Sunday, January 22, 2006

West Wing cancelled

This article reports that another of my can't-miss shows, West Wing, will come to an end at the end of this television season. For the past five years there have been only two shows that I've watched without fail – Alias and West Wing. [Full disclosure - although I've watched West Wing since the first episode seven years ago I briefly gave up on it near the end of season five. I came back in the middle of season six.] Now both of them are going to be having their series finales within weeks of each other this spring.

I've enjoyed both of them immensely and their absence on the broadcast schedule will probably drive me even more into my DVD collection than ever. Unless I find some new shows to take their place. But what?

I don't like to have very many shows that I am really committed to because it takes too much time. When I watch something I really like to watch it. So two shows is really all that I can handle at any given time. Lost has potential - I'm really enjoying the Season One DVD's right now and I have to decide if I can dive into the middle of season two – that goes against my start-at-the-beginning mind set. Love Monkey, which had it's first episode this week, is one that I like for all the rock music references but I'm not sure the plot will be able to sustain my interest. Tom Cavanagh is likeable as the lead but I got sick of him eventually in Ed so I'm not holding my breath. I'm willing to hang in for another week or so though - especially with Alias on hiatus.

Suggestions are appreciated. What are you can't-miss shows?

12 comments:

bethany said...

Arrested Development is cancelled too. This does not bode well for tv. At least there's still the gilmore girls...

bethany said...

I like Desperate Houses better than any incarnation of law and order. Felicity Huffman rocks.

Ron Rienstra said...

Sorry, Bob. WW was my only must-see TV. Though we do sometimes watch the Korean soap-operas around here.

And yes, we also like Project Runway.

Ooh. That was more than you wanted to know.

KBush said...

My current can't misses are Grey's Anatomy and Commander-in-Chief, although Grey's seems to move slowly at points, and Commander-in-Chief is somewhat cliche (what can I say - I like Geena Davis. Although it is disturbing to me that Mark-Paul Gosselaar is on the show - he will forever be Zack Morris to me). Despite the slowness, I do quite enjoy Grey's Anatomy. My other can't miss is M*A*S*H, but that's because it's on while I eat dinner. :-)

Anonymous said...

GILMORE GIRLS.

Bob K said...

Kriten - I have not yet seen Commander in Chief but I like Gina Davis and have wanted to try it. Thanks for the suggestion.

Nathan - Glimore Girls is actually a can't miss for my youngest daughter, Lynnae, and I must admit to being sucked in more often than not. So, I act like I can go without seeing it but the fact is, I haven't missed many episodes this season and we have S1-S4 on DVD at home. I guess it's time to come out of the closet as a GG fan too.

bethany said...

I saw one episode of Grey's Anatomy and was impressed.

Anonymous said...

Ok. Now just go low brow for a little while. Here's what I like: The Bachelor, Beauty and the Geek, Fear Factor (it rocks!), Dancing with the Stars, Top Model and my NEW FAVORITE: American Idol. Now I can hear all you academic types groaning! I have NEVER laughed so hard as I did when watching the last two episodes of American Idol. It's on tonight. TUNE IN. I'll be watching this blog!!!!! Simon is a riot. (Oh, did I mention Wife Swap?) Love you all!!

Bob K said...

I've actually seen most of the shows listed by the anonymous commenter (except Top Model - I do have standards.) I may not have watched a whole episode but I've watched at least parts of them - enough to know that they're not going to be my new can't miss shows. Sorry. Its not about low-brow v. high brow - I pretty much lost that battle when I got hooked on "Alias" and "Dark Angel" (which I'm watching on DVD) is really over the edge.

I'm not universally against the so-called reality shows. I have enjoyed parts of "The Biggest Loser" because it seems to be about bringing out the best in people. I like the way the contestants grow to love and encourage each other. But most of the time I find the editing irritating and the pace stupifying.

bethany said...

there are always with potential.

Bob K said...

Bethany is right - the new Sorkin show "Studio 7" is coming - it will definately go on my can't-miss list

Anonymous said...

from Stybba:

Probably my biggest "can't miss" shows are Nova on PBS and CSI (the original and CSI Miami. I have to state that CSI Miami gets me groaning at times because the lead character, Horacio Kane is ALWAYS right, NEVER displays anger and is THE MOST COMPASSIONATE person on the face of the earth. Another thing that bothers me about either CSI show is when the techies are collecting evidence they frequently state, "If you are not guilty you have nothing to worry about". I have always disagreed with that statement and my recent experience with law enforcement and the court system have only strengthened my view.

I won't watch anything on "the WB". I think it is all too trashy. Desparate Housewives is too trashy as well. Fear Factor? Well to quote my favorite professor, "Puhleeez".

I would really like to see the major networks create a show where the father figure is NOT an idiot and where the family has some moral values and they are not throwing around jokes about sex just to increase the ratings.

Thank goodness The Book of Daniel was cancelled, although the networks won't use the "C" word. I was one of over 670,000 to sign a petition to have NBC not air the show.

That said, I don't have any favorite shows that are brand new. If I've offended anyone my flame suit is on.