triple threat

I read a book last Christmas called "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns)" that changed my life.  Okay, that might be is a dramatic overstatement but it was a seriously hilarious and inspiring book.  The book is the story of Mindy Kaling who I believe is the ultimate triple threat.  Now in the entertainment world most people consider a triple threat to be someone who can act, dance and sing but I think that's overrated! There are tons of talented people out there that can do all those things and they are probably all trying to be on Glee.

Courtesy of Google Images

Mindy Kaling is the smart, funny, cool girl version of a triple threat as a talented actor, writer, and producer. Although she has had some small parts in big movies (No Strings Attached, Five Year Engagement), she got her "big break" in the industry as a writer on this little show called The Office.  Many people who watch the show might know her as Kelly Kapoor, the office's gossip and overall chatterbox, but she also is a writer, producer and sometimes director of the show as well.  As Kelly Kapoor, who was mainly a background character, Kaling was often a scene stealer in her 8 seasons on the show (I desperately hope she returns for this years final season to say goodbye).  More recently, Kaling can be seen on The Mindy Project, a new show on Fox that she created, stars in and often writes for. The Mindy Project is one of my favorite new shows, not only because Kaling is great in it but it shows a strong female lead that maybe doesn't know exactly what she's doing all the time but either way she is confident and extremely likable.

I 1000% think all girls should read her book.  She is honest, open and absolutely hysterical.  She talks about a lot of subjects that women might struggle with and writes in such a relatable tone.  After reading this book, I immediately wanted to be her friend as I do most of the funny women in Hollywood, i.e. Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Kristen Wiig, etc.  The thing that attracts me to these women is that they never apologize for being exactly who they are, flaws and all.  Obviously it's just a book and I don't know her personally but either way it gives me hope that maybe if I keep plugging away I can make it in the entertainment industry too, on my own terms.

The Mindy Project comes on Tuesdays on FOX at 9:30 after The New Girl.  Everyone should watch these two shows.

its jess

When it comes to television shows I have a lot of opinions.  They are characters I like, and some I don't like.  I am especially opinionated when it comes to premiere time.  I am overly skeptical of new pilots because I watch way too many shows to begin with, so it must be something spectacular to fit into my overpopulated TV week.  Along with being very strongly opinionated, I also admit when I am wrong.

Courtesy of Google Images

After a post graduation induced summer hiatus, unemployment has forced me back blogging to talk about my favorite shows and to discuss everything and anything television.  My first post being back is to admit that I was wrong about The New Girl.  Many of my friends and family urged me to watch this show but as per usual I wanted to wait until season one was over. Then I could just catch up during the summer without having to wait in between episodes.  I stand by my decision to wait because it allows me to watch them faster but I do want to share my LOVE for this show and, in turn, urge everyone to get on board. 

Not only does this show provide me with my own personal theme song but it also provides audiences with side splitting laughter.  Zooey Deschanel, while being slightly quirky in real life, was made for this part.  She absolutely murders it as Jess Day, the slightly awkward yet hilarious teacher with an always sunny disposition.  The antics of her 3 roommates, Schmidt, Nick and Winston only add to the constant hilarity of this show, which earned 5 Emmy nominations.  If you don't watch this show, seriously consider catching up on last season and season 2 during the holiday season!

Stay tuned for more on this years fall television season!

-Jessie

pilot

Finale time is rapidly approaching.  I've already had to say goodbye to one of my favorite shows ever, One Tree Hill and in two weeks I will also being saying goodbye to another show as well, Desperate Housewives.  Last night I decided to watch the pilot episode in order to prepare myself to say goodbye to Wisteria Lane and all of my favorite housewives.  While I was watching this pilot, which I haven't watched in years, I starting thinking about all of the pilots of my favorite shows.

The pilot episode of a television show is extremely important.  First off, the creators and producers use to pilot to gain interest in the show from networks as well as audiences.  Once a pilot is picked up it goes through a rigorous process of finding actors/actresses to form the perfect cast and tweaking the script in order to find success in test markets.  There are so many pilots that aren't successful, therefore the pilot and first season of a show can make or break it.

