it I was in the military and so I am alwats drawn to the shows and movies where the plot is military.

I forgot to mention that we as a family watch Hell's Kitchen. I am not sure why. I do like the looks of Gordan Ramsey and I think that he is quite affective. I can reember working it kitchens of restarants and all that stuff when on.

Anyway I am so ready for the fall season to start. Lets just not forget "Lie to Me" I love how he breaks down every little expression and you start thinking about all the meaning when you are talk to people in real life you wonder whne their face changes what does it all mean.

Jennifer

LOL, Jennifer, re. "Lie to Me". It can make you paranoid, can't it? I remember reading years ago that crossing one's arms means they are not listening...or not willing to be persuaded. What i remember is that i have ALWAYS felt that was a more comfortable position when standing. So, does that mean i'm never will to listen or be persuaded or merely that once i find a comfortable position, i use it for a lifetime? LOL!

I smiled when you mentioned you'd been in the military & liked watching those shows. My SIL & her husband have retired from the military. They watch NCIS & go on & on about the fallacies of policy in the programs. I just keep telling them it's TV! LOL!

deborah

Deborah,
Thats funny. Yes I too find that crossing your arms across your chest is comfortable. But I know what you mean. My hubby always asks if I am upset when I stand or sit like that. I know that the movies and tv shows that have military in them are fictional thats just what draws me to want to watch them. I also love the shows that have medical stuff in them. I used to watch Crossing Jordan. I really miss that show. I love it when there is a crime to solve or whatever. Its just a drama people are watching it for entertainment value.

Most of the time during the day like right this very minute. I am stuck watching a kiddy cartoon or something to entertain a 4 year old. So when I have the chance I go for the really adult shows.

Jennifer

Jennifer,
I loved Crossing Jordan too. So many of the shows that I really enjoyed on the networks have been canceled the past few years.

I love Lie To Me and the Mentalist -- just imagine if we put them on the same show! :o)

Donna in Southern Maryland

When I'm just standing I tend to do it with arms akimbo. That's how I'm comfortable. Body language experts call it an aggressive stance--taking up more than my fair share of space in the world (which I already do by being a LARGE woman!).

So, sometimes when I'm standing with arms akimbo, I'll deliberately change my posture, but I then usually put my hands in my pockets--trying to hide my true feelings is the interpretation for that.

So I'm probably better off just owning my aggression. :-)


Jan O'Alexanderianesque

So I'm probably better off just owning my aggression. :-)

Jan O'Alexanderianesque

hee haw!!!

I am a large woman too. I have a habit of putting my hangs on my hips. I think that is a sign of aggression too but oh well. I have long arms and I never know where I am supposed to put them.

Jennifer

Jennifer wrote: "I am a large woman too. I have a habit of putting my hangs on my hips. I think that is a sign of aggression too but oh well. I have long arms and I never know where I am supposed to put them.

..."

Jennifer and Jan,
Putting your hands on your hips would be much less aggressive than waving your arms in the air, don't ya think?

Donna in Southern Maryland
Who is no small shrinking violet either :o)

Maybe we should all just start standing around with fists in front of us, fighting stance? That'll learn 'em.

deborah

I watched the Leno Show last night. I like Jay; he had a few new bits, but basically he stuck with what he does best.

I did enjoy the part where he made Kanye West squirm. If you did not see it, he said he had met Kanye's mother, she was a special woman, and what did he think SHE would say to him now? It seems like he was quiet for about 20 seconds. He didn't know what to say. Finally Jay said something like, would she fuss at you? tell you you blew it?

From what I heard, he was quite drunk the night before. Just another example of a celebrity that needs someone to tell him NO! And how to behave!

I also saw Kate Gosselin on the View today. The main thing I can say is that the hairdressers gave her a much more flattering hairdo. She looked musch less severe. She should keep it.

Donna in Southern Maryland

Donna in Southern Maryland
I also saw Kate Gosselin on the View today. The main thing I can say is that the hairdressers gave her a much more flattering hairdo. She looked musch less severe. She should keep it.
-----------------------------

I didn't think Kate added anything to The View. She is bland. She totally turns me off with her "I'm not going to respond to the Jon interview. I'm above that type of thing. It's for the kids." Oh please. Jon was responding to all the garbage she has been spouting in magazines and TV, so for her to now say I don't do that is so baloney.

As for The View. At least this week seems a bit more organized. Last week was a mess. They didn't know their Hot Topics except in the most superficial way and they kept interrupting each other. And Barbara slowed the whole show down with her little speeches. The show is getting boring.

Did anyone catch the new Dr. Oz show? In NY it is on at 11 and at 3. The View is also on at 11. So when HT is over I switch over to OZ. I like the show. Though I think he should devote a little more time to each topic, and maybe cover less topics each show. Still, I like it.

