NBC Starts from Scratch with it’s New 2013 Fall Schedule

NBC had a crazy year this past season with a strong start in the fall, a disastrous winter and a slight recovery in the spring. However, most of the success was due to The Voice and the network cancelled a ton of its new shows from last season except for Revolution and Chicago Fire. That meant buh bye to the fantastic The New Normal plus Matthew Perry’s Go On, Deception, 1600 Penn, Animal Practice, Do No Harm, and Guys With Kids. But the network also dumped my favorite guilty pleasure Smash along with sophomores Whitney, and Up All Night. It was also the final season for 30 Rock and The Office. So, essentially NBC only has two returning sitcoms, Parks and Recreation and Community (for a final 13 episode season), the least it’s had in years. So, they are starting from scratch and turning to some big names like Michael J. Fox and Sean Hayes who will both return to the Thursday night comedy block alongside Welcome to the Family and Parenthood. Take a look at the full new schedule below and descriptions of the new shows. Plus for previews of the shows, and more information, head to NBC or TVLine.com.

NBC’s 2013 Fall Schedule:

MONDAY
8/7c The Voice
10 pm THE BLACKLIST (new crime drama starring James Spader as one of the world’s elite criminals helping out the FBI. It actually looks fantastic.)

TUESDAY
8 pm The Biggest Loser
9 pm The Voice
10 pm Chicago Fire

WEDNESDAY
8 pm Revolution
9 pm Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
10 pm IRONSIDE (a new remake of the 60′s police drama starring Blair Underwood)

THURSDAY
8 pm Parks and Recreation
8:30 pm WELCOME TO THE FAMILY (A blended family comedy with Mike O’Malley, Ricardo Antonio Chivera, Justina Machado and Mary McCormack whose teenage kids get pregnant and engaged.)
9 pm SEAN SAVES THE WORLD (A multi-camera comedy starring Emmy winner Sean Hayes as a gay man reconnecting with his 14-year-old daughter and dealing with his hectic work life.) * Judging from the first clips, this looks hilarious and it’s the new show I’m most looking forward to.
9:30 pm THE MICHAEL J. FOX SHOW (A new single camera show starring Fox as a family man yearning to get back to the work world after taking time to be with his kids and deal with his Parkinson’s diagnosis.)
10 pm Parenthood

FRIDAY
8 pm Dateline NBC
9 pm Grimm
10 pm DRACULA (A period drama about the famous bloodsucker starring Jonathan Rhys-Meyers)

SATURDAY
Encore programming

SUNDAY
7 pm Football Night in America
8:15 pm NBC Sunday Night Football

SUNDAY (Post-football/Winter 2013)
7 pm Dateline NBC
8 pm Nate Berkus’ AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS (Reality)
9 pm BELIEVE (A new drama about a young girl with mysterious powers and the people who are hunting her with Kyle MacLachlan.)
10 pm CRISIS (A new thriller about an international conspiracy starring Gillian Anderson and Dermot Mulroney)

On tap for midseason: the return of Community plus new comedies About a Boy (based on the hit British indie film), The Family Guide, and Undateable. New dramas include Crossbones with John Malkovich, the Chicago Fire spinoff Chicago PD, and the hospital drama The Night Shift.

No word on the fate of Hannibal or The Celebrity Apprentice yet.

Cancelled: Go On, The New Normal, Smash, Whitney, Guys with Kids, Animal Practice, 1600 Penn, Up All Night, Do No Harm, Deception, Rock Center with Brian Williams
Final Season: 30 Rock, The Office

And I’m done with “The Voice”

So, if you watched last night’s episode of The Voice, you saw the show’s best and most talented contestant, Amanda Brown, get eliminated. It was horrifying and upsetting and another in a long line of singing show voting injustices. Following in the footsteps of singers like American Idol’s Jennifer Hudson, Carly Smithson, Pia Toscano and Chris Daughtry getting the boot before they should’ve, Brown was sent packing. With that news, I am sending the show packing. If you read my recap from Tuesday night, I was very dissatisfied with the show as it devolved into an overproduced X-Factor type mess (much like its first two seasons). So, with the show’s continuing decline and the wonderfully talented Ms. Brown no longer in the running, I am done with The Voice. There’s really no reason to watch for me anymore. So, sorry but my recaps are done for this season. We’ll see if I return in the Spring when there will be some new judging blood in Usher and Shakira (replacing the delightful but derivative Cee Lo and the incredibly rude, egotistical and annoying Christina Aguilera). Until then, I would recommend mjsbigblog for good recaps and news on the show…. And I’ll just look positively towards a new season of the only talent show that actually produces successful pop stars and remains the gold standard, American Idol.

