When I sat down to watch television recently, I was surprised and slightly confused... Was it fall again? Has anyone else noticed the number of new television shows premiering regularly these days? It used to be that we spent September through May/June watching our favorite shows, and then bid television farewell for a few months of reruns and non-essential entertainment.
The TV gods have shined upon addicts like me and given us another reason to love that moving picture box. It's simple: Give us more great television! That is exactly what has happened, and I'm loving the short seasons of these new shows, like GCB, Missing, and NYC22. Adopting the cable format could be exactly what they need to make hits.
As far as hits go, GCB has been a great addition to the schedule. There's nothing better than watching the drama unfold as these Texan women deal with love, friendship, betrayal, family, and the past. Can a mean girl from high school really grow up to be the nice one? Indeed. But beware... the victims of your teasing will not be the nice girls anymore, because you led them to the dark side. This delicious drama quickly became a favorite of mine, and now, I can't imagine not having it to watch.
Moving onto the new NYC 22, which I was so scared to like because I was afraid it would be such a copy of one of my other favorites: Rookie Blue. Surprisingly, I found myself quickly being sucked into the lives of these rookie police officers. They kept it different enough, with so many diverse characters, that it's almost impossible not to be drawn into it. It's not an immediate ratings juggernaut, but it's decent television and worth your time.
Missing has been an incredibly tense show to watch from the beginning, really drawing us in and making it impossible not to get hooked. It's exactly what the dull spring season needed -- suspense tenfold. Ashley Judd has brought her amazing talent to the small screen, and we have all been given a gift. It's like a movie every single week -- the heartwrenching loss of a son, the search to find him, the betrayal, and the politics. Basically, it's awesome.
There has been one really good comedy that recently premiered as well. Don't Trust the B---- in Apt 23 is seriously hilarious. Krysten Ritter is epic in her role, the writers are brilliant, and James Van Der Beek is so yummy. Overall, it's a hit right out of the gate, and if you haven't watched it, you need to lay off the happy juice and catch reality. It's so much better now that this show is around.
They haven't all been outstanding hits in my opinion, as is the case when there's a group of new shows. Best Friends Forever was not at all a hit -- probably why it's already been cancelled. I found it to be poorly written and lacking decent comedic timing. Good riddance.
The one that baffles me the most is Girls. It's really terrible, and yet, it got renewed for a second season. Don't get me wrong, I can see a niche for it, but as far as this TV addict is concerned, it's a waste of your viewing time.
At the end of the day, the world of television has changed as we know it. Gone are the times of withdrawal from new episodes for the summer months, and now we are offered year-round entertainment. Those that already despise what television stands for (don't kid yourself, I know you're reading this article, too), will no doubt hate this change. Everyone who loves television or at least enjoys the escapism is probably almost as thrilled as I am with this newfound joy.
Go grab your remote, and indulge in some new television all year round!