CBS must be feeling generous! The network has just ordered full seasons for all of its freshman series, including Hawaii Five-0 (that's good news for this reader), Blue Bloods, Mike & Molly, The Defenders, and $#*! My Dad Says. Alex O'Loughlin fans, feel free to hoot and holler in the comments.
Photo courtesy of CBS
Oops. Apparently the title of one of Fall's most anticipated TV shows, $#*! My Dad Says is causing some trouble with DVRs. The show, which premieres tonight on CBS is based on a famous Twitter account created by Justin Halpern and comprised of actual $#*! his dad says. Many DVRs won't recognize the $ symbol during a user search, making the show tricky to find. If you're hoping to set your DVR to catch tonight's premiere, find out how to do it after the break.
Fall TV is almost here! But before we get to the premieres, I still have to finish up a few of my pilot scoops. Today's selection is $#*! My Dad Says (or as the network execs like to call it, Bleep My Dad Says). The pilot was reshot after the role of Henry was recast, but here are my thoughts on the network's first attempt.
What it's about: $#*! My Dad Says takes the popular Twitter feed by Justin Halpern and turns it into a TV show. William Shatner stars as the father in question, an irritable and outspoken retiree named Ed who rattles off advice to anyone and everyone. When his writer son Henry (Jonathan Sadowski) finds himself strapped for cash after losing his job at a men's magazine, Ed offers to let Henry move in. Henry accepts, knowing all too well the pearls of "wisdom" he'll have to endure. Mad TV vets Will Sasso and Nicole Sullivan also star as Vince and Bonnie, Ed's older son and daughter-in-law.
What works: It's Shatner! When you have a show that's built around Twitter barbs, he's the man you want delivering them. His presence alone should bring in an audience.
What doesn't: Like I mentioned before, the pilot I saw actually starred a different actor as Henry (Ryan Devlin of Cougar Town), who was later replaced with Sadowski. It's never a good sign when a show has to do such a drastic overhaul, but Devlin wasn't even the issue for me. The real problem is that the episode relies solely on forced one-liners without much else holding it together. It needs to care less about staying true to its tweet inspiration and focus more on Ed's relationship with his sons.
Am I hooked? I'll throw Shatner some support, but it's going to need some help to stay afloat.
When is it on? $#*! My Dad Says premieres Thursday, Sept. 23, at 8:30 p.m.
To see more photos and a video promo, just read more
Before another exciting day at the Summer TCA, I wanted to bring you a few more highlights from yesterday's CBS panels. I've already given you the inside scoop on the network's new daytime talk show, my trip to the set of Parenthood, and the lowdown on cute Alex O'Loughlin and Hawaii Five-O, but here's what else went down on the first day of the tour.
For more fun highlights just keep reading
Hot on the star-studded heels of Comic-Con comes the 2010 Summer TCAs in Southern California. It's a chance for TV luminaries, networks, and press to chat about their upcoming seasons and new shows. There's one show in particular that I'm looking forward to, not only because it's based off of a famous Twitter stream, but also because it stars the geektastic William Shatner. BuzzSugar was in attendance of the CBS $#*! My Dad Says panel in LA, and got the inside scoop on Mr. Shatner's Twitter habits, which apparently are not his alone. He says:
I know it's 148 characters . . . well I don't Twitter. I can't even remember my password. I have problems with electronics. What I've done is I've hired a young man out of college whose very fingers are extension of computer keys. He does the mechanics. But I very carefully modulate what I say and have used Twitter to publicize stuff, to have conversations, to instigate competition. It's been an exploration in immediate language. I have had a growing and glowing experience with Twitter.
Although William Shatner's Twitter feed has brought me many a smile since it launched, I can't help but say that I'm a bit disappointed that it's not really him tweeting. Maybe with enough encouragement he'll come around!
Oh, dad. From the awkward and embarrassing days coaching our youth sports to busting out the famous dance moves only dads know at our birthdays, he always took charge, from home repairs, navigation — you name it — Dad's the boss! So to commemorate the man of the house, here are a few websites to celebrate dad's unique sense of humor, style, and words of wisdom.
It seems like just yesterday that we were putting our favorite TV shows to bed for the Summer (um, because it practically was?!), but excitement for the Fall lineups is already revving up! So starting today, I'm kicking off my Fall TV Spotlight series, a quick 411 on the most talked-about shows to help you make sense of all the new offerings. First up: $#*! My Dad Says (yes, that's the title).
The jury is obviously still out until the show premieres on Thursday nights this Fall, but take a look at a clip when you read more
It's been an exciting week meeting the new TV stars of the Fall season, and the fun continues with CBS. The network scored plenty of familiar faces for its Fall lineup, including heavy-hitters Tom Selleck and William Shatner. Check out all the newbies and stay tuned for more upfronts coverage.
