What's Worth Watching Notes - January 19, 2012

What's Worth Watching show #18 will replay Friday at 4am Eastern on Howard 101.  We are THIS CLOSE to getting a better replay time. Really.

RUNDOWN
- Jenny's TV News 
{American Idol sagging ratings}

- Interview with Katrina Bowden

- Interview with Ben Schwartz

- This Is The Week That Was 
{Golden Globes, 30 Rock, American Idol, House of Lies, Alcatraz, Modern Family, Justified}

- What's Worth Watching: January 19 - January 25

Katrina Bowden (www.twitter.com/katrinakbowden)

- Came to Sirius without an entourage (according to Jenny)
- Stopped Jenny's TV News upon her arrival
- 30 Rock appearances depend upon availability; shot a movie this season

- Has a blast on set at 30 Rock always joking around

- Was 17 when she first started on 30 Rock; didn't know comedy at all

- Feels Tina Fey is a cool woman who gets away with saying anything

- Mentioned Tracy Morgan details his sexual antics on elevators

- Treated like everyone's little sister on the 30 Rock set

- Not much of 30 Rock is ad libbed and its funnier to stick to the script

- Vaguely remembers JD stalking her underneath 30 Rock

- Fights through tourists and has tunnel vision on the subway

- Gets a little crazy in the upcoming Nurse 3D with Paz de la Huerta

- Confirmed Paz de la Huerta is 10 times crazier than Tracy Morgan
- Never wants to do a movie with Paz de la Huerta ever again
- Wonders how Steve Buscemi makes it through Boardwalk Empire with Paz
- Felt it was cool when Jennifer Aniston guest starred - missed Steve Martin
- Feels upstaged by fellow 30 Rock actors but gets why and looks up to them
- Flattered that Jon thinks she's the best looking woman on TV right now
- Loves Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead & Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
- Drunk and high as Chris Klein's LA socialite girlfriend in American Reunion
- Had a great time doing her photo shoot for Maxim and loves being a ham
- People tell Katrina they love 30 Rock and then just walk away

- Gladly took pictures with Jon after the interview 

Ben Schwartz (www.twitter.com/rejectedjokes)

- Missed the masturbation discussion but heard Katrina's name and got it
- Waiting to find out if there's going to be more Jean Ralphio on Parks & Rec
- Feels Parks & Rec is the best comedy on TV and the chemistry is improving
- Most of Parks & Rec is right on the page
- During the Fun Runs the cast gets to mess around and improv
- Impressed with Jon's transition from discussing Parks & Rec to House of Lies
- Assured us that Don Cheadle doesn't get all the sex scenes
- Made a web series accompanying House of Lies which Jon found funny
- Started freelance writing jokes for Letterman and Weekend Update
- Impressed our research went beyond Wikipedia
- Thought he made it when landing a Mitch Hurwitz pilot with big time actors
- Felt JJ Abrams Undercovers would go on forever as well - wrong
- First Jean Ralphio bit for Parks & Rec was a simple paragraph 
- Originally auditioned to be Leslie Knope's boyfriend which went to Louis CK
- Loved talking 90's basketball with Detlef Schempf at Entertainment 720
- Texts Roy Hibbard every time he gets a double double
- In disbelief that Nick Offerman doesn't get nominated for an Emmy

Ronnie Mund (www.twitter.com/rmlimodriver69)

- Wondered why it took Jon so long to speak to him on the phone

- Upset Katrina Bowden bumped his 140 Seconds segment

- Excited for the new season of Justified

JD Harmeyer (www.twitter.com/jdharm)

- Apologized to Katrina for stalking her as he tried to make Jon look good
- Recommended Tuck and Dale versus Evil to impress Katrina
- Defended Kelsey Grammer's Golden Globe win
- Upset about good guy Rob Lowe's Peyton Manning tweet

Steve Brandano (www.twitter.com/siriusstevieb)
- Feels Katrina would be the hottest zombie ever

