09.17.2009 2:11 pm
Couldn’t make today’s TV chat? Here’s what you missed
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Here’s the transcript of my Sept. 17 live chat, for your reading pleasure. If questions or comments occur to you while you’re perusing, click HERE to post them for next week’s discussion.
Gail: Hi, everybody. How about that big plug for our chat on the front page of STLtoday.com today? But don’t worry that the publicity has overloaded me with questions and comments; I still have room for you to jump in, especially since I’m starting a full minute early. Go!
Stephanie: Hey Gail,
How do you get to be a diner in Hell’s Kitchen? Is it real restaurant while shooting the show? Thanks.
How do you get to be a diner in Hell’s Kitchen? Is it real restaurant while shooting the show? Thanks.
Gail: It’s not a real restaurant; it’s on a TV sound stage. If you “eat” there, you’re an extra, and you get paid to be there (not very much). You might not get food, though. Anybody who wants to do it should keep an eye on Fox.com/hellskitchen and look at the bottom under “reservations.” Of course, you have to be in LA. I may have more insights after I eat at Hell’s Kitchen in January — that’s from winning Gordon Ramsay’s Baked Alaska-making competition.
Anne: I’m just finishing up SOUTHLAND on Hulu…wow, what a great show! I didn’t expect to get past the pilot, but it has held my interest and then some.
I hear there will be some changes in the 2nd season. Can you elaborate on them? Why mess with a good thing!?
Gail: I thought “Southland” started strong, but it didn’t hold my interest. NBC renewed it right away, before ratings faded. NBC has scheduled it on Friday nights (not much of a vote of confidence), beginning Oct. 23. The network thought there were too many characters in the first season and too many scattered storylines, so this fall they’ll focus on just a few, including Ben McKenzie’s rookie Ben Sherman.
Marty: So glad the dreadful summer TV season is over and I can look forward to my favorites coming back. I’m excited over my reality shows restarting (SYTYCD, DWTS, Biggest Loser, Survivor but especially The Amazing Race). But I’m mostly anxious for House and Desperate Housewives to kickoff. The only new show that looks appealing to me is “The Good Wife” but I hope the original hook of the show (husband filandering)isn’t all they have to offer. No question in there — just letting you know what I’ll be watching. (Notice I didn’t say Jay Leno).
Gail: I’ve seen the two-hour season premiere of “House,” and it’s a tour de force for Hugh Laurie. It also sets up the rest of the season. “Desperate Housewives” lost me a long time ago, unfortunately. The final blow was the jump ahead in time.
“The Good Wife” is a really interesting show. Funny that this fall comedies are actually stronger than dramas, but you never know what you’ll like, so be sure to sample as much as you can.
Bert: Hi Gail, I try to watch a lot of TV, On Demand, via the web. Why aren’t more shows released via Hulu, or the network websites, a day or two after airing?
Gail: I would have told you that almost every network show is streamed these days, either on a network website or on Hulu or Fancast. Not every one is every place, though. Hulu is owned by NBC and Fox, but some ABC shows are on there now along with a TON of other stuff. I still don’t find the online viewing experience as satisfying as watching on TV — that said, I watch everything on the DVR, hopping through commercials, so I’m essentially watching “on demand.”
Marion E.: Gail, a while back someone asked about the new season of Robin Hood on BBCA. It started last weekend, with the first program being shown again this Saturday before new episode.
Gail: Thanks! Hope the “Robin Hood” fan gets the info.
Tracy: I tried to find some way to contact KPLR on their website but after 5 minutes my mind boggled. So I am turning to you for the scoop. What happened to funny and sophisticated Sex and the City on KPLR?? It was bad enough when it was bumped past midnight, but yesterday after waiting up to 12:30 AM it was really annoying to find That 70s Show (pull the plug please) taking up the time slot. I also blame Family Guy (which I loathe) because it is now on multiple times. Friends has been on for what seems like 20 years. I could do without King of Queens too. Malcolm in the Middle is a far better show and should return to late afternoon or at the very least earlier in the line up at night. Such a great sitcom deserves a better time slot that 1:30 AM. BTW-no cable or satellite–just broadcast TV.
