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Year-End Round-Up: Closing Out 2010

Posted in Messages, Year End Round Up on December 30, 2010| Leave a Comment »

2010 has been quite a year, to say the least, and I’m sure 2011 will be no different. It will be filled with a lot of good and bad movies, books, TV shows and music along with incredible (and assuredly ridiculous) headlines.

I hope your New Years Eve festivities are fun and safe (please don’t drink and drive) and that the New Year brings each of you what you wish for most. Happy New Year!!

PS: Thank you all so very much for visiting my site for the past six months. I hope you will continue to visit as time permits throughout 2011.

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Year-End Round-Up: Top 10 Shows of 2010

Posted in Messages, Television, Year End Round Up on December 30, 2010| 1 Comment »

In the ratings section, you will find out how all of the dramas that aired throughout 2010 fared in the overall ratings war, but the following list shows my personal choices for the top 10 shows (again, dramas only) of the year in no particular order:

Doctor Who

1. Doctor Who – Doctor Who is not only the longest-running sci-fi series in television history but it is also one of the most complex, compelling, entertaining, irreverent and just plain fun shows – period. With the introduction of the new Doctor – Matt Smith – and his new companion Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), the show has garnered even more fans with its over-the-top thrills and adventures. I, personally, cannot wait to see what 2011 has in store for the Doctor, Amy and her new husband Rory.

Terriers

2. Terriers – While Terriers was short lived on FX this fall, lasting only 13 episodes not to mention having one of the most obnoxious, unrelated titles, it was a cleverly written, wonderfully portrayed series to grace our screens this year. The characters were three-dimensional and complex, making for an edge-of-your seat thrill ride as Hank and Britt navigated the overall story arc. It’s just a shame that the show wasn’t given a second chance to continue its stories.

Eureka

3. Eureka – In the imaginative, science-based town of Eureka, you never know quite what will happen next. During the episodes that ran over the summer, the unbelievable did happen: Jack, Alison, Henry, Fargo and Jo all traveled back in time, eventually returning to what they believed was their time only to discover it wasn’t quite right. Maintaining their secret was not simple and all of them gained and lost what was most valuable to them in very unique and unexpected ways. All the while they were teamed with Dr. Grant, their unlikely companion who joined in their time travel back to the future. What will be in store for the inhabitants of Eureka next? Only time will tell…

Lost

4. Lost – Much has been written about the final season of this groundbreaking series with audiences arguing over the meaning of it all and the overwhelming religious overtones that were the cornerstone of the series finale especially the final 15 minutes; but one thing remains true: this show was one of the best on TV, bringing people together to wonder over what in the world was going on on that mysterious island. The characters will forever be a part of the lexicon of television history and will live on in pop culture forever. And I, for one, am glad to say I was present for every moment of it.

The Vampire Diaries

5. The Vampire Diaries – What can be said about this teen-based vampire series? Well, it’s certainly not Twilight, but it is one of the most deftly written series on TV right now. The show had a powerful season one that ended with a chilling cliffhanger; and when it returned for its second season there was absolutely no sign of a sophomore slump, as each episode has notched up the tension, romance and intrigue, which have become the signatures to this show.

The Closer

6. The Closer – Don’t let her southern drawl fool you – Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson is a force for which to be reckoned. Running the Priority Homicide Division of the Los Angeles Police Department is in no way an easy job nor is dealing with the complex cases that come their way. But with her stalwart team consisting of Detectives Provenza and Sanchez, Lieutenants Flynn and Tao and Sgt. Gabriel as well as computer tech expert Buzz Watson and with the assistance of Commander Taylor and Agent Howard, they bring down the criminals behind some of the toughest, most sensitive cases in the city.

Friday Night Lights

7. Friday Night Lights – At first glance this series would seem to simply be a show about football but that is merely the icing on the cake where this fantastic program, now in its final season on DirecTV, is concerned. The show is probably the most honest, realistic portrayal of small town life in a Texas town where everyone is simultaneously consumed with family, love and football. The series will air its final season on NBC next year and it will be one hell of a ride for the fans of this much-beloved series.

Justified

8. Justified – The man in the hat is a good tagline of this new FX series, starring Timothy Olyphant as U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, who is forced to go back to his hometown area in Eastern Kentucky because of literally taking down a criminal at a fancy Miami restaurant. While in Kentucky he deals with his estranged father, his former friend turned bank-robber turned religious zealot and an ex-wife he hasn’t gotten over, all the while being involved in cases that would otherwise be unbelievable in any other setting.

Sherlock

9. Sherlock – This spectacular present-day reimagining of the classic tale of Sherlock Holmes by the BBC was reaired here in the States on PBS stations in October and November. Divided into 3 parts this mini-series depicted the title character and his roommate John Watson as they delved into some very disturbing cases. Each case displayed the remarkable deductive characteristics of Sherlock and the wonderment expressed by those around him as he solved each crime for which he was brought in to consult. The mini-series left off with a cliffhanger that will thankfully be explained when Sherlock returns next year.

Luther

10. Luther – This slick unpredictable 6-part BBC series was a relative hit in the UK and was reaired on BBC America here in the States in October and November. This mini-series depicted the turbulent personal and professional life of John Luther, a police officer in the London Serious Crime Unit. Much like Sherlock Holmes, Luther investigated ever increasingly horrendous cases involving a double murder, a serial killer, a sniper intent on taking out police officers and a dirty cop. None of these episodes were easy to watch, but each was well-written and expertly portrayed; and new episodes will be aired sometime next year.

Honorable Mentions:

The following shows just missed the top 10 for 2010 by the slimmest of margins, but rather than leave them off the list all together, I wanted to include them as honorable mentions. They are listed in no particular order:

Supernatural

1. Supernatural – Much can be said about the horror-laced story lines within this series, consistently creeping out the audience on a weekly basis and just as much can be said about the handsome cast and guest stars. But, just as much can be said about the fans who rallied around the show in order to get it on the first ever fan-voted-on TV Guide cover. The show is simply a thrill ride each week and is a “can’t miss mainstay” no matter what night of the week for which it airs.