- Told JB Smoove he brings the ruckus on a daily basis

Jenny Hutt (www.twitter.com/jenniferhutt)
- Sported a tiara to draw attention away from Katrina

- Detailed Jon's theme song on Howard's show for Katrina
- Thought Angelina Jolie didn't look well at the Golden Globes

- Felt Alcatraz was getting too bloody for her

Jon Hein (www.twitter.com/jonmhein)

- Almost left his wife when Katrina said she's a Breaking Bad fan
- Pledged to get Katrina a zombie role on The Walking Dead
- Went from Ron Swanson to Lil Sebastian recapping Parks & Rec characters
- Feels George Clooney gets an automatic win at the Golden Globes

- Felt Ricky Gervais was neutered at the Golden Globes

- Is on board for Alcatraz because of Sam Neill

- Previewed Timothy Olyphant will join us on an upcoming show

What's Worth Watching

January 19 – January 25

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19
8p        30 Rock (NBC)
            American Idol (FOX)
            The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
            Wipeout (ABC)
830p    Parks & Recreation (NBC)
9p        The Office (NBC)
            Person Of Interest (CBS) {Jenny's pick}
            Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
930p    Up All Night (NBC)
10p      Archer (FX)
            The Mentalist (CBS)
1030p  Unsupervised (FX) {pilot}


FRIDAY, JANUARY 20
8p      Chuck (NBC)
          Shark Tank (ABC) {3rd Season Premiere}
9p      Fringe (FOX)
          Grimm (NBC)
930p  On Freddie Roach (HBO)  {JD's pick}
10p    Portlandia/Todd Margaret (IFC)
          Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)


SATURDAY, JANUARY 21
8p        Cops (FOX)
9p        Behind The Music: The Go-Gos (VH1 Classic)
10p      An Idiot Abroad (SCIENCE) {2nd Season Premiere}
            JB Smoove: That's How I Dooz It (COM) {Steve's pick}


SUNDAY, JANUARY 22
6p       NFC Championship: Giants vs 49ers (FOX)
7p       60 Minutes (CBS)
8p       Once Upon A Time (ABC)
           Undercover Boss (CBS)
9p       Prime Suspect (NBC)
           Shameless (SHO)
           Downton Abbey (PBS)  {Jon's pick}
           Oprah's Next Chapter (OWN) w/George Lucas
10p     American Idol (FOX)
           House Of Lies (SHO)
           Oprah Master Class: Morgan Freeman (OWN)
           Prime Suspect (NBC) {series finale}


MONDAY, JANUARY 23
8p     House (FOX)
         Gossip Girl (CW)
9p     Being Human (SYFY)
         Alcatraz (FOX)
10p   Castle (ABC)
          Pawn Stars (HISTORY)


TUESDAY, JANUARY 24
8p      The Biggest Loser (NBC)
          Switched At Birth (ABC FAMILY)
9p      State Of The Union (ALL)
10p    Justified (FX)  {Ronnie's pick}
          Southland (TNT)
          White Collar (USA)


WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25
8p       American Idol (FOX)
9p       Criminal Minds (CBS)
           Inside The NFL (SHO)
           Touch (FOX) {pilot}
10p     CSI (CBS)
           Hot In Cleveland (TV Land)
           Face Off (SYFY)
           Royal Pains (USA)

What's Worth Watching Notes - January 12, 2012

What's Worth Watching show #17 will replay Friday at 4am Eastern on Howard 101.  We are working on getting a better replay time. Really.

RUNDOWN
- Jenny's TV News 
{Justin Timberlake My Space TV, Ricky Gervais hosting Golden Globes}

- This Is The Week That Was 
{NHL Winter Classic, Saturday Night Live, Downton Abbey, Shameless, Portlandia & The Firm}

- 140 Seconds with Ronnie Mund

- Golden Globes predictions

- Interview with Valerie Bertinelli (and surprise guest Jane Leeves)

- What's Worth Watching: January 12 - January 18

Valerie Bertinelli (www.twitter.com/wolfiesmom)