Gail: KDNL’s contract for “Sex and the City” was over, and no other St. Louis station seems to have picked it up. I don’t see it listed anywhere except on TBS. Which is cable.
suzyjax: I have a question about the digitial stations. Specifically 4.1 or 5.2. Channel 9 seems to use this to air alternate programming. I like how Channel 5 has a weather channel available at all times.
However, aside from those two examples it seems the expaded digital channels (is that what they are called?) have not begun to be used to their potential.
Do you know of any plans in the work to provide alternate programming on those channels?
If they do start to provide extended programming, do you think cable or other non-over-the-air outlets will also carry this programming?
Gail: Channel 9 has split its digital signal and has PBS sub-channels running there. It’s great for people who’ve always wanted to see PBS programs that Channel 9 ignored, and available to all via antenna. Channel 5 had the NBC-owned weather channel up long before the digital switch. As for how other stations will use the extra space afforded by the digital signal, nobody seems to have decided yet, or at least isn’t saying. I did notice this week that Channel 4 now has an extra channel space on Charter, so maybe they’re getting close. So far, cable and I assume satellite have carried the added channels, but we’ll see how the monetary issue works out in the future.
Robbie: I’m excited about the return of The Office tonight. Have you seen the episode? Also, should I give Parks & Recreation another chance this year? Like most, I wasn’t excited about it last season.
Gail: I’ve seen tonight’s season premiere of “The Office,” and it has some good stuff. I have to confess, I’m a huge Jim-and-Pam (refuse to call them Jam) fan, so there’s a lot for me to like. I’ve also seen the first two “Parks and Recreation” episodes of the season, and it seems better — still doesn’t make me laugh much but doesn’t make me want to poke my eyes out.
maryliz: Hi Gail, I was wondering if you happened to see the finale of “America’s Got Talent.” (No spoilers here.) If so, did it seem more like “America’s Got Good Human Interest Stories”? I couldn’t figure out if I should root for the cancer survivor, the kids whose mom was in a coma, the tenor who lost his dad … I ended up rooting for the unemployed chicken catcher, though he couldn’t sing a note. I really don’t think America has that much talent (at least on that show), and after listening to Susan Boyle, who blew everyone away, whoever won became irrelevant for me. (I did like Neal E. Boyd from last year though.)
On the positive side, I thought “Glee” was fantastic last night, from Mercedes at the car wash to the Acapellas, and the writing is pretty clever too. You were right about this show. I can’t wait to see who sings what next, hope we haven’t heard the last of Howard, and hope they continue to showcase Rachel.
Gail: I didn’t watch a minute of “America’s Got Talent” this season. There was really an unemployed chicken catcher?! Now I’m sorry I missed it — no, wait, I’m not. I’ll need to watch Susan Boyle on YouTube, though.
Next week’s “Glee” is the best of the season. I love everything about this show except the fact that they had Victor Garber last night and didn’t let him sing and dance. (Oh: And it was the Acafellas, which is even funnier.)
Stevie B: Hi Gail,
Kind of a mish mash today. First; how is the Jimmy Fallon show doing? I like his easy going style and I think he is improving as a host. I find myself watching it and enjoying it more and more. Second; I noticed that Rules of Engagement is not on the fall lineup and did not even see it listed in your preview as a mid-season show. When does it return? Last; I’m enjoying Top Chef LV. More than in the past, this season really seems to have clear cut groupings of bottom, middle and high end chefs. It will be interesting to see if the middle of the roaders (Kevin) can step it up and compete. Note to Robin & Ash; “You might want to keep your suicase packed”. BTW; what is the attraction everyone seems to have with diakon and fried eggs and when did they become considered “elegant” food?
Kind of a mish mash today. First; how is the Jimmy Fallon show doing? I like his easy going style and I think he is improving as a host. I find myself watching it and enjoying it more and more. Second; I noticed that Rules of Engagement is not on the fall lineup and did not even see it listed in your preview as a mid-season show. When does it return? Last; I’m enjoying Top Chef LV. More than in the past, this season really seems to have clear cut groupings of bottom, middle and high end chefs. It will be interesting to see if the middle of the roaders (Kevin) can step it up and compete. Note to Robin & Ash; “You might want to keep your suicase packed”. BTW; what is the attraction everyone seems to have with diakon and fried eggs and when did they become considered “elegant” food?