Chuck

2. Chuck – His name is Chuck, Chuck Bartowski and he is a part of the Buy More Nerd Herd but he is also probably one of the coolest nerds on TV. For the last few years now, Chuck has been one of those shows just on the cusp of mainstream success with a very avid and devoted fan following. The series itself may have had its ups and downs, but the audience can always count on the (mis) adventures of Chuck, Sarah and Casey each week.

Castle

3. Castle – What do you get when you combine a world-renowned author and one of New York’s finest detectives? You get Castle, the popular series that is a procedural at heart but covers much more than the expected. You get comedy, mystery, intrigue, romance and familial ties all wrapped into one terrific package; and you also get the best reason to tune in to TV on Monday nights at 10 PM.

Being Erica

4. Being Erica – If you were given the chance to travel back in time to correct a past regret, would you? Well, Erica Strange – the title character in Being Erica – is given that chance on a regular basis courtesy of her unorthodox therapist Dr. Tom; and the results are not always what the viewers – or Erica, for that matter – expect. But it certainly is exciting and fun to follow along while she makes her journeys of self-discovery.

Now, no proper top 10 list would be complete without mentioning those guilty pleasure shows that capture your attention or become the show that you simply cannot miss each week. For me the following three shows are the series that had me excited to watch TV (or catch them online) each week:

Lost Girl

1. Lost Girl – This new Canadian series is a big hit in its home country and has yet to receive distribution outside of Canada, but thank goodness for the internet. Over the course of a few weeks, I was able to watch all 13 episodes of the first season of this unique supernatural-based series that chronicles the life of Bo (Anna Silk), a beautiful young woman who just happens to be a succubus, as she learns more about who and what she really is and makes a life for herself within the “fae” (aka supernatural) world.

Pretty Little Liars

2. Pretty Little Liars – This new series, which debuted on the ABC Family Channel this past summer, is based on a series of books by Sara Shepard. It covers the secrets shared by 4 very different teenaged girls who are best friends in a small but affluent community in Pennsylvania. While the show is laced with typical teen-angst and family drama, it is a captivating story of just how far friends will go to keep each other’s secrets as well as keep secrets from those most dear. It is the epitome of that one guilty pleasure show that you just can’t seem to get enough of from week to week.

Nikita

3. Nikita – While the story of Nikita is not new to viewing audiences – given the fact it has been depicted in film several times and was a successful series on the USA Network – the CW has breathed new life into the franchise, making this new series one of the main reasons to tune into the network on Thursday nights. I really look forward to more intrigue, action and adventure in the new year.

So, there you have my list of the top 10 shows as well as my honorable mentions and the guilty pleasures for which I look forward each week. What are your top 10 shows? Do you have any guilty pleasures from this past year? Please share.

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Year-End Round-Up: Faces to Watch in 2011

Posted in Messages, Movies, Television, Year End Round Up on December 30, 2010| 1 Comment »

Much like the New Faces of 2010, there are always entertainers of note to be on the look-out for in the new year. With the help of some online research, here are my predictions for the faces of 2011 (in no particular order):

Madeline Carroll

1. Madeline Carroll – Madeline starred in this year’s heart-warming movie by Rob Reiner called Flipped, but this talented 14-year-old has appeared in the box office movies The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, Resident Evil: Extinction and The Spy Next Door as well as appearing in Lost, Grey’s Anatomy, Lie to Me, NCIS and Private Practice. Among her five upcoming projects, she will appear in Mr. Popper’s Penguins with Jim Carrey and Vanilla Gorilla with Arnold Vosloo.

Sarah Shahi

2. Sarah Shahi – Sarah Shahi has the lead role in the new USA Network series called Fairly Legal that will debut on January 20 at 10 PM, but viewers will remember for her roles in the TV series The L Word and Life. She has also been seen in the first season of Alias, the pilot episode of Supernatural and an episode of Psych.

Rooney Mara

3. Rooney Mara – Rooney landed the plum role in the American version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo that will be out in theatres next year; but her resume includes the films The Social Network, the 2010 version of A Nightmare on Elm Street, Youth in Revolt and Dare (with Emmy Rossum and Zach Gilford) and appearances in the TV shows ER, Women’s Murder Club, The Cleaner and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Rami Malek

4. Rami Malek – Rami will be seen in the two-part final movie Breaking Dawn in the Twilight saga franchise, but he has appeared in the final season of 24, the box office films Night at the Museum and its sequel and the mini-series The Pacific.

Jason Momoa

5. Jason Momoa – While Jason is recognizable to TV viewers for his roles as Ronan in Stargate Atlantis, Jason in Baywatch and Frankie in the short-lived series North Shore, he will gain much more notoriety when he appears in the lead role in the box office remake of Conan and the new HBO series Game of Thrones.

Tyler Posey

6. Tyler Posey – Early in 2011 Tyler will star in the new MTV series Teen Wolf loosely based on the 1985 box office film, but he got his start in the TV series Doc, starring Billy Ray Cyrus and starred in the box office film Maid In Manhattan with Jennifer Lopez. He has also appeared in the TV shows Lincoln Heights and Brothers & Sisters and the TV mini-series Into the West.

Lucy Punch

7. Lucy Punch – Lucy will be seen in the upcoming box office movie Bad Teacher alongside Jason Segel, Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz; Take Me Home Tonight with Anna Faris, Topher Grace and Michelle Trachtenberg and A Little Bit of Heaven alongside Kate Hudson and Whoopi Goldberg. But audiences may recognize her as one of the evil step-sisters from the film Ella Enchanted and she has appeared in the films Hot Fuzz and Dinner for Schmucks.