- Was called a cream puff for the first time ever by Jenny
- Loves watching The Daily Show and Cougar Town
- Couldn't believe Jon remembered Sydney and can't pronounce Cafe Americain

- Happy to be on TV Land who is very very good to Hot In Cleveland

- Loves how they have a ridiculously good time shooting Hot In Cleveland

- Benefited from the Bette White craze from the get go who gets all the men

- Didn't expect the show to get the ratings it did right out of the gate
- Read for Norman Lear at  the age of 15 but was too stupid to be intimidated
- Insists Norman hasn't changed at all, including the same hat
- Does not live of her child's fame as some other show biz moms do
- Claims nepotism doesn't work if the kid doesn't have talent
- Revealed her son Wolfie was a drummer first before becoming a bass player
- Explained to Jenny how Van Halen had more of an influence on her life
- Literally grew up the nine years she was on One Day At A Time
- Admits its a bummer when other network projects didn't hit
- Got out of the business to raise Wolfie; full time mom, part time actor
- Needed to be on Touched By An Angel as her marriage fell apart
- Didn't mind Jane Leeves busting in on our interview who she's known for 20 years
- Jane felt Valerie got cranky during her dieting phase
- Jane is very thankful getting Hot In Cleveland after acting on Frasier
- Jane & Valerie are impressed by how good of an actress Bette White is
- Jane learned 26 year old lingo from Joe Jonas on the set

- Both felt Frasier was a better show than One Day At A Time

Ronnie Mund (www.twitter.com/rmlimodriver69)

- Can't say the words "What's Worth Watching"

- Announced a NCIS: LA exclusive but never revealed anything 

- Enjoyed the big fight at Renee's coming out party on Mob Wives

JD Harmeyer (www.twitter.com/jdharm)

- Thinks Justin Timberlake's good looks carry him hosting SNL and prefers Barkley
- Horrified ABC ever aired Work It!

Steve Brandano (www.twitter.com/siriusstevieb)
- Is still looking for Ronnie's NCIS: LA exclusive which was not edited out

- Embarrassed to admit he's all the way in with New Girl

Jenny Hutt (www.twitter.com/jenniferhutt)
- Loves when Justin Timberlake hosts SNL

- Crowbarred marijuana related story into her news
- Upset by the size of Kelly Clarkson and cringed for her

- Excited for Celebrity Apprentice and name dropped Clay Aiken

- Informed us she's been to the Grammys multiple times

Jon Hein (www.twitter.com/jonmhein)

- Excited about Life's Too Short with Ricky Gervais
- Felt Charles Barkley was painful hosting SNL
- Wonders why NBC greenlit The Firm decades after the book/film came out
- Still refuses to watch shows with wives in the title (other than The Good Wife)

- Angry at Golden Globes for not nominating Breaking Bad

- Told Valerie Bertinelli he could get her a guest spot on Cougar Town

- Previewed Jean Ralphio will join us on an upcoming What's Worth Watching

What's Worth Watching

January 12 – January 18

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12

8p      30 Rock (NBC) {6th season premiere}

          The Big Bang Theory (CBS)

          Wipeout (ABC)

          Critics Choice Movie Awards (VH1) (Steve's pick)

830p  Parks & Recreation (NBC)

          Rob! (CBS) {pilot}

9p      The Office (NBC)

          Paradise Lost 3 (HBO) (JD's pick)

          Person Of Interest (CBS)

          Grey's Anatomy (ABC)

930p   Up All Night (NBC) 

10p    The Firm (NBC)

           The Mentalist (CBS) 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

8p    Chuck (NBC)

        A Gifted Man (CBS)

9p    Fringe (FOX)

        Grimm (NBC)

10p  Blue Bloods (CBS)  

         Portlandia/Todd Margaret (IFC)

         Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

8p         NFL Playoffs: Broncos vs Patriots (CBS)

             Cops (FOX)

9p         2012 Miss America Pageant (ABC)

1130p  Saturday Night Live (NBC) Daniel Radcliffe/Lana Del Rey

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

7p       60 Minutes (CBS)

