TV challenge for Him

Our very first TV challenge takes us to Seattle: home of the Space Needle, rainy weather and most importantly, McDreamy and McSteamy!

That's right, I'm tasking Him with watching Grey's Anatomy (9/8c on ABC) this Thursday night. He's told me that He used to watch this popular show years ago (when it was even more popular), but eventually gave it up. What kind of TV fan does that, I ask you? Bet he wouldn't stop watching his precious Celtics if they had a few less-than-stellar episodes. Or games. Whatever you call them.

So take a stroll down memory lane, my friend. Catch up with Meredith and Alex and Cristina. (Spoiler alert: George isn't on anymore. There was a bus situaion.) There's also a bunch of new characters to get to know.

I look forward to reading what you think about Grey's circa fall 2011. Love it? Hate it? Totally confused? Let us all know. And don't forget to give yourself a McNickname.

Official Request

NBC - consider this my official request to have you move The Playboy Club to Friday nights. I'm going to give you a few reasons why, and I really don't want to hear any argument.

1) It's off to a decent start plot-wise, but terrible start in the ratings

2) It cannot win in the Monday 10pm time slot (not up against Castle and Hawaii Five-0)

3) It has major "cult following" potential, as did another Friday night NBC great, Friday Night Lights

4) There really is nothing else that great on the tube on Fridays, so you can take advantage of the "well I'm watching TV, and nothing else is on so I'll just watch The Playboy Club" people

Look, the show got terrible ratings the first few weeks, but I honestly thought it was just as entertaining as a few of the other new dramas. It has NO shot of surviving in its current time slot, so NBC has to move it or cancel it. It's a cool concept, and just needs a little love. Your network managed to save FNL and Chuck. So NBC, please move The Playboy Club to Friday night.

Regards,

Him

Her Friday must-watch (9/30)

Tonight's must-watch has a little something for everybody. Check out the cast of Blue Bloods (10/9c on CBS):

• For the die-hard New Kids on the Block fan, Donnie Wahlberg
• For the woman who's been around the block since before the NKOTB days, Tom The Mustache Selleck
• For her daughter, Will Estes
• For the sports fan, Tom Brady's original baby mama, Bridget Moynahan
• For those who enjoy an attractive woman in power, Jennifer Esposito, and again, Bridget Moynahan

So gather the family around and give this crime drama a chance. Sure, it's on Friday nights, but that might be an advantage so it doesn't get lost in the madness that is the Monday through Thursday primetime schedule like some other shows out there you're probably not watching.

His Friday must-watch (9/30)

There really isn't much on tonight, typical for a Friday, which is why I was tempted to just repeat my must-watch from last week, Nikita (8/7c, CW). Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to see what will happen next in this new-found rivalry between Alex & Nikita, but tonight I thought I'd switch things up.

Instead, I'll be checking out Kitchen Nightmares (8/7c, FOX). In tonight's episode, Chef Gordon Ramsay visits a small Italian eatery in nearby Springfield, MA, called Leone's. Ramsay is a pretty intense guy, and from all accounts brings quite a lot of perspective to the restauranteurs that take part in this show. Now, I don't typically watch this show, but I do love food. And with the show coming to a restaurant in Mass. I figure it is worth checking it out.

Blasts from the SNL past

Three former Saturday Night Live funny ladies are now making us laugh with their weeknight sitcoms: Maya Rudolph (Ava on Up All Night), Casey Wilson (Penny on Happy Endings) and Ana Gasteyer (Sheila aka the shouting neighbor on Suburgatory).

Don’t want to wait until next week to see these ladies again? Check out the links below for some SNL sketches you may remember.

Maya Rudolph

Casey Wilson

Ana Gasteyer

By the way, who’s your favorite of the three sitcom characters? My vote goes to Penny. As we learned last night on the Happy Endings season premiere, it’s “the year of Penny!” – which you know is awesome, because it’s like, four times longer than the “summer of George.”

