Whatcha Watching?
Oct 10th 2009
Julia LondonGoddess Grins & Julia London & On Writing! & When Goddesses Fall To Earth
So all of the networks have debuted their Fall line-up, and I have stumbled across a couple of shows I really like. I say stumbled because it seems I never have time to actually watch TV until late–nine at the earliest–unless I know something is on, which, honestly, I can’t keep in my head. And we don’t have TIVO because I fear some people in this house (specifically, jack and the cutest pre-schooler ever) would never get away from the TV.
My favorite show is The Office. I watched the British version way back, I have watched the American version from the beginning and I still absolutely love it. I have nothing to wear to Jim and Pam’s wedding, this week, but I’ll be there! I like the other comedies NBC has that night, but I have too much going on to watch them.
I discovered a couple of other comedies I thought were fun. Modern Family, which is a hoot, and The Middle, which was very funny, too. Reminds me of my childhood. I also like Glee, but I am still not sure why I do. I even downloaded a couple of their tunes. Now that kind of scares me — I may be turning into my Grandmother, who was so involved with Gunsmoke, she actually spoke to them during the show. 
I don’t watch crime or hospital dramas. I watched ER many years ago, but I lost interest when George Clooney left. I’m shallow that way. The one exception I have made is Castle, because he cracks me up, but I can never remember when it is on.
And of course, there is always reality TV, my staple. Project Runway, Flipping Out, The Rachel Zoe project, any Housewives show, I seem to see (they all come on at nine. And ten. And eleven). I’ve said here before that I know that does not speak well for my character, but what can I say? I am a Nosy Parker at heart.
What new shows are you watching? Old shows? Do you TIVO, Netflix, or just sit down after dinner and watch like the good ol’ days?
45 Comments »
45 Responses to “Whatcha Watching?”
Gwynlyn MacKenzie on 10 Oct 2009 at 4:18 am #
The only shows I actually make it a point to watch are Dancing with the Stars (I know. Please don’t throw anything—unless it’s money!) because I adore Ballroom Dancing, and Castle because, between his daughter, his mother, and Beckett the man is buffeted by a perpetual tidal wave of estrogen covering every extreme yet retains his good humor. I figure that’s right up there with the Brothers Grimm for a Fairy Tale.
Since DWTS will be introducing the Lambada and Texas Two-Step this season, it appears their Ballroom days may be numbered, but I’ll still watch Castle.
Kathy on 10 Oct 2009 at 5:29 am #
Glee Glee and more Glee! I originally wasn’t going to watch, but they ran the sneak preview so much during the summer, I caught it one night and was hooked, lined and sunk.
I find myself humming all the songs, have downloaded a few available and will be 1st in line to buy the soundtrack coming out in Nov.
I quickly became bored with Dancing with the Stars this season and only watch to catch mr purple socks himself: Donny Osmond.
I am truly a coucher and will turn the TV on at 8 to see what is on then off at 11 to go to bed.
there are at least 2 shows on every week night worthy of watching and if not, I turn on a dvd of an old show or read until something does come on.
If you can find it, you must try and catch Battle of the Blades!
It’s pure Canadian fun: retired but still hot hockey players pair up with figure skaters to compete for charity. think Dancing with the Stars on ice.
I tried telling Rachel about this as an idea for her hockey player series- but sniff sniff, she has yet to reply to my facebook email!
Lori Handeland on 10 Oct 2009 at 6:10 am #
I DVRd Flashforward (Joseph Fiennes, can’t help it) but haven’t gotten to watch it yet.
Old shows I’m hooked on–Castle, Supernatural, Heroes, True Blood, Entourage.
I’ve been using netflix to catch up on some shows I missed in the beginning like Medium and Bones and The Tudors.