Gail: I love all your questions; would love them even more posted separately. One, that makes me look more popular, and two, it’s easier to answer separate topics one at a time. Nevertheless…
* “Jimmy Fallon” (which I hear no buzz about) trails “Craig Ferguson” (which I love) by about 25 percent the last time I checked, but Fallon does better with the younger demo.
* CBS hasn’t set a return date for “Rules of Engagement.” I guess it will depend on need.
* I’m liking this “Top Chef” too but not sure why Robin keeps staying. I had not noticed a daikon obsession, but putting fried eggs on things must be toward the end of its trend span.
Suzy: I know it doesn’t do any good, but I just have to comment. At the end of last season some of us were upset because most of the season finale of “Ghost Whisperer” was preempted by the Kent Ehrhardt show during a storm. KMOV got complaints and they did air the episode a few days later sometime in the early morning hours. But there were still some people who missed it, and CBS doesn’t offer it for online viewing.
CBS will be repeating the episode this week, so everyone can catch up before next week’s season premiere. Guess which CBS affiliate is preempting it for local programming? Yes that’s right, KMOV, the viewer’s friend. Of course they’ll air “Ghost Whisperer” somewhere around 2:00 a.m. again because that worked out so well last time.
Gail: That’s almost funny. But not.
I didn’t even know Melinda was pregnant, but I see that in the season premiere she has a baby. Whatever.
I didn’t even know Melinda was pregnant, but I see that in the season premiere she has a baby. Whatever.
michele: Why was “Life” cancelled? It was a great show! We were left hanging with no conclusion as to who set Charlie up. Will there be some type of wrap-up show?
Gail: “Life” was canceled because it had too few viewers. I know people who liked it too, but don’t expect any conclusion to the storyline. That’s rare unless the cancellation comes early, giving writers a chance to wrap things up. Or, sometimes they could but don’t, in protest.
Tom: What is up with the Pop up ads on Bravo during Top Chef. Instead of putting them in the lower right corner they are now in the middle right and are about 3 times as big. They where showing people talking last night and completely blocked there face? Sometimes the ad was for the show you where already watching. I know people have complained about the ads for years, and instead of doing something they have made them worse. What are your thoughts?
Gail: We won’t watch commercials, or promos; we fast-forward through everything we can these days. So networks are determined to get the word about their shows however they can. Popups that obscure the show, huge moving animations across the screen — all really annoying. And not only is it bad, it’s going to get still worse. But apparently they think younger people, used to multitasking, don’t mind these antics.
haybeav: Do you think it’s fair to say that people who don’t watch any of the HBO or Showtime series are missing out on the best TV has to offer?
Gail: They’re missing some good-to-great original series, but they can always pick them up on DVD and watch after the fact. In general, I don’t think premium cable channels are a good value. I can’t even remember the last time I watched a movie on one of the “movie” channels.
Gabe Hartwig: I love Joel McHale on “The Soup,” and I’m really looking forward to the premiere of “Community” tonight on NBC. You’ve seen a screener, right? Will I love it?
Gail: You’ll like it, I think. Love? Maybe eventually. Next week’s episode is even funnier.
Rik Max: What is the critical buzz and ratings for Dark Blue? I enjoyed the finally greatly last night and felt it was the first time that we got to see Dylan McDermott really shine. Thoughts?
Gail: “Dark Blue” wasn’t renewed when “Leverage,” which precedes it on TNT, was picked up for another season. By the end of their run, “Blue” was losing two-thirds of the “Leverage” audience. I don’t think that sounds promising, do you?
Charles_Williams: ‘24′ has had a great run. Just wondering why we don’t see more copycat shows like it. Seen a lot of medical dramas and crime shows but not much in the way of anti-terrorist offerings. What gives? Is Bruce Willis booked?
Gail: This will probably be the last season of “24,” by the way.
Asking viewers to commit to watching every one of 24 episodes in a season is tough these days. Somehow, “24″ has managed. I remember other shows dealing with national security/terrorism, but the subject isn’t an easy sell.
Asking viewers to commit to watching every one of 24 episodes in a season is tough these days. Somehow, “24″ has managed. I remember other shows dealing with national security/terrorism, but the subject isn’t an easy sell.
MaxPower: Gail,
Kathy Griffin did not win her third Emmy last week for My Life on the D List. For the first time in 3 years, her show lost to Intervention. Have you heard anything about the D List ratings or if it will be renewed for next year?