My “The Voice” Quick Wrap Recap for the Top 6

I have to say I almost didn’t write this recap… I was so disappointed and irritated with last night’s episode of The Voice, I had to wait until this morning to calm down and be a little more objective… Unfortunately, the top 6 show in season 3 brought up everything I hated about the show from the previous seasons. It was as if the show had turned into the atrocious X Factor again. There was the over-production of all the numbers, the emphasis on dancers, props, lighting and staging over the singing. There was Carson Daly at his worst and the useless Christina Milian babbling away with the stupid “social commentary” of the show. There were all four judges being producers’ puppets and overly praising and hyping their pre-ordained winner Cassadee Pope (who’s good but not that good people). There was no true criticism and the judges were making it all about themselves again. Plus, Christina Aguilera could’ve have been more full of herself and rude again last night, and what on Earth does she have against Amanda? Jealous much? And don’t get me started on Xtina’s wigs and costumes. As a former big fan, she is on her last legs with me… I could go on and on, but I just want to count down the performances and be done with it because I am honestly worried about tonight’s results. As America has proved time and again with talent shows, they often get it wrong and I’m really worried that might happen tonight.

The Voice Performance Rankings for the Top 6
1. Amanda Brown- “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman”: Simply brilliant. The best performance and vocal of the night by a mile.
2. Amanda Brown- “Here I Go Again”: her rocking take on Whitesnake’s 1987 # 1 hit was inspired and awesome. This girl is in a class of her own people!
3. Nicholas David- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”: just when I thought I would never hear a new interpretation of this classic, I was wrong. This was a lovely interesting version of the song that had me rather pleased and surprised.
4. Cassadee Pope- “I’m With You”: Avril-lite finally got to do an Avril Lavigne song with her nice if uninspired version of this # 3 hit. Sure, Cassadee has a lot of potential to be the first real hit maker from The Voice, but I’m sorry I’m just not buying the Cassadee juice the producers are selling.
5. Trevin Hunte- “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”: while this was his best performance in weeks, I’m sorry Trevin, but you are no Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Holliday or even Jessica Sanchez.
6. Terry McDermott- “I Want to Know What Love Is”: I wasn’t blown away by Terry’s take on this 1985 # 1 hit by Foreigner like the judges were. However, it was pretty good. I would’ve liked more variation and tenderness in his choices and less hollering the whole time.
7. Cassadee Pope- “Stand“: this was another solid performance, but um, Blake she’s not a country artist and stop trying to make her one. Plus the glowsticks in the audience made me want to hurl my tv out the window. Stop it Voice producers! These people are not stars yet!
8. Nicholas David- “September”: this was an ok version of the Earth Wind and Fire classic. Nicholas always exhibits smooth soul and good vocals, but it was a bit boring.
9. Terry McDermott- “Stay with Me”: um, that was fine…. That’s all I have to say cuz I’ve already forgotten it.
10. Trevin Hunte- “Walking on Sunshine”: what the hell was that? Please never again.
11. Melanie Martinez- “The Show”: oh dear that was bad and the rainbow in the background too? Really?
12. Melanie Martinez- “Crazy”: CeeLo should’ve been pissed. She utterly ruined his song with another atrocious pitchy performance. Just terrible.

Should go home: Trevin, Melanie
Will go home: Trevin and um… I don’t know… I think the only person who’s safe is Cassadee. Nicholas, Terry and Melanie are charting well on iTunes, so that will help them. Unfortunately, the best contestant by a mile, Amanda, may end up the loser tonight. Blargh!

So, there’s my recap and if America does the wrong thing and sends Amanda home, I’m done with the show. So, I’m gonna end it here and just wait and see. Hope ya’ll voted for Amanda!!!

My “The Voice” Quick Wrap Recap for 11/26/12

So sorry for the delay in posting this recap for last night’s somewhat underwhelming episode of The Voice. I had a late rehearsal so I didn’t get to watch the show til late, and I totally had to watch the finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars too. (Um Raven, you were robbed!)… Anywho, I’m all caught up and still confused why everyone seems to be in love with Cassadee Pope. She’s selling like crazy on iTunes and certainly does a good job, but really, what is the mass appeal? She’s no Kelly Clarkson. But I digress…. So, just who do I think really has “the voice”? Check out my rankings below.

