BENJAMONSTER AWARDS 2022: A Look Ahead

For the third annual year, I will be presenting an extended end of season awards show. It will have some similarities to the Emmys in terms of categories and eligibility but will of course be completely based on my preferences and what I have watched. 

Here are the rules for eligibility:
- Shows had to have aired the majority of its season between June 1, 2021 and May 31, 2022.
- A show is considered eligible if I watched at least four episodes of it. Many of them I have watched the full season, but four episodes is the cutoff for eligibility.
- I am making my own calls for whether an actor/actress fits into a leading or supporting category but in general sticking with how they are submitted for the Emmys. Same for the different genres.
- A limited series is any series that was designed to be close-ended. An anthology series is any series that airs as an anthology either season to season OR episode to episode.
- For Guest Actor or Actress, they can appear in up to four episodes

There will be a new post for every day in the month of July, posting every morning at 7am EST. Here is the schedule to look forward to!

July 1 - The Limited/Anthology Series Nominees
July 2 - The Drama Series Nominees
July 3 - The Comedy Series Nominees

July 4 - Outstanding Technical Design of a Limited/Anthology Series
July 5 - Outstanding Technical Design of a Drama Series
July 6 - Outstanding Technical Design of a Comedy Series

July 7 - Outstanding Guest Actor or Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series
July 8 - Outstanding Guest Actor or Actress in a Drama Series
July 9 - Outstanding Guest Actor or Actress in a Comedy Series

July 10 - Outstanding Writing of a Limited/Anthology Series
July 11 - Outstanding Writing of a Drama Series
July 12 - Outstanding Writing of a Comedy Series

July 13 - Outstanding Directing of a Limited/Anthology Series
July 14 - Outstanding Directing of a Drama Series
July 15 - Outstanding Directing of a Comedy Series

July 16 - Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series
July 17 - Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
July 18 - Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

July 19 - Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series
July 20 - Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
July 21 - Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

July 22 - Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series
July 23 - Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
July 24 - Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

July 25 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series
July 26 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
July 27 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

July 28 - Outstanding Limited/Anthology Series
July 29 - Outstanding Drama Series
July 30 - Outstanding Comedy Series
July 31 - Recap

THE FRIDAY FIVE: Top 5 TV News Stories of the Week Ending 6/10/22

Here's a look at the Top 5 TV News Stories of the week! After today, my blog will be taking a summer break from regular posts. Check back daily in July for my third annual Benjamonster Awards and then again in September for the resumption of regular blog posts!

#1 - SEASON 3 OF "TED LASSO" COULD BE ITS LAST

This has been a story for awhile but it got new fuel to the fire this week when series co-star and co-writer Brett Goldstein said they are more or less sticking with the original plan of making Ted Lasso a three season show so the upcoming season would be written as if its the finale. However, no one has come out and said in black and white terms that it will be done after three seasons so that leads me to believe that Apple TV+ is going to find a way to keep it going and they're going to back up a truckload of money to convince Jason Sudeikis and crew to continue the show. It's the signature show for the still-young streamer and they're not going to be ready to let it go with another slew of Emmy nominations likely to come in July. I believe they truly thought it was going to be a three season show but reality is going to make it longer than that.

EPISODE GUIDES: Happy Days Season Five (Part 2)

On Thursdays, I take a detailed and critical look at a TV show by season. Today I am looking at Season 5 (Part 1) of Happy Days! For Part 1, click here!

104. Joanie's First Kiss (1/17/78)

Joanie goes on her first date, despite Howard's objections, at a party Ralph and Potsie throw at their apartment.

Happy Days seems to have realized they were doing too many Fonzie-themed episodes during this season because other ensemble members get a chance to shine in several different episodes. This one is Joanie's turn and it's a sweet story about young love. Richie can be a little insufferable in this episode but the most generous interpretation would be that he is just trying to be a good big brother. There are also some funny moments from Howard.

RATING: 7.5/10

105. Marion's Misgivings (1/24/78)

After a friend of hers gets divorced, Marion worries that the spark is going out of her marriage with Howard.

Now it's Marion's turn to have a story and it's a good one even if it's a sitcom trope - a woman feels like the spark has gone out of her marriage. This episode is famous for Marion's attempts to spice things up as an Arabian dancer and Marion Ross is absolutely hilarious in that scene. There's also an extended dream sequence in this episode too that works to an extent thanks to a strong commitment from Tom Bosley. Leather Tuscadero returns in this episode and does better when she has to sing more and act less. And Chachi has joined Richie's band, replacing the female drummer who never had any lines.

