Category: Television

Upfront and Center Part 3: NBC

6/20/2012

You guys! It's time for the final installment! Are you so excited? I'll bet you're excited. Time to talk about NBC.

Oh NBC. I want to love you. For the most part, you have awesome Awesome AWESOME taste in comedies. That means a lot coming from me. I'm REALLY picky about comedies. When it comes to drama, I'll kind of watch a range of quality. I'm aware some of the things I love are actually horrible, but I can enjoy them. When it comes to comedy, however, you better bring it. Usually, NBC, you do. You're home to Community! 30 Rock! And my most recent I-should-have-watched-this-forever-ago-but-I'm-just-now-getting-into-it show, Parks and Rec. With that, I was really excited to see what you had to offer. And, well, I'm not gonna lie...I was a little disappointed. I expected more from you, NBC. I really did.

Ok, fine. I can't complain TOO much. You were the one network to deliver the ONLY pilot trailer that actually made me laugh out loud. Are you ready for the only comedy that I'm remotely excited about this fall? WELL HERE YOU GO!

The New Normal

Now, I know, I know. Ryan Murphy. But! You guys! His first seasons are FANTASTIC. Popular, Nip/Tuck, Glee, American Horror Story: all had terrific beginnings. This show looks quirky, funny, charming, and heartwarming with a touch of the irreverent humor I love. At the very least we'll get 13 great episodes, and isn't 13 better than nothing?

Plus! Ellen Barkin!!! And a reference to Alicia Florrick! Come on, check it out with me!

Revolution

Why should you watch it? Three reasons: Eric Kripke (Supernatural), Jon Favreau (Ironman, SWINGERS!!), J.J. Abrams (seriously? I have to link you? you don't know who he is? Fine.). Here's the deal, though. I really want it to do well because you know I'm a big nerd and I love the whole genre, but I don't think it will last. So check it out while it's on! It looks like it'll be a fun ride! Post-apocalyptic world! Archery! Intrigue! Mystery! It'll be fun while it lasts. And hey, maybe if enough of us watch it'll get to stay on air!

Chicago Fire

Ok, i'll be honest. I....probably won't watch this one. Well, no, that's not true. I'll probably watch the pilot because I try to watch all of the fall pilots if I'm able. However, I can't promise I'll stick with it. I'm sure it will be fine, just not my cup of tea. I just had to post the trailer on here because I'm pervy and like looking at Taylor Kinney with his shirt off. Jesse Spencer is fairly attractive as well (even if he's cuter with his real accent).

Well, my little chickadees, that's all for now! Now we just gotta wait till fall to see what actually works and what doesn't. Till then, I'll be watching mindlessly fun summer shows (Bunheads and Pretty Little Liars), and catching up on old shows that I should have been watching from the beginning but some how missed out (Nurse Jackie, I'm looking at you).

Till next time! <3

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Upfront and Center Part 2

6/5/2012

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I'm back with more Fall Television excitement!! Can you stand it? This week's installment will focus on The CW and Fox.

The CW

Oh, CW. I do love you so. I have a special attachment to the CW. First it began as my love for The WB. Remember the WB? I was the perfect age for The WB. I hit it just as they were courting the teenage viewers: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dawson's Creek, Felicity- they were made for me and My People (and by My People I mean teens).

Then there was UPN. I didn't know much about UPN except for this little cult gem of a TV show called Veronica Mars. Now, if you've been following my blog (or have ever met me. ever.), you know my feelings on this show. When it was about to begin it's 3rd season (or face cancellation), the two networks merged and formed what is now The CW. Somehow my friends and I were magically able to attend (crash) their upfront party in Bryant Park that year and got to feel all fancy. It was then that my love of television programming/ratings/etc began. This was the moment I started looking at TV beyond nightly entertainment, and more as a genuine career path.

So yes, the CW has a special place in my heart. <3

Arrow

Alan Kistler is a good friend of mine. For those of you who don't know him, he is an author and comic book historian who genuinely LOVES to help people understand/get into comics. Thanks to him, I know the basics of many super heroes, including Green Arrow. Of course I was psyched for the CWs attempt to fill the hole Smallville left behind. Then...I saw this clip.

Not gonna lie, any idea of what this show is about left my brain. Why? Because Stephen Amell does shirtless pull ups.

Let me say that again.

STEPHEN AMELL DOES SHIRTLESS PULL UPS.

And if that isn't enough reason to be excited about this show, I don't know what is.