Her Thursday must-watch (9/29)

What do Clark Griswold from the National Lampoon movies, Mr. Chow from The Hangover 1 and 2, and Joel McHale from The Soup have in common? Well, they’ve all caused me to pee my pants a little. (It happens.) But also, they’re all part of my must-watch show of the night: Community (8/7c on NBC).

Now, Community goes up against two of my other fave shows, The Big Bang Theory and The Vampire Diaries, so put your DVR(s) to good use and record them all. Or, if you are less of a freak than me and only have one DVR, give Community some love tonight and catch the other two On Demand later. Community is a hilarious show that needs your support.

If you’ve seen Community before, you know what I’m talking about. But if you haven’t, picture this: Chevy Chase, Ken Jeong and Joel McHale, along with the rest of their diverse and incredibly amazing ensemble cast, are all classmates at Greendale, their local community college. Ranging in age from early twenties to however the heck old Chevy Chase is, this group has amazing chemistry, bringing both the laughs and some (not too overly) sentimental moments each week. Shoutout to my favorite co-ed Alison Brie as Annie.  

Need more reasons to watch?

-Joel McHale, as unofficial group leader Jeff Winger, is much funnier than I’ve heard he is performing standup. And may I say, h to the o to the t in this role.

-Chevy Chase (as Pierce Hawthorne) is a rich, crochety old man who just wants to be accepted by the group. Can I get a collective “Aww”? But wait, he’s amoral and borderline racist and sexist.

-Ken Jeong (as Chang) used to be the gang’s Spanish professor until he was fired. Now he lives in the vents of the school.

-The bromance of all bromances, Troy and Abed (Donald Glover and Danny Pudi). And they even rap.

 Take a look and let me know what you think!

His Thursday must-watch (9/29)

Every guy needs to learn proper etiquette. But times have changed, and the average person just doesn't have a lot of need to know where to put the shrimp fork when setting the table. This is the exact dilemma that Andrew Carlson (played by David Hornsby) is faced with when he is forced to break away from old-school ideals to meet the needs of modern society and keep his job on How to be a Gentlemen (8:30/7:30c on CBS).

Enter Bert Lansing (Kevin Dillon, Johnny Drama from HBO's Entourage), the ultimate degenerate according to Andrew, but someone that understands what it takes to be a man's man. Bert is here to take a crack at helping Andrew reshape his life so Andrew can keep his job.

Honestly, I think Dillon is perfect for this role. If this character can build off of Johnny Drama even a little bit there is hope for this show. Throw in Hornsby (from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and Dave Foley (The Kids in the Hall) and you have the early makings of a pretty good cast. Who knows how well it will all work together, but I'm definitely going to tune in to check it out.

His Wednesday must-watch (9/28)

Honestly, what's better than the 'burbs? White picket fences, neighbors waving as they rake leaves, perfectly edged & mowed green lawns, kids riding bikes around the cul de sac - the list goes on and on. It all sounds pretty good, unless you're a teenager who is accustomed to life in the big city.

Tonight I'll be checking out Suburgatory (8:30/7:30c, ABC). Moving from NYC to the suburbs is an adjustment for anyone. A single dad raising a teenage daughter? Adjustment would be a huge understatement. In this show we follow George Altman and his daughter Tessa as they put the city streets behind for those white picket fences, brining us a father/daughter dynamic that is sure to present a few entertaining moments.

I'm not really sure the show has the legs to make it through the season but I'm willing to give it a shot.

Her Wednesday must-watch (9/28)

Number 13 is definitely unlucky for Detective Elliot Stabler. After an incredible 12 seasons, Stabler (Chris Meloni) was nowhere to be found in  the Law & Order: SVU season 13 premiere last week. Off camera, Meloni was unable to come to a contract agreement with the network. On camera in last week's episode, we watched as Captain Kragen broke the news to Detective Olivia Benson: Stabler had submitted his papers. And there it was. No last goodbye for Benson and the rest of the squad, or for the viewers who have watched throughout the years. Like all those victims in the show's opening sequences, he's just gone.