The Voice Performance Rankings for 11/26/12
1. Amanda Brown- “Someone Like You”: giving us a rocking version of Adele’s massive # 1 smash ballad was a big risk and it paid off in spades. Amanda is the most seasoned and talented of all the finalists if you ask me, not to mention exhibiting the most range. Love her.
2. Cody Belew- “Somebody to Love”: rebounding from his fun but derivative performance last week, my favorite male singer in the competition killed it on Queen’s iconic “Somebody to Love”. He has incredible stage presence and personality to go with his great vocals which got a nice and much-needed showcase this week.
3. Nicholas David- “What’s Going On”: the bearded Santa/ZZ Top contender delivered another pristine and pure vocal on the Marvin Gaye classic cementing his likely status as one of the final four. He also is the only contestant who truly represents what this show claims to be about, so extra points for that Nicholas!
4. Cassadee Pope- “AreYou Happy Now?”: while it was big step down from last week, Cassadee still did a nice job on Michelle Branch’s mid 2000′s rock/pop hit. She’s likable and has a decent voice, but why on Earth is everyone going crazy for her? Please let me know in the comments cuz I’m apparently missing something. (I’d still be content if she won though cuz we need more female winners on these talent shows folks.)
5. Dez Duran- “U Smile”: Dez always does a good job and looks amazing doing it. This one, however, was a little generic and I’m sorry, but a Bieber song? Really? You’re lucky you’re so hot Dez cuz you need a better song next time.
6. Terry McDermott- “Over You”: the Scottish rocker/mulletted Hobbit had another strong vocal on this Blake Shelton country hit. However, he really is lacking the star power to win this show and is it me or do all his performances feel like the same thing?
7. Trevin Hunte- “The Greatest Love of All”: Ok, Trevin is clearly a great guy with a nice voice. However, this was pretty bad. He was flat and/or pitchy throughout his take on Whitney Houston’s # 1 ballad from 1986 “The Greatest Love of All”. As my roommate said last night, he should’ve gone for more of a George Benson take on the song and made it intimate and less bombastic because unfortunately, this was just not good.
8. Melanie Martinez- “Too Close”: absolutely making a mess of Alex Clare’s recent # 7 hit, Melanie Skunk Hair Martinez was the worst of the bunch again. Her wispy vocals are atrocious. She has no stage presence and while I appreciate her attempts to make each song her own, she failed tremendously again last night. This was awful… And so why on Earth are people buying her crap on iTunes too? #Imconfused

Predictions~

In Danger: Trevin, Terry, Cody, Dez (unfortunately for me, Melanie seems destined to stay another week)
Going Home: Trevin and Terry

And there you have it. As RuPaul says, I just “let you have it” with my recap, lol… But what do you think? Who’s your favorite and who do you think is going home? And how terrible of a host if Carson Daly? And why is Xtina so mean to Amanda Brown? Jealous much? And what does Adam have against The Viper Room? And how cute is CeeLo and Cody’s friend/funship? Ok, enough babbling from me. Sound off below and watch the results show tonight on NBC.

Tonight’s “The Voice” Quick Wrap Recap

Oh dear, I am officially invested in this season of The Voice. I even voted last week and earlier tonight. Someone help me! … With that said, this season has some great vocalists and tonight’s episode was a million times better than last week. So, let’s take a look at my rankings and predictions for the Top Ten…

The Voice Performance Rankings 11/19/12

1. Amanda “Stars”: her vocals were flawless and the song choice inspired and authentic. She’s back ya’ll!
2. Cassadee “Over You”: I have to say I was shocked at how much I liked this. It was easily her best performance and it was the first time I was buying the kool aid they’ve been selling over her.
3. Dez “Feelin’ Good”: Seriously, he’s totally going to the final four… And this was his best yet.
4. Cody “Crazy in Love”: sure the staging out shown his singing. However, it was the most fun and memorable moment of the night and he remains my personal favorite male singer in the race.
5. Nicholas “Lean on Me”: No, I wasn’t as enthused as the judges, but it was another solid performance from the one contestant who actually exemplifies the title of the show.
6. Sylvia “Girl on Fire”: this poor girl can’t catch a break. I feel like the producers think she’s cannon fodder and they made her go first. However, she served them on of her best performances to date. I hope she can make it another week.
7. Terry “Summer of 69″: his vocals are fantastic as always, but this was actually a bit rote and forgettable. And let’s be honest, he really just should be in a band…
8. Bryan “New York State of Mind”: um, can you say boring? Yes, he hit all the notes quite nicely, but this guy is blah central and less likable each week.
9. Trevin “Scream”: that’s precisely what I wanted to do throughout this performance. Trevin, NO!!!! Pitchy, awkward and by far his worst performance to date.
10. Melanie “Seven Nation Army”: Why is two toned hair girl still here? That may have been her best, but it was still terrible.

