One of the finest drama series in the history of television comes to an end this week -- and, sadly, most people won't even be aware of it. Then again, that unfortunate circumstance is nothing new for Friday Night Lights, a sublime example of dramatic programming at its best that during its five-season run has never received the level of attention it has so richly deserved...

2011

Feb

SHAWN RYAN SWIMS UPSTREAM, GOING FROM FX TO FOX, WITH NEW 'CHICAGO CODE' COP SERIES By David Bianculli

Most TV producers, and most quality TV shows, are fleeing from broadcast to cable TV in droves. (Or, at least, mini-droves.) Opportunities are better there, restrictions are looser, and many of the programs are more ambitious. But Shawn Ryan, who helped lead that revolution with FX's The Shield, is going against the grain -- by moving to broadcast TV for his new cop series, The Chicago Code, which premieres tonight at 9 ET on Fox...

2011

Feb

WEIRD & WILD: REALITY BLOWS UP! By Diane Werts

While I would dearly love to mock TV's latest reality ride-along, I find myself charmed like a child by Monday's 8 p.m. ET series premiere on TLC. "The Unpoppables" tracks the travels of the balloon design group New Balloon Art, stocking events around the country with cool balloon sculptures...

2011

Feb

A SHOW ABOUT A SHOW GETTING SCREWED IN HOLLYWOOD By Eric Gould

Those of us waiting for Larry David to return can meanwhile watch a sort of Curb Your Enthusiasm in reverse -- a Seinfeld-Bizarro World of kind, well-intentioned leading characters, with everyone else around them being bitter and inappropriate...And now Showtime's Episodes has British TV writers Sean and Beverly Lincoln (played by Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig), a well-meaning couple adrift in a sea of smiling Hollywood backstabbers...

2011

Feb

MARATHONS: SUPER BOWL ALTERNATIVES By Diane Werts

If the Super Bowl's not your thing, Sunday TV offers some pretty great options for avoiding it -- silent movies, global taboos, Jane Austen, Roseanne, sports-and-society profiles, Hollywood musicals, and even a sort of real-life version of The Wire. Here's a look at some of Sunday's marathon alternatives...

2011

Feb

SUPER FOOD, SUPER NASTY By Gerald Jordan

Without pondering this question, answer: What follows Thanksgiving measured by the amount of food Americans consume on one occasion? Christmas? Nah. July 4th picnics? Not even close...

2011

Feb

WHEN THE SUPER BOWL ENDS, IT'S TIME FOR... 'GLEE'? YES, AND SMARTLY SO By David Bianculli

Last year, CBS used its post-Super Bowl slot to launch a new reality series, Undercover Boss. It was renewed for a second season, so that game plan worked. This year, Fox is using its ultra-valuable time slot after Super Bowl XLV to expose new viewers to an existing hit...

2011

Feb

'PAWN STARS' IS GOOD STUFF By Ronnie Gill

Blame it on the economy or conspicuous consumption. Whatever the reason, TV these days is brimming with shows about people buying, selling, appraising or pawning their stuff. "Stuff" encompasses a lot of territory, from a rusted gas station sign on "American Pickers" or evidence from the Lindbergh baby kidnapping on "Pawn Stars"...

2011

Feb

40 YEARS LATER, YOU REALLY SHOULD GET 'THE POINT' By David Bianculli

Forty years ago -- on Feb. 2, 1971 -- ABC presented a 90-minute animated movie called The Point. Directed and animated by Fred Wolf, with story and songs by Harry Nilsson, it was delightful, unique and way ahead of its time. In 2011, it still is...

2011

Feb

FREE TV: STREAMING 'EPISODES,' PLUS 'LEGAL' DOWNLOADS By Diane Werts

Nice of Showtime to post its first three episodes of the acclaimed showbiz comedy "Episodes" online for all. They're hoping to seduce new subscribers with this handy free preview of Matt LeBlanc's sneaky little gem. Other channels are looking to lure viewers with iTunes freebies for download. Available now: the "Lights Out" and "Fairly Legal" pilot episodes...

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