i'm a television whore. and i need your help. - Cheaper Than Therapy Cheaper Than Therapy

July 3 08

i’m a television whore. and i need your help.

i was pretty much raised by a television. i learned to read by watching Sesame Street. I learned the retail value of everything by watching The Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune with my German grandmother. I learned about interpersonal relationship and drama by watching All My Children and The Young and the Restless with my Polish grandfather. I learned about striving for goals and competition by watching sports with my brother.

and i learned just about everything else by watching just about everything else. we watched it all, and i mean ALL. Diff’rent Strokes. The Cosby Show. Punky Brewster….oh, how i loved her..

Growing Pains. Three’s Company. Who’s the Boss. Cheers. The Wonder Years. Silver Spoons. Facts of Life. Family Ties. Dukes of Hazzard. The Love Boat. MacGuyver. Small Wonder. Mork and Mindy.

hell, i even watched Out of This World. anyone remember that one? would you like to swing on a star…and carry moonbeams home in a jar…and be better off than you are…no? just me?

oh, and then came Saved By the Bell, Doogie Howser, Full House, Roseanne, Seinfeld, Mad About You, Boy Meets World, Fresh Prince of Bel Air…and the dramas…Beverly Hills, My So Called Life, Party of Five, Once and Again, Felicity, The West Wing, Sopranos, LOST, The Tudors…and the reality shows…Survivor, The Amazing Race, American Idol, Big Brother, …and the comedies…Friends, Arrested Development, Entourage, The Office, 30Rock, Rent-a-Goalie…oh, and remember when Saturday Night Live was funny?

anyway…basically, the point of all my TV rambling is that with the exception of So You Think You Can Dance (which, mmmm….Twitch and Kherington…and Katee and Joshua…LOVE) and Canadian Idol (yes, i watch it. the music’s WAY better than American Idol anyway. Neverending White Lights? The Kooks? LOVE!)…

there’s nothing to watch on tv.

so, it’s officially the summer of the download. I plowed my way through three seasons of How I Met You Mother (because i couldn’t stop. SO GOOD) i tried to get through three episodes of The Big Bang Theory…

but it did absolutely NOTHING for me.

so, please, if you would be so kind…recommend something for me to download.

a hidden gem. an oldie but goodie. your all-time favorite show. anything! everything! i need a fix. but bad.

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the girl behind the screen

Comments

We’ve gone through all four seasons of The Pretender quite easily. Both my wife and I like it.

If you haven’t watched Sports Night yet, you really should.

SciFi Dads last blog post..Something We Never Had
Comment by SciFi Dad on July 3, 2008
Last night, when I saw Twitch with his shirt off, I was like “Holy Hell, I did not EXPECT that. He looks so goofy – who’da thunk he had such a chiseled body?” HAWT.

ANd I’m with ya with the no TV stuff. Being on maternity leave with nothing to watch is agony. I’ve rented a few seasons of shows I haven’t seen yet, and am hoping I got to watch at least one of them.

ANd I LOVED Out of this World!

AndreAnnas last blog post..What day is it?
Comment by AndreAnna on July 3, 2008
I loved Dirty Sexy Money, and Pushing Daisies last season, and Dexter, and Californication. Awesome. I’m not sure what’s available for download though. And I do remember Out of this World! I don’t think I knew the name though.

Erins last blog post..Theyâ€™re Trying to Take Over the World!
Comment by Erin on July 3, 2008
hmm… The Closer is good and I am in love with Supernatual (though it may be too SciFi for you). I’m all over The Office, Rules of Engagement and Family Guy… I plan on doing a lot of the same thing – downloading shows because so far, summer TV has sucked.