I also DVR a lot, but then I always have so much to catch up on. Did that last night, but still have a few left to go.
dbrown3400 on 10 Oct 2009 at 6:47 am #
MY DVR IS BROKEN!!!! I never realized how much I depended on my DVR until that ugly message appeared saying it was no longer operational. Cablevision is coming today with a new cable box but have sadly informed me there’s NO WAY to retrieve the irreplaceable programs stored there. The three days waiting for an appointment seemed like an eternity. All right, enough whining.
After eagerly awaiting for Three Rivers, starring the yummy Alex O’Loughlin of Moonlight fame, it was only so-so. I’ll give it another episode or two, but there’s too much on my plate as it is. Am trying to get on the Castle bandwagon, but it’s on opposite CSI Miami, Monday Night Football and now, the baseball playoffs. House has gone on the back burner for the same reason.
Gwynlyn, I’m looking forward to the new dances on DWTS, as well. I don’t have much vested in the stars this season, but always like the veterans. Donny is probably my favorite candidate so far.
I’d taped the entire season of Dark Blue with Dylan McDermott, but it’s lost and I’ve missed most of the repeats. I really enjoyed the couple shows I’d seen.
cont.
dbrown3400 on 10 Oct 2009 at 6:55 am #
cont.
Of course, there’s Bones. The new season seems to have a fresh feeling which is pleasing. I’m not so pleased with CSI Las Vegas because Jorja Fox is back on for a few episodes and I’m not on her ship — although the bombing was kinda interesting.
Right now, with the baseball playoffs, most new shows will need to wait. There’s always football on Sunday and some college ball on Saturday. Of course, American Idol starts in January. Usually, the TV is just on in the background while I’m doing other things, such as reading or PLAYING FARMVILLE, the devil’s playground.
dbrown3400 on 10 Oct 2009 at 6:56 am #
OT. Anyone interested in the New Jersey Romance Writers Conference or booksigning, there’s a thread in the Forum.
KarenC on 10 Oct 2009 at 7:13 am #
Not a big TV watcher. TrueBlood, Survivor & Amazing Race (my kids make me watch that one) are pretty much it. A little news, an occassional psycho serial killer show and if there’s any documentaries on historical catasrophes (The Little Ice Age, Tunguska, etc) or anything with civilization-ending potential (ex: Discovery channel’s move on eruption of Yellowstone), I’m so there. LOL. Otherwise…No tivo, no netflix. TV can be such a huge time-suck, I usually pretend it isn’t there.
Judy F on 10 Oct 2009 at 7:36 am #
I am a new lover of DVR. Forced into Cable this year cause of the switch but I love my DVR. LOL
New shows: I adore Glee, missed the first show but have been hooked ever since. I am liking Flashforward too so far. Have Three Rivers on DVR but haven’t watched it yet. Also I like the Good Wife, wasn’t going to watch it but I am glad I did.
I watch all the L&O and CSI shows. A favorite show is Medium. I love the whole family on that show. The middle daughter is a riot.
elsiehogarth on 10 Oct 2009 at 8:11 am #
I didn’t think that this Fall season was going to turn out to be so good with the cancelations of all my favorite shows: Moonlight, Pushing Daisies, Reaper and Blood Ties. So far so good. New show favorites are: Glee, Modern Family, Vampire Diaries, Community, SNL News Update and Flashforward.
The regulars are: Castle, CSI:Vegas, Miami & NY, Law & Order: SVU & CI(this is Vince D’Onofrio’s 9th and last season as Goren), Mentalist, Heroes, Nip/Tuck(their last season), The Wendy Williams Shows(it makes me laugh a lot), TrueBlood, Tudors, the only reality show I watch is Project Runway and anything everything on HGTV.
Julia London on 10 Oct 2009 at 8:27 am #
I can never get into DWTS. My entire extended family watches it every season and it’s the subject of many lively debates online. I think for me it’s an issue of time. It comes on early when the CPE is still up, and I miss so many of them, and I lose interest.
Lori, I’m a fan of Entourage.
I have been netflixing Mad Men, which is really seductive (not sexually, all tho there is plenty of that, too).