Olivia had to steal a few moments alone, to sob for her departed partner and friend, before heading out on her next case. But what next? Will Stabler ever be mentioned again? Will the show simply go on as if he were never there, as we learn more about the new characters? I for one am curious to find out, and that's why Law & Order: SVU (10/9c on NBC) is my must-watch of the night. This one's for you, Elliot. (Plus,with rumors swirling that Mariska Hargitay may not be returning for another season, this might be the beginning of the end.)

Her Tuesday must-watch

Not only did He beat me to announcing New Girl as Tuesday's must-watch, he also stole my intro line! How can you not love a show where the awkwardly-adorable main character writes theme songs for herself? I'm totally devoting some free time - when not posting for all of you - on my own little ditty. Who's that girl who watches all the TV and writes about it and stuff...it's Her/Me! Okay, it needs some work.

Seriously though, I cannot wait for another kicka$$ episode of what looks to be one of the Fall's top new shows. Zooey Deschanel is hilarious and lovable as Jess. And I can't wait to see how her individual relationships with her three male roomies develop. Could one of them be a love interest? It's just too bad Coach has to leave us so soon. (See him on Happy Endings tomorrow night!) I would've enjoyed watching Jess teach him how to talk to women without him yelling back in their faces - "I don't care!" Classic Coach.

Here's hoping tonight's episode also includes the cast singing a song from Dirty Dancing. Or at the very least, a long walk with a watermelon.

His Tuesday must-watch

Who's that girl? It's Jess! And she's back for night #2 of what is already taking off as a hit new comedy, The New Girl (FOX, 9/8c).

I guess I should have known this show was going to be a gold mine when I saw that Liz Meriweather was the brains of the operation. In 2011, Meriweather wrote the hilarious screenplay for "No Strings Attached", which starred Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman (if you haven't seen this get it on your Netflix queue ASAP). The movie was just one great line after another, and Meriweather is back at it again with The New Girl.

For those of you that missed the pilot, Jess (Zooey Deschanel) is quite a character. She's quirky, fun, sometimes annoying yet very entertaining. She even creates songs about herself. Who does that?

Partner her up with her three male roommates (Nick - the emotional one, Schmidt - the d-bag/wannabe player, Coach - the athletic guy with no idea how to deal with women) and you have quite the combination. The pilot got great ratings last week so here's to hoping for a repeat performance.

Her Monday must-watch

This may be the Fall TV lineup, but tonight marks the return of Summer! Rachel Bilson, best known as Summer Roberts on The O.C., stars as Zoe Hart on the CW's Hart of Dixie (9/8c), tonight's must-watch.

So just how has Summer fared in the post Seth Cohen era? Well, she played one of many is-she-or-isn't-she-the-mother love interests for Ted on How I Met Your Mother (she wasn't), and starred in the movie Jumper with her is-he-or-is-he-not-her-fiance anymore Hayden Christensen (I think not?). But the engagement I'm most interested in is that of an audience with her new show.

Will we buy this former spoiled California teen as a brilliant surgeon? Will the chemistry she has with any of the southern gentlemen she encounters in Bluebell, Alabama compare to that with nerdy, loveable Seth? Will this show live up to the hype I've created in my own head? If anyone can make the answers to all of those questions "yes," it is surely adorable, charming Bilson.

In related news, Bilson's former co-star Mischa Barton was featured in a segment on Access Hollywood tonight. Coincidence? Or the strategic maneuvering of Barton's agent? I'm guessing the latter. Assuming she even still has one.

His Monday must-watch

Welcome back Upper East-siders. The season premiere of Gossip Girl (8/7c, CW) is upon us, as is my only must-watch from the CW. I'm sure you're asking yourself "what guy watches this show, and admits it!?". Excuse me, have you seen Leighton Meester and Blake Lively?