8p       69th Annual Golden Globes (NBC)

           Once Upon A Time (ABC)

           Undercover Boss (CBS) {3rd season premiere}

830p   Napoleon Dynamite (FOX) {pilot}  (JD's pick)

9p       The Good Wife (CBS) 

           Shameless (SHO)

           Downton Abbey (PBS)

           Oprah's Next Chapter (OWN) w/George Lucas

10p     Hell On Wheels (AMC) {season finale}

           House Of Lies (SHO)

MONDAY, JANUARY 16

8p        Alcatraz (FOX) {pilot}  (Jon's pick)

            Gossip Girl (CW)

            Bette White's 90th Birthday (NBC)

            Oprah & The Cast of Roots (OWN)

830p   Two Broke Girls (CBS)  (Jenny's pick)

9p       Being Human (SYFY) {2nd season premiere}

           Two and a Half Men (CBS)

930p   Bette White's Off Their Rockers (NBC) {pilot}

            Mike & Molly (CBS)

10p     Castle (ABC)

           Hawaii Five-O (CBS) 

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

8p       Glee (FOX)

           NCIS (CBS)

           Switched At Birth (ABC FAMILY) (Jenny's pick)

9p       New Girl (FOX) (Steve's pick)      

           NCIS: LA (CBS) 

930p  Raising Hope (FOX)

10p    Justified (FX) {3rd season premiere}  (Jon's pick)

          Southland (TNT) {4th season premiere}

          White Collar (USA)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18

8p       American Idol (FOX) {11th season premiere}

           The Middle (ABC)

830p  Suburgatory (ABC) 

9p       Modern Family (ABC)

           Criminal Minds (CBS)

           Inside The NFL (SHO)

           Mistresses (BBCA) {pilot}

10p     Revenge (ABC)

           CSI (CBS)

           Hot In Cleveland (TV Land)

           Face Off (SYFY)

           Royal Pains (USA)

11p     True Life: I Have Diabetes (MTV)

What's Worth Watching Notes - January 5, 2012

What's Worth Watching show #16 will replay Friday at 4am Eastern on Howard 101.  We are working on getting a better replay time.

RUNDOWN
- Jenny's TV News 
{Howard's Got Talent, Homeland changed Brody's fate, Martha gone at Hallmark}

- This Is The Year That Was 
{Boardwalk Empire, Justified, Parks & Recreation, Homeland, Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad}

- Interview with Scrubs/Cougar Town creator Bill Lawrence

- 140 Seconds with Ronnie Mund

- What's Worth Watching: January 5 - January 11

Bill Lawrence (www.twitter.com/VDOOZER)

- Thrilled that Jon once said Scrubs never jumped the shark on Howard's show
- Thinks Scrubs jumped the shark in season 6 changing for the sake of change
- Scrubs Med was meant to be a spinoff and kept the crew working

- Explained how TV works when a different network owns your show

- Acknowledges that no one in TV knows what will work

- Based Scrubs JD on his best friend from college who was a total fuck up

- The first 3 years of Scrubs were based on the real JD's life
- Feels our JD is consistent the "real" JD
- Has worked with the same cast/crew since Spin City; chemistry = comedy
- Assured us that Cougar Town will be back sooner rather than later
- Admits the title Cougar Town was a huge mistake
- Pitched the show as Courteney Cox is a cougar knowing it would sell
- Joked with writers about a Cougar Town with Courteney as the cougar
- Trying to move the needle paying for screenings with his own $$ in 30 cities
- Brings a Cougar Town writer & cast member to all screenings of this year eps
- Explained the Community bond with the dark tortured Dan Harmon
- Wishes he could write one of those insanely popular comedies
- Not a fan of Two and a Half Men but is envious of its success
- Explained how there's no laugh track on The Big Bang Theory
- Didn't expect to like Game Of Thrones but is all in like a Harry Potter fan
- Hopes to get wealthy enough to have its own baby dragon
- Insists we beat up people who say they don't watch TV