Julia London on 10 Oct 2009 at 8:28 am #
Karen, we watch Amazing Race, too. That’s like the show my husband and I actually watch together, besides football. I am rooting for the Harlem Globetrotters this time.
JudyF, I saw Good Wife too, and I really liked it. I didn’t think I would.
Elsie, we are sister of the reality TV blood!
elsiehogarth on 10 Oct 2009 at 8:34 am #
Sister Julia, I forgot…Glee: the Music Vol.1 CD will be out on November 3rd. I have to have it. I hope “I’m Wanna Sex You Up” is on it by the Acafellas.
Claudia Dain on 10 Oct 2009 at 8:54 am #
Julia, Castle is on Monday night at 9.
The only reality show I watch is DWTS, and I was a late comer to it. Now I’m devoted. Big D and I watch it obsessively, along with Castle. Along with Top Gear. Those are the only three shows we watch as a couple, if you discount House Hunters International, which I will since this list is getting too long.
I watched The Good Wife and thought I’d hate it. What a shock that I find it very good! Very good script, not to mention a great cast.
NCIS:LA is one I’m trying out. Not thrilled with it yet, but NCIS original was a slow start for me so I’m not rushing to judge.
I watched Mad Men the first season and had to stop. It really depressed me. I seem to be the only one with that reaction.
Have to DVR. I’m just not going to run to the TV and watch on their schedule. Plus I can’t deal with commercials anymore. I’ve lost all patience with them. I love that, on DVR, I can watch an hour show in 40 minutes.
Julia London on 10 Oct 2009 at 9:01 am #
Claudia, that’s why I never got a DVR. I thought I would become such a slave to it. But I am missing some great shows because of poor memory and hours that are not convenient (is there a convenient hour anymore??) I may have to do it.
I forgot that Jack London and I also watch House Hunters International. We always say we are moving to wherever they were that week.
B on 10 Oct 2009 at 9:03 am #
Ohh, Castle is the best, Julia. It’s my current favorite! Though, differently from you, I love, love, *love* my crime dramas. I watch a whole bunch of them. Bones was my favorite for years — but Castle has that new air, so, I stepped up ahead. But I love both of them, really. They’re funny, sarcastic, kinda weird, and full of dark humor.
Humor is essential. I never got into Law & Order: SVU because it’s not funny. Funny is essential. Besides Bones and Castle, CSI:NY, NCIS and CSI are usually absolutely hilarious. I love these shows. CSI:Miami used to be funnier, but it’ll still do. The only crime show I watch that isn’t particularly funny is Criminal Minds, but it is absolutely fascinating.
Besides the crime shows I also watch… hospital dramas. I adore House. Am a sucker for Grey’s Anatomy, even though I think Private Practice just might be better.
I watch Desperate Housewives, too, though I’m way behind on that one. Medium is a must. Though they’re on hiatus, I have my HBO my guilty pleasures: True Blood and erm, Big Love (don’t).
And, last but not least, the one reality I LOVE: The Amazing Race, who deserved every single Emmy it won (and it’s a million times better than AI)
B on 10 Oct 2009 at 9:04 am #
Ohhhhh, I also watch the British “Secret Diary of a Call Girl” (and I’m not even that desperate). I can’t wait for the new season!
Judy F on 10 Oct 2009 at 9:10 am #
I watch DWTS,The Amazing Race and Survivor. I think The Race is my favorite reality show. I was so hoping that the lawyer and his wife would get kicked off last week.
I love Criminal Minds too. Its fascinating and scary all at the same time for me.
I was undecided about watching THe good wife, wasn’t sure how they were going to play the whole thing. But I really am glad I decided to give it a chance.
Julia London on 10 Oct 2009 at 9:38 am #
B, I haven’t watched Desperate Housewives in years. I don’t know about the British show — I’ll have to see if BBC America carries it.