In danger of going home: Trevin, Melanie, Sylvia, Bryan, Cody

Going home: Sylvia and either Melanie or Bryan

So, there’s my quick two cents on tonight’s show. Sorry for the brevity, but I have to get up real early in the morning. But hey, now you can tell me your thoughts below… Oh and one more thing~ Carson Daly, do some homework. You clearly know nothing about music (um, “Summer of 69″ is a classic American song? No, it’s by Bryan Adams, a Canadian. Hello!). You are way too stressed out and pushy and have all the finesse of a mack truck in your line delivery or you’re  just plain checked out. You, sir, are no Seacrest... Ok, rant concluded… Until tomorrow night’s results show that is…

And here’s Cassadee’s shockingly good performance of “Over You”

Let’s Rank “The Voice” Finalists…

So, I have finally succumbed to The Voice in season 3. While the first two cycles, drove me nuts after the interesting “blind” auditions, this go round has implemented some great changes (like the “Steal”), focused on some fantastic singers and, thankfully, the judges aren’t annoying like before. One more thing that could improve the show~ PLEASE eliminate the ridiculous “Social Media” aspect of the show. We don’t care! Sorry Christina Milian… .Anywho, the improved product has yielded 12 strong finalists, 11 of which deserve to be there. But just who deserves to win at this point? Take a look at my rankings below and watch The Voice live tonight on NBC.

My Ranking of The Voice Finalists~ Top 12 Edition

1. Amanda Brown: she’s flawless week in and week out in every genre of music. Great vocals, gorgeous to look at and a fiery fun personality. She’s my pick to win the whole thing and deservedly so.
2. Cody Belew: this soulful country boy has nailed every musical flavor thrown at him doing it with style and confidence along the way.
3. Trevor Hunte: this big fella can wail like nobody’s business and has a great underdog back story. Now, if he’d stop singing 80′s and 90′s AC ballads…
4. Sylvia Yacoub: she broke out with a tender and emotionally resonant version of “The One That Got Away” that gave us a try sense of who she is and what she can do. She could be a dark horse.
5. Dez Duron: no, he’s not the best singer, but he is clearly a star. He’s hot, has a good voice and has charisma for days. If he picks the right songs, stays humble and improves week to week, he could end up surpassing a lot of better singers in the competition.
6. Terry McDermott: the Scottish rocker’s range is pretty amazing and he has a precise and flawless tone. If he could just fix that hair…
7. Michaela Paige: I’m thrilled Blake “saved” her because she’s by far the best on his weak team. This little P!nk rocker could pull ahead if she continues to nail her live performances.
8. Cassadee Pope: she’s beautiful, has great stage presence and a strong voice. But is the former rock band leader being out shown by the novices?

9. Brian Keith: good voice, but totally unlikable and overly cocky.
10. Nicholas David: he’s the elder statesman in the competition with the velvety voice. He is the definition of the show because you would never think a guy with that voice would look like he does. He’s a nice guy too. However, he is sorely lacking in star quality and is a tad forgettable.
11. Adriana Louise: she was the pretty pop powerhouse that Xtina saved. Now, she better show us why Xtina loves her so much or she is in trouble.
12. Melanie Maritnez: the two-haired girl with the annoying whisper voice plain sucks. I’m sorry I have no idea what she’s doing there or why Adam “saved” her. Blech.

Cody Belew: 

Now, who are your favorites? And who are you gonna vote for tonight? Let me know below.

Will Chris Mann be the First Real Success from “The Voice”?