Andrea Riseborough

8. Andrea Riseborough – Andrea starred in the 2010 box office movies Never Let Me Go with Carey Mulligan and Kiera Knightley and the independent films Made In Dagenham with Sally Hawkins and Bob Hoskins and Brighton Rock with Helen Mirren and John Hurt, but she has also been seen in the film Happy-Go-Lucky, the made-for-TV movie Margaret Thatcher: The Long Walk to Finchley and she will be seen in the films W.E. with Abbie Cornish and Resistance with Michael Sheen.

Jessica Chastian

9. Jessica Chastian – Jessica will star alongside Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Mike Vogel, Sissy Spacek, Viola Davis and Chris Lowell in the 2011 film The Help and in the upcoming film The Fields with Sam Worthington and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. She will also be seen in the movie Tree of Life, starring alongside Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. She has previously appeared in episodes of ER, Veronica Mars, Close to Home and the short-lived series Law & Order: Trial by Jury.

Keir Gilchrist

10. Keir Gilchrist – Keir has starred in the popular Showtime series United States of Tara and recently appeared in the independent film It’s Kind of a Funny Story with Emma Roberts and Zach Galifianakis, but he also appeared in episodes of Queer As Folk, Doc, 1-800-Missing and Life with Derek.

Are there any actors or actresses who you think are the faces to watch in 2011? Please share.

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Year-End Round-Up: New Faces for 2010

Posted in Messages, Movies, Television, Year End Round Up on December 30, 2010| 1 Comment »

Every year there are new faces introduced to the general viewing audience via television series and/or movies at the box office. This year is no different with very unique and diverse actors and actresses coming to the forefront to capture the attention of audiences all over the country (and in some instances the world).

Here, in no particular order, are the stand outs for 2010:

Gemma Arterton

1. Gemma Arterton – While Gemma made heads turn as Strawberry Fields in the 2008 James Bond movie Quantum of Solace, she also starred as Tess Durbeyfield in the 2008 TV mini-series Tess of the D’Urbervilles and in the box office movie Pirate Radio in 2009. But it has been her work throughout this year that has put her on the map. She starred not only in The Clash of the Titans but also Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and the independent movie Tamara Drewe. She is currently filming Men in Black III.

Isaiah Mustafa

2. Isaiah Mustafa – The guy from the Old Spice commercials who was “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” caused waves across the nation, putting this actor on the map. He appeared as Greta #3 on an episode of Chuck and then had a role in the Tyler Perry movie Madea’s Big Happy Family. Next up he will be seen in the 2011 box office movie Horrible Bosses.

Chloe Moretz

3. Chloe Moretz – This talented 13-year-old has quite a resume for someone so young, including the TV series Dirty Sexy Money and the 2005 box office film The Amityville Horror and (500) Days of Summer. But it was her role as Hit-Girl in the box office movie Kick-Ass that really got her noticed. She also appeared in the films Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the horror flick Let Me In. Among her 7 upcoming projects is the Kick-Ass sequel.

Maggie Q

4. Maggie Q – Already a superstar in Asia, Maggie is making a name for herself on American TV in the CW series Nikita. Her box office credits include Live Free or Die Hard, Mission: Impossible III, Deception and Balls of Fury. She will soon be seen in the box office film Priest.

Jennifer Lawrence

5. Jennifer Lawrence – She burst onto the scene in the independent film Winter’s Bone after appearing in the TBS series The Bill Engvall Show for 2 seasons, and now she will be seen in the Jodie Foster flick The Beaver, the film Like Crazy, the horror movie The House at the End of the Street and the much-anticipated blockbuster X-Men: First Class.

Jimmy Wolk

6. Jimmy Wolk – While his first big starring role on television was the short-lived FOX drama Lone Star, Jimmy made his TV debut in the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Front of the Class. He also appeared in the box office movie You Again with Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Odette Yustman and Betty White.

Matt Passmore

7. Matt Passmore – Matt is well known in his home country of Australia, having starred in the TV shows MacLeod’s Daughters and Underbelly, but he made heads turn here in the States courtesy of his new A&E TV series The Glades, which is about a Chicago cop who moves to a small Florida town, joining the state police there. The Glades will be back for a second season this summer.

Ruth Wilson

8. Ruth Wilson – Just four years ago, Ruth landed the lead role in the 2006 adaptation of Jane Eyre and then appeared in last year’s AMC remake of The Prisoner. This year she appeared in the 6-part BBC America mini-series Luther alongside Idris Elba. And, it is rumored she will portray Jacqueline Kennedy in the anticipated 2011 film Flying Into Love.

Cast of Pretty Little Liars

9. The Cast of Pretty Little Liars – This new ABC Family Channel series based on the novels by Sara Shepard turned out to be quite the guilty pleasure over the summer. The show stars four up-and-coming young actresses, including Lucy Hale (Privileged), Ashley Benson (Eastwick), Shay Mitchell (Aaron Stone), and Troian Bellisario (NCIS) as well as some very familiar faces to the older TV generation such as Holly Marie Combs (Charmed), Chad Lowe (Life Goes On), Laura Leighton (the original Melrose Place) and Nia Peeples (Fame).

Benedict Cumberbatch

10. Benedict Cumberbatch – Benedict caught the attention of viewers courtesy of his appearance as the legendary Sherlock Holmes in the PBS 3-part mini-series Sherlock that recently aired here in the States and in the UK, but he has appeared in the box office films Atonement and The Other Boleyn Girl and will be seen in the upcoming films War Horse and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

Who are some of the new faces from this past year who caught your attention either on television or in film? Please share.

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Year-End Round-Up: TV Ratings Results

Posted in Messages, Ratings, Television, Year End Round Up on December 29, 2010| 1 Comment »

While many can argue that the Nielson ratings are flawed and in desperate need of an overhaul, the industry still greatly relies on their daily tallies. The industry seems to also dwell primarily on the 18 to 34 year-old viewers and cannot seem to get past the fact that those are NOT the only viewers of television programming.