RATING: 9/10

ONE SEASON WONDERS: Get Smart

On Wednesdays, I take a look at a series that lasted one season or less. This week, I am looking at 1995's Get Smart!

GET SMART

January 8, 1995 - February 19, 1995

7 episodes

FOX

Starring: Don Adams, Andy Dick, Elaine Hendrix

Based on: Get Smart created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry

Developed by: Michael J. DiGaetano and Lawrence Gay

Plot: An updated version of the classic 1960s series. Maxwell Smart (Adams) is now Chief of CONTROL, which is still fighting KAOS in 1995. His son, Zach (Dick) is a young agent for CONTROL with partner, Agent 66 (Hendrix). Barbara Feldon returns in a recurring role as 99 and her character is now a congresswoman.

Brief Pilot Review:

I'm a big fan of the original Get Smart. It's been a favorite of mine for a long time. Even though it is a silly 60s sitcom sometimes, it is also a sharp satire with a flair of creativity not seen in many of its fellow 60s sitcoms. Despite being a fan of the original, I had never given a look to the 90s revival until now. It reeks of all the problems that plague many revivals to this day. It tries too hard to pay homage to the original and simultaneously update everything and the result is a show that is halfway between feeling tired and trying too hard to feel new. That being said, I don't think Get Smart is a horrible premise to update. The 2008 movie did a pretty nice job at it and even this revival seemed to understand the context of how KAOS could be a problem in the 90s. But when you bring back the original stars, it's always a fine line to walk and this revival struggled with that.

EMMY PREVIEW: Series Races

I will be ending by Emmy Preview with a look at the Series races! Lots could change between now and nominations day on July 14 but here is how I see things shaking out as of now.

COMEDY

As I have mentioned, the comedy series categories are incredibly competitive this year. Maybe the most competitive ever with a whopping 14 former nominees eligible in the categories along with several promising newbies. Two former winners are in the mix: last year's winner Ted Lasso and 2018's winner The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Lasso is definitely a serious threat to repeat as winner. Maisel will probably get nominated again though the fourth season was not received as well as the first three. Two slam dunk nominees are Barry and Hacks. Both could be threats to unseat Lasso as the winner as well. After that, there's a logjam of potential returning nominees. Black-ish has been nominated four times and returned as a nominee last year after two years without getting a nod. It is the final season for that show and Insecure but final season nominations have been hit and miss over the years. Russian Doll is Netflix's best bet in a year where they don't have any real serious comedy contenders but its second season seemed to have lukewarm buzz. Curb Your Enthusiasm has been nominated nine times in this category dating back to 2002 (and never won) but I don't see it getting a tenth nomination this year. What We Do in the Shadows was a surprise nominee in 2020 and could get in again though I don't feel great about its chances. Ditto for Atlanta, which had a polarizing third season after several years off. Cobra Kai, Emily in Paris and PEN15 were all nominees in 2021 but that was a much weaker field and I don't see any of them returning. The most interesting one in the mix is The Flight Attendant, which had a strong haul of nominations last year. I could see it doing well again or getting snubbed in a lot of places. Right now I'm leaning a bit toward the latter .The best bets besides the big contenders could be new shows. Only Murders in the Building seems like a slam dunk for its acclaimed first season while buzz seems to be growing for Abbott Elementary to be a strong broadcast representative. The Great seemed to be on the cusp of getting nominated in 2020 but the competition is more fierce this year. I would keep an eye out for Reservation Dogs, which could be a surprise nominee. A few longshots include The Afterparty, Ghosts, Julia and the final season of Better Things.

PREDICTED NOMINEES

These are listed in order of likelihood to get nominated, not necessarily to win. I'm listing eight for each category even though several categories may end up with less than eight.

1. Ted Lasso

2. Hacks

3. Barry

4. Only Murders in the Building

5. Abbott Elementary

6. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

7. Black-ish

8. Reservation Dogs

UPFRONTS: FOX 2022-23 Schedule

FOX didn't unveil its fall schedule with everyone else during Upfronts week but they released it now with premiere dates included so here it is!

MONDAYS

8:00 9-1-1 (6th season)

9:00 The Cleaning Lady (2nd season)

9-1-1 remains on Mondays at 8pm and 9-1-1: Lone Star will once again be held for midseason. FOX had a big time flop on Mondays at 9pm this past fall with The Big Leap but they fared a little better in the weekend with The Cleaning Lady so that show will come back in the fall. They probably could have aimed a little higher here but broadcast networks are not in the business of aiming high right now.