And I totally remember “Out of this World”.
Comment by Melissa on July 3, 2008
there’s nothing I can recommend to download but you certainly brought back some incredible memories. Wow – I used to love the Wonder Years and Love Boat!!!
http://www.winingandironing.wordpress.com
Comment by Wendz on July 3, 2008
ummm Gossip Girl!!
Comment by just me on July 3, 2008
Have you ever seen Freaks and Geeks? It was on in like 99-00…only maybe 8 episodes before it was taken off the air…I LOVED it! Check it out here…http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0193676/
Comment by jodi on July 3, 2008
I’m completely hooked on Desperate Housewives, Dirty Sexy Money, Grey’s Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters, and Army Wives. All awesome shows to get involved in!

This Moms last blog post..Contentment doesn’t last forever around these parts…
Comment by This Mom on July 3, 2008
Did you ever watch Felicity? I LOVED that show when it was on and have all 4 seasons on DVD but haven’t watched them in years. I popped a disc in last weekend to watch while I folded laundry and totally fell in love all over again. I had forgotten how real and hilarious and touching that show was. I highly recommend:)Start from the beginning…
Comment by Joscelyn on July 3, 2008
I second the vote for Army Wives… I LOVE that show – so GOOD!!
Comment by Sarah on July 3, 2008
Ummm….I would but you listed ALL the shows I used to watch. I even remember out of this world! These days though seem to be disappointing. Lost and Heroes is about all I watch in a not miss basis. But Heroes is on warning.

Hockeymans last blog post..Ladiesâ€¦.I Understand
Comment by Hockeyman on July 3, 2008
As I am on bed rest and watching/downloading tv all day I feel your pain. My sister just pointed me in the direction of a new show called Swingtown. The first episode was a little weird but then it gets good. I also love Weeds(which I recommend starting at the beginning of). Please let us know if you find anything else good out there!!!
Comment by Arica Saltzman on July 3, 2008
LOVE TV!

LOVE SYTYCD!!

But I’ve got nothin’ for ya. You could always watch Lost over again starting from the first season. That’s what I do.
Comment by Britt on July 3, 2008
Ali i would recommend PROFILER what a great show you know they carried on a story line for the first 3 seasons based on a serial killer called jack-of-all-trades. and i would also recommend BIG LOVE.
Comment by LAVENDULA on July 3, 2008
I didn’t think I could love you anymore, but then you went and mentioned TV AND Out of This World. I LOVED Out of This World! I will sing that song all the time and then pretend to stop time with my hands.

And also, do you have VH1 in Canada? Because I Love Money starts on Sunday and it will be SO GOOD.

Kristabellas last blog post..How Not To Start A Morning
Comment by Kristabella on July 3, 2008
I’m a little embarressed to admit I watched almost all of the same shows you did as a kid…with the exception of soaps, I just can’t stomach them.

I’m adding my vote for Weeds, Dexter, Dirty Sexy Money (my favorite from last season) and Brothers and Sisters.

Also, a few of my favorites, some of which aren’t on anymore, are: Charmed, Alias, Gilmore Girls, The Closer, Saving Grace & Top Chef. I love me some Top Chef.

Phoenixs last blog post..Phoenix has left the building
Comment by Phoenix on July 3, 2008
I grew up on TV too…and now I can barely sit still long enough for it! I listen to a lot of podcasts as I run around the house.
BUT…I do enjoy Jon and Kate + 8 (she’s such a bee-yatch), and Tori & Dean. Can’t WAIT for Big Love to return!

cristans last blog post..I just can’t seem to think this summer
Comment by cristan on July 3, 2008
I cannot vote for Army Wives, even if the episode I saw was PRETTY GOOD… because it is somewhat responsible for the downfall of the show whose timeslot it took, Blood Ties. Consciously I know that’s a network decision, but the crazy fangirl in em says otherwise.

It really depends on what you watch for me to recommend…

supernaturally themed:
Charmed, Supernatural, Moonlight, Blood Ties, Reaper

“case” shows:
Law and Order SVU or CI, CSI orig or Miami, NCIS, BONES

kid/teen shows:
iCarly (mmm, Jerry Trainor), Gossip Girl

cartoons/anime:
Inuyasha, Family Guy, American Dad!