But, before I digress into a soapbox rant, I did my own research on all the programming that aired over the course of this past year. Please note that I do not cover comedies, sports or reality so you are on your own if you wish to learn more about how those genres fared in the overall ratings war.

The details that follow are based strictly on the millions of viewers (not by any age demographic) who tuned into the dramas on the major and cable networks from January to mid-December of this year. Please note these numbers are the overall average of viewers for each show based on early overnight numbers divided by the number of episodes aired within the time frame, as referenced, for each drama.

First of all, the following is a list of all the dramas that aired during the last half of the 2009-2010 TV season, covering January through May (which is known in the industry as mid-season through to the season finales in May):

1. NCIS (CBS) – 18.1 million
2. NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS) – 15.3 million
3. The Mentalist (CBS) – 15 million
4. CSI (CBS) – 14.3 million
5. Criminal Minds (CBS) – 13.2 million
6. The Good Wife (CBS) – 13 million
7. Glee (FOX) – 12.4 million
8. CSI: NY (CBS) – 12.1 million
9. CSI: Miami (CBS) – 11.9 million
10. Desperate Housewives (ABC) – 11.8 million
11. Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) – 11.7 million
12. House (FOX) – 11.6 million
13. Castle (ABC) – 11 million
14. Bones (FOX) – 10 million
15. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC) – 9 million
16. Brothers & Sisters (ABC) – 8.8 million
17. Private Practice (ABC) – 8.6 million
18. Human Target (FOX) – 8.3 million
19. Medium (CBS) – 7.6 million
20. Fringe (FOX) – 6.7 million
21. Chuck and Parenthood [Tie] (NBC) – 6.1 million
23. V (ABC) – 6.0 million
24. The Vampire Diaries (The CW) – 3.4 million
25. Supernatural (The CW) – 2.7 million
26. Justified (FX) – 2.4 million [ran from March to June]
26. Smallville (The CW) – 2.3 million
27. Life Unexpected and One Tree Hill [Tie] (The CW) – 2.1 million
29. Gossip Girl (The CW) – 1.8 million
30. 90210 (The CW) – 1.6 million
31. Breaking Bad (AMC) – 1.5 million [ran from March to June]

Then, as we move into the summer, the following list shows all the dramas that aired from June to August on the cable networks in order of their overall viewers:

1. The Closer (TNT) – 7.3 million
2. Rizzoli & Isles (TNT) – 6.9 million
3. Burn Notice (USA) – 5.7 million
4. Royal Pains (USA) – 5.4 million
5. Covert Affairs (USA) – 5.2 million
6. True Blood (HBO) – 5 million
7. White Collar (USA) – 4.3 million
8. Psych (USA) and Memphis Beat (TNT) [Tie] – 3.6 million
10. In Plain Sight (USA) – 3.4 million
11. Leverage (TNT) and Army Wives (Lifetime) [Tie] – 3.3 million
13. The Glades (A&E) and Hawthorne (TNT) [Tie] – 3.1 million
15. The Secret Life of the American Teenager (ABC Family) – 2.9 million
16. Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family) and Drop Dead Diva (Lifetime) [Tie] – 2.6 million
18. Warehouse 13 (Syfy) – 2.5 million
19. Eureka (Syfy) – 2.4 million
20. Mad Men (AMC) and Dark Blue (TNT) [cancelled] [Tie] – 2.3 million
22. Haven (Syfy) – 1.8 million
23. Huge (ABC Family) 1.7 million [cancelled]
24. Make It or Break It (ABC Family) – 1.6 million
25. Rescue Me (FX) – 1.3 million
26. Unnatural History (Cartoon Network) – 1.2 million [cancelled]
27. Rubicon (AMC) – 1 million [cancelled]

Next, we have the ratings results for all of the dramas that aired on the major networks for the first part of the 2010-2011 TV season, covering September to approximately mid-December:

1. NCIS (CBS) – 19.4 million
2. NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS) – 15.8 million
3. The Mentalist (CBS) – 14.4 million
4. Criminal Minds (CBS) – 14 million
5. CSI (CBS) – 13.7 million
6. Desperate Housewives (ABC) – 12 million
7. The Good Wife (CBS) – 11.8 million
8. Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) – 11.7 million
9. Glee (FOX) – 11.5 million
10. Hawaii Five-0 (CBS) and Blue Bloods (CBS) [TIE] – 11.1 million
12. CSI: Miami (CBS) – 11 million
13. Castle (ABC) – 10.8 million
14. House (FOX) – 10.1 million
15. The Defenders (CBS) – 10 million
16. CSI: NY (CBS) – 9.9 million
17. Bones (FOX) – 9.2 million
18. Brother & Sisters (ABC) – 8.8 million
19. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC) – 8.7 million
20. Private Practice (ABC) – 8.4 million
21. Detroit 1-8-7 (ABC) and Law & Order: Los Angeles (NBC) [TIE] – 8.2 million
23. No Ordinary Family (ABC) – 7.6 million
24. The Event (NBC) – 7.1 million
25. Medium (CBS) – 6.6 million
26. Human Target (FOX) – 5.9 million
27. Lie To Me (FOX) – 5.7 million
28. Chuck (NBC) – 5.6 million
29. Chase (NBC) – 5.5 million
30. Parenthood (NBC) – 5.3 million
31. Fringe (FOX) – 5.2 million
32. The Vampire Diaries (The CW) – 3.3 million
33. Smallville (The CW) – 2.7 million
34. Nikita (The CW) – 2.6 million
35. The Good Guys (FOX) – 2.5 million
36. Supernatural (The CW) – 2.4 million
37. Hellcats (The CW) – 2.2 million
38. 90210 (The CW) – 2 million
39. Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill (The CW) [Tie] – 1.9 million
40. Life Unexpected (The CW) – 1.6 million [cancelled]

NOTE: There were several new dramas (such as Lone Star, Undercovers and The Whole Truth) that were introduced in the fall, but were quickly pulled from the schedule and not given a full season order by their respective networks; therefore, I did not include those shows in the above list.

