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« Hein Sight
Choices, Choices
Traditionally, this is the time of the year when the networks roll out their best programming. However, this past television season has been anything but traditional.
Someone asked me what I'm watching these days. I feel obligated to add the following disclaimers before listing my viewing schedule below.
1) I watch a lot of TV with my wife and two young daughters.
2) Sports air in HD, and baseball season and the hockey playoffs are starting up.
That being said, here's what you'll find on the TVs in the Hein house these days:
Monday
8pm/ET: Little People, Big World (TLC)
Don't knock the Roloff family until you've tried watching this show. If I hadn't already seen every episode of House, I'd watch the re-runs. Dancing with the Stars doesn't do it for me anymore.
9pm/ET House (FOX)
The doctor with the limp has moved from Tuesdays to Mondays. Great acting, quality storytelling, and "13" is must-see TV. Until the doctor is in, the combo of Two and a Half Men and Samantha Who? will tide you over. Or stay on TLC and watch Jon & Kate Plus 8.
10pm/ET CSI: Miami (CBS)
I'm not big on Caruso, but this is the best of the 10pm offerings. If you're a reality fan, you can try The Bachelor or run to The Hills, but both jumped the shark long ago.
Tuesday
8pm/ET American Idol (FOX)
I admit it. I'm hooked with the rest of my family. The Biggest Loser picks up Ryan, Randy, Paula and Simon's slack.
9pm/ET Hell's Kitchen (FOX)
Gordon Ramsay whips these would be chefs into shape in a most entertaining way. DWTS and Big Brother fans are missing the best reality show of the hour.
10pm/ET The Riches (FX)
I can't stand Eddie Izzard or Minnie Driver, but this show blows away anything on the networks at ten.
Wednesday
8pm/ET America's Next Top Model (CW)
My daughters love it, and I love to make fun of Tyra and crew. Deal or No Deal has jumped the shark by begging contestants to win the million and oversimplifying an already simple game.
9pm/ET American Idol (FOX)
An hour is too long for this results show, but Seacrest is a master at creating tension. That's sarcastic, folks.
10pm/ET South Park (Comedy Central)
Matt and Trey are getting better with age. God bless that Guitar Hero episode.
Thursday
8pm/ET My Name Is Earl/30 Rock (NBC)
I'm recording Survivor, but it's "Comedy night done right," for me on Thursdays. Earl is fading as 30 Rock is rising.
9pm/ET The Office/Scrubs (NBC)
Lost repeats, the eighth season of CSI and sappy Grey's Anatomy do not entice me; NBC Thursday night comedies do.
10pm/ET Lost (ABC)
Ah, those sweet three little words at the top of the hour..."Previously, on Lost."
Friday
8pm/ET Ghost Whisperer (CBS)
It's only a matter of time when networks start to mail it in on Friday as they now do on Saturdays. Call me immature, but Jennifer Love Hewitt talking to ghosts still peaks my interest.
9pm/ET Battlestar Galactica (Sci Fi)
The best way to prepare for an all-new episode of the best drama on TV is to watch last week's episode to get in the mood. Yes, I'm a geek.
10pm/ET Battlestar Galactica (Sci Fi)
The best frakkin' show on television.
Saturday
The networks have given up on Saturdays. So have I.
Sunday
7pm/ET 60 Minutes (CBS)
Every week, I'm fascinated how Andy Rooney keeps hanging on. That stopwatch just keeps on ticking.
8pm/ET The Simpsons/King of the Hill (FOX)
This is where you'll find the two longest running comedies on television. You'll also find me there.
9pm/ET Family Guy/American Dad (FOX)
There's a reason Peter and Lois were brought back from DVD land. Funny, funny stuff. American Dad tries really hard, but the second half of Desperate Housewives can unintentionally provide as many laughs on the right night.
10pm/ET Dexter (CBS)
If you can't wait for new episodes of America's favorite serial killer on Showtime, watching these edited repeats is the next best thing.
So tell me, what shows am I missing this spring?
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Apr 7, 2008 7:03 PM
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Until today, New Amsterdam on Fox (9 pm, Mondays).
Saturday, if you have cable, check out Torchwood on BBC America. I discovered this little gem during the writer's strike (what can I say? I needed a fix!).
Guilty pleasure until Dexter: The Tudors on Showtime.
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Apr 7, 2008 8:08 PM
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John, you don't watch How I Met Your Mother? I think it's hillarious.
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Apr 7, 2008 10:40 PM
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Jon,
You aren't watching John Adams on HBO or The Tudors on Showtime?
I hope you haven't jumped the shark as a TV expert 
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Apr 9, 2008 2:08 PM
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Kyle XY, Greek, Gossip Girl, Moonlight, Bones, How I Met Your Mother, Smallville, Supernatural, Reaper, One Tree Hill, Doctor Who, Numbers, Brothers & Sisters, repeats of Burn Notice, Masterpiece Theatre, Medium, Men in Trees, Aliens in America, all three CSIs, Law & Order: SVU, Sarah Jane Adventures, Samantha Who?, SNL, Ugly Betty, The Tudors, and the ABC Soaps just to name a few.
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Apr 9, 2008 6:01 PM
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For me, the "must-see" program these days is Moment of Truth (FOX). It's "Maury" meets "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" Only this show can have a contestant winning $100,000 and the family and friends have a "less-than-pleased" look on their faces after hearing all that personal and intimate stuff. And I have to admit that the best part is watching contestants lose all their money on a seemingly simple question after they have exposed themselves to humiliation.
Airing currently, you say CSI: Miami (CBS) is the best option Mondays at 10/9c and it's NOT because of Caruso? I enjoy this guilty pleasure because of Caruso's (and his supporting cast's) wooden acting, the over-the-top plots and, of course, most importantly, Caruso's funny and memorable one-liners.
I believe Ghost Whisperer (CBS) is a cheap imitation of the real best offering on Mondays 10/9c, Medium (NBC). At times, the drama can get a bit formulaic, but the formula works and sometimes, it pays off with big dividends - for example, the plot line involving Anjelica Huston's character as a private investigator was always riveting and ended on a perfect note.
And, one of the most underrated gems on television, which will soon be airing new episodes, is Brothers & Sisters (ABC). This show harkens back to the family dramas of the 1970s like "The Waltons" and "Eight Is Enough" but is far from being too schmaltzy or too overwrought with emotion. It depicts each of the family members in a real, genuine manner. Men In Trees (ABC) is not too far behind in quality but its recent ratings suggest it may not see a third season so if you do happen to check it out, do so ASAP.
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Apr 9, 2008 10:14 PM
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