TUESDAYS

8:00 The Resident (6th season)

9:00 MONARCH

Tuesday night has the only new show on the FOX fall schedule. The long delayed country music drama Monarch will premiere after the NFL doubleheader on September 11 and then settle in on Tuesdays following The Resident. Monarch was slated to premiere in January and commercials were even on the air before FOX suddenly pulled it while maintaining it was a "high priority." They seem true to their word as it will get a big launch and is the only new show to promote.

WEDNESDAYS

8:00 The Masked Singer (8th edition)

9:00 LEGO Masters (3rd season)

Wednesdays remain unscripted with the eighth edition of the diminishing but still solid The Masked Singer paired with fellow unscripted show LEGO Masters, which was pushed back to fall after a planned summer run.

THURSDAYS

8:00 Hell's Kitchen (21st edition)

9:00 Welcome to Flatch (2nd season)

9:30 Call Me Kat (3rd season)

FOX no longer has football on Thursdays as that package has gone to Amazon. So they will pair the always reliable Hell's Kitchen with their two most recent Thursday comedies. Despite minuscule ratings, Welcome to Flatch was renewed and will get the 9pm slot while Call Me Kat will slide back to 9:30pm for its third season. What does this mean for Mayim Bialik hosting or not hosting Jeopardy?

FRIDAYS

8:00 WWE Smackdown

SATURDAYS

8:00 FOX Sports Saturday

SUNDAYS

7:00 NFL Overrun/The OT/Animated Encores

8:00 The Simpsons (34th season)

8:30 The Great North (3rd season)

9:00 Bob's Burgers (13th season)

9:30 Family Guy (21st season)

As usual, FOX is sticking with animated shows on Sunday with three of them long time staples and The Great North starting to settle into that role as well. There are several other animated shows on the bench so we'll see if this group gets broken up to start up another night of animation.

MIDSEASON: ACCUSED, ALERT, FOOD STARS, GRIMSBURG, KRAPOPOLIS, 9-1-1: Lone Star, Beat Shazam, Crime Scene Kitchen, Don't Forget the Lyrics, Fantasy Island, Housebroken, Masterchef, Next Level Chef

FOX has a lot of shows on the bench for midseason and some of them will probably be for short winter runs or summer runs. The most interesting ones to watch will be new dramas Accused and Alert as well as new animated comedies Grimsburg and Krapopolis. The new season of Next Level Chef will get the post-Super Bowl slot in February.

CANCELLED/ENDED: The Big Leap, Our Kind of People, Pivoting

SCHEDULES OF THE PAST: 1994-1995 Sundays

This is the final week for the "season" on my blog. I will be back with my third annual Benjamonster Awards in July and then back to regular posting in the fall. But before that, here's a look at Sundays in the 1994-95 season!

ABC	7:00	7:30	8:00	9:00	10:00
Sep	America’s Funniest Home Videos	On Our Own	Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman	Sunday Night Movie
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan		America’s Funniest Home Videos
Feb
Mar
Apr
May

ABC's Sunday nights looked pretty similar to the previous season but a new sitcom took the place of the cancelled America's Funniest People. America's Funniest Home Videos returned at 7pm and was a steady performer but no longer a sensation. Lois & Clark continued at 8pm and that show was more of a sensation with critics and buzz but the actual ratings were pretty mediocre. At 7:30pm was On Our Own, a family comedy featuring the Smollett siblings (all six of them!) and Ralph Louis Harris. It seemed on paper like a family comedy would be a good match with Videos, but it didn't work out. It was pulled from Sunday nights in December and resurfaced briefly on TGIF in the spring. ABC opted to just go with a second half hour of America's Funniest Home Videos, which was the right call as it did better than the 7pm episode. ABC's movie at 9pm jumped ahead of the competing NBC movie but still trailed the CBS movie.

THE FRIDAY FIVE: Top 5 TV News Stories of the Week Ending 6/3/22

I didn't have a Friday Five last week so here's a look at the top TV news stories over the past couple weeks!

#1 - KALEY CUOCO WANTS TO END "THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT"

As The Flight Attendant's second season came to an end, Kaley Cuoco said in an interview that she is ready for the show to be done. She told People.com "the plane had landed" and she's not interested in doing a third season though she also acknowledges that she is in the minority with that opinion. After a first season that saw Emmy nominations for the series and Cuoco among others, the second season has had more mixed reviews but continued praise for Cuoco. She also talked about the physical difficulty of filming the second season so it's not surprising that she might be looking at doing something else. But money talks too so I wouldn't rule a third season out if HBO Max wants it.

EPISODE GUIDES: Happy Days Season Five (Part 1)

On Thursdays, I take a detailed and critical look at a TV show by season. Today I am looking at Season 5 (Part 1) of Happy Days!