Ronnie Mund (www.twitter.com/rmlimodriver69)

- Once again upset with Jon not taking his phone call earlier

- Favorite shows in 2011 were Sons, Gossip Girl, Greys Anatomy & Homeland

- Took it all back and said NCIS: LA was his favorite show

- Taylor Dayne on Homeland his second favorite actress to Katey Sagal
- Excited that Justified is returning in January 2012

JD Harmeyer (www.twitter.com/jdharm)

- Rewinds Homeland to see Claire Danes sex faces
- Added Strike Back to his Best of 2011 because of its action and boobs
- Wonders if Ronnie's picks were affected by his on set visits

Steve Brandano (www.twitter.com/siriusstevieb)
- Appreciated Drogo's Dathraki speech in This Is The Year That Was

- Reminded Bill Lawrence he told David Arquette about that Cougar Town title

Jenny Hutt (www.twitter.com/jenniferhutt)
- Pointed out that Ricky Gervais is hosting the Golden Globes

- Reported Martha Stewart is off the Hallmark Channel
- Starts her new show Just Jenny Monday on Stars at 1pm

Jon Hein (www.twitter.com/jonmhein)

- Gave his top six shows of 2011 in This Is The Year That Was (the rest are on www.jonhein.com)
- Hopes Breaking Bad doesn't go on for too long and jumps the you know what
- Isn't buying the season ending Dexter plot twist with Deb and Dex
- Refuses to watch any show with wives in the title (other than The Good Wife)

- Loves the tough choices that Game of Thrones & Boardwalk Empire made

What's Worth Watching
January 5 – January 11

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

8p         Wipeout (ABC) {5th season premiere}

             Vampire Diaries (CW)

9p         Grey's Anatomy (ABC) (Ronnie's pick)

             The Secret Circle (CW)

10p       24/7 Flyers Rangers (HBO) {season finale} (Jon's pick)

             Jersey Shore (MTV) {5th season premiere} (Jenny's pick)
             Beyond Scared Straight (A&E) (JD's pick)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

8p         Chuck (NBC)

             A Gifted Man (CBS) (Jenny's pick)

             Cotton Bowl: Arkansas vs Kansas State (FOX)

9p         CSI: NY (CBS)

             Supernatural (CW)

10p       Blue Bloods (CBS) (Ronnie's pick)

             Portlandia/Todd Margaret (IFC) {2nd season premiere} (Steve's, Jon's & JD's pick)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

8p         NFL Playoffs: Lions vs Saints (NBC)
             Cops (FOX) (JD's & Ronnie's pick)
9p         Republican New Hampshire Presidential Debate (ABC)

             Behind The Music: Weird Al Yankovic (VH1Classic) (Jon's pick)

1130p   Saturday Night Live (NBC) Charles Barkley/Kelly Clarkson (Jenny's pick)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8

8p          60 Minutes (CBS)

              Once Upon A Time (ABC) (Ronnie's pick)

              The Simpsons (FOX)

9p          Family Guy (FOX)

              The Good Wife (CBS) (Jenny's pick)

              The Firm (NBC) {pilot}

              Shameless (SHO) {2nd season premiere}

              Downton Abbey (PBS) {2^nd season premiere} (JD's pick)

10p        Hell On Wheels (AMC)

              House Of Lies (SHO) {pilot} (Jon's pick)

1030p   Californication (SHO) {5th season premiere}

MONDAY, JANUARY 9

8p         BCS National Championship: Alabama vs LSU (ESPN) (Jon's pick)

             The Bachelor (ABC) (Jenny's pick)

             Pretty Little Liars (ABC FAMILY)

9p         Fear Factor (NBC)

             Hoarders (A&E)

10p      Castle (ABC)
             Intervention (A&E)  (JD's pick)
             Hawaii Five-O (CBS) (Ronnie's pick)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10

8p         The Biggest Loser (NBC) (Jenny's pick)

             NCIS (CBS)

             Switched At Birth (ABC FAMILY)

9p         NCIS: LA (CBS)  (Ronnie's pick)

