Today I was reading Entertainment Weekly and found out that Smallville is entering it's 10th and final season next year. 10 years is unreal to me. It made think back to when I found out that Cheers was going off the air after 11 years. I was too young at the time to really follow Cheers but that was a big deal to me. 11 years with almost the same cast, the show succeeded and was given this hero's farewell from NBC. Nowadays, I had a thought, is it still as big a deal?
In an era where some shows barely make it past it's first season, does any show even stand a chance anymore to last a long time? That's why the news of Smallville surprised me even more.
So I took the time to actually look up the shows that have lasted a LONG time in the TV world. (I have excluded news shows (60 Minutes, 20/20, etc), sports shows (Monday Night Football, Monday Night Raw, etc.), movie blocks (Hallmark Hall of Fame, The Wonderful World of Disney, etc), variety shows (Ed Sullivan, etc.), music shows (Grand Ole Opry Live, etc) and PBS shows.)
1, The Simpsons (21 years)2. Gunsmoke (20 years)
3. Law & Order (20 years)
4. America's Funniest Home Videos (20 years)
5. COPS (19 years)
6. The Real World (18 seasons)
7. Lassie (17 years)
8. The Amazing Race (16 seasons)
9. ER (15 years)
10. The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (14 years)
11. Bonanza (14 years)
12. Knots Landing (14 years)
13. South Park (14 years)
14. Survivor (14 seasons)
15. King of the Hill (13 years)
16. Dallas (13 years)
17, My Three Sons (12 years)
18. NYPD Blue (12 years)
19. Murder, She Wrote (12 years)
20. Hawaii Five-O (12 years)
21. M*A*S*H (11 years)
22. Cheers (11 years)
23. Frasier (11 years)
24. Married...with Children (11 years)
25. The Jeffersons (11 years)
26. 7th Heaven (11 years)
27. Stargate SG-1 (10 years)
28. Murphy Brown (10 years)
29. Friends (10 years)
30. Law & Order:Special Victims Unit (10 years)
31. JAG (10 years)
32. Beverly Hills 90210 (10 years)
As you can see, it's a very small group of shows that last this long.
The real question I guess is, how does a show just kinda slide under the radar for so many years? The facts are that shows are given the chance to grow like they used to. I mean if you look at this list, excluding Hawaii Five-0 which is returning this fall, only EIGHT shows are still on the air right now, and three of them are reality show who don't go by years, but by seasons. So brings the list down to six. South Park is on cable, and is like Comedy Central's lifeline so that is why that lasted so long. So that brings us to FIVE shows on broadcast television
Now with the news that Law & Order is getting the heave without the big hurrah it truly deserves, do networks even care about the history of their shows?
I mean did anyone even know that AFHV was even on or that it has lasted as long as it has? Of course not because ABC doesn't EVER take advantage of it and even advertise it. Somehow that show survives,
FOX at least takes the time to brag about how long The Simpsons has been on and you know when the creators decide to hang it up, they will get the big finale it deserves, unlike another FOX legendry show Married...with Children. That's a show that just ended with no big deal at all, despite it being the first show that brought attention to the network.
Even the WB recognized 7th Heaven when it went off the air the first time as it's first big show and the one show that lasted the entire run of the network, CW not so much when it ended the second time.
Now we have Smallville, a major cult favorite. A show that really in my opinion has flown under the radar because of being on the CW. Next year is it's big final year, I hope upon hope that it gets the farewell it deserves. I mean it started as "yet another Superman show" and lasted this long, it deserves a big hurrah. I hope it gets it, or it will further prove my point that I don't think network truly care about shows that last to this historic of a level.
NOTE:
When I began this article it was before it was announced that another show will hit the 10 year mark next year. American Idol. But without Simon Cowell, I don't know if the show will be the same. But next year, the show that changed the music scene, will make history like no other reality ever has before.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
TNA, my foot is finally down!
Ever since January TNA has been going through alot of changes. Some good (RVD and Jeff Hardy), some very bad (the Monday night experiment). But now it's the time of year for Slammiversary. TNA's yearly anniversary show. I've ordered everyone since the first one back in 2005. It's one of my favorite PPVs of the year, most companies, and it's because of one match. The King of the Mountain match.
