Three weeks ago, I wrote briefly about what NBC's fall television lineup will look like ("NBC reveals new pilots, returning programs," May 6). Now the rest of the results are in, as last week signaled the end of the "upfronts," when the networks announce the next season's lineups.
While I normally use this column as a forum for discussing reality shows or scripted series, a recent phenomenon has demanded my attention this week.
Courtesy of IMDB.com My television preferences have tended to involve premium channels such as HBO and, within the major network quadrangle, ABC and NBC.
NBC became the first network to announce its summer and fall lineup on Monday, starting off a several week period during which networks will announce which shows make the cut, and which are destined for the chopping block. Some of the highlights include "Community," a comedy about slackers trying to improve themselves at community college, and "Mercy," a drama about the lives of nurses, featuring television veteran Michelle Trachtenberg ("Gossip Girl," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"). Next winter, look for the premier of "Day One," a miniseries about the residents of a southern California apartment complex who must come to terms with living after a cataclysmic event. NBC also announced, as expected, that the popular network series and critical love-hate object "Heroes" was renewed for a fourth season, as was the new mid-season drama "Southland." "Southland," already holding its own in the ratings after just four episodes, should help reinvigorate the network's waning dramatic power. NBC also gave the green light to Amy Poehler's newest comedic feat, "Parks and Recreation," which is penned by the creators of "The Office." Seasoned ratings winners such as "30 Rock," "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" and "The Office" have already been renewed, but more than a few critical gems have uncertain futures.
Writing the style column for PRIDE Week is probably one of the most intimidating tasks that I have faced as a writer.
Courtesy of eonline.com For a network obsessed with following the activities of the A-list crowd, E!
Fashion in itself is clearly an art form, with its plethora of shapes, lines, styles and designs.
I've often wondered what a television series about Dartmouth students might look like. I suspect that athletes and hippie artists would be depicted in one-dimensional stereotypes, while Dartmouth Outing Club members and politician types might be drawn with more complexity. Members of Greek organizations, however, are perhaps most likely to be portrayed with broad-stroke oversimplifications.
Courtesy of www.zap2it.com Police dramas have been the keystone of NBC programming longer than most Dartmouth students have been alive.
As I said in last week's column, reality shows have invaded the airwaves because they are easy and inexpensive to produce.