Lastly, the cable networks aired some of their summer shows during the fall or debuted new and or returning series during the fall, competing against the major networks. The following is a list of how those shows performed over the course of September to mid-December as applicable:

1. The Closer (TNT) – 5.7 million
2. The Walking Dead (AMC) – 5.3 million
3. Burn Notice (USA) – 4.3 million
4. Boardwalk Empire (HBO) – 3.5 million
5. Sons of Anarchy (FX) – 3.2 million
6. Psych (USA) – 2.9 million
7. Men of a Certain Age (TNT) – 2.3 million
8. Dexter (Showtime) – 2 million
9. Sanctuary (Syfy) – 1.5 million
10. Glory Daze (TBS) – 1.4 million
11. Stargate Universe (Syfy) [cancelled] and Tower Prep (Cartoon Network) [TIE] – 1.2 million
13. Terriers (FX) – 700,000 (average) [cancelled]

NOTE: Full ratings for the 3-part Sherlock mini-series that aired on PBS this fall, the 6-part mini-series Luther that aired on BBC America this fall and the season 2 run of Being Erica that aired on SOAPnet earlier in the year have been nearly impossible to locate online; therefore, none of those dramas can be reflected in these listings.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: Leverage aired 3 episodes in December on TNT with an average of 2.4 million viewers. Both Eureka and Warehouse 13 aired holiday-themed episodes on Syfy in December, which earned 1.9 million and 2 million viewers respectively.

The final analyses of all ratings listed above for the major and cable networks are as follows:

1. Once again, CBS is the number one most watched network, having the top 3 shows – NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles and The Mentalist – in fact the two NCIS shows have seen their numbers go up from last season with a slight drop in the overall numbers for The Mentalist from last season to this season;

2. CBS can also claim the top two new shows out of the fall season, those being Hawaii Five-0 and Blue Bloods (with the shows running virtually neck-and-neck in the overall ratings);

2. The top drama for ABC for the entire calendar year is Desperate Housewives followed closely by Grey’s Anatomy and Castle;

3. Just like last year NBC is sorely lacking in any successful show (new or returning) in terms of top ratings; but for both seasons (2009-2010 and 2010-2011), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is the network’s top show; but the network is consistently placing 3rd behind CBS and ABC respectively;

4. While House was once the top rated show for FOX, it has now been surpassed by Glee (for both seasons). House has fallen considerably in the ratings, losing 1.5 million viewers from last season to this season;

5. The top news show for ABC is Detroit 1-8-7, while Nikita is the top new show for The CW and Law & Order: Los Angeles is the top new show for NBC;

6. The Vampire Diaries has consistently been the number one series on The CW for both seasons (2009-2010 and 2010-2011), faltering in the ratings only slightly from last season;

7. Medium on CBS, Fringe on FOX and Chuck and Parenthood, both on NBC, have taken the steepest hits in the ratings from last season to this season. Medium lost 1 million viewers, Fringe lost 1.5 million, Chuck lost 500,000 viewers and Parenthood lost 800,000 viewers;

8. The Closer is the number one cable show for the summer out of all the summer dramas that aired on the various cable networks. The Closer also sustained its number one status during its fall airing as well;

9. Burn Notice is the number one cable drama on the USA Network for the summer; while Warehouse 13 is the number one cable series on Syfy (followed very closely by Eureka) and The Walking Dead is the number one cable series on AMC; and,

10. Summer shows from the cable networks that aired in the fall in direct competition with the major networks is proving to be a bad move by their respective networks; namely because the ratings for both Psych and Burn Notice (just as examples) are down significantly for both shows.

FINAL NOTE: I did not include any DVR ratings, online viewership or the like in the above ratings results, as those numbers – while helpful in knowing just how a particular show is watched by the viewing audience – hold no barring on the future outcome of a show. The advertisers who make each and every show possible are only concerned with the ratings from live viewings because that is when their advertising is viewed by the TV audience. The networks are at the mercy of their advertisers; therefore, the live ratings are the only ratings that can truly make a difference.

What have been the shows that you have enjoyed the most this year? Do you feel a particular show’s ratings should be higher (or possibly) lower than they appear above? Do you wish a fan favorite would get more attention from viewers? Please share.

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Year-End Round-Up: TV Guest Stars of Note for 2010

Posted in Messages, Television, Year End Round Up on December 29, 2010| 1 Comment »

Every year there are guest appearances made on the latest TV shows. Some are just a natural part of the show, filling out the cast in order to depict the stories as outlined by the script while other appearances are special, being made by notable actors or fan favorites.

The following list shows just some of the big guest appearances that were made on a number of TV shows throughout 2010. To simplify matters, the actors’ names appear in alphabetical order followed by the series for which they appeared in parenthesis:

Amy Acker (No Ordinary Family)
Armand Assante (Chuck)
Rene Auberjonois (Warehouse 13)

Michael Badalucco (In Plain Sight)
Carlos Bernard (Burn Notice)
Barry Bostwick (Glee)
Billy Burke (Rizzoli & Isles)
Carol Burnett (Glee)

Richard Chamberlin (Leverage, Chuck and Brothers & Sisters)
Gary Cole (The Closer)

Timothy Dalton (Chuck)
William B. Davis (Human Target)
William Devane (Psych)
Griffin Dunne (White Collar)

Robert England (Chuck and Supernatural)
Oded Fehr (Covert Affairs)
Lou Ferrigno (Chuck)

Ana Gastyer (Chuck)
Robin Givens (Nikita)
Summer Glau (Chuck)
Pam Grier (Smallville)
Jon Gries (Supernatural and Psych)
Michael Gross (Psych)