FOX

Remember how I said I was the right age for the WB? Well, they were not the first geniuses to come up with the idea of wooing teens. Fox was. Oh and watch I did. The ORIGINAL 90210. To this day, I have no idea why my parents allowed me to, but they did and I am grateful. If not, how could I have ever fallen in love with Dylan McKay? My very first Bad Boy with a Heart of Gold.

Times changed and Fox has moved on, but they still have some things that get me as excited as Donna Martin meeting Color Me Badd.

Such as this gem right here:

The Mindy Project. Mindy Kaling! In what will basically be a season-long Rom Com!! In NYC!!! I think of all the shows premiering this fall, this is my favorite so far. It looks adorable and quirky and wish-fulfillmenty and I'm hooked already.

The Mob Doctor is a show that wouldn't normally be on my radar. I'm not a big procedural fan. That being said, oh Zach Gilford I will watch anything you're in. MATT SERACIN!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 Plus, for a procedural, I'm somewhat intrigued!

So, there ya have it folks. Join us next time when we discuss NBC's new shows and more!

Do you find any of these shows appealing?

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Upfront and Center Part 1

5/21/2012

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I love TV. LOVE it. Some might say I'm mildly obsessed. Others may say I"m wildly obsessed. Currently I have 51 episodes of shows in my hulu queue that I WILL get to. However, instead of focusing on that like a normal person (well, a normal person that would have 51 shows in their Hulu queue, that is), I'm looking forward to even MORE TV!! YAYHOORAY!!

Yes, folks. It's that time of year. THE UPFRONTS!!! For those not in the know, Upfronts are the times when networks announce their new seasons to perspective advertisers and try to get some cash monies out of them. It's when you find out which of your favorite shows were canceled, which are staying, but most importantly which brand new pilots are making it on your screen.

It can be overwhelming, but don't worry. I've done my homework and checked out all of the major networks and I'm here to share the shows I'm most looking forward to, just for YOU, dear reader! Disclaimer: I do not watch reality TV, but I love me some guilty pleasure scripted shows. So go ahead. Judge me. The next couple blog posts will focus on 2 different networks (in alphabetical order!). Today, we're looking at ABC and CBS.

ABC

Oh, ABC. First of all, bless you. Thank you for providing me with Revenge, my favorite show this season. You already have a special place in my heart. When it comes to next fall, it looks like you may be providing me with some brand new wonderful guilty pleasure shows to go along with it!

Nashville

It has been described as County Strong: the TV Series. Now, I haven't seen Country Strong so I can't really speak for that, but what I HAVE seen and CAN speak for is Mrs. Tami Taylor. Oh Connie Britton, how I love thee. I kind of want to be you when I grow up. I will watch any and everything you are in. The plot around this show revolves around an beyond-her-prime Country singer, Rayna James (Britton), and an up-and-coming autotuned nightmare, Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere). There's also some politics thrown in involving a mayoral race and I am SURE lots of cheating and backstabbing and soapy goodness. I'm not the biggest country music fan, so I may have to fast forward through some of the numbers, but I have a feeling I'm still gonna dig it.

Last Resort

Now this one isn't my typical type of show. It's all action adventure on a submarine. I mean, I like the occasional action movie as much as the next nerdy chick, but I'm not 100% sold on an entire season of it. It looks like they're trying once more to capture the excitement and goodness of Lost, minus the supernatural elements. That being said, It's starring Scott Speedman (from Felicity!), Andre Braugher (from Homicide!), Jessy Shram (from Veronica Mars!), Dichen Lachman (from Dollhouse!), and Autumn Reeser (from The OC!). With a cast like that, and a fun looking trailer, how could you go wrong?? (well, many ways, but we're staying positive here)

666 Park Avenue

Speaking of Lost and supernatural elements, how about this attempt starring John Locke (Terry O'Quinn for those of you who don't think people are who they play on TV) and Vanessa Williams. I'm not 100% sure what it's about (did the couple sell their souls to live in this luxury building on Park Avenue?), but I don't really care. I'm a sucker for these types of things. And considering that it's going to be on Sunday nights after my lover, Revenge combined with the fact that Dave Annable is pretty to look at? I'm sold.

CBS

Oh, CBS. I think for the most part I'm just not in your target demographic. To be honest, the only show I currently watch on CBS is The Good Wife (which I love!). I only saw 4 previews of upcoming shows, but my reaction was the exact same for each one: "I didn't hate it..." None of them were particularly must see TV for me. In fact, I'm not going to even bother posting previews, just some quick thoughts.

