Monday, September 21, 2009

Video Killed the Radio Star:: My Fall TV Lineup

Ever since HeMan, Who's the Boss? and Max Headroom lulled me into their worlds, I have been a TV fan. I love the stories, the games, the suspense {not scary stuff, though} and am overall a big fan of TV.

It might not surprise you then that my tech-loving husband bought me a TiVo for Valentine's Day... about 7+ years ago- soon after they came out and were quasi-mainstream.

He had told me about it before it arrived as a gift and it was REALLY new-fangled, flying-car technology then. This is how the conversation went:

Me: What do you mean? It's like a VCR?
Hubs: No. It's a computer that records all the tv shows you want it to record and stores them for you.
Me: Why would I want that when I can keep recording Friends, Gilmore Girls and American Idol {that would be Season 1} on tapes? There's nothing wrong with my system.
Hubs: You have no idea what all this can record and it will allow you to pause, rewind and fast forward live TV.
Me: There is no way this is possible.
Hubs: Yes. It's true.
Me: I don't see this thing lasting and I really don't think we need one.

Famous last words.
I'm so glad he didn't listen to me. Instead he showed up with that big box for Valentine's Day and I have loved it him even more since then.

Nowadays, we have that TiVo {still kickin'!} upstairs in the playroom full of kids shows and a cable company- provided DVR downstairs on the grown up TV. As someone who has both, I would vote for a TiVo any day of the week.

This is the time of year when they both go into full swing because THE SHOWS ARE BACK!! WOOHOO!!

Here are my Top Ten Shows I Will Be Watching This Fall
{linked to my friend Oh Amanda's Top Ten Tuesday}:
10. Chuck
Starting with an exception already, NBC has let me down. I mean WAY down. Chuck is my VERY favorite show and it's being pushed back 'til March. WHAT?? I need to be writing a letter to the peacock instead of this blog post. Please tell me you love Chuck, too.

9. What Not To Wear
I'm a sucka for before and afters. And I love that they give someone a whole new outlook on themselves via the clothes/ hair/ uni-brow removal.

8. Cake Boss/ Ultimate Cake Off/ Cake What Your Mama Gave You
{OK, I made that last one up.} I've gotten addicted to these cake shows over the summer when there was not much else on. They are so amazing to watch! You might recall that Jason wanted to do this for my birthday- mainly because we're kind of hooked on these reality shows. He even used the word FONDANT when talking about my birthday cake prep. Not that he used the actual fondant... he was just proud he used it correctly in a sentence.

7. Biggest Loser
How can you not love this show? It's so inspiring. And I even try hard not to eat potato chips while I'm watching it.

6. Oprah
Yes. I TiVo every day, but don't get to watch most of them. What can I say? I love the way she introduces people {for her to scream Hillary DUUUUUNNNN- HHAAAAAMMMM is a little dream of mine} and I think she's good at what she does.
Politics? Notsomuch.
Talk show host? Pretty darn good.

5. 18 Kids and Counting
I'm pretty sure my love for the Duggars is well documented. The fact that I missed their show tonight is bothering me and I'm hoping to skip {if only this long skirt would let me... I kid, I joke} along and go watch tonight's episode soon!

4. Glee
I'm new to this one, but got sucked in right away when they burst into song. I also loved the last episode when the shop teacher accidentally cut off his thumbs and they gave him a thumbs up cake. As seen here on Cake Wrecks.

3. Psyche
Absolutely hilarious. You have to watch this is you aren't already. One of the smartest shows on TV. You have to watch it twice to catch all the spirit finger jokes, 80's references and one-liners.

2. Grey's Anatomy
Sucked in since Day 1. Period.
Have you seen the new sesason's trailer online? Oh, friends- or Bleeple- It's gonna be good. I think Izzy is back. And we know George left the show, but I can't wait to find out the details!

1. The Office
This is a no- brainer for #1. We LOVE The Office and again, if you aren't watching it, you are missing out. I love Jim and Pam so much and just know they are my friends. Anybody else?
If you have ever worked in an office, you can relate to most of the characters. And the Parkour in the season premier was awesome. We have already watched it 3 times and it just aired on Thursday.
Thank you, DVR.

Since I have linked to Hulu twice, I should introduce you to it if you don't know about it. It allows you to watch most of the major network shows the day after they air online for Free! So get on over there and catch up!

I'm sure your list is completely different because you like NCIS, Heroes or How I Met Your Mother or some other wildly popular show that doesn't make my list because it is scary/ too in depth/ I didn't catch it at the beginning and I'm completely LOST *ahem, Lost*, so I'm sorry.

But do tell me what show you're most excited about returning.
What does your list look like?

And I apologize that these shows don't have pictures or links to their sites.
I really AM hurrying to go see what the Duggars were up to this week.

32 comments:

susanv said...

I just posted about my fall TV schedule here: http://susanandwill.blogspot.com/2009/09/fall-tv.html.