Image Courtesy of Google Images

The goal of a pilot episode is first and foremost to introduce the characters.  Secondary to the characters is their relationships, stories, and plot line.  A show cannot succeed without interesting, compelling, and relatable characters.  The characters of the show are what give audiences something or someone to believe in.  This is why finding the right cast is so essential to the success of a pilot.  I recently read an article about the beginnings of the show FRIENDS and it gave great insight into how the chemistry of the cast can be the foundation of the show.  Once characters and actors are nailed down it is time to develop their stories.  Not only do characters have to be relatable but plots and story lines do as well.  Audiences have to believe in the stories.  You can't start out the pilot with an outrageous plot because that can be overwhelming to audiences.  It needs to be a story that intrigues the audiences and sets something up for future seasons.  For instance, Desperate Housewives opens up with the suicide of fellow housewife, Mary Alice Young.  The episode goes on the introduce each of her four best friends and their lives.  In addition, they also address the relationship that they had with Mary Alice.  This episode sets the tone for the next 9 seasons, which is friendships, family, and life in suburbia.  It is important that the pilot sets a tone so audiences get an overall feel for what the show is all about.

I have discussed many different and ambitious goals that I have for myself post graduation which is about a week away.  If none of my big dreams of moving to NYC or LA and being a part of the entertainment industry work out, I would love to watch TV pilots for a living.  I think I could be an excellent judge of whether the show could be a hit or not.  Or maybe I would just love to watch TV shows for a living.

love on the small screen

Part of my love for TV shows comes from my investment in the characters. And like any other viewer, who doesn't love a good couple?  Being invested in my favorite couples mean I feel every up and down, whether it be the most precious moments to the most heart wrenching break ups.

Today I wanna clue you in on who I believe to be some of the best couples in TV history.  I know your probably thinking I'm gonna talk about Ross and Rachel, but I'm still on the fence on the whole "We were on a break" thing.

photo courtesy of google images

1. Joey and Pacey
Dawson's creek is the One Tree Hill of the 90's, only better!  The show is centered around the life of Dawson Leery, including his long-time best friend/soulmate Joey Potter and trouble making sidekick Pacey Witter.  Season 1 and 2 are full of sexual tension and a quasi relationship between Joey and Dawson.  Pacey was always goofy yet he had a scandalous relationship with his teacher and long term roller coaster ride relationship with the super smart and mentally unstable Andie Mcphee.  It wasn't until the plot unfolded that we all realized that Pacey and Joey were meant to be. They shared some of the most memorable moments of the series and although they were not together during the latter part of the series, their reunion during the series finale was unforgettable.

Favorite Joey/Pacey Moment:  Season 4 Episode 3- The Two Gentlemen of Capeside. Joey to Pacey, "In the future when your dealing with life and death matters, remember that you're thinking for two."

photo courtesy of google images

2. Jim and Pam
The Office is not well known for its romantic relationships except for one.  Audiences sat back and watched as Jim and Pam's friendship developed, all along knowing Jim's true feelings.  We waited patiently until Pam finally wised up and dumped warehouse worker Roy.  Then it was her turn to pine after Jim while Karen was in the picture.  We thoughts the writers and producers would never get it right until the end of season 3 when, both single, they finally went out on a date.  From dating to engagement, from marriage/pregnancy to children; their love has never faltered.  And that's why Jim and Pam's office romance blossomed into one of the best TV love stories ever.