Partners, their new comedy offering, has a fun cast with the creators of Will and Grace. I didn't hate Elementary as much as I thought I would (it will NEVER replace Sherlock in my heart!! NEVER!!! BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH AND MARTIN FREEMAN FOR EVAHHH!!!). I've heard good things about Vegas, but it's not for me. And Made in Jersey could have the potential for goodness like The Good Wife so we'll see. Perhaps I'll be a convert by seasons end!

So there you have it, folks! I'll be back soon with thoughts on CW and Fox. Till then, what shows are you excited for?

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Happiest of Birthdays!

1/26/2012

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I love birthdays. I really, truly do. It’s a great way to say to someone, “you know what? I’m glad you’re alive.” I also particularly love my birthday because (surprise, surprise) I like to be the center of attention from time to time. In fact, I love them so much, I now celebrate full Birthweeks.

My official birthday was Friday, Saturday was my party, and then it continued into Sunday at my day job’s holiday party (which technically wasn’t for my birthday, but I pretended it was :)) All of these celebrations were absolutely wonderful, but nothing can top the best unexpected present I recieved the Wednesday prior. That’s when the real celebration began.

It started with seeing Follies on Broadway. Once upon a time, I did that show in community theatre when I was in high school and played Young Sally. I have been in love with it ever since. The story, the score, it’s all brilliant and heart breaking, yet life affirming at the same time. It’s one of my life goals to play adult Sally (gimme 30 years. I’ll be there). The production was stunning and left my friend and I needing to sing our hearts out. So off we go to my favorite show tune piano bar.

I wasn’t planning on staying late, but that place always sucks me in. Next thing I know, it’s almost 2am and I’m about to finish up my drink, sing one last tune, and head out….then in walks Alan Cumming and Darren Criss. Both wearing adorable hipster glasses and striped shirts. Yes. The Scottish Elf himself and the adorably talented Blaine from Glee. They’re friends. There’s no way I was leaving. In fact, we may have closed down the bar. And the other bar we went to afterwards.

We sang our faces off together. Alan Cumming sang “Suddenly Seymour” directly to me while I sang the Audrey part right back to him. At one point, my friend leaned over and said “Alan Cumming really loves you!” I KNOW!!! Through the rest of the night, I kept connecting with both of them. They even sang a couple solos/duets themselves. There were maybe 15 people in the bar altogether at this point, so basically we had our own very private concert (not to mention the second bar we went to where Alan sang Adele's "Someone Like You" and Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful". Not even kidding). The thing I loved the most was that they were there for the same reason I was: they loved to sing show tunes. That’s it. They were out on the town doing something they loved. You could see it on their faces just how happy they were to be there and be goofy and nerdy and just have a good time.

Afterwards, I went up to them individually. I did not want to bother them while they were enjoying their evening, but I had to at least say hello. I went up to Darren first and said how lovely it was singing with him and congratulated him on How to Succeed. He couldn’t have been sweeter. He complimented me on my singing, saying how good I was and how he was afraid to sing as to not mess me up. Apparently he comes to this bar a lot on a different night of the week and told me to stop by. Next time I see that he’s in NY, I might just have to take him up on that!

Alan was very much the same. He complimented me as well, was very sweet and kind, and even introduced himself to me. So yeah, I’m on a first name basis with Alan Cumming. NBD. :)!!!

It all just left me thinking. At first I was very confused. I made the decision this year to stop doing musical theatre. It’s something I love, but it’s not something I truly want to pursue as a full-time career. What I really want more than anything is to work in television. I LOVE television. It’s my favorite medium of all. But here I was, first watching an incredibly gorgeous Sondheim show, wanting desperately to be up there on that stage, then being complimented on my singing by Broadway actors, one of whom even won the TONY! Did I make the wrong choice? But then finally it hit me. And I could not believe how stupid I was not to realize this. Yes, one of them is a TONY award winner, yes one of them is (was) starring in a Broadway show, but what are they doing right now? THE GOOD WIFE and GLEE. What are those things? TELEVISION SHOWS. Just because I’m not pursuing musical theatre right this very second does not mean I never will. I don’t have to choose one over the other, I can have them both. Just not right this very second. This year my goal is to book a role on a TV show and that’s OK. I still have a place where I can go and belt my heart out if I need to. And maybe one day I’ll be that actress that walks into that bar and everyone wants to talk to because Oh My God It’s Rebecca Kopec she’s so awesome and famous and wow she can sing and man she’s so super nice and sweet too! And I’ll bring along my two friends, Alan and Darren.

Best. Birthday Present. Ever.

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Upfront and Center Part 3: NBC

Upfront and Center Part 2

Upfront and Center Part 1

Happiest of Birthdays!

RebeccaKopec

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