Judy, we have been big fans of the Race since the beginning. My husband and his sister actually sent in a tape one year trying to get on. He wanted me to do it with him but I know that one of us would die. I also know that in a tense moment, Jack London’s language might embarrass me to death, LOL
Madeline Hunter on 10 Oct 2009 at 9:40 am #
I am really into crime dramas, although I am not so big on the forensic ones (I could rent myself out as a counter pop culture monitor, I think. If it is hot, I’m never there yet). I just find all the ticking time while they mess with test tubes boring. I prefer police procedurals like Law and Order.
I watch Project Runway, and the house design shows. I also like the Office because it is so quirky and character driven. But there is no show that I say “Oh, it is 9 pm and Thursday so I have to go watch xx.” Nor do I have Tivo, so for me it is catch as catch can.
nancyg on 10 Oct 2009 at 10:02 am #
Another crime drama freak here – if the show starts with a dead body, I’m in…
Bones, Criminal Minds, the Law & Order shows (NBC – quit moving them around!), Castle, and The Mentalist. Don’t like the blond girl Callie on CSI: Miami (but my brother does a GREAT Horatio impersonation!) & NY lost me a couple of seasons ago… ditto with Numbers, but I like the 5-year fast forward on Ghost Whisperer…
Cable: Nip/Tuck – got really strange, but I’ve stuck with them so far, want to see how it plays out. The Tudors, Leverage (the Timothy Hutton show), & Entourage – liked Royal Pains that was on this summer.
Bravo (Mr. G calls it “the gay channel”): Flipping Out, some of the “Real Housewives” but they’re quickly losing me, & Top Chef – haven’t seen Project Runway since they moved to Lifetime – I keep forgetting it’s on.
I’ve seen a couple of episodes of Glee, but it’s kinda shmaltzy for me.
I’m a Tivo/DVR jezebel. I never watch live TV anymore.
Sabrina Jeffries on 10 Oct 2009 at 10:06 am #
I need to get a DVR and Netflix, so I’m no longer slave to the TV. My old favorites are Cold Case, Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men (though I missed last week’s because of being in NY), all the Law & Orders, NCIS, the Mentalist, Robin Hood (last season and no Maid Marian–ack! But at least they still have Richard Armitage), and 30 Rock (if it will EVER come on in the new season). The only shows I’ve added are Castle (well, I’m still trying it out) and NCIS LA (same thing).
I’ve been happy this year, because I have approximately one show per night to watch. Last year several of my shows were scheduled on the same night and I had to use two VCRs to record them. This year I don’t have any conflicts.
But I miss Without a Trace.
Madeline Hunter on 10 Oct 2009 at 10:14 am #
Oh yes, Sabrina– Cold Case. I do like that show too.
Judy F on 10 Oct 2009 at 10:29 am #
Julia I would love to be on the race but those climing/jumping off high things would do me in…
Big Bang Theory is another favorite. that shows just makes me laugh.
Julia London on 10 Oct 2009 at 10:49 am #
my late sister was a huge law and order fan. I knew that, but I didn’t realize quite how much she loved that show until I saw her closet full of the big VCR tapes — yes, VCR tapes, all with Law and Order episodes. Tells you how long that show has been on the air. And apparently, she never missed one.
Madeline, I do love The Office. I have worked with those people before. I feel their pain, having spent enough years in cubby holes. Love that show. I think I’ll marry it.
JudyPatooty on 10 Oct 2009 at 11:20 am #
I DVR everything now!
Castle, Bones and Flash Forward are programmed to record every episode. I also record The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson so I can see that hilarious and sexy man! Come to think of it, a gorgeous leading man seems to be my criteria for whether I like a show or not!
Nathan Fillion, David Boreanaz, Joseph Fiennes, and Craig Ferguson … Yup. That’s my criteria and I’m sticking to it. 
I’m still grieving the cancellation of Eleventh Hour with Rufus Sewell, and I’m very impatiently awaiting Season Three of True Blood.
