GOOD WEEK/BAD WEEK: Week 23

GOOD WEEK: "PERSON OF INTEREST"
CBS's new drama was one of the most hotly anticipated pilots last season as CBS claimed it was their highest testing pilot in years. It got the coveted Thursday 9pm slot that had been held by CSI for a decade and there were high hopes but it didn't start out so great as it was finishing fourth in its timeslot in the demo behind Grey's Anatomy, The Office, and Bones. But things have only picked up since then. Unlike most freshman dramas, it has grown as the season has gone on and now this week tied Grey's Anatomy for first in the demo. This came after hitting series highs a couple weeks in a row. Now with it's low 3 demo, it puts itself right in the upper echelon of broadcast dramas with Grey's, Once Upon a Time, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Criminal Minds (of course all are looking up at NCIS). It is easily CBS's number one new drama as it has far surpassed Unforgettable. Many wondered if CBS would move this show or cancel it all together a few months back but now I think it should stay put and I'm glad viewers are realizing how good this show truly is.

BAD WEEK: "AMERICAN IDOL"
Yes, American Idol is still one of TV's top shows but the long-running reality smash is showing some major signs of age this year. With its mega drops this week (a full demo point on Wednesday), it is now running north of 35% below last year's numbers at this time. That is a horrific drop for any show and it looks like American Idol may finally be running out of steam. Don't get me wrong, it will be on for awhile still because it can still drop a long way before it becomes cancellation material, but it's not anywhere close to the force it once was. Shows can survive and thrive airing against it and The Voice has stolen its thunder (it also may have been impacted by The X-Factor as there is an overload of shows now). It's still a hit, but it's not broadcast TV's crown jewel anymore. How far will the Thursday ratings drop this season?

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EPISODE GUIDES: Rhoda Season Five

On Thursdays, I go through classic series with a critical look at each season. Today I am looking at Season Five (the final season) of Rhoda ! RHODA: SEASON FIVE 1978 13 episodes Rhoda' s final season was a truncated one as the show was cancelled in December 1978 after only 13 episodes had been produced (and only nine had aired). This feels like a continuation from season four in many ways except with the ill-advised split between Ida and Martin (more on that below). While Rhoda has an occasional good moment and even a couple decent episodes, it is a show that seems so wildly different from season one and not in a good way. Rhoda could never figure out what it fully wanted to be and only made it four and a half seasons as a result. Starring Valerie Harper as Rhoda Morgenstern (13 episodes) Julie Kavner as Brenda Morgenstern (13 episodes) Ray Buktenica as Benny Goodwin (11 episodes) Kenneth McMillan as Jack Doyle (9 episodes) Nancy Wa...

SCHEDULES OF THE PAST: 1995-1996 Thursdays

On Tuesdays, I take a look at schedules from yesteryear. Here's a look at Thursdays in the 1995-96 season! ABC 8:00 8:30 9:00 10:00 Sep Charlie Grace The Monroes Various Programs Oct Murder One Nov Various Programs Dec Various Programs Thursday Night Movie Jan Feb World’s Funniest Videos Before They Were Stars! Mar Apr May NBC was the powerhouse on Thursday nights but ABC still gave it the old college try in the Fall of 1995 with a trio of new dramas that they hoped would help them cut into the Peacock's dominance. Headlining their night was Murder One , a high profile new show from Steven Bochco that received much of the network's attention before the season started. The series focused on one murder case for an entire season, whi...

DECADE IN REVIEW: The Best Comedies of the 2010s

During the month of December, I will be looking back at the decade that was the 2010s on TV. I will be sharing my favorite sitcoms, dramas, the best episodes, the best performances and the worst shows of the decade. To be eligible for this list, a show had to air the majority of its episodes in the 2010s. However, for the rankings and determination, all episodes were taken into account, including ones that may have aired before 2010. I will also preface that there are comedies that have aired this decade that I haven't watched yet so this is the best of what I have watched. To be fair, that preface is more true for dramas. There's not a ton of unwatched comedies sitting in my Netflix or Amazon watchlist. So here are my Top 10 comedies of the 2010s! Close Calls: Master of None (Netflix) - An inconsistent but occasionally fascinating commentary on many life issues done so with innovative storytelling. The Good Place (NBC) - A show that aims high with a fascinating premis...

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