I didn't catch the new Leno, Donna. I was at a neighbors house for her birthday. I hope I remember it's on tonight. Some things that I've read said the show was good, but he should bring back the couch. The chairs are awkward. What did you think?

I agree about Kate on the View. She was out of her element. As I said before, I'm sick of both of them.

Last week, I was more convinced than ever that it's past time for Barbara to retire. She kept interupting Whoopi, and I could see Whoopi's frustration. Barbara always wants them to say stuff that's common knowledge. She even said she wanted to let people know that that was their first show after their vacation. PLEASE! Joy continues to interrupt, mostly to try to slip in a joke. I actually thought Megan McCain did a pretty good job holding her own with the View ladies.

I watched Dr. Oz yesterday. I'll watch ocasionally. I was shocked at the bugs and yucky things that are in purses. Dr. Oz says that we should leave o ur purses at the front door, that way we won't bring all the bad things into our homes. I do like his manner. He makes it easy to ask awkward questions we all want to know the answers to.

As far as if Jay needs a couch and a desk back; no I don't think so. As he said, he doesn't have a desk in his living room at home. I think the desk and couch (especially the couch) was more for the old Tonight Show when Ed McMahon was there, and guests would stay and move down the couch when their segment was over.

Donna in Southern Maryland

I have been so over the VIEW for years. They give women a bad name IMO....all that screeching and talking over each other. And Baba Wawa should have been put out to pasture years ago....but it is her show. I have never liked her--she comes across as a total phony.

. Donna in Southern Maryland---- She kept interupting Whoopi, and I could see Whoopi's frustration. Barbara always wants them to say stuff that's common knowledge. She even said she wanted to let people know that that was their first show after their vacation. PLEASE!

=======================

I hate when she does that ! It slows down the show for no reason. She thinks her audience just emerged from a year in a cave.

Donna, I saw the Leno show, and I agree the overstuffed chairs are fine.

I was channel surfing so I missed a bit of Michael Moore. I love that he is doing the Pritikin diet. Pritikin is sort of the grandfather of Ornish, McDougall, etc. I thought he looked great. It's not easy to lose that much weight. I am sure he will be much healthier doing it in a super healthy way such as with the Pritikin diet. After all it's not just the weight that is important, it's eating healthy that's key.

I think Pritikin was one of the first health books I ever read. I still have it. His son now has taken over the brand. If I won the lotto, I would love to go to the Pritikin Center/ spa in Calif. for a month. BTW, back to Oz, I believe he is a vegetarian or maybe vegan. I think he said his wife is and she does the cooking.

I have a friend who went to the Pritikin place this winter for two weeks with her husband. She said it was tough, but it sure changed them.

I watched the Michael Moore segment on the Jay Leno show last night. I have always respected him for documenting topics that we all seem to care about but do not know how to do anything about them. I will watch the new movie when it comes out on DVD.

I stopped watched the view I while back. I just did not get much out of it. There is too much interupting.

I like Dr. Oz but I am not sure I could watch it everyday. There are just some things that we really should not know about in order to enjoy life without living in fear of germs.

I did tevo and watch one part of the whitney Houston on Oprah. I have not watched part 2 yet and then today she is showing some of the interviews that she had with Michael Jackson. I will see if there is anything else that I did not know about the fact that he was just weird. Tomorrow she is having Phil McGraw on the show. We will see how that goes. Most of the time I do not watch her either but I thought those shows may be interesting. I used to watch The Doctors every once and a while and did learn some things from that show it also is not something that I would watch everyday.

ANyway those are my opinions on things.
Thanks
Jennifer

Jennifer: I did tevo and watch one part of the whitney Houston on Oprah.

====================

I didn't watch it. I'm not a big fan anymore. I saw her perform at Radio City quite a few years ago. She was horrible. The first half of the show she did a lot of songs nobody knew and she did a lot of scat (riffing sounds without words). The audience hated it, and she received very little applause. She started to berate the audience for not clapping ! Then at one point Bobby Brown had to make an appearance on stage to get some applause for himself. The whole show was so self indulgent. Finally, during the last part of the show she did the ballads she is famous for and the audience responded. Still, the night was awkward and uncomfortable to say the least.

JoAnn/QuAppelle wrote: "And Baba Wawa should have been put out to pasture years ago....but it is her show. I have never liked her--she comes across as a total phony. "

JoAnn, there goes our would-be twinship. :-)

I've probably mentioned this in the past but will do so again. When we first got married, i was thrust into many situations where i needed to converse with people. Walters wrote a book about that time with the ungainly title,
How to Talk With Practically Anybody About Practically Anything

It was a lifesaver for me! I can't begin to tell you how often i resorted to her tips. Heck, i still do. Most likely it's all elemental but for some reason in my youth i missed learning about how to hold a conversation. So, while i don't watch her anymore, i still hold her in high regard. (Which, actually, may be easier because i DON'T watch her anymore! Oops.)