When it first hit the air, I'll admit, I didn't watch. The wounds were still fresh from The OC getting canceled, and another teen drama was just too much to take. I heard season two was nothing to write home about, and I was actually happy I hadn't gotten involved. What was I thinking? Finally, I watched the pilot on DVD. Two months later we were all caught up and I was hooked.

Tonight, we get reacquainted with some of our favorite TV characters (they are all intriguing in their own way, which is why this show is so ridiculously good). How did Serena van der Woodsen spend her summer (undoubtedly better than all of us did)? What's going to happen with Blair, Prince Louis and Chuck Bass? We're only hours away from the next brooding Dan Humphry meltdown.

I can't wait. XOXO.

His week in review

Welcome back TV! And welcome to the program our He vs. She on TV blog. It's been quite a week, and my DVR has gotten quite a workout. Here are some of my highlights:

Quickest prison exit: This one goes out to my boy Steve McGarrett, with an honorable mention to the writers of Hawaii Five-0. As you all remember, season one ended on a major cliffhanger with McGarrett heading to prison, framed by Wo Fat for the governor's murder. Season two kicked off with the writers saying "Crap, McGarrett's in prison and no one else can carry this show for more than one episode on their own...he needs to get out now!". Congrats Steve.

Worst nickname sequence: The New Girl's Schmidt and his buddy Benjamin at the bar. Did Schmidt really call him "It's all about the Benjamin"? Yes, yes he did. Was this only after Ben yelled across the bar "Holy Schmidt! It's Schmidt"? Yes, yes it was. Is FOX planning on releasing the final total of dollar bills in the "Douche-bag Jar" at the end of the season? If so, we're taking bets.

Most obvious lie: Of course she remembered everything Castle! You saved her, you cried and you told her you loved her. Women don't forget things like that. Ever. Especially not Kate Beckett. Not only does she remember it, she has replayed it 7,000 times over in her head. Don't worry though, I'm sure you'll find a way to mess things up. Otherwise we all wouldn't have something to complain about every week. Get it together, bro.

Most obvious scene: Kate's lie had to be called out on its own, however the most obvious scene goes to the car bombing incident 2 minutes in to Charlie's Angels. We hadn't met Minka Kelly's character yet. There can only be 3 angels. Whenever they show anyone turning on a car in a TV show or movie, it is going to blow up. It's a rule. You know it. I know it. The writers know it.

Best night: A lot of intriguing new shows and a lot of premieres of some favorites this week. Tough to choose which night was best, but I'm going to have to go with Monday. For me it really kicked off the Fall season and two of my top shows (Five-0 and Castle) did not fail to entertain.

Hope you all enjoyed the week. Looking forward to another week with even more premieres. TV is back, and in a big way.

Her week in review

Over the last week, we've said goodbye to Charlie Harper on Two and a Half Men, hello to many new fall shows, and most importantly, started the He vs. She on TV blog! So here comes my very first week in review.

Best use of abs: This one's a tie between Ashton Kutcher and that guy on 2 Broke Girls. Unfortunately, Max (Kat Dennings) breaks up with gorgeous ab-guy with those things on the side by the end of the 2 Broke Girls pilot, so I'm afraid we may not see his again. Fortunately, Ashton aka billionaire Waldon Schmidt's midsection almost distracted me from his ridiculous long hair. Almost. Here's hoping he cuts that pronto. Hair can make or break a show. Just ask Felicity.

How long can they possibly keep this going award:  And the winner is, 2 Broke Girls. I actually thought the writing was clever and laughed a lot during this first episode. But in the final scene we learn Max and Caroline (Beth Behrs) plan to save their waitressing tips to open a cupcake business, and their current tally is shown to us in the last shot. We can only assume that each episode will end with an updated tally, and so I ask, how long can they possibly keep this going? Somewhere in TV land the How I Met Your Mother folks respond: "Well, we're on our 7th season, so, maybe longer than you'd think."