HAPPY DAYS: SEASON FIVE

1977-1978

27 episodes

Season Five is the year where Fonzie infamously jumps the shark. It happens at the beginning of the season and while Happy Days does eventually decline in quality, it is not this season. In fact, this season graded out slightly higher than the previous season even though it doesn't feel as strong. I think that's because there's not a lot of outright stinkers in this season. It's a very solid season with the show continuing to hum along. There are some signs of the troubles to come but it doesn't happen on a regular basis in the fifth season.

Starring

Ron Howard as Richie Cunningham (27 episodes)

Henry Winkler as Arthur Fonzarelli (27 episodes)

Tom Bosley as Howard Cunningham (27 episodes)

Marion Ross as Marion Cunningham (27 episodes)

Anson Williams as Potsie Webber (27 episodes)

Don Most as Ralph Malph (27 episodes)

Erin Moran as Joanie Cunningham (27 episodes)

Scott Baio as Chachi Arcola (23 episodes)

Al Molinaro as Al Delvecchio (24 episodes)

Lynda Goodfriend as Lori Beth Allen (10 episodes)

Suzi Quatro as Leather Tuscadero (5 episodes)

Lorrie Mahaffey as Jennifer Jerome (2 episodes)

Ed Peck as Officer Kirk (1 episode)

Beatrice Colon as Marsha Simms (1 episode)

89/90. Hollywood Part 1/2 (9/13/77)

Fonzie gets discovered by a talent scout at Arnold's and gets a screen test in Hollywood. The Cunninghams and Potsie and Ralph join Fonzie on the trip to California.

The "Hollywood" episodes of Happy Days are infamous for Fonzie's jumping the shark, something that has become synonymous with TV shows going off the rails. The thing that's always bothered me about that expression is this isn't really when Happy Days went south. It did go south but it was several years later so even though Fonzie jumping the shark is ridiculous, it's not a sign of the show falling apart. This hour-long episode (split into two parts for syndication and on DVD) has some good moments and is a fun opportunity to get the cast in a different setting. There are some silly things (the shark jumping of course - which doesn't happen until part three, and the guy who thinks he's Jack Benny). But it's not as bad as the rap it's gotten in the years since. This is also the first appearance by Scott Baio.

RATING: 6.5/10

91. Hollywood Part 3 (9/20/77)

Fonzie is challenged by a local California man to jump over a shark on water skis. Richie gets ready to sign a contract with a Hollywood studio.

Just because I was defensive that Happy Days didn't metaphorically "jump the shark" with this episode doesn't mean I'm defensive about the literal jumping of the shark that happens in this episode. That scene is completely ridiculous and unnecessary. It was so much more about a very popular show trying to have a huge moment as it returned from the summer hiatus. It was also about the writers starting to think they could just put Fonzie in any situation and it would work. The rest of the episode works better with Richie's dilemma about possibly staying in Hollywood. But the shark jumping does knock it down some notches. This wasn't the beginning of the end of Happy Days but it's not a good moment for the show.

RATING: 3/10

ONE SEASON WONDERS: The Office

On Wednesdays, I take a look at a series that lasted one season or less. This week, I am looking at 1995's The Office!

THE OFFICE

March 11, 1995 - April 15, 1995
5 episodes
CBS

Starring: Valerie Harper, Andrea Abbate, Kevin Conroy, Lisa Darr, Kristin Dattilo-Hayward, Gary Dourdan, Dakin Matthews, Debra Jo Rupp

Created by: Susan Beavers and Barbara Corday

Plot: Rita Stone (Harper) is a long-time secretary at a package design company who manages three other secretaries (Rupp, Abbate & Dattilo-Hayward) while also dealing with incompetent CEO, Frank (Matthews). Other office members include the only female executive, Natalie (Darr), the firm's artist, Bobby (Doudan) and salesman Steve (Conroy).

Brief Pilot Review:

No, it's not THAT The Office. A decade before NBC's iconic workplace sitcom, there was a much less iconic sitcom of the same name on CBS. The series deliberately was going for an Upstairs, Downstairs approach with the attention focused on the secretaries serving their richer and more powerful bosses while really keeping the whole operation afloat. I think that is a good angle for a sitcom that is a little bit different from a typical office comedy with a very clear divide between the two groups. The pilot plays to those themes with a plot centered on the secretarial staff no longer being paid overtime and an on-going debate between the "upstairs" and the "downstairs" where the two factions retreated to their corners. It was a really nice way to introduce the characters and the dynamics between individual characters and the two groups.