COLUMN: Fans keep under-rated shows on the air
Last week, I took a look back at all the new shows that premiered this year. Now, let’s take a look at where the popular established shows are, where they’re going, and if we’ll see more seasons of them.
NBC has done well keeping its critically acclaimed, but under-rated, comedies “My Name is Earl” and “The Office” on the air. During the first season of “The Office,” it received less-than-stellar ratings, but praise from critics across the country (and me) came pouring in.
“The Office” really has taught us what the Internet can do for a struggling TV show. According to a few Internet articles, “The Office” was saved by a little Apple company called iTunes. “The Office” quickly grew to the number one downloaded comedy on iTunes, which gave renewed faith in the show. Now in its third season, “The Office” is carving a new path for comedies to follow. What was once a copy of a British TV show has become something all its own.
“My Name is Earl” is another comedy that NBC rallied behind and has come out on top. “Earl” is a feel-good comedy about a man, Earl (Jason Lee, “Dogma”), who is trying to correct all the bad things he’s done in his life with acts of kindness. Now in its second season, the show has gone to the “serial” format by leaving storylines open for the next episode. While this is a big change for the show, it seems to be working well.
Everyone’s favorite island drama has returned this year for its third season. “Lost” is quite the TV topic right now. ABC has recently announced that it’s moving “Lost” to an hour later time slot, a move that makes it completely clear ABC doesn’t want to compete with the juggernaut ratings of “American Idol.”
“Lost” is on hiatus right now until early February. It will return with brand new episodes to run until the end of the season. I personally can’t wait for the show to return; the hiatus is making me lose my mind. Although, I have come to terms that I’m never going to figure out what’s going on on that island. But, it sure is fun to try.
“Prison Break” on Fox has also returned this year with an all-new, completely unbelievable, yet addicting second season. My rule with “Prison Break”: throw all rational thought out the window and hang on for the ride. “Prison Break” is also on a short hiatus, and will return to action Jan. 22.
Now, what can we expect in the new year? Well, shows like “24” and “The Sopranos” are scheduled to return next year. “24” will begin a new day on Jan. 14 and “The Sopranos” is slated to run the second half of the sixth season sometime in March.
Overall, it’s been a fantastic year for TV. With the new season of “24” coming up, along with multiple hiatuses coming to an end, the beginning of next year is looking to be an exciting TV-watching experience. Now, if only I could somehow get “American Idol” canceled, I’d be a happy camper.
Aaron Peck is The Statesman TV critic. Send comments to aaronpeck@cc.usu.edu.