Biggest comeback: Congratulations, Up All Night! You went from a so-so premiere to a pretty decent second episode. Will Arnett's Chris Brinkley just may be my new favorite funny guy. His delivery of such notable quotables as "I said teqweela" and "These pants are tight, but they look great" may keep viewers coming back enough to keep this show off the chopping block.

Most pleasant surprise: I have to admit, I didn't even DVR The Playboy Club out of the gate. But I watched it later in the week On Demand, and I'm glad I did. Eddie Cibrian is extremely likable as Nick Dalton (I see the attraction, Leann Rimes). As is Amber Heard as bunny Maureen. Add to that some very interesting main and side story lines, and this show has been bumped up to DVR worthy for me. I hope enough other people give it a chance and stay tuned that it doesn't become an early casualty in the fall lineup.

Most disappointing: It pains me to say this about the fictional love of my life, but most disappointing of the week goes to Damon's (Ian Somerhalder's) hair on The Vampire Diaries. My sweet Damon, why are you letting those gorgeous locks grow and trickle down the back of your neck? Remember, you're a vampire, not a werewolf.

Quote of the week (that also makes up for the "Most disappointing" award above): In response to The Vampire Diaries' Elena (Nina Dobrev) asking why he needs to hear her say that she cares about him, Damon says: "Because when I drag my brother from the edge and deliver him back to you, I want you to remember the things you felt while he was gone." Suh-woon. Can this character be any more amazing? I can't wait for the inevitable round two of this pair's near-deathbed kiss. Sorry, Stefan. You can suck it.

And those are my highlights of the week! Share your thoughts in the comments.

His Sunday must-watch

Tonight marks the beginning of the end for one of my favorites, Desperate Housewives (9/8c on ABC). It’s sad to see the show come to an end but they started running out of storylines a couple of years ago. Hopefully there are a few juicy twists left on Wisteria Lane.

I thought Desperate would be my clear must-watch, but honestly, what I’m looking forward to the most tonight is the premiere of Pan Am (10/9c on ABC). Part of me is just really excited that Brothers & Sisters isn’t on anymore. Another part of me wishes I could have lived in the 60s and flown on old school Pan Am.

Back then flying was considered an “adventure”. And no, not because of the hassle of security lines, bag searches, extra bag fees and arriving 2 hours early only to have your flight delayed. It was an adventure because it was considered an experience – you’ve all seen the old school Southwest or Pan Am ads. Travel just isn’t like that anymore, and this show promises to bring a glimpse into that adventure back to us.

On top of all that it’s got a relatively young, nondescript cast of up-and-comers like Mike Vogel (from The Help), who plays captain Dean Lowrey and Australian soap star Margot Robbie who plays Laura Cameron, the youngest addition to the Pan Am crew. Mix that in with a little random Christina Ricci resurgence and you have an exciting new premiere! I think it’s worth a look.

Her Sunday must-watch

Tonight I'll be watching a few shows, all for different reasons.

Desperate Housewives: Because it's the first episode of the final season. Sure, it peaked several years ago, but like that last bite on a dinner plate, I can't just leave it there after coming this far. Even if I have had more than enough.

The Good Wife: Excited to see what happens after Alicia (Emmy-winner Julianna Margulies) has given into her feelings for boss/longtime friend Will (Josh Charles). I'm confident this premier episode won't let Willicia supporters down.

Pan Am: It's new. It's set in the 60s. And it stars pint-size Christina Ricci. I'm intrigued.

But my must-watch for tonight has to be Dirty Soap (10/9c on E!).  It's a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of some of the hottest soap stars around. And as the promo says, "When lies, backstabbing and scandal are your day job, real life can get a little complicated." My prediction is this show becomes huge. Whether you watch soaps or not, this E! reality show is sure to entertain. No prizes. No voting out of a house or off an island. No Kardashian sisters. Just good, old fashioned, real-life drama. Sign me up.