Every year, no matter how bad TNA storylines are or how much crap they put on TV, I look forward to the King of the Mountain match. Last year they even had two, a heavyweight one and a x-division one.
For those who don't know, the King of the Mountain match is a reverse ladder match where you have to hang the belt to win. But there's a catch. In order to qualify to hang the belt you must get a pin-fall or submission on any of the other four guys in the match. The guy you pin or make summit must then spend two minutes in the penalty box, which is set up outside the ring. Some people call it confusing, but I think it's extremely entertaining especially once you get into the match.
Well this year, I've been hearing a rumor that instead of a KOTM match at Slammiversary, they are going to have RVD defending the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Sting. Are you kidding me? Way to break tradition.
So TNA, I will say, if this is true, I'm out. For the first time, I will NOT be ordering Slammiversary. For the first time this year, I'm actually putting my foot down as a TNA loyal fan and saying enough with all change already. I've handling taking away the six-sided ring. I went with you through the disaster that was the Monday night experiment. But now, with this new development, TNA I'm not going along with this one at all. I'm not a happy TNA fan, not anymore.
Every year, no matter how bad TNA storylines are or how much crap they put on TV, I look forward to the King of the Mountain match. Last year they even had two, a heavyweight one and a x-division one.
For those who don't know, the King of the Mountain match is a reverse ladder match where you have to hang the belt to win. But there's a catch. In order to qualify to hang the belt you must get a pin-fall or submission on any of the other four guys in the match. The guy you pin or make summit must then spend two minutes in the penalty box, which is set up outside the ring. Some people call it confusing, but I think it's extremely entertaining especially once you get into the match.
Well this year, I've been hearing a rumor that instead of a KOTM match at Slammiversary, they are going to have RVD defending the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Sting. Are you kidding me? Way to break tradition.
So TNA, I will say, if this is true, I'm out. For the first time, I will NOT be ordering Slammiversary. For the first time this year, I'm actually putting my foot down as a TNA loyal fan and saying enough with all change already. I've handling taking away the six-sided ring. I went with you through the disaster that was the Monday night experiment. But now, with this new development, TNA I'm not going along with this one at all. I'm not a happy TNA fan, not anymore.
American Idol 5/18/10-No Place like Home
Well this is a huge night for Idol. It's down to the top three, the Idols returned home this week and the judges chose one of their two songs tonight. It was a very up and down show last night, but most of the downs surrounded around one man.
Casey James-Ok, It's Alright With Me
Well, I don't even know what song this is. Even Kara mentioned it was an unfamiliar to most viewers. It was actually pretty blah and boring. After watching this, I was questioning the point of him being here. I don't know what else to say. (2 out of 5)
Crystal Bowersox-Come to My Window
This was really good, but not her best. I mean I love this song, but it did feel really safe. Didn't completely blow me away, especially for her. I love her but she definitely got out shined on this night. (3 of 5)
Lee DeWyze-Simple Man
The man everyone is talking about today. It seems like this song is that other song he sang, but after looking at things, this was actually the better song. It made him sound like a mellow-rocker. He hit his notes and the crowd was electric for it. Nothing seemed forced and it seemed like he finally broke out and said "look this is my competition to win!" (5 of 5)
Casey-Daughters
This song was chosen by Randy and Kara. It was good for him, but again not great and actually got very very boring. Especially in this house since we started the show late. The song worked for him, three or four weeks ago. (3 of 5)
Crystal-Maybe I'm Amazed
Ellen chose this song for her and it really surprised me. It definitely was better than her first performance. She looked really sexy and actually worked the stage like a real professional, something she never did in the past, or just wasn't good at doing. It worked big time for her. (4 of 5)
Lee-Hallelujah
Can I first say that I LOVE this song? Simon chose this song for him and then hyped it to death. But then he sang it. It was great, amazing to say the least. But then the choir came out. It was really cool to see it but I don't really think he needed it and it seemed to throw him off a little. But overall it was incredible. (4 of 5)
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let it be Lee vs. Crystal next week. It will be one of the best finales ever if it comes down to them. Hopefully America doesn't mess this up.