Angie Harmon (Chuck)
Teri Hatcher (Smallville)
Tricia Helfer (Human Target)
Lance Henrickson (Haven)
Michael Hogan (Smallville)
Peter Horton (Life Unexpected)

Allison Janney (Lost)
Eriq LaSalle (Covert Affairs)
Christopher Lloyd (Chuck)
Dolph Lundgren (Chuck)

Sean Maher (Human Target and Warehouse 13)
Lee Majors (Human Target)
Ralph Macchio (Psych)
Ann-Margret (Army Wives)
Kellie Martin (Drop Dead Diva)
James Marsters (Caprica and Hawaii Five-0)
Chi McBride (Psych)
Sarah McLachlan (Life Unexpected)
Meatloaf (Glee)
Alyssa Milano (Castle)
Judd Nelson (Psych)

Gwyneth Paltrow (Glee)
Sarah Paulson (Grey’s Anatomy)
Luke Perry (Leverage)
Tahmoh Penikett (Human Target)
Bronson Pinchott (Chuck and Hawaii Five-0)
Franke Potente (Psych)
Freddy Prinze, Jr. (Psych)

J. August Richards (Grey’s Anatomy)
Eric Roberts (Chuck)
Gena Rowlands (NCIS)
Susan Ruttan (The Forgotten)

William Sadler (Hawaii Five-0)
Leelee Sobieski (Drop Dead Diva)
Jewel Staite (Warehouse 13)
Sharon Stone (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit)
Gina Torres (The Vampire Diaries)

Lindsay Wagner (Warehouse 13)
Robert Wagner (NCIS)
Carl Weathers (Psych)
Peter Weller (Psych)
Kevin Weisman (The Forgotten)
Wil Wheaton (Eureka and Leverage)
Clarence Williams III (Justified)
Ray Wise (Castle)
Rick Worthy (Medium)

NOTE: A number of the cast members of the perennial classic TV series Twin Peaks made a special appearance on an episode of Psych, which paid homage to the show. Those cast members included Dana Ashbrook, Ray Wise, Robin Lively, Sheryl Lee, Sherilyn Fenn, Catherine Coulter and Lenny Von Dohlen.

What big name stars or fan favorites can be expected to appear in our favorite series in 2011. Well, only the powers that be behind the shows can tell us that and they’ll keep those secrets for as long as they can. Is there a particular actor or actress that you would like to see guest star? And, more importantly, was there a guest star that was featured in your favorite show who wasn’t included above? Please share.

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Year-End Round-Up: In Remembrance

Posted in Messages, Movies, Music, Television, Year End Round Up on December 29, 2010| 1 Comment »

The following industry personalities (listed in alphabetical order) passed away in 2010. Heartfeat condolences are extended to their families, friends and fans:

Barbara Billingsley (Legendary Actress)
Lisa Blount (Actress)
Denise Borino-Quinn (Actress)
Tom Bosley (Legendary Actor)

Dixie Carter (Actress)
Christopher Cazenove (Actor)
Maury Chaykin (Actor)
Jill Clayburgh (Actress)
Gary Coleman (Actor)
Denise Cramsey (TV Producer)
Robert Culp (Actor)
Tony Curtis (Legendary Actor)

Dino De Laurentiis (Italian Movie Producer)
Jimmy Dean (Music Legend and Businessman)

Blake Edwards (Legendary Director)
Jamie Escalante (Los Angeles teacher who was inspiration for movie Stand and Deliver)

Eddie Fisher (Singer)
John Forsythe (Legendary Actor)

James Gammon (Actor)
Greg Giraldo (Comedian)
Harold Gould (Actor)
Peter Graves (Legendary Actor)
Kathryn Grayson (Legendary Actress and Singer)

Alexander Haig (Former Secretary of State)
Corey Haim (Actor)
Dennis Hopper (Legendary Actor)
Lena Horne (Legendary Singer)

Casey Johnson (Johnson & Johnson heiress)
Andrew Koenig (Actor)
Steve Landesberg (Actor-Comedian)
Art Linkletter (TV Host)

Simon MacCorkindale (Actor)
Teena Marie (Singer-Songwriter)
Jim Marshall (Legendary Music Photographer)
Kevin McCarthy (Legendary Actor)
Rue McClanahan (Actress)
Alexander McQueen (Fashion Designer)
Don Meredith (Football Legend and Legendary Sportscaster)
Mitch Miller (Legendary Musician)
Brittney Murphy (Actress)

Patricia Neal (Legendary Actress)
Edwin Newman (Journalist)
Leslie Nielsen (Legendary Actor)
Merlin Olsen (Football Legend and Actor)

Fess Parker (Legendary Actor)
Robert Parker (World-Renown Author)
Teddy Pendergrass (R&B Singer)
Ingrid Pitt (British Actress)

Frances Reid (Legendary Soap Actress)
Lynn Redgrave (Legendary Actress)

J. D. Salinger (World-Renown Author)
William Self (Actor, Producer and TV Executive)
Jean Simmons (Legendary Actress)
Gloria Stuart (Actress)
Joan Sutherland (Opera Singer)

Helen Wagner (Legendary Soap Opera Actress)
Albertina Walker (Gospel Singer)

NOTE: This list, in no way, covers all the industry talent who passed away this year. Again, condolences are extended to one and all.

Out of respect, please take a moment of silence.