Favorite Jim/Pam Moment: Season 6 Episode 4/5- Niagra. Jim, "And plan A was marrying her a long, long time ago. Pretty much the day I met her."

photo courtesy of google images

3. Corey and Topanga
If your a 90's kid, like me, you remember watching TGIF each friday night just to watch you favorite teens on Boy Meets World.  If I'm emotionally attached to any couple it's this one for sure. This show is near and dear to my heart because I feel like a grew up with these characters.  Starting in middle school, we watched as the trouble making duo of Corey Matthews and Shawn Hunter picked on and made fun of the eccentrically weird Topanga Lawerence.  Moving into junior high the teasing turned into flirting when young love began.  This was a truly tumultuous relatationship full of many highs and lows.  Topanga moving away and demanding to come back, Corey kissing another girl at the ski lodge, Topanga's proposal at graduation, the two breaking up after Topanga's parents divorce, and finally their eventual marriage.  I always knew they would end up together but their ride was full of bumps. Watching Boy Meets World made me wanna date a good natured and slighty dorky boy like Corey and be like the smart, sassy and beautiful Topanga. 90's kids will make sure this love story lives on.

Favorite Corey/Topanga Moment: Episode 3 Season 1. Corey to Topanga, "Look Topanga if had to dream the perfect woman she wouldn't even come close to you."

There are so many other TV couples that I'm equally invested in but these are just some of my favorites.  TV shows love to toy with audiences by playing with couples plot lines.  We just love when our favorites end up together!  Comment below and let me know who your favorite couples are!

the good, the bad, and the really bad

Along with being unnaturally obsessed with television shows, I also love love love movies.  Other than some actors being in both movies and TV, the only time the worlds collide is on talk shows. Now the dedication I give to my favorite TV shows, I give to my favorite movies and actors. Therefore, I always try and watch them when they are on various talk shows.

If you've read my previous blog posts, you could have probably already guessed that I have a strong opinions about these talk show hosts, since I tend to have a strong opinion about everything.  There is nothing I hate more than an awkward interview and I think that has a lot to do with the interviewer. Although audiences love for all their burning questions to be answered, it does not help to make the actor/actress feel uncomfortable. That, in turn, makes the audience feel uncomfortable.

photo courtesy of google images

He may have been on air for about a quarter of a century but my least favorite interviewer of all time is Regis Philbin.  He is a talk show veteran and I've only seen him do interviews in recent years but I think he is so incredibly awkward.  Kelly Ripa is so bright and bubbly that she often outshines his dull and clueless questions.  Being a Harry Potter Fan, I watched him interview the same trio over and over again. He asked the same questions every time and as a viewer it was monotonous and boring.  Even one time Emma Watson actually said to Regis, "You ask me this every time I come here."  The only redeeming quality of Regis Philbin is the Live with Regis and Kelly SNL skit; Darrell Hammond and Amy Poehler are dead on.

photo courtesy of google images

I like an interviewer that asks off beat questions and keeps it interesting.  I mentioned this fine gentlemen in my first blog post alluding to the fact that I would love to be married to him.  As he transitioned from Saturday Night Live to late night he blossomed into one of my favorite late night talk show hosts.  Late Night with Jimmy Fallon is the definition of entertainment.  Not only is he hilariously funny but he is so personable.  Even some of the most shy and interview uncomfortable actor/actresses open up and can have fun when on his show.  With every guest he has some random game prepared that requires little skill but it is always amusing and funny!  The other great thing about Jimmy as a talk show host is that when he has guests that have come on before he actually remembers what they talked about previously and often references the last time they were on.  This makes it seem like the guests really matter to him and that makes the show so much more enjoyable.

Honorable Mention for the Worst Interviewer:  David Letterman- ugh he can be such a jackass sometimes.

Honorable Mentions for the Best Interviewers: Conan O Brien and Jay Leno.  Both are very funny and great at keeping the guests on their toes without making them feel awkward.

game changers

The first couple seasons for a show are critical.  You are constantly wondering if they will get picked up for a second or third season.  There is something that I like to call the “game changer” that solidifies a show as one that will be around for the long haul.  These so called game changers are those shocking, dramatic and downright fantastic episodes that leave viewers with their jaw dropped.  Although some of these shows are full of game changing moments and plot lines, these game changers were the episodes and moments that I go back and re-watch.  I can remember exactly where I was when I watched the episode and that was when they went from being just a show I watched to being a show that I couldn’t stop watching.