As my husband is fond of tellnig me, I watch far too much tv – and with a DVR I can keep up with pretty much everything; although, I techically only catch NCIS on USA now because I’m boycotting CBS after they cancelled Moonlight.

Speaking of, I also hear Veronica Mars is good but never watched it myself
Comment by Mari on July 3, 2008
Do you watch So You Think You Can Dance?

I love that show! It’s about all thats on….
Comment by Ruby on July 3, 2008
“Flight of the Conchords”

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (because I’m really a teenaged girl.)

Backpacking Dads last blog post..Like Elvis
Comment by Backpacking Dad on July 3, 2008
Buffy
Firely
Battlestar Gallactica

An oldie but goodie:

Twin Peaks

metro mamas last blog post..Happy Pride!
Comment by metro mama on July 3, 2008
oh lord, I just had MAJOR flashbacks! Wasn’t small wonder the one with the robot little girl? And I so badly wanted to dress like Punky Brewster when I was little.

I recommend 30 Days. I just love that show.

Kristies last blog post..A drop in the bucket
Comment by Kristie on July 3, 2008
Wow you just made me feel really old with that list of shows. lol And I LOVED Out of this World! I can’t believe I could still sing that theme song in my head.

I’m ashamed to say I have been watching iCarly lately…it’s actually pretty cute, but I’d never admit that to anyone I know!

We just got hooked on Dexter this year when they ran the first season on CBS. I love it…will definitely be catching up on that one and sticking with it. A season late, of course, because I’m not paying for that channel for one show. 😛
Comment by AJ on July 3, 2008
Freaks and Geeks! (The show, I’m not just casting aspersions…)
Comment by Rhonda on July 3, 2008
I loved Out of this World! What about the XFiles? Quantuum Leap? Murphy Brown? Mad About You?
Comment by Steph on July 3, 2008
Small Wonder…I’ve wanted to write about this show soooo many times…but I felt I was the only person in this world, along with my sister, that ever watched this show.

Did you watch ‘Kid’s Incorporated’? Loved that show…Martika and Fergie!!

I watched ever single one of the shows you listed…are you sure you didn’t grow up in my house?

Amys last blog post..The never ending To-Do List…
Comment by Amy on July 3, 2008
Oh, Out of This World…I still sing the theme song!! I even found it on You Tube for my sister to watch!

Funny!

Amys last blog post..The never ending To-Do List…
Comment by Amy on July 3, 2008
Entourage
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Two and 1/2 men
Friday Night Lights (wait, or did you watch that?)
Comment by Wendi on July 3, 2008
Mad Men.

Absolutely Fabulous.

(And by that, I mean the show Absolutely Fabulous. Not that Mad Men isn’t absolutely fabulous… well, you get my drift.)

Both shows are incredible.

Hey! Have you seen The Incredibles?

heh heh
Comment by lisagh on July 3, 2008
Holy cow, I forgot all about Out of This World! [Holds self back from transcribing theme song.]

Oh, and my Twitch/Kherington crush continues unabated, as well…though I want to throttle Mary Murphy.

metalias last blog post..The Birth Story
Comment by metalia on July 3, 2008
First of all, Out of this World is one of my all time favorite shows. I am going to be singing that song all day!

My summer downloads include Weeds and Big Love. Also, if you missed Pushing Daisies, I recommend it. It is so quirky and colorful.

I love Big Bang Theory, but I also married a geek so I can relate to the show.
Comment by Megan on July 3, 2008
I have no TV shows to recommend, but your second sentence made me shout, “Ha!”

I learned to read by watching Sesame Street. My Mom has told me that for as long as I remember. Crazy.

Angellas last blog post..Another $250 Giveaway For BlogHer
Comment by Angella on July 3, 2008
I totally forgot about Out Of This World!