The other thing i have to keep in mind about her is that she comes from the old school of reporting. Their first instruction is that you treat your audience as though they did, in fact, just emerge from a lifetime in a cave. This way those who don't know a single thing about what the heck you are discussing can still feel part of the exchange. Like ya'll, i get annoyed today with that recapping/informing but the times i have no idea what's going on, i'm most grateful for the presumption i'm an idiot. :-)

Having said all that, i stopped watching "The View" the first week. LOL! WHile i love the beginning when they discuss topics, i wasn't hearing anything i couldn't come up with myself. And i know i've mentioned recently my aversion to daytime tv! So, off it went, but i wished Barbara Walters well, even though i didn't watch.

deborah

Deborah,

I, too, respect Barbara for what she has accomplished in her lifetime. Now, I'd love to see her enjoy her retirement!

My favorite thing I've learned from her: when you see a'homely' baby, and you are at a loss for words --"Now, THAT'S a baby!" Always makes me laugh. :o)

Donna in Southern Maryland

Deborah and Donna
Well said from both of you. I agree with it all. As far as holding a conversation. I am not sure I was ever taught that either and then moving to an arear where I don't know anyone. I had to learn. Thank God I was given the gift of being able to read people because without that I would have made some really bad choices.

I think all people should enjoy their retirement. I look at Barbara Walters as a woman of grace and style But I do not think that she fits in with the ladies she has chosen to host The View.

Anyway I guess it is what it is.

Jennifer

One new show that I am planning on watching is the new Joy Behar talk show on HLN (Headline News). It starts on Sept. 29th.

Most of my TV viewing is baseball and talk shows.

Alias Reader wrote: "Donna in Southern Maryland
I also saw Kate Gosselin on the View today. The main thing I can say is that the hairdressers gave her a much more flattering hairdo. She looked musch less severe. She ..."

I did catch the Dr.Oz show. I honestly didn't realize that it was new because I don't usually watch TV at that time. I probably wouldn't watch it everyday but I did enjoy what I saw.
I didn't know that Michael Moore was doing Pritikin. Good idea for him.

Barbara

I was a very shy child in a large family and was introverted.

Now...well, as my family says, I never meet a stranger! I can converse with anyone at any time, in any circumstance.

I have no idea how I acquired this skill, except that it was not from my parents nor from Baba.

Deborah wrote, about BABA WAWA:

It was a lifesaver for me! I can't begin to tell you how often i resorted to her tips. Heck, i still do. Most likely it's all elemental but for some reason in my youth i missed learning about how to hold a conversation. So, while i don't watch her anymore, i still hold her in high regard. (Which, actually, may be easier because i DON'T watch her anymore! Oops.)

I think you hit the nail on the head. To know her is NOT to love her. She just screams PHONY! And when she made her little stupid jokes about sex and then giggles like a teen --EEEEEK

Barbara has been on my mind since our exchange here & i believe i realized part of the problem. When male broadcasters get to a certain age they are nudged "offstage". However, there are few women (any?) of BW's stature to scoot her over.

Sadly, this means she may be staying past her shelf life & we'll end up with an unflattering view of her. The silly sex jokes & giggling indicate a woman who led us to where we are now but hasn't fully understood that we've gone well beyond the giggling stage. She may end up being one of those timeless people in that she was a "first" but we won't back look quite as fondly as we did Cronkite.

deborah

Actually there are quite a few male broadcasters who are not offstage. Mike Wallace, Morely Safer, etal come to mind. And thank heavens -- Bill Moyers -- who keeps retiring but then comes back. Tom Brokaw has been around a lot lately even though he isn't an anchor anymore. Bob Schiffer (sp?) isn't a kid for sure.

This isn't an ode to Barbara -- and I think we are already into having an unflattering view of her. She was never Cronkite. And most of the men weren't/aren't either.

It is just to say that the men don't have to be lovely to stay on. And perhaps it is the program that has stayed past its shelf life.

Barbara

Good point, Barbara, about the male broadcasters. Though I view all the ones you listed with way more gravitas then Barbara. I wouldn't turn to her in a crisis to get info.

On the days that Walters is not on The View, it is demonstrable better. The conversation flows more naturally in the Hot Topic segment. I think the show does well in the ratings, so I don't think it's past its prime.

I think Barbara tries to have it both ways. On the show she will go on and on about what a serious interviewer she is. And she has had some big interviews with heads of state etc. But for me she has just become a celebrity interviewer. I think if people agree to an interview with her it's because they know it will be a softball interview.

On the View I usually only watch the HT segment. But the few celebrity interviews that follow in the second half of the show that I've seen are truly bad, imo. The questions are absolutely inane.

I don't care about her looks. In fact, I think she looks great for her age. And I think she probably dresses the best on the show. It's her manner and style that drive me up a wall.