photo courtesy of google images

One Tree Hill is one of the few shows that I started watching from the very beginning.  It started when I was in high school so there was an obvious connection to this teen drama.  Although I didn’t go to a school like Tree Hill or have those kinds of high school experiences the characters were very relatable and I was hooked from the start.  The show was full of ups and downs with friends, lovers, school, sports and families.  For me the game changing episode for this series was called, “"With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept" and it was in season 3.  For fans of the show this is the school shooting episode.  Not only was this episode emotionally driven as our favorite characters were either being held up with a gun or bleeding out in the library, but that episode ended with a bang. Literally. The last moments of this episode turned tree hill upside down and changed the whole series forever. The episode ends with Dan picking up Jimmy Edward’s gun and shooting his brother Keith square in the chest.  Tree hill was never the same and the show wasn’t either.



photo courtesy of google images

Grey’s Anatomy has always been one of my favorite shows.  I used to watch ER with my mom growing up so Grey’s became my doctor show.  Grey’s has had a lot of game changing moments starting right from the start.  Season one, which was only 9 episodes, ended with the reveal of Addison Montgomery, “And you must be the woman that is screwing my husband”.  After that cliffhanger, audiences were bound to tune back in for season 2. Now for those of you who haven’t watched from the beginning Grey’s Anatomy originally aired on Sunday nights with desperate housewives. Shocking, I know, that there was a time when Grey’s didn’t consume your whole Thursday night.  The game changing episode that I am talking about is the bomb episode.  It was a two hour special episode that came on after the super bowl.  It was the highest rated episode of season two.  The two part episode started with a man coming in with an un-exploded bomb in his chest on being held together by a timid paramedic. Code Black.  The hospital is put on lock down as most everyone does the best to stay away from the bomb, including the paramedic, Hannah, who does not want to die.  The first part ends with Hannah running away and Meredith replacing her by putting her hand on the bomb. Along with being two hours of constant suspense and emotion, this episode was a turning point in the MerDer relationship. This episode highlighted the incredible writing skills and mind of creator Shonda Rimes and really showed audiences what a medical drama could be.  If this captivating episode was foreshadowing for seasons to come, I know why I kept watching.

Every show has game changing moments that keep audiences watching and those were just some of my personal favorites, comment below and let me know some of yours!

smash

Everyone who knows me well knows about my obsession with television shows.  So when spring/fall pilot season comes around I am bombarded with “Oh my gosh you HAVE to watch this show or that show, it’s so good”.  The problem that comes from this is that I already watch far too many shows and adding another is always difficult.  Therefore there haven’t been too many shows that I have watched from the very beginning; I usually wait to drop a show and then catch up on all the past seasons.  The shows this year that I have been instructed to watch are Revenge, The New Girl and more recently, Smash.  I still have yet to watch The New Girl, I’ll probably catch up on that this summer, but Smash has really caught my attention.  First off, I have a love for Debra Messing, from Will and Grace to the Wedding Date how can you not love her. Secondly, I have a love for Broadway and musicals.  Those two things alone have sparked my interest to just buckle down and watch the season’s first eight episodes.
 

I first watched the most recent episode with my roommate Jamie, she is a huge Smash advocate.  I was instantly addicted.  Then, over the past week/weekend I caught up on the other episodes.  Let me first off say that Katharine Mcphee as Karen Cartwright is sensational.  She is so good its not even funny.  Her competition in the show, Ivy Lynn, played by Megan Hilty is extremely talented as well. The show centers around a group of people including, stars, producers, writers and directors all working together to create a new broadway musical based on Marilyn Monroe. Smash gives insight into the behind the scenes work that goes into creating a musical.  The great thing about this show is that you become completley enthralled with the characters and story line.  I found myself genuinely rooting for this musical to succeed during the workshop episode.  I find Smash to be a more mature version of Glee.  It includes far less musical numbers and the plot is more sophisticated. The cast is so incredible and talented and I can't wait to see what else season 1 has in store for audiences.  Smash was also picked up for a second season on March 22, 2012, so it seems like it's here to stay!!  Check out a new episode of Smash tonight 4-2-2012 at 10:00 after The Voice on NBC!!