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Year-End Round-Up: Awards Highlights for 2010

Posted in Messages, Movies, Music, Online Series, Television, Year End Round Up on December 29, 2010| Leave a Comment »

A lot of awards are given out every year and while every single award that is given out cannot be listed below; I did compile some of the top winners from the majority of the award shows that either aired on television or were presented over the course of 2010:

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS (January 6):

Film Actress: Sandra Bullock
Film Comedy: The Proposal
Film Actor of the Decade: Johnny Depp
TV Comedy: The Big Bang Theory
TV Sci-fi Fantasy: Supernatural
TV New Comedy: Glee
TV New Drama: The Vampire Diaries
Music Rock Band: Paramore

GOLDEN GLOBES (January 17):

Best Movie Actor, Drama: Jeff Bridges
Best Movie Actor, Comedy: Robert Downey, Jr.
Best Movie Supporting Actress, Drama: Monique
Best TV Actress: Julianna Margulies
Best Mini-Series Actress: Drew Barrymore
Best TV Supporting Actor: John Lithgow

SAG AWARDS (January 23):

Best Female TV Actress, Comedy: Tina Fey
Best Male Movie Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz
Best Ensemble TV Drama: Mad Men
Best Male Actor, Movie/Mini-Series: Kevin Bacon

GRAMMY AWARDS (January 31):

Record of the Year: “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon
New Artist: Zac Brown Band
Pop Collaboration: “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillait
Male Country Artist: “Sweet Thing” by Keith Urban
Rock Album: “21st Century Breakdown” by Green Day

DIRECTOR’S GUILD (Spring):

Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow
TV Drama, Director: Lesli Linka Glatter for Mad Men
Children’s Programming, Director: Allison Liddi-Brown for Princess Protection Program

BAFTA (February 21):

Best Film: The Hurt Locker
Best Actor: Colin Firth
Best Actress: Carey Mulligan
Music: Michael Giacchino
Costume Design: The Young Victoria
Rising Star: Kristen Stewart

NAACP IMAGE AWARDS (February 28):

Best Film Actress: Gabourey Sidibe
Best TV Drama: Lincoln Heights
Best TV Actress, Drama: Jada Pinkett Smith
Best Female Artist: Mary J. Blige

OSCARS (February 22):

Best Picture: The Hurt Locker
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Best Animated Film: Up
Best Original Song in a Film: “The Weary Kind” from Crazy Heart

NICKELODEAN KIDS’ CHOICE AWARDS (March 27-28):

Favorite TV Actress: Selena Gomez
Favorite Song: “You Belong To Me” by Taylor Swift
Cutest Couple: Jacob and Bella in The Twilight Saga: New Moon

STREAMY AWARDS [the best in web TV] (April 11):

Best Actress, Comedy: Felicia Day, The Guild
Best Actor, Comedy: Neil Patrick Harris, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog
Best Comedy: The Guild
Audience Choice: Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (April 18):

Entertainer of the Year: Carrie Underwood
Female Vocalist: Miranda Lambert
New Artist: Luke Bryan
Song of the Year: “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum

MTV MOVIE AWARDS (May 31):

Breakthrough Performance: Anna Kendrick in Up in the Air
Generation Award: Sandra Bullock

CMT MUSIC AWARDS (June):

Video: “Cowboy Casanova” by Carrie Underwood
Duo Video: “Indian Summer” by Brooks & Dunn

TONY AWARDS (June 13):

Lead Actress, Musical: Catherine Zeta-Jones
Lead Actor, Play: Denzel Washington

SATURN AWARDS (June):

Best Younger Actor: Saoirse Ronan
International Film: District 9
Presentation on TV: Torchwood: Children of Earth
Actor on TV: Josh Holloway
Actress on TV: Anna Torv
Supporting Actress on TV: Julie Benz

BET AWARDS (June):

Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keys
Best Actor: Idris Elba
Humanitarian: John Legend
Lifetime Achievement: Prince

DAYTIME EMMYS (June):

Outstanding Drama: The Bold & the Beautiful
Supporting Actress: Julie Pinson for As the World Turns

TELEVISION CRITICS ASSOCIATION AWARDS (Summer):

Program of the Year: Glee
Top Comedy: Modern Family
Comedy Actress: Jane Lynch

AIRLOCK ALPHA PORTAL AWARDS (August):

Best Supporting Actress: Alaina Huffman, Stargate Universe
Best Special Guest Star: Alex Kingston, Doctor Who
Best Actress: Eve Myles, Torchwood
Best Actor: David Tennant, Doctor Who

TEEN CHOICE AWARDS (August):

Choice Movie, Action Adventure: Sherlock Holmes
Choice Movie, Drama: The Blind Side
Choice TV Show, Fantasy/Sci-Fi: The Vampire Diaries
Choice TV Show, Action: NCIS: Los Angeles
Choice TV Actor, Action: Zachary Levi
Choice TV Actress, Action: Yvonne Strahovski
Choice TV Show, Comedy: Glee
Choice Summer TV Show: Pretty Little Liars
Choice Music, Rock Group: Paramore

VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS (September 12):

Rock Video: 30 Seconds to Mars
Special Effects: Muse
Art Direction: Florence + the Machine

CREATIVE EMMYS (September):

Guest Actor in a Comedy: Neil Patrick Harris, Glee
Original Main Title Theme Music: Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman for Nurse Jackie

EMMY AWARDS (September):

Best Actor, Comedy: Jim Parsons
Best Actress, Drama: Kyra Sedgwick
Outstanding Mini-Series: The Pacific
Best Supporting Actress, Drama: Archie Panjabi
Best Supporting Actress, Comedy: Jane Lynch

SCREAM AWARDS (October 18):

Best TV Show: True Blood
Best Supporting Actress, Film: Anne Hathaway
Breakout Performance, Female: Chloe Moretz

AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS (November):

Adult Contemporary Artist: Michael Buble
Soundtrack Album: Glee: The Music 3 – Showstoppers
Male Artist: Brad Paisley

AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS (December):

Artist of the Year: Carrie Underwood
Male Artist of the Year: Brad Paisley
Decade Award:  Rascal Flatts
Single of the Year:  “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum

Congratulations to all of these winners (and the countless others who won awards) over the course of 2010. Are any of your favorites included above? Was there an actress or entertainer who you thought should have received some type of award for their work in television, movies or music who didn’t? Please share your thoughts.