I say spend your summer watching Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

Clinks last blog post..this quiet life.
Comment by Clink on July 3, 2008
No suggestions. 🙁 I’m someone who only watches two or three shows at a time… And I’m the complete opposite– can’t get enough of “TBBT”, but can’t get through “HIMYM”. It’s probably the nerd in me. I literally grew up with those guys (one of two female in my programming class and the only one who did the gaming nights), so a lot of it rings true for me. 😉 Also, Jason is a lot like a more socially aware Sheldon; which cracks me up.

Um– have you watched “Rome”? It’s pretty graphic, but it was one of the few I really got into. It constantly switched characters and loyalties on me.

beccas last blog post..Not even wrong.
Comment by becca on July 3, 2008
Jeeves and Wooster.
Reaper.
Murder She Wrote.
And, if you can withstand the lust, MAGNUM PI.

Rebeccas last blog post..
Comment by Rebecca on July 3, 2008
So this is completely random (and maybe unattainable in Canada) but the British show Green Wing is the funniest shit you will ever watch.
Comment by hillary on July 3, 2008
Entourage. Hands down.

TrenchesofMommyhoods last blog post..Southern Charm
Comment by TrenchesofMommyhood on July 3, 2008
I loved Out of this World. Great show.

I just finished 9 seasons of ER and am starting on Dawson’s Creek. Flashbacks. Serious.

Misss last blog post..Cluster*bleep*
Comment by Miss on July 3, 2008
First, I loved Out of This World. (The now-Jason on General Hospital was her boyfriend!)

Some recommendations for downloads:

– Weeds (Nancy Botwin [Mary-Louise Parker] is my favorite character on television)
– Veronica Mars
– Top Chef (all four seasons)
– Gilmore Girls
– Alias

She Likes Purples last blog post..The Only Talented One Of The Bunch
Comment by She Likes Purple on July 3, 2008
Big Brother’s coming back on the 13th! that’s 3 days a week!

Haley-Os last blog post..What Iâ€™m Spending All My Money On
Comment by Haley-O on July 3, 2008
1st – please tell me where to download shows?! Most of the ones I want are on US networks which won’t let me download…
Comment by Maria on July 3, 2008
First off – are you me??

Secondly – Yes, I remember Out of this World and watched it.

Thirdly – I don’t know what you’ve seen, but here’s my list of must sees:

Buffy/Angel
Battlestar Galactica
Veronica Mars
Friday Night Lights
Firefly
The Office

Lastly – YEAH I watch Canadian Idol! I like Amberlee Thiessen and Theo Tams so far…

nomotherearths last blog post..Bring Your Good Times..
Comment by nomotherearth on July 3, 2008
I second “Californication” and also the “L Word”.

“Punky Brewster” would never work as a show today. That old man would be carted off to jail for child molestation and would share a cell with the kids from Diff’rent Strokes!

thecoconutdiariess last blog post..Being A Bitch Is Hard Work, Part III
Comment by thecoconutdiaries on July 3, 2008
IN no particular order- Gossip Girl, Grey’s, Private Practice, One Tree Hill, HIMYM, Chuck

I also particularly enjoyed 3 shows which have been canceled- Studio 60 (first ep. sucks, but the next 22 are awesome- great if you liked West Wing), Big Shots (Desperate housewives for men), and October Road.
There are so many more, but this should keep you busy for a while.

My next downloads are Brothers and Sisters, and the Wire. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Comment by Noah on July 3, 2008
SOAP! the old comedy from the ’70’s. great stuff there, i’m telling you.

Laras last blog post..Because It’s Long Enough to Deserve Its Own Post
Comment by Lara on July 3, 2008
Another vote for Alias.

Not sure if you have ever seen Six Feet Under, that is a good one. Shocking at first, but great.