I have been a bit critical of The Voice since its inception. The show is really only about “the voice” during the blind audition rounds, but soon turns into a competition about “the whole package” in the subsequent weeks. The first two seasons drove me nuts with annoying judges banter, selection of contestants that weren’t as good as their booted counterparts and ridiculous over-production, and don’t get me started on the “social media” correspondent crap. Plus, honestly with so many contestants, you don’t really develop much of a connection with the singers and the show became all about the judges. That being said, season 3 has improved on all accounts. The judges have found a nice and less-irritating camaraderie and there’s some great talent along with new twists like “the steal” which make the latter rounds much more interesting. So, I’m pleased and haven’t tuned out yet like I did in the previous seasons.
With all that being said, I still wonder if The Voice will ever produce a viable hit maker. Season 1′s top contenders bombed with their debut albums and does anyone even remember who won season 2? Not likely. (It’s sad too since there are some good singers. They should take some lessons from American Idol which continues to produce big stars. This year’s Idol  winner Phillip Phillip’s coronation single, “Home”, has gone double platinum already!) … However, there may just be a surprise success from the show in top 4 finalist from season 2 pop-opera singer Chris Mann. He was the good-looking fellow from Team Xtina who was like a mix of Josh Groban and Michael Buble. And that’s exactly what he sounds like on his debut single “Roads”. The beautiful ballad is already climbing the AC charts and his first album, Roads, hits stores and digital retailers tomorrow. I think he has the best shot of actually becoming successful for any contestant from The Voice because of his genre of music. He fits the AC mold very well and doesn’t have to fight for pop radio airplay. On a side note, he clearly had the best voice of anyone his season, so it would be a fitting compliment to the show if he is actually successful and gives credence to the show’s title. Take a listen to his new single below and let me know. Do you think his voice should’ve won and will he actually succeed where everyone else from The Voice fails? … For more on Chris Mann, head here.

Chris Mann “Roads”

First Look~ the Trashy Fabulous New Video for Christina Aguilera’s “Your Body”

Multiple Grammy winning The Voice coach Christina Aguilera‘s new pop dance single “Your Body” is off to a fast start on the Billboard Charts debuting at # 34 on the Hot 100 this week marking her 17th top 40 hit. (Of those, nine have made the top 10 and five have hit # 1.) The single is likely to fly up the charts quickly with help from her brand new video which just hit the web. It’s a trashtastic candy colored fantasy with some dark and dirty twists. Take a look at it below, and grab Xtina’s 9th album, Lotus, in stores on Nov. 13th.

Christina Aguilera “Your Body”

First Listen~ Christina Aguilera “Your Body”

Thanks to the good folks at the American Idol blog, mjsbigblog, I found a link to multiple Grammy winner Christina Aguilera‘s brand new song “Your Body”. After one listen, I’m hooked. This dance pop track is perfectly radio ready and should take her back to the top of the charts. It’s a great indication of how good her 6th album could be. After her the train wreck of her 4th album, Bionic, she rebounded a bit with the certified gold soundtrack to Burlesque, and now she continues that upward trajectory. The new record will be released this fall and Xtina will be back on The Voice in September. Head to the link below for your first taste of “Your Body”. Enjoy.

Christina Aguilera “Your Body”

http://helltoyeah.tumblr.com/post/30035634955/christina-aguilera-your-body

 

 

“Homeland”, “Breaking Bad” and “Parks and Recreation” Rule the Critic’s Choice TV Awards

Last night, the critics really had their say as the 2nd Annual Critic’s Choice Television Awards named their winners for the past TV season. Winning two awards apiece were Homeland (which took Best Drama and Actress for Clare Danes), Breaking Bad, Sherlock, Parks & Recreation and Modern Family. Big surprises were found in Community‘s win for Best Comedy Series and The Voice winning Reality Competition show… I’m especially happy for the wins for Amy Poehler and Cat Deeley by the way…. Take a look at all the winners below.

2102 Critics Choice TV Award winners~

Best Drama Series
Homeland – Showtime

Best Actor in a Drama Series
Bryan Cranston – Breaking Bad – AMC

Best Actress in a Drama Series
Claire Danes – Homeland – Showtime

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Giancarlo Esposito – Breaking Bad – AMC

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Christina Hendricks – Mad Men – AMC

Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series
Lucy Liu – Southland – TNT

Best Reality Series
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations – Travel Channel

Best Reality Series – Competition
The Voice – NBC

Best Reality Show Host
Tom Bergeron – Dancing with the Stars – ABC
Cat Deeley – So You Think You Can Dance – FOX

Best Talk Show
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon – NBC

Best Comedy Series
Community – NBC

Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Louis C.K. – Louie – FX

Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Zooey Deschanel – New Girl – FOX
Amy Poehler – Parks and Recreation – NBC

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ty Burrell – Modern Family – ABC

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Julie Bowen – Modern Family – ABC

Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series
Paul Rudd – Parks and Recreation – NBC

Best Animated Series
Archer – FX

Best Movie/Miniseries
Sherlock – PBS

Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries
Benedict Cumberbatch – Sherlock – PBS

Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries
Julianne Moore – Game Change – HBO

Most Exciting New Series
The Following (Fox/Warner Bros.)
The Mindy Project (Fox/Universal)
Nashville (ABC/Lionsgate)
The Newsroom (HBO)
Political Animals (USA/Warner Bros.)