We love Chuck, but I didn't know I was going to have to wait until MARCH to see it. Yikes! I thought maybe it would be a mid-season (not end of season) replacement.

We just retired our TiVo ... after 7 good years and upgraded to AT&T Uverse (we can watch the DVR shows on any TV in the house). But I agree, the TiVo is way better than any DVR. I miss it!

Lane Gunter said...

WE LOVE The Office. We have most seasons on DVD. Adam and I watched them so much that we really thought that some of the characters were our friends. I love Jim & Pam too....they're my faves.
We also watch Desperate Housewives and Mad Men.
And I love me some Oprah.

Jennifer said...

House is a big favorite in our house.

Emily said...

excited about House, Greys, Desperate Houseweives. i've never watched Chuck or Psyche. i may have to check those out, too! oh...and my trusty US mag tells me that Izzy is back but will be taking a 5 week break at some point..not sure if its right away or later on in the season.

amykat said...

Grey's Anatomy. I am in love with McDreamy, and I think Dr. Grey is just the cutest thing. I get pretty fed up with the Drama that is Izzie (and I was kind of hoping she really would die last season)....but oh well. I still heart my GA like no other.
I am also ashamed to admit that I like Desperate Housewives. Pretty pathetic, I know.
I am one of those people who never got into The Office when it first came out, and now I so wish that I knew what was going on. Have intended to Netflix the early seasons, but have failed to do so thus far. So I will just sit back and be envious and wish I knew what was going on.

Anonymous said...

My TV lineup...there's an interesting concept! I have to admit that I'm not a big TV fan. However, there ARE a few shows out there that I will actually sit down to watch, and not just glance at on my way to the washing machine or pantry.

Heroes
Cake Boss
Mythbusters
What Not to Wear (actually learn a few things tuning in here!)
Sunday Night Football

Now, the football thing is NOT for the actual football, but for the chance to snuggle with my husband on the sofa while he watches football. I usually take a nap and wake up in time to see who won the game.

The Incredible Shrinking Woman said...

Psych is good, but Leverage was a much better whodunnit (if my vote counts for anything) and crime comedy. (so few of those out there. Bucking the law is hilarious any day of the week!)I should seriously send you my Season 1 DVD of Lost. You have to start from the beginning, and I know that Jason and you would both be gaa gaa over it. Matt and I spent an entire weekend doing nothing but watching episode after episode (after the kids were asleep). It's like crack to us now! Can't freaking wait till January!

Anonymous said...

Aaagh! How do you people find time for TV?

I'll give you the same answer I gave Mary @ Giving Up On Perfect last week:

When all the planets are aligned just right and I have happen to have free time when these shows are on, I enjoy House Hunters and House Hunters International on HGTV. :-)

amydc said...

Me & hunky hubs both love The Office. That's our show we watch together. And Bama football. I didn't have a #2 fav show really just b/c it takes a lot of time to commit yourself to a show following. You know, with all the other mommy/housewife stuff you have to get accomplished. My BF, along with 700 other people kept trying to pull me into Grey's. 4 weeks ago, I gave in. Truthfully, I was just tired of being left out of all the McDreamy/McSteamy stories. I wanted to see some McAction. It did not disappoint & needless to say, I am in McLove.

Unknown said...

I am with you on GA - sucked in since day one!!!

Hollie and Janie said...

I heart TV, too! One of my favorites is The Big Bang Theory! LOVE IT!! Also, The Office, 30 Rock, Glee, Fringe, and True Blood. Don't laugh, but I don't have cable! The horror, right?? I'm afraid if I did, I would never leave my house! (i netflix past seasons of TV shows, too!)
Well, my bunny ears need adjusting...gotta run! :)

Mary @ Giving Up On Perfect said...

10, 9, 4, 3, 1 - YES!!!

I shall tell you my Oprah theory and Biggest Loser some other time. But they are not on my list.

Did I just say "shall"?

Melissa said...

Can't wait for Sunday night and Desperate Housewives!

silly eagle books said...

I had to laugh about your VCR conversation because my husband and I just had that very same one, only it was last month and I was still saying (despite the fact that it is 2009) that the vcr/tape thing was a perfectly good system and we didn't need anything new-fangled like a tivo...but, he won the argument and we got the DVR box (which I know is no tivo), but it is infinitely better than the VCR! Who knew? I'm totally sold. Now I can watch every single What Not to Wear my heart desires!

Laura said...

I agree with Grey's and the Office but also excited about 30 Rock (seriously the most cleverly written show ever) and Criminal Minds (for my love of suspense and scary stuff!). Oh, and the Mentalist, but mostly because I like looking at the main character. Hmmm....I may need to make a top 10 list too!

Rachel Olsen said...

Can you beleive I do not own a DVR?

I do own a shirt that was on What not to Wear. However, it was one of the before outfits! I turned off the TV and immediately went shopping.