debriefing a-day

I am changing things up in this week's blog post!  Today's blog post comes in the form of a podcast!  If you have yet to watch last week's Pretty Little Liars don't click on the podcast below because I am diving into the season two finale while I try to wait until June 5th when it returns for season three! This is my first podcast so let me know what you think!!

spoiler alert podcast

Theme music credit: I'll Be There For You by The Rembrandts
Podcast infomation: abcfamily.com, entertainmentweekly.com

guessing game

As you can probably tell I watch a variety of different television shows.  I mostly like fiction shows, specifically comedies, but I do watch some reality shows. However, there is a new genre that two of my favorite shows have really taken on.  These shows are very different but they both put a high emphasis on the mystery of the endgame.  The endgame for a television show is how everything will end up at the end of the show.  The two shows have you constantly questioning every episode, every character, even every moment. Although they are two very different shows, they both keep audiences on the edge of their seat dying to have all their questions answered and to finally be in on the big secret.

First off, there is How I Met Your Mother. The title pretty much leads right into the question that viewers are dying to know, who is the mother?  How I Met Your Mother is currently in its seventh season and you find yourself wondering how much longer this can go on!  Although I find myself plagued with intrigue at who the mother is and when we will meet her or find out who she is, the show keeps audiences interested with hilarious plot lines and random yet strategic clues in many episodes.  In seven seasons we have come to learn a lot of this so called “mother” but we are still interested in all the other characters and the part they play in this long winded story.  The basis of the whole show is the story being told by the main character, Ted Mosby, to his kids about how he met their mother.  The writers and producers use this narrator technique to slip in clues  from time to time while telling the story of the current episode.  They introduce clips of future events yet use coy phrases like, “but more on that later” to keep audiences guessing.  As I’ve said before I believe that this sitcom's ensemble cast and outstanding comedy writing puts this show at the top of my list of favorites.  I don’t think I’ll be able to stop watching until I find out who the freaking mother is…. but more on that later.

The second show that keeps me coming back each week is a bit of shock because it’s an ABC family show.  ABC family was originally most well-known for the overly dramatic and slightly weird teen soap opera, Secret Life of an American Teenager. But once the show Pretty Little Liars began it was an instant hit among audiences.  For those of you who haven’t seen this past Monday’s season 2 finale I won’t be giving away any spoilers but you definitely should go watch now!  Pretty Little Liars is centered around 4 best friends whose other friend Alison went missing and eventually was found dead.  The girls are being constantly tortured by a character that goes by “A” who is seemingly all knowing and loves to threaten, blackmail, and mess with the girls.  This is where the mystery comes in.  Over the past two seasons, theories have been running rampant among viewers who are dying to know who the elusive “A” is.  Pretty Little Liars was originally a book series but as we’ve seen with Gossip Girl, television shows don’t allows stay on the same path as the books.  Pretty Little Liars ends each show with a short clip of A sneaking around and doing something that will likely come back to bite the 4 main characters.  Even in this week's finale, when audiences found out who “A” is, there are still so many questions to be answered that it still left viewers wondering.  Pretty Little Liars does an amazing job of keeping audiences interested in the plot and making us questions every move.

If you aren’t watching these shows you should be.  They both make TV show watching an engaging and interactive activity because you can create theories and answers to the questions that confuse you.  These shows keep audiences interested by making us think and guess and hang on to every last word because it might be a clue.


photos courtesy of google.com

i'll be there for you

As I previously mentioned, FRIENDS is my favorite show of all time and I think it should be yours too.  First off, it is a bit strange that this is my favorite show considering I was 5 years old when the show premiered in 1994.  However, fast forward 10 years later, I’m 15 and crying during the series finale.  I’m not sure when my obsession began but it never stopped.  The best part of FRIENDS is that even after it went off air it has been in syndication for what feels like forever, so you can get your FRIENDS fix almost anytime you want.  Right now it’s on Nick at Nite from 11-1 every night, which is such a great way to fall asleep.