10p       Parenthood (NBC)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11

8p        The Middle (ABC)

            One Tree Hill (CW)

830p    Are You There Chelsea (NBC) {pilot}

            Suburgatory (ABC)  (Jenny's & Ronnie's pick)

9p        Modern Family (ABC)

            People's Choice Awards (CBS)

            Inside The NFL (SHO)

            I'm A Chubby Chaser (MTV)  (JD's pick)

10p      Revenge (ABC)

            State of Play (BBCA) {season finale} (Jon's pick)

 

The Best TV of 2011

Just like any other self-appointed TV expert, I feel obligated to create a "Best Of" list as 2011 comes to a close.

It was a strange year for TV. Folks stopped watching Glee (thank you) but kept watching the Kardashians (inexcusable). The big networks continue to struggle while the smaller cable networks innovate with new content.  HBO and Showtime made statements with two incredible original series. And NBC might be turning things around by hiring my boss to judge America's Got Talent.

The good news is that there's still plenty of great television out there.  Taking only this year's episodes into consideration, here are my top 10 shows of 2011:

10.  The Walking Dead (AMC)

The second season was not as good as the first, but the tension on Herschel's farm was gripping. The last episode of 2011 was memorable as Rick became the guy we loved in the comics. The upcoming final half of the season without Darabont's influence will make or break this show.

9.  Modern Family (ABC)

Still the class of network comedies and it makes me laugh every time I watch it, but cliches are starting to creep in. They never should have replaced Lilly.

8.  Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)

Everyone loves Louis CK.  I don't, but I will try watching Louie again.  I love Larry David.  From Bill Buckner to Palestinian chicken, Curb followed up its Seinfeld reunion with a hysterical season in NYC. Give me more Funkhauser and Leon. Please.

7.  Sons of Anarchy (FX)

FX is gaining on AMC for can't miss original programming. Sons got back to Charming and had a crazy season where you didn't know what to expect every week. Kurt Sutter makes bold choices, and his actors deliver solid performances, especially his wife.

6.  Boardwalk Empire (HBO)

I have mixed feelings about Boardwalk.  Buscemi is perfectly cast, and all the men have great backstories and eat up the screen. I don't love the female characters, other than Jimmy's mom (Gretchen Mol) who has issues of her own. I applaud the bold choice made at the end of the season, but it will be tough to move on from here. Great season, great show.

5.  Justified (FX)

Man do I love this show. I'd be there for the adventures of Raylan and Boyd, but it's so much more than that. Margo Martindale gave the best performance of the year and brought the intensity each and every week. Justified has hit its stride, and could move up this list next season.

4.  Parks & Recreation (NBC)

The funniest show on television takes place in Pawnee. Great characters, fun situations, and a little bit of love to go around. Amy Poehler and crew gel so well. This show reminds me of how good The Office used to be (you won't find that show on this list).

3.  Homeland (SHOWTIME)

I'm not sure if Claire Danes is acting or really that crazy. I got to interview Damian Lewis, so I know he's acting and he's been brilliant. Mandy Patinkin is the icing on this government pursuing terrorists cake. It's got the twist and turns of 24 but seems grounded in reality. This is the best show Showtime has produced since Dexter.

2.  Game of Thrones (HBO)

An epic. Perfectly made for TV. So many characters to follow with fabulous storylines. It looks great. No one, and I mean no one, is safe week to week. This was the best new show of the season. And I've read four of the books now, so I know what's on the horizon and it's fantastic. Winter is coming.

1. Breaking Bad (AMC)

It doesn't get any better than this.  You can't take your eyes off Bryan Cranston, unless you're watching Giancarlo Esposito as Gus Fring.  Aaron Paul more than holds his own. Even Anna Gunn didn't annoy me this season. The best acting and writing on TV was right here once again, all the way to the end.

I hope you all have happy holidays, and here's to a great 2012.  What's Worth Watching returns with Cougar Town/Scrubs/Spin City/Clone High creator Bill Lawrence on January 5th.