Casey James-Ok, It's Alright With Me
Well, I don't even know what song this is. Even Kara mentioned it was an unfamiliar to most viewers. It was actually pretty blah and boring. After watching this, I was questioning the point of him being here. I don't know what else to say. (2 out of 5)
Crystal Bowersox-Come to My Window
This was really good, but not her best. I mean I love this song, but it did feel really safe. Didn't completely blow me away, especially for her. I love her but she definitely got out shined on this night. (3 of 5)
Lee DeWyze-Simple Man
The man everyone is talking about today. It seems like this song is that other song he sang, but after looking at things, this was actually the better song. It made him sound like a mellow-rocker. He hit his notes and the crowd was electric for it. Nothing seemed forced and it seemed like he finally broke out and said "look this is my competition to win!" (5 of 5)
Casey-Daughters
This song was chosen by Randy and Kara. It was good for him, but again not great and actually got very very boring. Especially in this house since we started the show late. The song worked for him, three or four weeks ago. (3 of 5)
Crystal-Maybe I'm Amazed
Ellen chose this song for her and it really surprised me. It definitely was better than her first performance. She looked really sexy and actually worked the stage like a real professional, something she never did in the past, or just wasn't good at doing. It worked big time for her. (4 of 5)
Lee-Hallelujah
Can I first say that I LOVE this song? Simon chose this song for him and then hyped it to death. But then he sang it. It was great, amazing to say the least. But then the choir came out. It was really cool to see it but I don't really think he needed it and it seemed to throw him off a little. But overall it was incredible. (4 of 5)
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let it be Lee vs. Crystal next week. It will be one of the best finales ever if it comes down to them. Hopefully America doesn't mess this up.
CMT Awards Predicitions
The CMT Awards are happening on June 9th and I know I will be watching, so since I am voting, I will make my picks known as well.
Breakthrough Video of the Year
Breakthrough Video of the Year
- Easton Corbin-A Little More Country Than That
- Laura Bell Bundy-Giddy On Up
- Luke Bryan-Do I?-My Pick
- Steel Magnolia-Keep On Lovin' You
- Reba McEntire-Consider Me Gone-My Pick
- Tim McGraw-Southern Voice
- Brad Paisley-Then
- Lady Antebellum-Lookin' for a Good Time
- Carrie Underwood-Temporary Home
- Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift-Best Days of Your Life
- Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins-Hillbilly Bone-My Pick
- Jason Aldean and Bryan Adam-Heaven
- Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews-I'm Alive
- Brooks & Dunn-Indian Summer-My Pick
- Steel Magnolia-Keep On Lovin' You
- Sugarland-Keep You
- Sugarland-Nightswimming/Joey
- Rascal Flatts-Here Comes Goodbye
- Gloriana-How Far Do You Wanna Go?
- Lady Antebellum-Need You Now
- Zac Brown Band-Toes-My Pick
- Reba McEntire-Consider Me Gone
- Miranda Lambert-White Liar
- Carrie Underwood-Cowboy Casanova
- Taylor Swift-You Belong With Me-My Pick
- Toby Keith-American Ride
- Billy Currington-People Are Crazy-My Pick
- Tim McGraw-Southern Voice
- Keith Urban-Til Summer Comes Around
- Jason Aldean-The Truth
- Toby Keith-American Ride
- Carrie Underwood-Cowboy Casanova
- Lady Antebellum-Need You Now
- Kenny Chesney-Out Last Night
- Keith Urban-Til Summer Comes Around
- Zac Brown Band-Toes
- Jason Aldean-The Truth
- Brad Paisley-Welcome to the Future-My Pick
- Miranda Lambet-White Liar
- Taylor Swift-You Belong With Me
TV Show Fall Analyis (Early Version)
It's the time of the year when we find out the fates of our favorite television shows, especially on the big four networks. As of this morning all the schedules for the fall (and some next spring) have been released. (I will not comment on the content of *most* new shows till my next report and I find out more about them.)
CBS
Big Surprises:
First of all the cancellations of Cold Case, Ghost Whisperer and New Adventures of Old Christine caught me off guard. I always heard good things about Cold Case from people so I figured it had a fan base. As for Ghost Whisperer, the ratings were low, but it always lead Friday nights. And Christine I thought was more popular, I guess I was wrong.