Claudia Dain on 10 Oct 2009 at 11:30 am #
Julia, I do watch more shows because of DVR, but I’m watching them on my time so it feels like I’m winning. If that’s delusional at least I’m happy in my delusion.
Claudia Dain on 10 Oct 2009 at 11:32 am #
Madeline, another reason why I love DVR. I fast forward through all the test tube, working in the lab scenes.
Freedom Writer on 10 Oct 2009 at 12:02 pm #
I watch DWTS and Castle too. They are two of my favorites, but I DVR DWTS so I can FF through the extemporaneous stuff so it takes only about an hour to watch the 2 hour Monday show. I also like House, Lie To Me, ANTM, NCIS, NCIS-LA, The Good Wife, Medium, Numbers, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, The Mentalist and CougarTown, Cold Case and Brothers and Sister. I love my DVR. I agree with Claudia I can watch my shows on DVR on my own time and without commercials so its win win. An hour show only takes about 40 minutes to watch without commercials. I can watch 3 hour shows in the space of 2 hours so I save an hour.
Julia London on 10 Oct 2009 at 12:26 pm #
you guys are convincing me that we need a dvr. I never thought about fastforwarding through the five minutes of very loud commercials. That would be worth it alone!
Tina on 10 Oct 2009 at 12:52 pm #
Monday: Castle
Tuesday: NCIS
Thursday: Bones
If I miss them, I watch them on the internet a few days later.
B on 10 Oct 2009 at 1:06 pm #
Julia, I think Secret Diary of a Call Girl airs on Showtime in the US. It is about a ‘call girl’, but it’s funny, amusing, sarcastic, and even heartbreaking at times. I love it.
Judy F on 10 Oct 2009 at 1:10 pm #
I love my DVR. One thing I really love is I can watch shows in the order that I want to. When I used to tape all shows on a certain night, you had to watch them in that order. Now I can pick and chose. Also I don’t have to remember what is on what tape.
I agree fast forwarding is really great.
Paula on 10 Oct 2009 at 1:18 pm #
I don’t have TIVO whatever that is!
My boys and DH love watching Merlin and I love watching Casualty. Both of these are on BBC, don’t know if you can get them in the States. I don’t watch a huge amount of TV as there isn’t usually a lot that I want to watch. In the UK we have something called Children In Need, every year. it is where celebrities and the public highlight ‘children in need’ and raise money for the charity. This year there is a programme in which celebreites have to (in pairs) work their way aroubng the world in 80 days without using air travel. They are taking it in stages so couple 1 travel from A to B and couple 2 travel from B to C etc. It should make good viewing as a lot of them are comedians!
Julia London on 10 Oct 2009 at 1:26 pm #
Tina, I do a lot of internet watching too, especially the network shows. They are easy to squeeze in when no one’s looking.
B, I will try and find it.
Margaret on 10 Oct 2009 at 1:36 pm #
I am another DVR addict. When I first got it, I had them hook it thru my VCR/DVD recorder/player. I could dump the VCR now as it never gets turned on and I have no desire to copy something to keep. Besides, the DVD recorder won’t accept blank DVDs of any brand.
I love whipping thru commercials. It’s really handy on DWTS results night. All I care about is who gets sent packing. So, I cut to the chase and see that part. 1 hour cut down to 5 minutes. I also watch crime shows. Love Castle right after DWTS Monday nite.
I’ve give the new Trauma a couple of viewing now and the jury is still out. The pilot made me feel like I’d walked into a place where everybody knew everybody and their back story. The stunts are pretty spectacular, but the plots suck.
I do watch People’s Court because I love Judge Milian. I DVR The Dog Whisper, Haulin’ House, Monster Moves, both House Hunters (like Julia & her DH I’m ready to move to this weeks sunny spot. If I didn’t have to pack up all my stuff). Bones is confusing me this season & I don’t like her new hair color. Not becoming.
Chloe Harris (Noelle) on 10 Oct 2009 at 2:42 pm #
I love Glee. My daughter was in musical theater all through high school.