Jenn

Jenns last blog post..Almost Laughing
Comment by Jenn on July 3, 2008
I so love Out of This World! I have searched for repeats or DVD series. Nothing. I still believe I can freeze time with my index fingers. Love your list, but it must because I am almost the same age as you!
Comment by Andrea on July 3, 2008
You HAVE, HAVE, HAVE to watch Six feet Under!! It will honestly change your life! SO good! What did I do ALL of last July? Watched Six Feet Under… I started to dream it and think about it as though it was part of my life! Crazy!? I know.. My husband loved it too! It’s a must!! My ALL time favourite show! Do it! you won’t regret it! Oh man! I could watch it all again, but this July I want to have a life.
Comment by suzanne on July 3, 2008
OK I swear I’m not a freak, but Swingtown is a great new show! Yes, the “Swinging” part is interesting too, but the best thing about this show is all the 70’s paraphernalia and props. Give it a try – the show that is.

KathyMs last blog post..5 year old teenager
Comment by KathyM on July 3, 2008
I second “Flight of the Conchords” – so hysterical! Also love Weeds. Not sure what else I can recommend that you haven’t already seen…

I actually really like Big Bang Theory, hmm.

andis last blog post..Logic has no place in preschooler conversations
Comment by andi on July 3, 2008
~Our House
(Wilford Brimley, Shannen Doherty)

~A Year In The Life

~Get Real
(awesome show with Ann Hathaway)

~Boomtown
(Donny Wahlberg)
this show was great!!!

~Freak & Geeks

~Dexter (if you haven’t started watching yet)

that’s all i got for now

Christines last blog post..
Comment by Christine on July 3, 2008
So, Battlestar Galactica. Seriously good show.

Also, if you haven’t watched it “Dead Like Me”.

Nicoles last blog post..Overheard – Two Conversations
Comment by Nicole on July 3, 2008
The Office
Six Feet Under
The Simpsons (c’mon – 19+ years!?!?!?)
Law & Order (the original)
The Larry David Show
I loved Las Vegas but sadly its been canceled.
30 Rock (Tiny Fey – so great)
OH – Chuck. Chuck! It’ll be back in the fall. Great show!
Thats all I can think of now.

Good luck.

monstergirlees last blog post..close-up
Comment by monstergirlee on July 3, 2008
You’d have to pull me away from the set if a Mary Tyler Moore Show-athon came on!

To this day – the funniest sitcom ever.
Comment by swirl girl on July 4, 2008
We are kindred spirits I tell ya! I’m a television whore myself – and bored to tears with this summers shows!

I am huge on reality shows but lately I’m turning my attention to “real” reality shows like Hopkins which was on tonight. I love Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers – I would recommend all three!

If you don’t watch Cold Case I would recommend that too – I never got into it but this year I have and it’s pretty good!

And by the way – I totally remember Out of ths World! LOVED IT!!

Erins last blog post..My New Project
Comment by Erin on July 4, 2008
I suggest CSI, Without a Trace for crime dramas.

For dirty smutty awesome dramas Gossip Girl, Dirty Sexy Money and Pushing Daisies.

For something all together .. hop across the pond to the UK and download Skins. This is a teenage drama that blows out any American drama. It is gritty and real .. believe me I witness it!
Comment by Dana on July 4, 2008
Out of this World was amazing…okay, I was 8, but it was great!
And have you ever watched Ugly Betty? I pretty much bought every episode off itunes one after the other because I couldn’t stop myself.
Comment by Melissa on July 4, 2008
Summer tv watching is all about renting movies and watching tv series on DVD.

We just finished watching Season One and Two of the OC (I never watched it real time) and are now starting Battlestar Galatica. I highly recommend both!

Multi-Tasking Mommys last blog post..Lucky!
Comment by Multi-Tasking Mommy on July 4, 2008
Six Feet Under.

And…the new Degrassi’s pretty good. 😉
Comment by mamatulip on July 4, 2008
I used to watch a lot of TV … Internet has now become my obsession 🙂

Teena in Torontos last blog post..Top Five on Friday
Comment by Teena in Toronto on July 4, 2008
Sean and I watched Six Feet Under religously. From the first episode.