As for the schedule, moving Big Bang Theory to Thursday caught me off guard but it might actually be good for the show to get even higher rating then it already is getting. The rest looks good to me, nothing crazy.
WTF Moments:
Okay, I'll bite. I'm going to have to watch S--- My Dad Says after Big Bang just for the curious factors. Finally, Hawaii Five-0 is back? Really? Who's idea was that one?
I will say, I loved Accidentally on Purpose. I thought it was a funny quirky show that took a little while to get used to. But I do appreciate the fact that at least the season finale closed all the storylines so there are no loose ends making this show ending not as big of a deal as others.
ABC
Big Surprises:
The only real big surprise was that they kept V on but canceled FlashForward. I figured, by people who have watched both shows, that it would have been the other way around. But alas, that's the decision they made. Also Scrubs finally getting canceled is NOT a big deal, it should have ended last year.
I'm not a big ABC watcher anymore to be quite honest. I think it's a very good move to have a full comedy night on Wednesdays. But other than that, no major shakeups or changes.
NBC
Big Surprises:
Number one with a bullet is the cancellation of Law & Order. The TV stable should have at least had a chance to say goodbye the right way. I mean I hear there is going to be a big TV movie sometime next year but still they should have gotten the chance the Ugly Betty and Lost got to say goodbye to their fans the right way. Also the same could be said for Heroes, which I know the ratings have been down since season one but still give it a chance to end with class. I also find it amusing that Wednesdays have officially turned into cop drama night with this new show Undercovers, L&O:SVU and the new spin-off L&O:LA.
I do like the fact that they kept Tuesdays in tact though with Biggest Loser and Parenthood staying back-to-back, I think that's huge because that's NBC's biggest night ratings wise, even bigger than their comedy block on Thursday night. I am also happy that Celebrity Apprentice is returning next year. I was never a fan of the original show but I love the celebrity version big time.
FOX
Big Surprises:
I have to admit, I didn't expect FOX to renew The Cleveland Show and keep it on their Animation Domination block on Sunday nights. Most people I've talked to that watch it said it's lame and kinda dumb, then again the same could be said for American Dad and that show is still going strong. As for Til Death, I will say the same thing I said about Scrubs, it should have been canceled a long time ago. I tried to watch this season and it was really terrible.
Scheduling Change-ups:
The big change-ups include three of FOX's biggest shows, Glee, American Idol and Hell's Kitchen. Personally I love the fact that Glee is moving to the lead-in spot on Tuesday nights in the Fall. I think that's a HUGE move. The show deserves the chance to show how good it can be in by itself in the ratings. What I don't like is moving it to Wednesday nights at 9pm in the Spring. I think that's going to really confuse fans, so I hope they do a good job advertising the move because if not it could suffer from a massive drop. As for Idol, the Tuesday performance show is being extended to a hour and a half and the Wednesday results show is now a half hour. I like the idea of the results show being a half hour (and it is the lead-in for Glee) but not sure if even I could sit through a hour and half Idol show especially when it's down to the last couple of weeks. Hell's Kitchen is moving to Wednesday nights instead of Tuesday nights which I don't agree with personally. I have problems with the show moving time slots in the middle of a run and I don't really see a major issue with it following Glee, but then again the audience for both shows are very different so that might have something to do with it.
That's what the big four have announced for now for next year. It seems interesting for now. I wonder if they will change anything between now and August when the big fall preview issues come out.
CBS
Big Surprises:
First of all the cancellations of Cold Case, Ghost Whisperer and New Adventures of Old Christine caught me off guard. I always heard good things about Cold Case from people so I figured it had a fan base. As for Ghost Whisperer, the ratings were low, but it always lead Friday nights. And Christine I thought was more popular, I guess I was wrong.
As for the schedule, moving Big Bang Theory to Thursday caught me off guard but it might actually be good for the show to get even higher rating then it already is getting. The rest looks good to me, nothing crazy.
WTF Moments:
Okay, I'll bite. I'm going to have to watch S--- My Dad Says after Big Bang just for the curious factors. Finally, Hawaii Five-0 is back? Really? Who's idea was that one?
