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All I'm Sayin'
January 2, 2013
The Best of 2012
...is it's been a very good year for our stations. Let's admit something first - television may be the greatest invention in the history of the world. Think about what it does; it elects the most powerful person on the planet. Were it not for television, would you have really known anything about any candidate? Regardless for whom you voted in whatever race whether it be local or national, I'll maintain that you would have been FAR less informed about anyone that ran had you not seen an interview, a debate, or on the *slim* chance you caught an ad...;-)
How about the weather? Where did you turn when Hurricane Sandy hit our neighbors along the east coast? I know Jim Barach and his wonderful staff were working overtime and I suspect many of you were watching with a very interested and sorrowful eye.
And, for reasons good, bad, and indifferent television is also the best source when it comes to the most unfortunate and tragic events that plague our society, none of which we need to go into in this forum.
So let's focus on the happier things that were witnessed over the past 12 months - such as the best television programs that our 2 stations brought to you.
I'll list 5 in no particular order:
"Good Morning America" - Considering what its done this year in surpassing "The Today Show" in total viewers and all important demos, the feat needs to be recognized. Plus I doubt the quality of the show has ever been better. The chemistry between Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos is as good as the train wreck on that other morning show is bad. Even though NBC's early AM problems have added to the success of GMA, the credit for the resurrection lies mostly in the producers and the talent. And it's not just the 2 main anchors, the other contributors are just as watchable. The regulars; Josh Elliot, Lara Spencer, and Sam Champion - and the fill-ins; Amy Robach, Elizabeth Vargas - and even the weekenders; Bianna Golodryga, Dan Harris, Ron Claiborne, and Ginger Zee. They're all very good at what they do and, for the first time since I've paid attention to such things, there isn't a weak link among them. They each seem to genuinely get along with one another and care about what they're reporting. And although her illness isn't something I would wish on anyone, watching Robin Roberts' trials and tribulations with her bone marrow transplant has been very interesting and heart-warming. The attempt at an afternoon version wasn't exactly met with the same response as the mothership and, after having watched a couple of shows - I see why, but one can't deny what the morning crew has going on. They're simply clicking on all cylinders and I'm enjoying the ride.
"Big Bang Theory" - OK, I'm cheating with this one a little since it's been around for a while, but I've only discovered it this year. The first few years it was on I was quite aware of its popularity, I just really didn't want to commit to another sitcom. But, working in this business and in this building, it became more and more difficult to deny it. Sure I remember watching Kaley Cuoco when she was John Ritter's daughter on "The 8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter" a number of years ago, and I remember Johnny Galecki when he was on "Roseanne" in the 90's but neither of them left enough of an impression on me to draw me to another sitcom. But I am so glad that I've found it. It amazes me how smart the writers are with their exceedingly eclectic humor. These aren't bathroom jokes or run-of-the-mill derivative puns. Instead, they take the formulaic insult joke and raise it a notch by utilizing the show-themed language that is used by the intellectual nerd/egghead types. Rather than (using a classic sitcom that comes to mind - Welcome Back Kotter) "up your nose with a rubber hose" brainy Theoretical Physicist yet socially awkward Dr. Sheldon Cooper (the multiple Emmy award winning Jim Parsons) may say something like "may a flexible plastic fabricator infiltrate your olfactory region...bazinga!" It's both high-brow AND juvenile at the same time, how funny is that?
These next 2 will actually be prime time programs that debuted this year. Let's start with the best drama of the season so far...
"Nashville" - what do you get when you combine the following: elite acting; fabulous writing of well-developed characters; a killer weekly soundtrack with a hybrid of country, rock, and pop music, on-site locations in Music City USA; and some very compelling soapy storylines? You get one of the most well-crafted hours on television. Connie Britton is the well seasoned muscle behind the show who not only is the awesome lead actor but also serves as executive producer, but don't sell short the talents of young Ms. Hayden Panettiere...this girl holds her own against all the other veterans that are on hand. Not that Hayden is a rookie with "Heroes" and several other high profile projects on her resume. But Connie is the real star and she is certainly shining bright with this. Admittedly, it did drag a bit a little way in but it has righted the ship and is in full sail. All the hype it received in the pre-season is really starting to pay off. Oh, and contrary to popular belief you don't have to be a country music fan to enjoy the show, but it helps.
"Ben & Kate" - talk about a head scratcher. After watching the pilot episode in July at a Fox meeting, I pegged this as a can't miss sitcom. It has EVERY element a comedy covets - very appealing and attractive stars in the brother/sister tandem of Ben & Kate; the most adorable young actress this side of Lilly on "Modern Family" in Maggie Elizabeth Jones, Kate's young daughter; a not-too large and hilarious supporting cast in Ben's best friend Tommy and Kate's scene stealing British girlfriend BJ; a modest amount of quirkiness so that the writing stays fresh; and situations that haven't been done a zillion times. The one thing it doesn't have, however, is an audience...and that's a shame. Fox has shown a great deal of confidence in the show and committed to several more scripts so it will be around a little longer than some others might have been, but if the viewership doesn't increase somewhat soon, I don't like its chances for lasting. You really should give it a try.
"The Steve Harvey Show" - I remember watching his short lived sitcom on ABC back in the mid 90's called "Me and the Boys" and thinking that this guy is really funny. It only lasted a season and it was one of those head scratching cancellations that networks make. Then I tried watching his self titled show a time or 2 that inexplicably went on for 6 seasons on the WB (there's the explanation) but it didn't have the same humor as did his previous show. Then he tried a couple of game shows before landing the "Family Feud" gig. He's also become a big time author and motivational speaker. But I think he really found his audience with "Family Feud". But it isn't FF for which he's making this list, it's his talk show. It showcases his humor and his genuine empathy and concern toward people. He seems to have a natural knack for communicating and he's never come across as condescending, a trait not shared by every current talk show host. Plus, I'll give him the award for most surprising to make this list as I certainly wouldn't have thought that I would like his show as much as I do. Give it a try, I think you'll be as pleasantly surprised as I was.
Honorable mention goes to "Don't Trust the B in Apt. 23" - as many laughs per half hour as any sitcom currently on the air, but suffers from being a little too racy for A: its time period and B: network television. And "The River" - the show I wanted to like more than most any other over the past several years and wish it would've been just a tad more shocking, but I applaud the effort.
The top 2 programs I'm looking forward to in 2013 and hope will make this list next year - "The Following" and "How to Live with Your Parents for the Rest of Your Life" which I suspect will find a much shorter title for referential purposes.
Don't forget that -
* "Jimmy Kimmel Live" will be moving to 11:35 and "Nightline" to 12:35 beginning January 8th.
* "American Idol" debuts January 16th with 3 new judges - Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, and Keith Urban.
* The Daytona 500 is Sunday, February 24th.
* The Academy Awards are also on Sunday, February 24th with your host Seth MacFarland...it has the potential to be the funniest show since Jon Stewart hosted.
"Family Guy" quote:
Brian: Face it Peter, you get competitive about everything.
Peter: I am so not competitive. In fact, I am the least non-competitive. So I win.
...is All I'm Sayin'
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