Gail: Ratings are still pretty good; I’d expect more “D-List.” I don’t put much stock in the Emmys. How do you even compare the shows that were nominated in that category? Apples and oranges and cactus.
The_Connection: Hey Gail,
Have you heard any buzz on Smallville fro this season? I thoguht season 8 was great for the first 8-10 episodes, but then they brought back Lana and the season went into the toilet.
Also, I read where Eric Kripke said that this might be Supernatural’s final year. Any news? Thanks!
Gail: Not only have I heard no “Smallville” buzz, I had to search out fan sites to confirm that next week was the season premiere. Those sites also told me the show had gotten really good under the new show runners. You be the judge.
I have no “Supernatural” insights, but if ratings are as good this year as last, the CW will probably want to keep it.
Malaise: I can’t stand Leno show in prime time but you say ratings were really high for the premier. How’s it done since?
Gail: Great ratings on Night One fell a third in nights two and three. But it will take weeks to see how viewership shakes down. Next week, all the other networks will be out of reruns.
Gabe Hartwig: Which is worse: “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” or “The Jay Leno Show”?
Gail: People love ‘em both. Swear.
PAUL: prediction– Leno’s show will jump the shark and then exit stage left sooner rather than later…After using up all his chits to get A-listers on, he’ll be competing with Conan etc. for guests, and the network will give The Tonight Show MFN status…And, given that shows like SNL struggle to produce one show a week filled with content, even after allowing for the shorter format, all Leno’s horses won’t be able to generate enough “comedy” 5 nights a week without seeing quality fade…and the prime-time audience will quickly wither from there…
Gail: Yeah, all that stuff could happen, but I think NBC will leave the show on for the foreseeable future.
itsazoo: Dear Gail,
I was a little uncomfortable with Jay Leno’s 10 at 10 with Tom Cruise and what’s-her-name (brain fart). But all and all, I like the show and will continue to watch or tape every night. I liked the old show and this is enough like the old one to make me happy. I know the critics have not been kind but hey.
Have you heard anything about the new Survivor?
Gail B
Gail: See, I told you guys people like Leno. I’ve heard from many of them.
Excited about “Survivor” tonight and “The Amazing Race” Sept. 17. I try to avoid spoilers for reality shows because I really like not knowing anything. The scenery looks gorgeous, though.
aemsolutions: Hi Gail,
I find it odd that the headline asks if Leno can save NBC. From what, may I ask? Itself?
Gail: Yes, from itself. Haven’t you heard NBC’s in trouble? First to worst? Major trouble developing new hits? Giving up five hours a week of prime time to Leno is a desperation move.
goodmaj: Watched Leno last night….after the monologue the rest of the show was absolutely terrible. The interview with Robin Williams consistently had me wincing, and the 10 questions with Miley Cyrus weren’t really funny. I know NBC has invested a lot in this show, what’s your suspicion on how long it lasts?
Gail: “Leno” doesn’t have to do well. It only has to do OK. If it was second in its timeslot a couple of times a week, NBC would probably be happy, because it’s so inexpensive. Leno has a 5-year contract and I don’t see them buying him out of it in a hurry. Also, it MIGHT improve.
Dave: I’m getting pumped for the season premiere of “Dexter” next week (although not looking forward to the additional $10-12 on my Directv bill:)). I justrecently heard about a new animated “prequel series” called “Early Cuts” that will be airing exclusively online in the fall. Have you heard or seen anything about this? Is it worth the time to check out? When will episodes start airing?
Gail: I don’t know anything about the web series, although I do have “Dexter” (as yet unwatched) in my living room. Do you watch many web series? Even if I like the series they’re spun off, I usually find them unsatisfying.
Brandon turner: I am curious, after watching all the seasons of Dexter on Dvd, I really have nothing to look forward to since I don’t have showtime. The only show that looks like it might be ok is Flash Forward. But it could be hit or miss. Have you got to screen this show at all? What do you think…? Go cardinals
Gail: Maybe you could go over to Dave’s house.
Gail: I’m out of time, guys — in fact, I’ve run over. I didn’t get to a few Leno questions, but I think we pretty much covered the subject. Thanks for playing, and see you back here next week.