I will say, I loved Accidentally on Purpose. I thought it was a funny quirky show that took a little while to get used to. But I do appreciate the fact that at least the season finale closed all the storylines so there are no loose ends making this show ending not as big of a deal as others.
ABC
Big Surprises:
The only real big surprise was that they kept V on but canceled FlashForward. I figured, by people who have watched both shows, that it would have been the other way around. But alas, that's the decision they made. Also Scrubs finally getting canceled is NOT a big deal, it should have ended last year.
I'm not a big ABC watcher anymore to be quite honest. I think it's a very good move to have a full comedy night on Wednesdays. But other than that, no major shakeups or changes.
NBC
Big Surprises:
Number one with a bullet is the cancellation of Law & Order. The TV stable should have at least had a chance to say goodbye the right way. I mean I hear there is going to be a big TV movie sometime next year but still they should have gotten the chance the Ugly Betty and Lost got to say goodbye to their fans the right way. Also the same could be said for Heroes, which I know the ratings have been down since season one but still give it a chance to end with class. I also find it amusing that Wednesdays have officially turned into cop drama night with this new show Undercovers, L&O:SVU and the new spin-off L&O:LA.
I do like the fact that they kept Tuesdays in tact though with Biggest Loser and Parenthood staying back-to-back, I think that's huge because that's NBC's biggest night ratings wise, even bigger than their comedy block on Thursday night. I am also happy that Celebrity Apprentice is returning next year. I was never a fan of the original show but I love the celebrity version big time.
FOX
Big Surprises:
I have to admit, I didn't expect FOX to renew The Cleveland Show and keep it on their Animation Domination block on Sunday nights. Most people I've talked to that watch it said it's lame and kinda dumb, then again the same could be said for American Dad and that show is still going strong. As for Til Death, I will say the same thing I said about Scrubs, it should have been canceled a long time ago. I tried to watch this season and it was really terrible.
Scheduling Change-ups:
The big change-ups include three of FOX's biggest shows, Glee, American Idol and Hell's Kitchen. Personally I love the fact that Glee is moving to the lead-in spot on Tuesday nights in the Fall. I think that's a HUGE move. The show deserves the chance to show how good it can be in by itself in the ratings. What I don't like is moving it to Wednesday nights at 9pm in the Spring. I think that's going to really confuse fans, so I hope they do a good job advertising the move because if not it could suffer from a massive drop. As for Idol, the Tuesday performance show is being extended to a hour and a half and the Wednesday results show is now a half hour. I like the idea of the results show being a half hour (and it is the lead-in for Glee) but not sure if even I could sit through a hour and half Idol show especially when it's down to the last couple of weeks. Hell's Kitchen is moving to Wednesday nights instead of Tuesday nights which I don't agree with personally. I have problems with the show moving time slots in the middle of a run and I don't really see a major issue with it following Glee, but then again the audience for both shows are very different so that might have something to do with it.
That's what the big four have announced for now for next year. It seems interesting for now. I wonder if they will change anything between now and August when the big fall preview issues come out.
WWE NXT 5/18/10
After last week's triple elimination, I was skeptical that this week's show was even going to be worth watching. Fine there would be yet ANOTHER elimination, but what else would there be?? Well I was pleasantly surprised.
First of all, I loved the fact that the pros were out on the stage all show. (But where were R-Truth and Carlito?) They actually added alot and made the show feel more legit.
Second, the Bryan Danielson-Michael Cole fight was priceless and awesome. It was needed. Again helped make the show feel real. I can't wait to see where this goes in weeks to come.
Finally the elimination of Darren Young was well done. He went out with class and style and actually showed why he deserves to be with the company down the road.
That's about it for this week's show. It was pretty much short and sweet because there wasn't alot of other notable things going out.
First of all, I loved the fact that the pros were out on the stage all show. (But where were R-Truth and Carlito?) They actually added alot and made the show feel more legit.
Second, the Bryan Danielson-Michael Cole fight was priceless and awesome. It was needed. Again helped make the show feel real. I can't wait to see where this goes in weeks to come.
Finally the elimination of Darren Young was well done. He went out with class and style and actually showed why he deserves to be with the company down the road.
That's about it for this week's show. It was pretty much short and sweet because there wasn't alot of other notable things going out.
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