by Colleen Clark
The average person watches about 4.5 hours of television a day, according to media-tracking giant Neilson. And yet some great shows don't get nearly as many viewers as they deserve, perhaps because it's hard to wade through the 200+ channels you get. Here is the short list, in no particular order, of shows you should be watching, but probably aren't. (Also see our article about 5 canceled shows you should wathcn on DVD).
PSYCH: James Roday (L) as Shawn Spencer, Dule Hill as Burton "Gus" Guster. USA Network. Photo: Matthias Clamer
Psych — capers, quips and 80s references, oh my! This delectably delicious show is currently in its fifth season on USA Network. It centers on a fake psychic private detective (James Roday) who uses his sharp observational skills to help the Santa Barbara Police Department solve crimes, with the help of his long-suffering sidekick (The West Wing's Dule Hill).
Psych is brilliantly written with unforgettable one-liners, awesomely obscure references — many of them from the 80s — and snappy dialogue. The characters are well developed and loveable (as well as easy on the eyes). Psych is the perfect combination of mystery, comedy and character. Just don't confuse it with the better known but far less quirky and compelling The Mentalist.
Psych airs Wednesdays at 10/9C on USA Network.
The Good Wife offers political and personal drama. It seems like every other week some politician is involved in a scandal. The Good Wife looks at what happens to the family of one of those politicians and at the political backstabbing behind the story.
The show centers on junior attorney Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies, ER), whose politician husband Peter (Chris Noth, Sex and the City and Law & Order) is entangled in a sex scandal soaked in political intrigue. Her new job as a junior associate at a law firm provides intriguing stories each week, while the scandal and her family life arc throughout the series.
This show is a drama with thought-provoking cases and realistic personal crises. Archie Panjabi (Bend It Like Beckham) is superb as attorney Kalinda Sharma, who works at the same law firm as Alicia but has ties to Peter's case, gives a nuanced, Emmy-winning performance as a clever character. The Good Wife is a solid show in a shifting political climate.
The Good Wife airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on CBS. Season 2 starts September 28th, 2010.
Image copyright 2010 Fox Broadcasting Co. Photo: Mathieu Young/FOX
So You Think You Can Dance? for pure entertainment. Nothing gets your blood pumping and your toes a-tappin' like So You Think You Can Dance?, a competition dance show on Fox. Oft overshadowed by that Fox competition show for would-be singing idols, this is the Fox competition show you should really watch.
Twice a week, So You Think You Can Dance? gives you a crash course in dance styles — emotional contemporary, fast-paced jazz, stunning ballroom, bumpin' hip-hop, and a dash of lesser know styles such as Bollywood and Tahitian — choreographed by professionals. And unlike another competition dance show that features has-been stars, the contestants on this show can actually dance!
So You Think You Can Dance? airs on Fox Network on Wednesdays at 8/7c (2-hours competition) and Thursdays at 9/10 (1-hour results)
Glee is a musical for the masses. Yes, Glee was massively hyped before it ever aired. Yes, Glee was wildly popular in its first season. Yes, Glee was nominated for 19 Emmys and has been renewed — but for a second AND a third season. So yes, saying you probably aren't watching Glee is a stretch. But if you aren't watching it, you need to be, as millions of faithful gleeks — the moniker Gleefans use for themselves — will tell you.
Image copyright 2010 Fox Broadcasting Co. Photo: Adam Rose/FOX
Glee, created by Ryan Murphy (Nip/Tuck), is about a group of high school misfits who find a place to belong in glee club, even as the glee club is under constant attack from the devious cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester (the incomparable Jane Lynch). Tackling serious issues such as teen pregnancy, coming out as gay, physical disabilities — as well as general teen angst — against a backdrop of sweet pop songs, Glee is quite a package. The characters are all distinct and range from honestly real to outrageously outrageous. Just say yes to Glee.
Glee airs Tuesdays 8/7c on Fox Network. Season 2 starts September 21, 2010..
Cougar Town is a classic sitcom. The old saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" is true for Cougar Town. It's not all about older women pouncing on younger men. People apparently have been so turned off by the name that ABC is rumored to be changing it.
Granted, when the show started, the central character, recently divorced 40-something Jules Cobb (Courtney Cox of Friends), romances a few younger men, most notably the yummy Scott Foley (Felicity). However, the show is actually a classic comedy, like I Love Lucy, revolving around the "cul-de-sac crew" that includes Jules's tough neighbor and good friend Ellie (Christa Miller); Ellie's obedient husband Andy (the hilarious Ian Gomez from Felicity); Jules' ex-husband, the chill duuuuuude Bobby (Brian Van Holt) and teenage, but responsible son Travis (Dan Byrd); as well as Jules' attractive man-whore neighbor (Josh Hopkins) and Jules' slightly trashy co-worker Laurie (Busy Philipps, Freaks and Geeks).
Cougar Town's mix of wacky neighbors, love triangles, slacker ex-husbands and middle-age neuroses ensures physical comedy hijinks and some touching moments. And Courtney Cox is charming and likeable in a role that could have been mangled by a less-talented actor. Look beyond the name and watch Cougar Town for some laughs.
Cougar Town airs Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30c on ABC. Season 2 starts Sept. 22, 2010.
Bonus: An international news show for perspective. You're watching your local news, but with technology bringing the world community closer and closer, keeping abreast of global news is increasingly important. So pick a television station — I'm partial to BBC World News for a non-American perspective — and take at least a half hour to look beyond our borders.
Freelance writer Colleen Clark specializes in fashion, beauty, entertainment and travel. Read about her travels through Europe at Clark on a Lark.
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