Another great thing about this show that makes it such a great sitcom, is the ensemble cast.  Every episode follows the lives of the six main characters never letting one cast member outshine another.  Although we all have our favorites, I think each of the six regulars are all relatable in different ways and have such endearing qualities you feel like they are all your best friends.  FRIENDS has everything you might want in a classic 90’s sitcom; relationships, work, friendships, love, sex and comedy.  I have to admit starting this show at such a young age I didn’t understand half the jokes and innuendos that were being made which only makes it that much funnier when I go back and re watch them all.

It is hard to articulate what I love about this show but it’s probably a combination of the writing and the actors.  The plot lines are creative and interesting and I don’t think there is one episode that I would consider boring.  The writers have perfected the way to integrate comedy writing with real life and sometimes serious issues.  As far as the acting goes, the comedic timing of these actors is impeccable which makes the show so funny and quotable.  My friend Abby and I have an ongoing game of texting FRIENDS quotes back and forth.

Another thing I love is seeing where they are all are now.  These actors rose to stardom from FRIENDS and some of them are still going strong.  Courtney Cox is continuing her comedic genius in the underrated show Cougar Town which is downright hilarious.  Not only is it an enjoyable show but we have got to see some on-screen reunions with Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Aniston.  Speaking of, it seems like Jennifer Aniston can’t stay out of the Box Office as well as the tabloids and it was so great to see Matt Leblanc win a Golden Globe this year for his performance in the comedy, “Episodes”.  I love seeing my favorites “Friends” succeeding but they will always remain Joey, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, Monica and Phoebe to me.  Also, I will never be able to hear the theme song without clapping along.

Something to leave you with-

Shows that you should check out that come close to rivaling FRIENDS are: How I Met Your Mother, which has a similar ensemble and sitcom like feel.  It is laugh out loud hysterical and has incredible writers. Also, Modern Family, which has mockumentary style, like The Office, a great group of actors and is also pretty freaking hilarious.

Photos courtesy of Google.com

hello blog world!

I have wanted to start a blog for sometime now, so I am finally biting the bullet and getting it done! This blog is going to be all about my favorite television shows, both past and present!  I am television enthusiast and fully aware that I probably watch too many shows but I can't help myself they are all so good!  However, before I begin to share my television wisdom with the blog world, I figured I would tell you a little bit about myself.

Game day with my best friends!

1. The reason I love TV shows is that I like to pretend I am a part of the show too, aka for 10 years of my life my best friends were, Phoebe, Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, and Joey. Which leads me to...

2. Friends is my FAVORITE show of all time. Period.

3. My family and friends are the most important thing to me.  Without them I wouldn't be the person I am today.


4.  Laughing is by far the best thing in the world.  I think I am hilarious and I love making people laugh, a sense of humor is the best quality to have.


5.  I have an unhealthy obsession with Harry Potter and Twilight.  Harry Potter is by far the superior series but I still have mad love for Edward and Bella.


6.  I love Kristen Stewart.  For all you haters out there you won't convince me otherwise, trust me I've heard it all before. 


7.  Working for E! is my dream job.  I pride myself on being the go-to girl for anything pop culture and love to be in the know.  I know this is far fetched but as a 22 year old I feel like I have to dream big or I will be stuck doing something I hate forever.


8. An even more far fetched dream I have is to be a Saturday Night Live castmember. Seriously, I would die.  I would also start dating Jimmy Fallon and be best friends with Kristen Wigg.


9. I think there is a special place in this world for father's of all daughters.  My dad is 1 of 6 boys and now his life is a girl world.  I have 2 older sisters and we can be a bit overwhelming.  My dad is the most patient person I know and I think the world of him.


10.  I think Dumbledore said it the best... "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."


I know most of the facts about myself have to do with entertainment or pop culture but I swear I'm not shallow.  The thing that I love most about books/movies/television is the ability to create a story that allows audiences to become a part of.  The fun part of all these things is to let yourself escape and get lost in someone else's story.  Being a part of someone else's story only makes me appreciate my own wonderful story that is still being written.....