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Year-End Round-Up: Music Highlights for 2010

Posted in Messages, Music, Year End Round Up on December 28, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Music is an important part of my life, waking me up every morning, entertaining me throughout the work day and helping to set the tone in my favorite TV shows. Music is always the cornerstone to any theatrical release as well, moving along a particular scene and enhancing the overall story.

Music, obviously, comes in many different formats: pop, hip hop, rap, metal, country, classic rock, inspirational, R&B, Latin, dance and much more. Everyone has a favorite sound and the following artists and music moments are just some of the highlights from this past year:

Best Album – “The Resistance” by Muse

Best New Group (TIE) – Mumford & Sons and The Black Keys

Best Single by a Female Artist – “King of Anything” by Sara Barellies

Best Song Heard Within a TV Series – “Bloodstream” by Stateless (used in The Vampire Diaries)

Best Independent Album – “Christian Kane EP” by Christian Kane

Most Outrageous Performer – Lady Gaga

Worst Moment in Music – Justin Bieber winning 4 American Music Awards

Best Songs Used in TV Show Promotions (Tie) – “Animal” by Neon Trees and “Secrets” by One Republic

Best Group – Florence + the Machine (Album – “Lungs”)

Top Country Song – “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum

Hot Summer Song – “California Girls” by Katy Perry

Best F-You Song – “Forget You” by Cee-Lo Green

Best Single by a Duo or Group – “Hey Soul Sister” by Train

Best Single by a Male Artist (Tie) – “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars and “Whataya Want from Me” by Adam Lambert

Best TV Composer – Bear McCreary (Caprica, The Walking Dead, Eureka and Human Target)

Band That Is As Devoted to Their Fans as Their Fans Are To the Band – 30 Seconds to Mars

Best Duet Performed on TV – “Dream On” by Matthew Morrison and Neil Patrick Harris on Glee

The link can be found here.

Or you can listen to the whole song for “Dream On” here.

Best Live TV Musical Performance – Pink at the Grammy’s 2010 with “Glitter In The Air”

The link to the video can be found here.

Only Reason to Have Watched American Idol in 2010 – Orianthi Performing Live

The link to the video clip can be found here.

Best Cover Song Performed on Glee – “Teenage Dream” by Darren Criss

The link to the video clip can be found here.

What artists moved you the most this year? Which artists disappointed you or just made you cringe? What song could you listen to over and over again? Please share your thoughts and comments on the best and worst of the music world this year.

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Year-End Round-Up: Movie Highlights of 2010

Posted in Messages, Movies, Year End Round Up on December 28, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Every year I do my best to see as many movies as I can; sometimes seeing 4 movies in a month, usually averaging about 35 movies in a year. As is always the case, some movies are better than others while some are simply just disappointments. One never really knows when walking into the movie theatre if that movie is going to be good or bad; you just take the chance and dive in.

The movies for which I enjoyed the most this year included The Blind Side, Letters to Juliet, Prince of Persia, Easy A, Flipped, Tangled and Secretariat. And, I must say that The Tourist and Tron Legacy, both of them, were actually much better than I thought they would be.

Some of the bigger movies to grace the box office screen this year included The A-Team, Iron Man 2, Alice in Wonderland and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. On the other spectrum of things, some of the movies that I saw that were less than stellar included: Did You Hear About the Morgans?, When In Rome, The Last Airbender and The Expendables.

But rather than let my opinions sway anyone, here are the top 10 movies according to ticket sales for the year:

1. Toy Story 3
2. Alice in Wonderland
3. Iron Man 2
4. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
5. Inception
6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows (Part 1)
7. Despicable Me
8. Shrek Forever After
9. How to Train Your Dragon
10. The Karate Kid

On the opposite spectrum there were some bad or simply terrible movies that were released this year and while the following is not based on any published list or on box office results or even critics’ reviews; they are simply my picks for the worst films of the year. They appear in alphabetical order:

Cop Out
Death at a Funeral
Dinner for Schmucks
Due Date
Furry Vengeance
Get Him to the Greek
Grown Ups
Hot Tub Time Machine
Jack Ass 3D
Killers
Lottery Ticket
MacGruber
Marmaduke
The Back-Up Plan
The Dilemma
The Other Ones
The Spy Next Door
The Tooth Fairy
Yogi Bear

And, just like last year I made up some special categories that capture just some of the best and worst from the 2010 box office:

Most Moving Movie of the Year – Secretariat
Breakout Star – Rebecca Hall from The Town
Movie Actress of the Year – Emma Stone (Easy A)
Movie Actor of the Year – Jeff Bridges (Tron Legacy and True Grit)
Movies That More People Should Have Seen – TIE: The Losers and Prince of Persia
Movie That Would Have Been Better Without All the Violence – Takers
Movie That Was Simply Too Violent – The Expendables
Best Summer Movie – The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Movie Most Likely To Win An Oscar – The King’s Speech
Best Animated Film – Tangled
Best Coming of Age Film – Flipped
Romantic Comedy Movie That Was Neither Romantic Nor Comedic – When In Rome
Best Special Effects in a Movie that Was (Sadly) Boring – The Last Airbenders
Most Underused Actress in a Film – Charisma Carpenter in The Expendables
Best Independent Film – Nowhere Boy
Go-To Movie Co-Star – Betty White
Best Documentary – Waiting for Superman
Movie That Didn’t Turn Out to Be What It Seemed – Never Let Me Go
Most Fun I Had at the Movies – TIE: Easy A and Tangled
Best ‘Go To’ Guy in a Film – Stanley Tucci
Movie That Was Way Better Than The Reviewers Claimed – Burlesque
What a REAL Romantic Comedy Should Be – Letters to Juliet

What movies did you most enjoy seeing this year? Which movies were disappointments to you? Please share your thoughts and comments.

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