PC #13: Top 5 New Fall TV Series of 2010

I know it sort of started in the summer, but I can't believe no mentioned The Big C. That show is amazing! It is what Nurse Jackie would be if I empathized with her for cheating and being a druggie for no real good reason.

I am with Luke on the holy trinity of The Vampire Diaries, The Good Wife, and Modern Family being without question the best shows currently on tv! Although I am a Damon and Elena fan. Jamey made a point I always make, that the reason True Blood seems better is because it is on HBO and not network tv, so they can be bolder. But all things considered, I say TVD is better.

But I disagree with Regan about Running Wilde. I like it because Will Arnett is awesome and it is the closest thing I have to Arrested Development, which is my favorite show of ALL time. So anything that brings me closer to that is great in my book.

I wanted to be good on this podcast so I only included shows that premiered this fall, otherwise The Big C would have so been on my list. If we'd done a Top 5 New Series of the Summer it would have had a very good shot as my No. 1 pick on that list.  I really love it. 

The second season of Nurse Jackie disappointed me and I know it is practically a sin to say anything negative about Edie Falco, but she's actually the thing I enjoy least about that series. I much prefer the supporting cast, especially Eva Best's O'Hara, Merrit Wever's  Zoey and Anna Deavere Smith's Gloria. 

Glad you enjoyed the podcast!

I'm a huge fan of Arrested Development also and Keri Russell, it's why I had such high hopes for Running Wilde. I'm oly judging on the actual show. If it was simply to see those actors on tv, I suppose it would be different, but the show itself just didn't connect with me.

Lord Jamey, not the A-List. I hate that show. I saw one episode of that program and felt sick. Seriously, it shows the absolute worse part of the GLBT community-empty, superficial, and bitchy for no good reason. I know for some it makes for good entertainment and I guess if one were to look at it as just not and not take it too seriously, then I guess its okay. The unfortunate truth is that cliques like those tired queens in the A-List do exist. I can take you to a coffee shop or any spot in Logan Circle, DC and you’ll see it live and in person. In my opinion, for all that the GLBT community is struggling with right now it feeds into the worse stereotype of the gay community and to some extent, it’s just counter-productive.

Now on a positive note, I will co-sign on two choices.

I love HAWAII FIVE-0 and it’s one of the few new or recurring shows that I’ve recently gave a DVR season pass too. I knew I would at least check out the first episode or two for the same reasons as Luke. BATTLESTAR GALACTICA is my all time favorite show and I love me some Grace Park. LOST is one of my all time favorites and I’ve been a fan of Daniel Dae-Kim since he appeared in an episode of STAR TREK: VOYAGER. Yeah, that’s right. I’m Luke’s sci-fi geek backup. Bring on those tired laser gun “sound effects”. I stand proud by my fellow geek Mr. Kerr.

I’m so enjoying the show for all the reasons stated. The scenery makes me want to revisit Hawaii (went in 1985) and it has some heart to it.

Jillian, I second you on MODERN FAMILY. I started watching the summer repeats and fell head over heels in love with this show. I totally see why this show is both a critical and popular hit and was ecstatic at its Emmy win for Best Comedy Series. Everyone, I mean everyone, is hysterical and has great comedic timing. I love the documentary feel and the way they look into the camera as a reaction to someone else’s action never fails to make me laugh. I can’t get enough of this show and I look forward to catching up on the first season on DVD.

I take the A-List the same way I take Jersey Shore, or the Real Housewives—as glitzy trash. I don't necessarily believe all shows have to show "positive" portrayals of a certain demographic. If they do, entertainment can become stifled and homogenized. Every time I read about how the leads on Good Times hated the show, because they felt it didn't portray a positive view of black life, I am baffled.  I loved Good Times!

Sure, JJ was a stereotype, but I know plenty of JJ's. Just like I know plenty of guys who act like the dudes on A-List. As long as there's balance and a variety of options, I don't see the harm in it. The A-List for me is fun, escapist trash. When I want to see positive portayals of gay and lesbian life, there are plenty of other choices out there.

Jamey I looked on Logo after listening to this podcast to catch the A-List and watched three episodes. I enjoyed the episodes. I am ready for Monday night's new episode.

If I watched any tv looking for positive portrayals then I probably wouldn't watch much tv.

I am with the group here. The Big C is a great show. Laura Liney and company slam dunk it every week. I never miss it right along with Weeds. I think Shotime has the best series on tv. Along with Dexter, Nurse Jackie, United States of Tara and Californication, they are all must sees for me.
I am also enjoying the heck out of Raising Hope. It is a sweet show that gently pokes fun at white trash. Everyone on the show is top notch and Cloris Leachman just kills me as the way out there grandma. I look forward to it just as much as I look forward to seeing Glee which is my other must watch.

Wow, you all were so nice to each other this episode. It's *so* much nicer to hear an episode where you're not all shouting to fet you're point across.
I really like The Even, but I understand why Jamey's tired of shows like it. NBC needs to commit to it or just admit that they aren't into smart, episodic television.

I know that this show wasn't available to see yet but I just watched AMCs new show last night The Walking Dead. It was a very good premiere in my opinion and should be can't miss tv. Excellent idea for a tv show and well made. I like the new lead character and the soap opera ellements to the show. The zombies are terrific too! The show has the look of a high end movie. They also pay homage to other zombie movies with little touches such as having the main character wake up in the hospital and not know what happened, the same way that 28 days later started. There should be alot of milage out of an appocalyptic show like this as long as they keep the story moving along and not get stuck like Jericho did.

Nikita is my 'must see' new show of the season. Raising Hope has been growing on me with each passing episode.

This was great and I do want to thank Jillian for opening my eyes to RHOBH. I originally decided not to watch it because I felt the women were pretentious, while the other RH franchises actually had real life impacts and changes.

Jillian's point made me rethink how I viewed RH. When the show originally came on, I wanted to get a view of the lifestyle of the rich mothers...but the lower level rich of the previous seasons made me forget my original desire.

So I watched with open eyes and you are correct. This is the first season where the people were uber-rich and provides us a view into a lifestyle that is unheard of. With those new eyes, I actually enjoyed the show.

Thanks Jillian!