Media Scribbler

NBC: Crusoe — This show is NBC’s big gamble that the same people who watch “The Tudors” and “Robin Hood” (or even on a more basic level in “Pirates of the Caribbean”) will stay home on a Friday night to watch a swashbuckling explorer who battles pirates in this premiere ep. If you need to find a reason to watch it, here’s a clip (US only, sorry) of “Lord of the Rings” hottie Sean Bean from the premiere ep as Robinson Crusoe’s father. More clips available here.

CBS:  The Ghost Whisperer — After being introduced to online gaming, Melinda finds a ghost that’s stalking women in online chat room. Great, it’s not enough that we have to worry about perverts and predators who are alive and online, but the dead ones too. But if you’re a person who likes to see how they handle the online world in TV and film accurately, this is one to watch.

The Ex List — When Bella is robbed, an ex-boyfriend cop responds to the call, and she agrees to give him a second chance. Because we all need our knights in shining armor to swoop down and rescue us, right?

ABC: Wife Swap – “Chores?” is the big line from the preview I saw. Basically, a shopaholic who doesn’t make her kids do much around the house swaps places with a lobsterwoman who has set structure for her kids. Basically, your typical episode, and I’m sure the shopaholic’s kids will either thrive under the guidelines or really, really love Mom when she comes home.

Supernanny — A family that already has a nanny needs help when the pressures of raising a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who has been taken off medication becomes too much to handle. Sounds cheery.

The CW: Everyone Hates Chris — Orlando Brown guest-stars as the father of the girl Chris asks to Homecoming. You know, in this day and age it’s nice to see a nice, normal sitcom with a regular family sticking around. Good for you, Chris Rock.

The Game — One character is dating the real baller Rick Fox, while another is representing the real Robin Givens. What, not even bothering to make them play a character? Okay.

BBC America: Monty Python’s Flying Circus and The Catherine Tate Show — If you have never seen Monty Python and profess to enjoy comedy, you need to check this out. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, this is a show that includes John Cleese, the Brit who was in that YouTube about Sarah Palin’s intelligence that’s been making the rounds this week. Later in the evening is the latest run of the show starring Catherine Tate, who may be better known as Donna from “Doctor Who” in the U.S. than for her hysterical (sometimes literally) sketch show.

Bravo: Real Housewives of Atlanta — I watched this last Friday and would dearly love to have that hour back. But if you’re into the soapy sort of reality “desperate housewives” programming that Bravo’s been doing with this “Real Housewives” thing, you’ll probably really like this show. Involves a lot of watching women going to beauty parlors and picking out party favors while creating drama on their iPhones.

Comedy Central: Chocolate News — David Allen Grier’s new show which has been blatently billed by the network as “the next Chappelle’s Show”. Guys, I hate to break it to you, but the only person who will ever replace Dave Chappelle is Dave Chappelle. That said, I really hope Grier brings the funny here, because if done right this could be somewhere between Bill Maher, Lewis Black and “The Boondocks”. And if you’ve got your doubts about this show, there’s a “Chappelle’s Show” marathon on before it.

Disney Channel: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets — If the kids really love “Crusoe” or if you want to remember the good ol’ days of the franchise before Daniel Radcliffe got nekkid onstage, this is just the thing for you.

(NBC Photo: Paul Chedlo)

Comments Off