Matt, Carrie, Lucy and Molly Allen said...

ok...anyone who does not have a dvr is definitely missing out! i don't think i could live (well, not that extreme) but i definitely couldn't watch tv without it! we have some of the same shows on our lists...ALL cake shows, duggars, greys, biggest loser, office...but we also watch house and can't wait till LOST! oh and i also watch so you think you can dance...don't know why b/c i am no dancer, but for some reason i like it! i had a tv post on my blog a while back to b/c i like such a broad spectrum of shows! and none of it would be possible to watch w/o our dvr!!!

Susannah said...

I love Medium on NBC, my very favorite!!! House Hunters is always awesome too!

Melissa @ The Littlest Lobo said...

I spent no less than an hour updating my tivo for fall tv premiers Friday night. And that was just on the downstairs tivo! How did we live before tivo?
I have waaay too many favorite shows to list - I am a tv junkie! I will tell you that you are missing out by not watching How I Met Your Mother or Two and a Half Men. We watched the new Jenna Elfman show last night and it was hilarious!
I may have to copy you and do a top 10 (or 20 or 35) list of my favorite shows!

Rachel B said...

I love, love my tivo. I wasn't as advanced as you but I've had mine for about 4 years and would never watch anything if it weren't for tivo. Hulu is great isn't it. It really can save you if tivo fails and you can't go on without seeing that episode. Also, have you heard of the Netflix Roku box? Love it!!

Now I'm going to have to steal your blog idea and post my own:
http://bricknerfam.blogspot.com/

Lyn said...

My line up (as recently verified in our DVR)....

Law and Order
Law and Order SVU
Grey's Anatomy
Private Practice
NCIS
NCIS Law Angeles
The Next Iron Chef

Katie said...

I am so glad I am not the only person to have already watched the new Office 3 times.

Mr. and Mrs. Nurse Boy said...

Can you believe we just got DVR less than a year ago. Needless to day, it is my new best friend. We have the BEST date night together!

I LOVE Project Runway, Survivor, and the Office! Oh, and Drop Dead Diva... it is new and delightful!

I, too, am a sucker for before and after shows. Have you seen Clean House?! LOVE IT!!!

Mrs. Nurse Boy

Eve said...

I, too LOVE Psych, Chuck, 18 kids and Counting and The Office...also like How I Met your Mother and Monk. If I didn't have DVR, I would never see any of these shows! I never watch anything live!

annies home said...

all great shows I like many of the ones you have on your list

Katie said...

Fellow TV junkie here! With three little ones, I covet that time after they've settled down when I can spend some QT with my own beloved DVR, I mean husband. Cannot remember how I lived without that magical box! I watch/record way too many shows, but it's sometimes over a week before I can catch up so I guess the time spent doing so is totally justified. I also watch a lot of TLC shows like you do and I love that show "Moving Up" on Saturday nights with Doug Wilson, former designer for Trading Spaces. Really funny show! I also love "Split Ends" that comes on Style on that same night. I watch Greys, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, and Private Practice, but I'm a real sucker for America's Next Top Model. Is that nuts? This season is the 5'7 and under debut and I think it's amazing being a petite gal myself....with no modeling future might I add. You didn't mention any ABC Family shows....please tell me you've seen Greek?!!! I love that show! Love the new 90210 on CW too. Maybe I need to check in somewhere?

Amy said...

My "must see" list is short: The Office (without question the funniest show on TV!), CSI: Miami (Chris and I live for Horatio's goofy quotes - and the sunglasses!) and above all, Mad Men!! Hillary, you have got to watch it. Greatest show on TV!! Very smart and so well-written - plus I am very nostalgic so I love the 60s clothes, talk, etc.

The Incredible Shrinking Woman said...

Do you feel popular yet? My blog has never gotten 27 comments on a topic. You are now officially the "cool kid!!!" ;)

Diana said...

If you love What Not to Wear, you should try Trinny and Susannah Making Over America. They're the hosts of the original What Not to Wear from England. I love them. They are not shy!

meredith said...

Ah Hillary! I too love me some TV! My parents used to joke that my life was run by the TV. And sadly, it still is! I love Psych too! SO funny! Fringe is our all time favorite and just started back last week! Glee is of course on my DVR, theatre geek that I am! And we cannot wait until Lost returns. We love us some Sci-Fi at our house. I love all reality shows and can't wait for Amazing Race. Happy TV watching!!

~Meredith

Carrie said...

I love my DVR! The return of my favorite shows and football makes it a little OK for me that summer is over. Here's my line-up:

House
Heroes
Grey's
The Office
Glee
Lie to Me

I got hooked on Mental over the summer, too. Good show! and when does AI start back??

Rebekah said...

Desperate Housewives! I am so pumped up for Sunday night it is not even funny. Honestly I think it is the only TV Show other than Army Wives that I absolutely have to watch.

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