The series finale was THE BEST television we have ever watched. Ever.
To this day I get goose bumps thinking about it.

Christines last blog post..
Comment by Christine on July 4, 2008
Swingtown!! You gotta watch it.
Comment by Enna on July 4, 2008
veronica mars.
quantum leap
northern exposure.

and ‘the big bang theory’ is really funny if you’re married to a Leonard. 😉
Comment by chrissie on July 4, 2008
Sports Night is the best TV show ever. The public was just not smart enough to “get it.” You, Ali, are smart enough to get it. It’s quick and funny and smart. I think it was only on for three seasons, but they are the best three seasons of TV ever!!!
Comment by Di on July 5, 2008
If you haven’t ever watched Alias, that’s a great one. I didn’t start watching it until Season 4, so then I went back to the beginning and watched the whole thing. Season 3 was the best – I think I watched it in record time.

I have Dexter in my Netflix queue – I’ve heard that’s it’s really good, but I still haven’t watched any episodes (it’s about a serial killer who catches serial killers and kills them, or something like that).
Comment by Anna on July 5, 2008
I LOVED out of this world, wasn’t her Dad an alien but she talked to him through this pyramid light thing?

I recommend you get your hands on Kath and Kim, the Australian series. Watch it before the bastardised American version comes out.

LaLas last blog post..Advance Australia Fair
Comment by LaLa on July 5, 2008
I am not saying the Americans bastardise everything, just that the original is the best.

LaLas last blog post..Advance Australia Fair
Comment by LaLa on July 5, 2008
This is what I love about you, Ali — you embrace our TV whoriness, ha. I hate those people who are all like, “well, I don’t watch TV,” all haughty like. Because really, who doesn’t watch TV???

Anyway…

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS rocks. And HEROES. Love, love, love. Weeds is pretty good, too. And I liked Rome, though I’m still only halfway through Season 1. On my TV-to-rent list is Mad Men and Veronica Mars. Just FYI.

Camels & Chocolates last blog post..The Land of the Midnight Sun
Comment by Camels & Chocolate on July 6, 2008
Oh! And Greek, with Kelsey Grammar’s daughter, is totally cute, too.

Camels & Chocolates last blog post..The Land of the Midnight Sun
Comment by Camels & Chocolate on July 6, 2008
You MUST watch WEEDS. Funny and sexy. the best. You won’t be sorry.
Comment by maria on July 6, 2008
I watched “Six Feet Under” this year and LOVED it. Also, Firefly is one of my all time favourite series’ but there was only one season so it’s really sad when it’s over.
Comment by Shannon on July 6, 2008
the office
arrested development
Comment by diana on July 6, 2008
Ever seen Dead Like Me? It’s got Mandy Patinkin in it. I loved it. Loved it so much in fact, I was pissed when there wasn’t anymore to watch and couldn’t understand why it was canned.
Comment by Angie on July 7, 2008
The funniest show ever: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Comment by biodtl on July 7, 2008
If you venture at all into SciFi, we really dig both Firefly and Battlestar Gallactica.

Aimee Greeblemonkeys last blog post..A Call for the Silver Platters to Reunite!
Comment by Aimee Greeblemonkey on July 7, 2008
How I Met Your Mother?

Heroes?

Friday Night Lights?

Dexter?

Sadies last blog post..Mosaic
Comment by Sadie on July 7, 2008
Wow, three nods for Freaks and Geeks, but no love for Undeclared? Give Judd Apatow some love, he’s been struggling lately.

Arrested Development, again and again.

British version of the Office, and Extras, Ricky Gervais’ show after he finished being David Brent.

And Newsradio, because Phil Hartman is the nuts. Hell, even Andy Dick was funny in this. And if you love Dave Foley, go watch Kids in the Hall, because they’re Canadian, like you. And they love to wear dresses, like you. And they love to dress up as chickens…like you?

Pants Wearers last blog post..Different ways to "pop the question"
Comment by Pants Wearer on July 9, 2008