Speaking of her age, the show's intent was to have someone representing each age group. So when HT were discussed you would get various opinions. I think the idea is good, but they have drifted from that.
Now the show is all about celebrity. The guest hosts that they have filling in for Elizabeth show that clearly. Kate Gosslin, LaToya Jackson ? Good Grief.

Now the show is all about celebrity. The guest hosts that they have filling in for Elizabeth show that clearly.

Which is why I have no desire to watch it at all. In the beginning it sounded interesting and as you say people from all age groups. Of course I couldn't watch it then as I was working and now I absolutely do not care.

Barbara

Barbara, good point about male tv journalists. I wasn't thinking beyond the newsreaders for the national evening broadcasts. However...

Alias Reader wrote: "Speaking of her age, the show's intent was to have someone representing each age group. So when HT were discussed you would get various opinions. I think the idea is good, but they have drifted from that."

Using this intention i think Walters is right on target. At least she sounds about like my MIL, who giggles at sex and such. So maybe she is holding up the original idea, afterall. :-)

My interest in "The View" ended when Viera left. I didn't watch it much but when i did i felt her presence on the show gave it the decorum it needed, which is now missing. I think they need a kind of newswoman of that age to keep a rein on things. Just my opinion.

deborah

I have it on the DVR to record every day, and then I usually only watch Hot Topics. The interviews are just silly, because they have been 'pre-interviewed' in the back by the producers, and then the questions are put on the cards. What's really funny is when the question is just plain worng, or the answer has already been given! It would be so much more interesting if they would just have a discussion. I do like Whoopi, and she TRIES to have a reasonable discussion, even if the others sometimes (often) go off on tangents.

One program I usually watch is Morning Joe, for that very reason. They have people from varying view points, and the segments run long enough that the speaker can get their point across. Often the guest will stay around long enough to ask a question of another guest. Sometimes I could just SMACK Joe when he gets very sarcastic, and sometimes I just turn over and go back to sleep!

Donna in Southern Maryland

I still watch The View, but to be honest, the majority of time I don't know why. The Hot Topics is usually not HOT and quite boring. The knowledge and research on most of the topics is superficial at best.

You're right, Barbara. It is now 90% celebrity guests. And I have no interest in that. And I often don't even know who they are, as I seldom watch TV shows/ movies.

I wish there could be a serious talk show with a group of people. Not a cable "shout at each other" thing, but serious discussion along the lines of Bill Moyers show. I would like only a few topics for each show. Not the speed 5 min. sound bites you get on most shows. I would like a variety of topics: current events, books, history, science, health etc. Really, any topic but celebrities hawking their latest movie or tv show.

I know...dream on.

Alias Reader wrote: "I still watch The View, but to be honest, the majority of time I don't know why. The Hot Topics is usually not HOT and quite boring. The knowledge and research on most of the topics is superficial..."

Alias,
After reading your post what went through my mind was -- oh sure, I remember that -- something like 1957 or so.

In any case I am truly afraid to get trapped in daytime TV of any sort.

Barbara

Bobbie57 wrote: "After reading your post what went through my mind was -- oh sure, I remember that -- something like 1957 or so."

LOL! True, Barbara. In Portland, Oregon, cable access had a couple of programs like that in the '90s. They were restful to listen to, as well as insightful. No one was out to make a name for themselves, so the conversations were just that--conversing!

Does anyone here remember Kup's Show? Well known people from different walks of life discussed a variety of topics. Here's a sample.
http://classicshowbiz.blogspot.com/2007/...

deborah

Madrano: ----.Does anyone here remember Kup's Show? Well known people from different walks of life discussed a variety of topics. "
---------------------

I don't recall the show. It sounds interesting. With all the trash re-runs they show, too bad they don't show reruns of this.

Was Kup Irving Kupcinet -- something like that? I think that was shown in the Chicago area not in NYC.
If it is who I am thinking of he was a great newspaper reporter. Back when reporters were real news people. I'm sure he would have had a good show.

Barbara

Yes Barbara, I remember Kup too and it was the Chicago area.

Kate

That's right, we were living in the Chicago area when we watched it. It was a good show, even if i didn't recognize some of the guests.

deborah

That's right, we were living in the Chicago area when we watched it
Having been born and raised in Chicago, Kupcinet was a must in our house. I also remember the tragedy of his daughter's death shortly after JFK's assassination. It was rumored that she had known something about the plot to kill JFK and therefore was murdered, but I think that idea came from the Kupcinet family. As far as I know, her murder was never solved.

Lois

how sad. I have a hard time when someone thinks they can get away with a crime let alone murder. Sometimes I wonder what the police do that they can not solve certain crimes and then that they are able to solve other ones.

I have never know a cop enough to ask them about that but it is something that I think about.

Jennifer