I’m also a SciFi geek so anything Stargate or BSG or Dr. Who. I love the USA shows, Monk and Psyche and Burn Notice.
But the show I’m loving the most is the new one Community, funniest thing on TV in a long time!
Julia London on 10 Oct 2009 at 2:56 pm #
Chloe, I saw Community, too, and thought it was hilarious.
Cindi on 10 Oct 2009 at 4:09 pm #
I’m just starting to watch TV more because (eek!) I seem to be tired of reading so much instead – but not “I Can See You” and “Summer of Two Wishes”, which I JUST finished. So I watch “Castle” (he just gets cuter & I also love the women he’s surrounded by), Burn Notice, Drop Dead Diva & Army Wives. Think I’ll keep watching “Vampire Diaries” and “Three Rivers” (which I don’t think will survive the cut, unfortunately), am waiting on “White Collar” (sounds great) and Criminal Minds when I think of it. And am eagerly waiting for “Being Human” to come back. Since I’m not a regular, I do depend on my recorder; lots of times I just can’t even find my shows as they move time slots.
Karen Hawkins on 10 Oct 2009 at 4:38 pm #
Julia, I ADORE The Office, both the British version and the American one. They’ve handled Jim’s and Pam’s relationship so well — sometimes the fizzle will die in a show when the two ‘meant to be’ lovers actually get together. This time, the fizzle keeps happening. And I love Michael Scott’s innocent, yet foolish, character. He is a modern day Falstaff, usually so foolish that it’s heart breaking when he’s accidentally wise.
I netflix AND tivo and yes, watch tv during dinner. Never afterwards, though. I love Castle, which my son introduced me to, and I just found It’s Always Sunner in Philadelphia, which is grin-worthy. I haven’t seen Bones, but I’ve wanted to. Just need to find it and tivo it.
I’m also a Project Runway fan — that’s my secret vice. And I dislike The Mentalist (though the actor’s cute) because he’s always contaminating crime scenes which means that even if HE figures things out, the murderer will get away with it because there won’t be any unsullied evidence to take to trial. In one show, he was in the hotel room where the murder occurred and he made himself a pot of tea AND sat on the bed where the murdered killed the victim! I was like “WHA—???” So wrong.
Karen Hawkins on 10 Oct 2009 at 4:39 pm #
Btw, I need to see Community. Keep hearing about it. When’s it on? And what channel?
Chloe Harris (Noelle) on 10 Oct 2009 at 4:51 pm #
Thursdays @ 8 on NBC but I subscribe to it on Hulu.
Karen Rose on 10 Oct 2009 at 6:35 pm #
I’m now bingeing on Bones. I’ve fallen in love with the Squints! And of course Booth, the Lion Heart. I will stop everything to see Bones.
I’ve watched Glee with oldest daughter and like Julia, I think I like it, but I’m not sure why. I’ve been Netflixing recently. And of course there is always TNT for my fave L&O reruns!
Tina on 10 Oct 2009 at 9:56 pm #
I picked up season 4 of Bones today and watching as much as possible before I fall asleep.
ladydawgfan on 10 Oct 2009 at 10:28 pm #
We watch Big Bang Theory, Ghost Hunters, Chopped, NCIS, So You Think You Can Dance, Criminal Minds, Amazing Race, Survivor, Ghost Whisperer, Numbers, and when they are on, America’s Got Talent and American Idol. I love the Tudors when I can catch it on the Canadian Channel. My mother also likes CSI New York, CSI Miami, and House.
For the new series, we like Three Rivers which means it will probably be canceled soon. We have seen NCIS LA, but I wasn’t too impressed with it. I couldn’t get into Glee and turned it off after the first 15 minutes of eye rolling blech.
Pesky on 10 Oct 2009 at 10:32 pm #
Guilty Pleasures? 10 Things I Hate About You, Phineas and Ferb
Watch every week: Big Bang Theory, NCIS, Criminal Minds, CSI NY